Comforters Vs. Duvet Covers
Posted by Jami on Thursday, 06/01/06 at 11:38 am to Bedding Terminology
So, you’re ready to re-decorate your bedroom. In researching your many options you have probably found that the choices offered today are endless. You may have noticed that today’s manufacturers offer a variety of bed “covers”. Today we are going to talk about the difference between our 2 major options - comforters vs. duvets.
A comforter is a bed covering that typically falls 3/4 of the way down the sides of your bed, slightly past the point where the mattress and boxspring meet. The size of your bed will determine the size of the comforter you will need to purchase. Typically, for example, a Queen sized comforter will fit a Queen sized bed. However, it is very important that you measure from approximately the base of the box spring, left to right, across your bed to determine which size is right for you. Taking the time to measure your bed will save you a lot of hassle in the future.
Comforters are a heavier bed covering. Many comforters are made of a Cotton/Polyester blend. The thickness of a comforter really depends on the quilt pattern and fabric used for that particular comforter. A comforter made primarily with cotton, such as Thomasville’s Poetry ensemble, is a lighter, fluffier covering that creates a more “airy” feeling to your bedroom. A tighter quilt pattern, such as the comforter offered in Thomasville’s Interlude ensemble, will lie flatter on the bed. This polished cotton fabric, will create a soothing elegant addition to any bedroom. Fabric, style, weight and dimension are all important factors when choosing a comforter that’s right for you.
If you are looking for an addition to your comforter, or simply a lighter more versitile bed covering, you may want to consider a duvet cover. A duvet cover is a fabric “shell” that is used to cover a down comforter or duvet. You can even use a duvet cover to give new life to that old comforter! Duvet covers are open on one end and can either button, tie or zip shut. For example, Dakotah’s Carmen duvet cover features a button closure.
One of the biggest differences between a comforter and duvet is the size. Duvets are typically smaller in dimension, and can vary depending on the manufacturer. Never hesitate to ask your customer service representative if you have any questions regarding size.
So now the question is, which one is right for you? When making your selection remember to take your time and ask questions. Have fun!
June 1st, 2006 at 2:33 pm
Hi Jami,
I am about to redecorate my guest bedroom and so I found your article on comforters helpful. I have a queen comforter from TJ Maxx. It is not very good looking so I am going to get a duvet cover, but the queen comforter is “oversized.” Should I get a king duvet cover? Thank you in advance for your reply,
Sarah
June 2nd, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Hi Sarah,
Your question is a very good one. Most people do not realize that there is a difference between a comforter and a duvet. A duvet cover is designed to fit a duvet, which is smaller in dimension than a comforter. A Queen size duvet cover will not fit on a Queen size comforter, even if it is not oversized. While it may not be an exact fit, you would need to move up to a King size duvet cover for your oversized Queen comforter.
Regards,
Elizabeth
June 5th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
Thank you Elizabeth. I guess I will go with the king duvet cover. I just hope its not too big!
August 3rd, 2006 at 12:06 am
I am trying to get a comforter for our queen size bed. I want it to cover the sheets on the mattress on the sides of the bed–none seem to. But I like the feel of the down filled but not the actual feathers inside (allergies). I was looking into just having a duvet on our bed but after reading your article and how they are smaller in comparison, now I’m torn? I’ve already tried a down alternative comforter but it was like sleeping with hospital sheets–yuk. Any help?
August 22nd, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I’am purchasing a Duvet cover, I now have a King size quilt which hangs down nicely, I have a Queen Matress, across Boxspring to the other end measures about 99″ the King Duvet is 106, and the Queen is 88″ I’am not sure as it will be fuller, what is your recommendaton? thanks much
Lorie
August 24th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Hi Cindy, If you have a Queen sized bed, a queen comforter should cover the mattress unless you have a very deep mattress on your bed. A good bet for you might be to look for an “oversized” comforter or duvet cover. Many manufacturers are making these now as a response to the trend of thicker mattresses. An oversized queen will be slightly larger in dimension than a standard queen. If you still want more length, you could also try using a king comforter or duvet. Most comforters are made to fall to the point at which the mattress and boxspring meet, so if you want something a little longer, a king would give you even more length than the oversized queen.
Elizabeth
August 24th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Hi Lorie,
I am not sure that I understand your question completely, but it would seem to me that if you are currently using a king size quilt and you like the length of it, you should stick with something similar. In general a queen comforter or duvet is designed to fall to the point where the mattress and boxspring meet, and then a bed skirt would cover the boxspring. If you want something that will fall beyond the mattress, the king size would probably work better for you.
Elizabeth
August 30th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
I HAVE A QUESTION. I HAVE GROWN TIRED OF BED IN A BAG COMFORTERS WHICH ARE BIG AND BULKY. I PURCHASED A DUVET TO USE AS A SPREAD FOR A GUEST BEDROOM. IS THAT APPROPRIATE? I HAVE A FULL SHEET,BLANKET AND THEN THE DUVET. CAN I GET AWAY WITHOUT THE COMFORTER/BEDSPREAD.?
September 28th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Hi Tammy,
You can definitely use a duvet cover alone as a lightweight bedspread and it is perfectly acceptable. Especially for people who live in warmer climates, a comforter or bedspread may be too much. However, you still need something on the bed to make it look finished. A duvet cover is a great way to achieve balance between a sleek look and a comfortable sleep for your guests.
Elizabeth
November 25th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
I am purchasing a king sized bed and am looking for bedding. I would like to get a duvet cover for a king sized down comforter I have already, but I am worried that the king duvet cover won’t be big enough, if it has smaller dimensions than a comforter. Any suggestions?
November 27th, 2006 at 4:50 am
I’ve just found your blog and just wanted to mention that we sell pure NZ wool duvets and wool underblankets and find that lots of our customers love them as they are quite thin like a comforter and yet as warm as a duvet. Wool is unique in that it ‘Breathes’ and so keeps you warm but not hot and cool but not cold. There’s some useful info on our website Wool Duvets. Most people put a duvet cover on the wool duvet of 100% pure cotton.
Guy
November 30th, 2006 at 2:43 am
It seems the terminology used for bedding is often confusing. More than one word can be used to describe a particular piece. Or even worse, the term is inaccurate. As a result I would appreciate clarification about a duvet versus a duvet cover. Is a duvet simply the down unit and the duvet cover the bag that covers it? Could a down comforter be called a down duvet?
I want to purchase a down comforter and put it inside a duvet cover. Are the duvets I’ve seen at Macy’s online, for example, a duvet cover with some sort of filling inside or just a duvet cover? Here’s a description of one of the duvets at Macy’s. “The Calvin Klein Khaki Belize duvet features a soothing pattern of yarn-dyed stripes in brine, surf, green and complementary blues against a blue-green ground with knife-edge trim. Woven of softest 100% cotton. Button closure. Self-reversing”. If it is just a duvet cover than the use of duvet is misleading.
November 30th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Hi James,
Yes, the term “Duvet” can be quite tricky. As it stands, the definition of a Duvet is “a down filled comforter that may be accompanied by a removable cover”.
Because the terminology is so loose, your best bet is to inquire about the product by asking a sales representative what they mean by Duvet, or Duvet Cover. This way you will be able to make an educated descision and feel confident that you are purchasing exactly what you need.
~Jami
November 30th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Hello Marci,
Down comforters are typically smaller in dimension than the standard comforter. This is becasue Duvet covers are traditionally made to cover a Down comforter.
I would suggest measuring the dimensions of your current comforter, and then compare that to the dimensions of the Duvet cover you are interested in. If the comforter measures equally to, or just under the size of the Duvet cover, than you will be all set!
~Jami
December 30th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
The quality of a down comforter is determined by the warmth it provides, how serves to keep in your body heat, be allergy free, and make and attractive and inviting bedding. To ensure its durability, a down comforter should be used with a duvet cover. Not only will this protect the down from dirt and impurities, So, if your child never has food or drink in their room maybe you think that the down comforters, won’t get that dirty? I had one awful week where between my sons they managed to have a nosebleed, vomit and wet the bed. These are all symptoms of high fevers, so totally unavoidable
February 26th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Hello, I have just purchased a brand new California King Mattress and matching boxspring that seems pretty thick. I just ordered a Duvet Cover in a King size that measures 104×94 and a King size bedskirt because none of this bedding came in a the California King sizes. Will this fit my new huge bed ? Also, if I buy a down comforter for this Duvet cover what size should I get ? Thank you for your help.
Kind regards,
Victoria
March 1st, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi Victoria,
The King sized Duvet will work fine for your bed, however the King bedskirt will not.
* King–76 x 80 inches (or 198 x 203 cm)
* California King–72 x 84 inches (or 182 x 213 cm)
Typically, the down comforter should be equal to, or within an inch or two larger or smaller than the duvet. Below is the link to the down comforter we carry which is the correct size for you.
http://www.ajmoss.com/bedding/down-inc-down-inc-california-king-105-inch-x-96-inch
Thank you!
Jami
March 9th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
A duvet basically is a covering for a comforter, duvets act as protection from dust and dirt, it’s a quick easy way to liven up and kids room.
April 6th, 2010 at 6:32 am
very interesting read…was actually searching to buy a comforter, but ended up here!
June 16th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
hi, if i use a duvet cover to cover a comforter, wont it slip or collect to one corner? What do you do to prevent that?
June 18th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Great question Kavi! Slippage is one of the main drawbacks on using a duvet and cover. There are a couple of things you can do to minimize this: one, use a duvet which is slightly larger than the cover; or two, use duvet clips. Duvet clips are sold in various styles but all basically clip the cover directly to the filler.
Hope this helps!
Stephanie
July 18th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
i bought a comforter that is 88 x 90 inches along w/a duvet cover that is also 88 x 90. is this okay, or should the duvet be a little larger? What are some guideslines to get a proper fit? thanks!