A bed looks most luxurious and inviting when it’s layered with bedding and pillows, and among the most important of these elements is the duvet cover. Duvet covers are a shopper favorite thanks to their versatility. They not only protect your duvet but offer endless design options for your bed. In this article, we’re sharing our favorite duvet covers on the market, explaining the difference between a duvet and a comforter, and guiding you with regard to what to consider when shopping for a duvet cover.

Best Duvet Covers

What’s a Duvet?

A duvet is a soft quilt that’s filled with down, feathers, or synthetic fiber. Duvets and duvet covers originated in Europe and were made with down feathers because of their usefulness as a thermal insulator. Technically, a duvet is a large bag that’s sewn from cloth and then filled. It’s always used as the top layer of bedding to keep sleepers warm throughout the night. Most duvet covers are white, so that they don’t show through the duvet cover.

Duvet Inserts vs. Duvet Covers

A duvet is always placed inside a duvet cover, which protects the duvet from spills, stains, dirt, and oil. A duvet is often difficult to clean because of the nature of the material it’s filled with, but a duvet cover can be easily removed and washed, much like a pillowcase. Covers are available in a wide variety of colors, designs, materials, and weaves, creating numerous options for the aesthetic of your bedroom decor and the feel of your bedding. They can be constructed with a variety of closures, like inner fasteners and zippers, and some customers will have a preference for the look or convenience of certain closure types. 

Duvets vs. Comforters

We tend to use “duvet” and “comforter” interchangeably, but these are distinct types of bedding that have slight, yet important, differences. A duvet is intended to be used with a duvet cover, while a comforter is designed with a built-in cover. The word “duvet” translates literally to “down comforter” in French, as all duvets were originally stuffed with down from ducks and geese. Modern-day duvets can be stuffed with down, alternative feathers, or synthetic fibers. 

Much like a pillow is intended to be used with a pillowcase to protect it from damage and oil, a duvet is designed to be used with a protective covering known as a duvet cover. While a comforter shares a similar construction to that of a duvet, they’re typically made with less stuffing and with a built-in cover.

Comforters and duvets also vary in price, cleaning method, warmth, loft, and ease of use. For example, putting a duvet cover on a duvet can be challenging for some shoppers, which may make them gravitate toward the simplicity of a comforter. On the other hand, those who enjoy changing their bedroom decor frequently will enjoy the versatility a duvet and accompanying duvet covers can offer.

What to Consider When Buying a Duvet Cover

If you’re in the market for a duvet cover or have made the common mistake of confusing them with comforters, this guide will help you understand what to consider when shopping so that you can make your selection with confidence. 

Duvet covers vary dramatically in price, just like sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. The quality of the material used and the brand are the two factors that impact the price the most. For example, 100% Egyptian cotton duvet covers will likely cost more than a blended cotton cover. Many companies now offer a sleep trial period or free returns within a period of time if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase. Take a look at the return policy and warranty prior to purchasing, and remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean a superior product. 

If you’re in the market for a duvet cover because they’re easier to manage and clean than a comforter, you’re in the majority. You’ll want to make sure the duvet cover you choose won’t cause additional headaches, however. Check the washing instructions prior to purchase to make sure the requirements fit your preferences. For example, if you’re not up for dry cleaning your duvet cover, avoid fabrics that require that. Satin and linen will require more careful washing, generally, while cotton and polyester are low-maintenance.

Duvet covers are available in cotton, linen, flannel, polyester, blends, and more, and there are subcategories within those types that also vary in price. Whatever your preference for material, there’s probably a duvet cover on the market out there for you. Cotton is the most popular material for duvet covers thanks to its softness and the fact that it’s easy to clean. When deciding on material, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind: price preference, breathability, weave, thread count, wear, and ease of cleaning.

Style, in the case of duvet covers, refers not only to the color or pattern of the fabric but also to the design of its closures and ties. The latter are functional, keeping the duvet inside the cover and minimizing bunching. You’ll be able to decide between buttons, clasps, and zipper closure, which are up to preference. You’ll also have endless options with regard to exterior design, from solid colors to stripes, florals, and other patterns. Look for a duvet cover that will fit well with your existing bedroom decor or, if you’re starting from scratch, hat you feel confident basing the rest of the bedroom’s color scheme around. Remember that, if you get tired of how the duvet cover looks, it’s easy to take it off and try something new.

How to Put On a Duvet Cover

Don’t be intimidated by this extra-large, pillowcase-like piece of fabric. You can easily tame a duvet cover. Here’s how:

1. Start by laying the duvet insert flat on top of your mattress. 
2. Hold your duvet cover inside out, holding one corner in each hand. 
3. With your hands inside the cover, grab hold of the duvet’s top two corners. Holding the corners of the duvet and duvet cover together tightly, flip the duvet cover right side out by giving your arms a good shake. 
4. Fluff the cover until it falls down to cover the comforter, then stuff the bottom two corners of the duvet securely inside the cover and zip, button, or clasp it. 

If you’re looking to get creative with your bedding and like the idea of having a lot of options to choose from, a duvet cover is a smart way to go. Protect your duvet from the likes of dirt, dust, and oil, and, meanwhile, find a style that complements your current taste and preferred aesthetic.