Duvets: Covering All the Basics
Selecting the right duvet is an all-important choice when it comes to your bedding design. This bed topper draws the eye and is the first thing anyone will notice about your bedding. In short, it needs to be visually appealing.
But you’ll be sleeping under your duvet every night, so it’s got to be comfortable, too. There are many factors to consider in order to find a duvet that meets both criteria. But first, it’s important to understand: what’s a duvet?
A duvet rests atop the bed, above your sheets and blankets. There are actually two parts to a duvet. The duvet insert is often billowy or puffy, made from down, wool, feathers, cotton or a synthetic material and covered in a shell fabric. The second part is the duvet cover.
What Is a Duvet Cover?
As you can probably guess by the name, the duvet cover encases the duvet insert. The cover usually closes with buttons, ties, a zipper or a flap of fabric to keep the duvet insert securely in place.
What Is a Duvet Cover Used For?
Duvet covers are practical—they keep the duvet filler in pristine condition by protecting it from dirt, allergens and soils. But they’re fashionable, too. When you think about how to use a duvet cover, you want to consider how it meshes with the interior design in your bedroom. You may choose a cover in a color that matches the palette of your room or select a classic white that looks beautiful with anything, from neutral walls or bold pops of color on decorative pillows. You may even want to buy a couple of different covers and change them out every so often to achieve a fresh new look as the weeks go on.
What’s the Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter?
It can seem confusing at first to know if there’s a difference between the two. However, there is a telltale sign that indicates whether an item is a duvet vs. a comforter: Comforters consist of one piece of fabric, compared to the two components that make up a duvet.
In terms of similarities, both comforters and duvets can be made of various kinds of materials. They also serve as the top layer of your bedding. Finally, both duvets and comforters can be paired with a coverlet, which is usually displayed for decorative purposes at the end of the bed, on top of the duvet or comforter. In the end, the choice of duvet vs. comforter comes down to personal preference.
Should Your Duvet Cover Be the Same Size as Your Duvet?
This decision depends on the look you want to achieve with your duvet. A duvet insert and cover of the same size create crisp, clean lines for an even smoothness to your bed linens. Want a more pillowy duvet, like the fluffy ones you see at five-star resorts? The secret is to use a duvet cover that’s smaller in dimension than the insert. This gives your bed that puffy, cloud-like look that makes you want to sink in and relax in comfort.
Another general rule of thumb to keep in mind: Allow your duvet to drape elegantly over the sides of your bed. It doesn’t have to reach all the way down to the floor, but the duvet should hang well over all sides of the bed. That means the duvet should be a little longer and wider (about a foot or so, at least) than the measurements of your bed.
Duvet Cover Material Types
While there are many enticing choices on the market, the best material for a duvet cover depends on your specific needs and desires.
For instance, chilly nights may be the norm where you live, or you just want to feel extra cozy at night. A warmer fabric like flannel can keep you feeling toasty. Do you tend to sleep hot instead? Then percale or linen are good options because they are cooler fabrics with breathability. Or you may want an opulent, soft feel from sateen.
With all the different types of duvet covers, high-quality cotton is one of the best overall options. Cotton is breathable, easy to care for, durable and the extra long fibers add delightful softness to your bedding.
How to Choose the Right Duvet Cover
With so many possibilities, your duvet cover selection can be an embodiment of your design taste. When purchasing a duvet cover, think about:
- Style
- Bed size
- Type of filler in the insert
- Type of material and its care instructions
- Price
And, of course, pick the duvet cover that’s most comfortable for you. You’ll be sleeping under it every night—the right duvet cover wraps you in luxury.
Shop Elegant Strand’s Duvet Collection
We’ve designed a selection of the best duvet covers, known for their sumptuous softness, timeless style and impeccable construction. All of our 100 percent cotton duvet covers boast fine workmanship and haute couture finishes, such as mother of pearl closures and hand-guided embroidery. Shop our collection of duvet covers today.
