What Is A Duvet Cover?

Pulling together a polished look for a bedroom starts with bedding. The ensemble of sheets, blankets, and shams sets the tone for your space. Get to know the basics of bedding before shopping to choose the right style. For instance, often used interchangeably, duvets and comforters are actually two different things. Here, we'll break down the details.

What Is A Duvet Cover?

Derived from the French word duvet, a "duvet" is a type of bedding filled with down, feathers, wool, cotton, silk, or a synthetic alternative fitted with a removable cover. Duvets are available in different weights, providing bedding options for different seasons. Sometimes referred to as a duvet insert, this soft bedding is similar to a comforter. Unlike a comforter which is ultimately the top layer of bedding, duvets insert into a detached cover, protecting it and helping it to stay clean. 

Think of a duvet cover as a giant pillowcase for a duvet insert. A duvet cover is a protective, removable sleeve that keeps an insert clean. It's sewn together on three sides, with the fourth side open for sliding in the duvet insert, and closes with buttons, zippers, or ties. It's easy to remove and wash. 

Similar to sheets, duvet covers are usually thinner linen material. It's a European custom—that many Americans have adopted—to ditch the top sheet when using a duvet cover because they serve a similar purpose. Wash the duvet cover as regularly as you would a top sheet.

Benefits Of Using A Duvet

There are several benefits to using a duvet. Since the duvet cover protects the duvet—or duvet insert—it is easier to keep clean. Washing the cover becomes similar to laundering a sheet after removing it from the duvet. You can change the duvet cover depending on your preferences to upgrade your bedroom's appearance—change the duvet cover to match the season or a holiday. Finally, a duvet cover creates a neat aesthetic as it has less overhang on the bed.

Duvet vs. Comforter

A duvet is a top layer of bedding, providing insulation and made from cloth sewn together and stuffed with down, wool, feathers, or a synthetic material. It requires less frequent washings than the cover. It's usually white, and you won't be able to see it inside the duvet cover. Invest in a duvet you'll use for years, and swap out the cover when you're ready for a new look. Duvets are typically more expensive because you purchase the insert and cover separately. The duvet is light, airy, and stuffed more than a comforter, making it a warmer option.

A comforter is a thicker, quilted, fluffy blanket used as the warmest top layer of bedding. If you're looking for an option that helps make up the bed a breeze, choose a comforter. It's a one-and-done piece usually sold with coordinating pillows that pull the whole ensemble together, making it a less expensive option. Comforters are often flat and, depending on the filling might be too warm or cold for your preferences. 

How To Choose A Duvet

Pick duvet inserts based on fill material. Allergy-prone sleepers should go with a down alternative, with a hypoallergenic synthetic filling. Box stitched inserts are sewn together around the edges and then filled and quilted into squares—this keeps the filling in place. Fill power refers to the loftiness and fluffiness of the duvet. The higher the fill power, the lighter and more insulating the duvet will be—and usually higher quality.

How To Make Your Bed With A Duvet Cover

Transform your bedding with a duvet for a sophisticated, clean aesthetic that pulls your entire room together. Here's how to make your bed using a duvet insert and cover: 

1. Start with a matching set of white sheets and pillowcases. 
2. Add a white coverlet with a textured pattern (like matelassé) over the flat sheet. 
3. Pull it to the head of the bed and then fold the flat sheet down to the top third. 
4. Incorporate color and pattern with a duvet cover and matching pillow shams. 
5. Fold the duvet neatly at the foot of the bed, and set a pair of matching pillows at the top.