What Is A Duvet?

What Is A Duvet?

Written by Mehran Uzair

Last Updated on Aug 23, 2022

In this article:

    The word duvet is French for “down”. During Viking times, duvets were used by people on the northern coast of Norway. From the 16th century, the wealthy in Europe started buying and using duvets. They are one of the warmest blankets available which contributed to their popularity throughout Europe and then the rest of the world. 

    If you are wondering “what is a duvet?”, you will find just the answer you are looking for in our detailed blog below.

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    What Is a Duvet?

    A duvet is a type of blanket that is like a soft bag stuffed with down, feather, cotton, silk, or any other synthetic alternative. It is protected by a replaceable cover which is similar to a pillow inside a pillowcase.

    Duvets are often confused with comforters, comforters are thinner and have less fill compared to duvets. Comforters do not have a protective cover while duvets have a cover to protect them and increase their longevity.

    What Is a Duvet Cover?

    A duvet cover is a fabric pouch that slips over the duvet and can be zipped or buttoned up to form a protective case. A duvet cover can be compared to a pillowcase- it’s removable and makes cleaning easier. 

    Most duvet covers are machine washable and can lend an element of design to an otherwise plain bedroom.

    What Is a Duvet Cover Used For?

    The main usage of a duvet cover is to protect the inner fabric of a duvet by keeping it clean and dust-free. The inner duvet cannot be machine washed often but a duvet cover can be washed frequently and is easy to clean. This helps in increasing the lifespan of your duvet.

    If you choose to purchase different fabrics and designs, then you can change the cover to suit your mood and decor. 

    What Is a Duvet Insert?

    A duvet insert is the main part of the blanket. It is a pouch that is stuffed with the filler and keeps you warm and cozy. Duvet inserts can contain the feather of ducks, cotton, wool, polyester, or silk or down alternatives that are synthetic. These fills are great for insulation and some of them are also very lightweight. 

    Duvet inserts come in neutral light colors, such as white or cream, they are used with a colorful duvet cover.

    What Are the Pros and Cons of a Duvet?

    Pros

    • Duvets rarely get dirty as they are draped inside a duvet cover.
    • Duvet covers are removable making cleaning easy. 
    • Duvets are more affordable than comforters.
    • Duvets are softer and fluffier than comforters.
    • Duvet covers are replaceable and hence they allow you to change the pattern, color, and decor style according to your mood.

    Cons

    • Duvets tend to move inside the cover at night.
    • Buying a duvet insert requires you to buy a duvet cover to protect it.
    • Duvet covers made up of synthetic material require dry cleaning.

    How to Choose the Right Duvet for You?

    There are a variety of duvets available in the market and buying the right duvet is tricky. Let’s go through all the important factors that will help you decide on your next duvet with ease.

    Duvet tog

    The duvet tog refers to the warmth a duvet provides. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 15. Number one tog would be classified as the coolest, while fifteen tog is the warmest option for the winter season.

    Depending on your personal preferences and climatic conditions, you can choose the number that suits you the best. 

    Thread Count

    Thread count is the number of threads per square inch. If the fabric has 200 threads lengthwise and 200 threads widthwise, the fabric has a thread count of 400. Thread count indicates the softness and strength of a material.

    We recommend you to go with a 300 to 400 thread count duvet cover as it provides the ideal durability and softness to your duvet.

    Duvet Sizes

    Just like mattress sizes, duvet sizes are also standard. There can, however, be a slight difference between brands. 

    Duvets can be found in all standard sizes such as twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.

    When choosing the right duvet for your bed size, you can go for a size larger than your mattress size. A little extra length will help you cover the bed frame and leave a lot of room to comfortably share it with your partner. 

    Cost

    The cost of the duvet depends upon its size and quality, a high-quality duvet costs between $50 and $150. Duvets made of silk or organic material tend to cost more.

    Maintenance

    Maintenance plays an important role in deciding which duvet to choose from. Most duvet inserts don’t require cleaning while duvet covers can be cleaned in your home using a washing machine. 

    Materials like wool and silk are tougher to clean and may need to be dry cleaned which can contribute to the overall cost of the duvet. 

    Final word

    Duvets play a significant role in setting up an inviting sleeping space and the right duvet helps you stay warm and cozy during those cold winter nights. Having gone through the above guide we are sure that you will find the right duvet for your needs.

    Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
    {"faq":[{"_id":"d2370ba","title":"What is a duvet cover set?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EA duvet set consists of a duvet insert, a duvet cover, and a matching duo of pillow shams.\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"9270513","title":"What is a down duvet?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EDown duvet refers to a duvet filled with down fibers that are found underneath the feathers and the belly of a goose or duck.\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"cc9e2af","title":"Why is a duvet better than a comforter?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EDuvets are much fluffier and more comfortable to sleep than a comforter. Additionally, duvets are much easier to clean and maintain as you just need to clean the covers regularly. Duvets are also more affordable than comforters.\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"2797e2c","title":"Is a duvet a blanket?","content":"\u003Cp\u003EA duvet is a quilted blanket filled with a natural or artificial filling. 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