duvet vs. comforter

duvet vs. comforter: everything you need to know

Duvets and comforters are both a great way to stay cozy in bed, but they aren't identical. There are quite a few differences between these two bedding options, and each one comes with its own specific advantages. The answer to, "which is better, a duvet or a comforter?" will really just depend on your unique preferences and needs.

what is a duvet?

A duvet is a type of bedding layer that's shaped almost like an extra-large pillowcase. Duvets are typically made from decorative fabric like cotton, linen, or percale. They have two thin layers of material sewn together with an empty space on the inside. This space holds a layer of padding, called a duvet insert.

To assemble a duvet, you place the insert inside of a duvet cover through a slot in the bottom. This slot usually has a row of buttons or a zipper that lets you close up the duvet cover and hold the insert in place. The end result is a piece of bedding that you can use just like a comforter but is technically two separate pieces. Since a duvet has two parts, it can be a little pricier to purchase one initially.

what is a comforter?

A comforter is more like a large, extra-thick quilt. It is a single piece of bedding that contains both a decorative exterior and a padded interior. Comforters can vary in thickness quite a bit. Some are around an inch thick while others can be 5 or 6-inches thick. Depending on the comforter you pick, both sides might look identical or have different colors and patterns.

Since the padded interior is built-in, it often contains sewn-in quilting. These rows of stitches go through both the padding and the exterior fabric. They provide extra decoration while also helping to keep the internal fill distribution more even.

thickness

The average comforter tends to be thinner than the average duvet. If you don't care about thickness at all, you may prefer a comforter since they usually have a comfortably average thickness. Comforters are also often better for people who get hot when they're sleeping while duvets can be a good choice for those who get chilly. However, keep in mind that duvet thickness varies a lot. Since duvets let you switch out the interior padding, you can adjust the blanket thickness and find the best duvet insert to suit your preferences.

This can be one of the best things about a duvet. You don't have to settle for a less-than-desirable color just because the blanket has your preferred thickness. Instead, you can pair your favorite decorative exterior with your favorite padding level. Some people even like to swap inserts based on seasons so that they can stay warm in the winter without overheating in summer.

care/cleaning

When it comes to caring and cleaning, both styles of bedding have their own perks. Duvets are often easier to clean. Since a duvet cover doesn't have a hard-to-clean filling, you can often just toss the cover in the washing machine. If your duvet cover does get irreversibly stained, you can keep the insert and just replace the cover. Meanwhile, styles like down comforters might need dry cleaning or special care, and one accidental spill can require you to replace the whole thing.

However, when it comes to making the bed after washing your blankets, comforters are often preferable. One of the best things about a comforter is that you just toss it on the bed and are good to go. With a duvet, you have to assemble it first. If you don't put the duvet together correctly, it can slip around, bunch up, and look a bit odd. Expect to spend a few extra minutes wrestling with your freshly washed duvet each time it needs cleaning.

style

Duvets tend to have a lot more variety in appearance. You can find duvet covers in all sorts of colors, patterns, and textures. If you prefer to experiment with your decor, duvet covers make it easy to try out different styles. With a duvet color, you can swap designs by season or switch up your bedroom's decor theme regularly.

Comforters don't let you try out different styles of bedding all the time. However, they still have some unique stylistic advantages. Since a comforter can have sewn-in quilting, it may have a more luxurious, textured appearance than a duvet.

Ultimately, duvets are a great choice if you want versatility and customization while comforters are ideal for those who value convenience and affordability. Whatever design you pick, a duvet or comforter helps you create a comfortable and stylish bed.