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Design 101
How To Choose the Best Duvet Cover
November 14, 2024
The duvet cover can be the focal point of your bedroom. It’s central to your bedding design and can be the first thing that draws your eye when you enter the room.
The options for duvet covers are nearly endless, so you have lots of choices for this important piece of bedding. Let’s have a look at our selections for the best duvet covers to fit your style and preferences.
What Is a Duvet Cover?
There are two essential components to a duvet: the insert that gives it heft and warmth and the cover that gives it shape and style. The duvet cover is a removable, washable cover you can swap out when you want to refresh the room for a new season or simply when it’s time to do laundry.
The duvet cover is the highlight of your bedding. Choose a duvet cover that fits the look and style of your bedroom.
What Goes Inside a Duvet Cover?
Of course, the cover is only part of the story. The duvet insert gives this bedding piece its value in terms of comfort and durability. While you might regularly swap out a cover, you’ll likely stick with the insert long-term. A duvet is often used alone instead of with a top sheet, so you may want a slightly thicker duvet insert if you're used to layers of sheets and blankets.
Mastering how to fit a duvet cover, which should be snug but not tight, can have a little bit of a learning curve, so make sure the insert and cover are compatible to save you a headache.
Duvet Cover and Insert Materials
Choosing the right duvet cover and insert can enhance comfort and style, whether you prefer the breathability of cotton or linen, the luxurious feel of velvet or silk, or earthy options like hemp and bamboo. Each fabric brings its own benefits, from seasonal comfort to effortless maintenance, letting you tailor your bedding to your needs and aesthetic.
Best Materials for a Duvet Cover
People often drift toward cotton or linen materials for a duvet cover, but those are far from your only options. Velvet and silk offer a bolder, more distinctive look and feel. Your natural fabric options also extend beyond cotton to hemp or bamboo.
You can consider what’s easiest to wash or most comfortable for the current season, or look for fabric that complements your personal aesthetic.
If you do go with cotton, make sure you consider the weave. Percale cotton is a distinct type of weave that is cooler and great for sleeping, while sateen cotton is warmer and softer.
Best Materials for a Duvet Insert
The origins of the duvet are European, where down or feathers were placed into a flat bag to provide insulation. Many duvets still have this natural down or feather material, but options now include synthetic materials or even wool. Down alternatives mimic the feel of the natural material but they’re made from cotton or polyester.
What's the Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter?
Unlike a duvet, a comforter typically doesn’t come with a removable cover. This makes it harder to clean than a duvet. People typically use a flat sheet between the fitted sheet and the comforter so they don't have to wash the whole comforter as often.
Storing multiple comforters and sets of sheets can be hard to manage if you have limited storage. Even a stack of duvet covers takes up less space than a comforter or two.
Learn more about the differences between duvets and comforters.
The Best Duvet Covers
1. The Best Cool and Breezy Duvets
When the temperatures soar outside, ensuring a cool and comfortable night's sleep becomes essential for getting sufficient rest. To achieve this, opt for a duvet designed with a blend of bamboo and proprietary cooling fibers, specifically engineered to help regulate your body temperature as you sleep. These materials are known for their breathability and ability to dissipate heat, keeping you comfortably cool throughout the night. Additionally, look for duvets with moisture-wicking properties that draw sweat away from your skin, enhancing your comfort even on the hottest nights. Features like reversibility offer added versatility, allowing you to switch sides for varying levels of coolness, making these duvets ideal not only for summer nights but also for refreshing afternoon naps. This thoughtful design ensures that you stay cool, dry, and well-rested.
2. The Best Warm & Cozy Duvets
As the cool fall air settles in, there's nothing quite like the urge to cozy up inside natural, relaxing fabrics that provide both warmth and comfort. To capture that feeling, consider duvet covers made from materials like hemp, wool, or flannel, each offering a unique combination of durability and elegance. These fabrics not only create a welcoming and snug environment but also add a touch of sophistication to your bedroom decor. They're the perfect choice for the transitional season of fall, helping you embrace the shift in weather with style and ease. Opt for rich, earthy tones or deep, warm hues to bring the beauty of seasonal fall colors into your space, creating a harmonious blend of nature and comfort in your home.
3. The Best Duvet Patterns
Elevate your bedroom decor by choosing a duvet with a classic pattern that effortlessly blends homestyle comfort with a touch of refined class. A timeless pattern adds visual interest and a sense of warmth to your space, making your bedroom feel inviting and cozy while still maintaining an air of sophistication. When shopping for the perfect duvet, prioritize style and quality by selecting one crafted from soft percale cotton. Percale cotton, known for its crisp texture and breathability, offers a luxurious sleeping experience that enhances comfort and relaxation. The combination of a classic pattern and premium fabric ensures that your bedroom not only looks beautifully put together but also becomes a haven of restful sleep. This thoughtful choice in bedding will transform your room into a stylish retreat where elegance and comfort coexist seamlessly.
4. The Best Colorful Duvet Covers
Incorporating light and pastel colors into your bedroom instantly infuses the space with a welcoming, springtime vibe, perfectly suited for the longer days and warmer weather. These soft, airy hues create a serene and inviting atmosphere, making your bedroom feel like a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and recharge. To complement this fresh aesthetic, opt for duvets that are not only visually appealing but also functional, featuring advanced cooling technologies. Duvets made from materials such as bamboo, satin, or cotton are ideal choices, as they promote a soft, breathable, and relaxing sleep experience, even during those hot days and nights. These fabrics are designed to wick away moisture and regulate temperature, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing an ounce of style. With these thoughtful selections, you can enjoy the perfect balance of beauty and comfort.
5. The Best Duvets for a Hotel Feel
"Hotel" is synonymous with luxury, and with these multi-piece duvet sets, you can bring that full five-star experience right into your own home. Imagine sinking into bed each night surrounded by the pure white, woven linens that these sets are crafted from, exuding a sense of timeless elegance and understated sophistication. Not only do these linens elevate the aesthetic of your bedroom, transforming it into a serene retreat, but they also promise unparalleled comfort and durability. The high-quality materials are designed to feel soft against your skin while standing the test of time, ensuring that your investment in luxury will last for years to come. Whether you're looking to refresh your space with a touch of refinement or simply seeking the ultimate in comfort, these duvet sets offer the perfect combination of style, quality, and indulgence, guaranteeing a restful night's sleep that feels as luxurious as it looks.
6. The Best Duvets for Adding Texture
Sometimes plain cotton can benefit from a touch of individuality, making your bedding feel more personalized and unique. Opt for a duvet that features a bit of depth and texture to elevate the overall aesthetic. The subtle texture not only adds visual interest but also makes it easy to integrate additional design elements into the rest of your bedding, such as coordinating throws, pillowcases, and decorative cushions. This way, you can create a layered, cohesive look that reflects your personal style while maintaining comfort and practicality.
7. The Best All-White Duvets
Simple, white cotton—there's truly no better way to complete your bedroom aesthetic. This timeless choice offers a clean and crisp look that complements any decor style, from modern minimalist to cozy farmhouse. A no-fuss, versatile duvet not only enhances the serenity of your space but also provides the comfort of easy, restful sleep. With its straightforward style, this duvet serves as the perfect backdrop for layering with colorful throws, patterned pillows, or textured blankets, allowing you to effortlessly create a tranquil and inviting retreat.
Choosing the Perfect Duvet Cover: A Final Word
Choosing the right duvet cover is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about enhancing your sleep environment and ensuring comfort and durability. By considering factors like material, size, thread count, and ease of care, you can select a duvet cover that meets your needs and complements your bedroom decor. Remember to factor in your personal preferences, whether you prefer the cool, crisp feel of cotton or the luxurious warmth of flannel. With the right duvet cover, you can transform your bed into a cozy, inviting haven that you'll look forward to every night.
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F.A.Q.
Do duvet covers need inserts?
Yes, duvet covers need inserts. A duvet cover keeps the duvet insert clean and protects it from stains. It also gives you a chance to add your own decorative touch by choosing a cover that matches your style.
While a duvet cover only exists to preserve and adorn the duvet insert, technically it can be used without the insert. You may want to use the cover without the insert if you find yourself too warm at night. Or you may want to explore lighter-weight inserts instead.
How to make your bed with a duvet cover
If you are accustomed to making your bed with fitted and flat sheets topped by a quilt or comforter, you may be wondering how to make your bed with a duvet cover.
Typically, a duvet is used in place of a flat sheet. However, you can use a flat sheet between the fitted sheet and the duvet if you prefer. Once you tuck your fitted sheet around your mattress, place your duvet on top of the fitted sheet. For a more relaxed look, leave the duvet untucked. For a more formal look, tuck the edges of the duvet under the mattress.
Now's the fun part. Decide if you want the top of the duvet pulled up to the bed frame or folded in half or thirds. Layer shams, bed pillows, and throw pillows against the bed frame. Add throws or bed blankets if you like that look. Play with different ways to layer the pillows and other accent pieces to achieve the look you want for your bedroom.
Where is the best place to buy duvet covers?
You can find the best duvet covers in most furniture, home, and department stores, both brick-and-mortar and online. To find the best duvet covers for your style and comfort, explore offerings from several different brands, including Lulu and Georgia, Mathis Home, MINE, Mor Furniture, One Kings Lane, Raymour & Flanigan, Rooms To Go, Slumberland Furniture.
Find all these brands and more at furniture.com. Use the furniture.com hyper-personalized search tools to easily browse a variety of duvet covers of various materials, colors, and sizes to purchase online.
Or, if you want to evaluate the softness and texture of the duvet covers yourself, enter the distance you are willing to travel into the search tools and furniture.com will direct you to the stores nearest you.