Duvet vs. Comforter: Which Is the Right Choice for You?

We help you solve the age-old debate.

It’s that age-old bedding debate: duvet vs. comforter. A decorative comforter is by far the easier choice, some argue. Just wash it. Then put it in the dryer and back on the bed.

On the other hand, a duvet cover and insert is a far more luxurious choice. Plus, if you have to lug your bedding to the laundromat, a duvet cover is lighter than a comforter. However, the process of putting on a duvet cover always feels like a chore and can often be frustrating.

So how do you choose the best option? Here are a few things to consider in the great duvet vs. comforter debate.

Meet the Experts

• Tamarra Younis is the principal designer at Union of Art.

• Caitlin Scanlon is an interior designer and the founder of Caitlin Scanlon Design.

• Pippen House seeks to solve your duvet difficulties. “The Pippen House Signature Duvet System features internal zippers that hold the duvet insert perfectly in place. Just lay it flat, zip it, and flip it right side out—a fresh bed in under a minute," explain founders Kate Conroy and Maddy Howey.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet is two pieces: an insert and a cover. Inserts come in many different weights and can be made of down, feather, or wool, as well as synthetic, hypoallergenic down alternatives like polyester or microfiber. The cover, on the other hand, is typically made from cotton or linen. Some covers are made from a blend of natural fibers so they're soft against the skin but also durability and long-lasting.

Duvets may be lightweight, medium-weight, or heavyweight. You can swap between them depending on the season. In warmer months (as well as in warmer climates), a lightweight duvet with minimal insulation is ideal. For the cold, you will want to opt for a heavier duvet that provides extra heat retention. Medium-weight duvets are more versatile and suitable for year-round use.

Duvets also come in various sizes to fit standard mattress sizes, such as twin, full, queen, and king mattresses. Your duvet should hang over the sides of the bed by around eight to 12 inches for adequate coverage, but the overhang length is a personal preference.

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is just one piece of bedding, and it also comes in many different materials and weights (as well as different colors and designs). Unlike duvets, however, a comforter is just one piece instead of two. You cannot remove the outer material (which may also be cotton or linen, like most duvets), but the inside material will also vary like duvets. A comforter may be filled with down, feathers, or synthetic alternatives.

Like duvets, comforters vary in weight and warmth. They come in different sizes to meet standard mattress sizes, and they should hang over the sides of the mattress. How much the comforter hangs over the bed is a personal choice. You can also choose to layer a comforter with smaller, lighter-weight blankets for style purposes or added warmth.

Related: The 13 Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

When to Choose a Duvet

The choice between a duvet and a comforter largely boils down to personal preference. However, there are certain times when using a duvet over a comforter make more sense. Here are some instances when a duvet may come in handy more than a comforter.

When Style Is Your Priority

There’s something that just feels good about getting into a nice fluffy bed at night, which can really only be achieved with a duvet and down or down alternative insert.

There are also far more duvet options available than comforters. So if you’re looking for a specific aesthetic, search duvet covers first.

It's also the choice of most interior designers. “From a designer's perspective, duvet inserts offer much more flexibility when styling a bed. Not only do you have options for weights and fill types depending on your preference, but it also gives you the ability to change your duvet cover anytime,” says Tamarra Younis of Union of Art.

When You Want to Change Your Bedding Often

Interior designer Caitlin Scanlon also prefers duvets to comforters. “I much prefer duvets because they’re washable, and you can switch them out seasonally. I like fun patterns and light colors for spring and summer and something moody and cozy for fall and winter," she says. With a duvet, you can keep one insert but switch up the cover whenever you like.

When You Want to Save Storage Space

"Another big plus is that a duvet cover takes up the same space in your linen closet as a few folded sheets," Scanlon says. "Comforters are big and bulky," she explains. If you live in a small space or simply don't have a large linen closet, a duvet insert and covers may be the way to go.

When to Choose a Comforter

Sometimes, a comforter is the better choice. There are tons of benefits to choosing a comforter over a duvet. Here are some of the times when you might opt for a one-piece comforter over a two-piece duvet.

When You Want to Save Money

Duvets and inserts are the more expensive choice, at least upfront. Quality down inserts generally start at around a few hundred dollars, although down alternatives can easily be found for less. On the other hand, an insert doesn’t need to be washed as often as a comforter—so there’s generally less wear and tear.

Related: The 10 Best Down Alternative Comforters, Tested and Reviewed

When You Have Kids at Home

There are times when convenience is most important. Children’s rooms are a good example of this. “For parents, every minute spared cleaning up counts, so when one of those messy little moments happens in a kid's bedroom, using a washable comforter might be a preferable option," Younis explains.

Furthermore, smaller children may not be able to change out a duvet insert on their own. After all, it’s hard enough for most adults. Duvets and inserts also tend to be heavier than comforters, so very young children may not be able to make their beds at all. If you want children to help make their own beds, a comforter may be the way to go.

When You Have a Guest Bedroom

The comforter in a guest bedroom tends to get washed less often than those in a primary bedroom, so it isn't subject to a great deal of wear and tear and will last for many years. If you have a washing machine and dryer at home, it may simply be easier to toss a guest bed comforter in the wash the moment your guests leave, rather than having to remove the duvet cover.

Tips for Putting on a Duvet

While there are many different tricks and hacks for how to put on a duvet cover, using a duvet is always a process. However, Pippen House seeks to solve your duvet difficulties. “The Pippen House Signature Duvet System features internal zippers that hold the duvet insert perfectly in place. Just lay it flat, zip it, and flip it right side out—a fresh bed in under a minute," explain founders Kate Conroy and Maddy Howey. This system solves the first problem of how to put on a duvet cover and the second problem of how to keep the insert in place.

If you don't have this system, you can take some simple steps to make putting a duvet on easier. For example, you can try turning the cover inside out and laying it flat on your bed. Align the corners and secure them with ties or loops (whatever the duvet has). Roll the duvet and cover together and shake the duvet into place.

Related: The 8 Best Down Comforters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use both a duvet and a comforter?

Yes, you can use both a duvet and a comforter. However, using both a duvet and a comfortable isn't the most practical combination. Using both would be heavy and trap heat. Because they can be bulky, both of them together can take up a lot of space in the bed. It's best to combine a duvet or a comforter with a lighter blanket or sheet instead.

Which is more common in a hotel?

Hotels tend to use comforters over duvets because they are easier to keep clean and maintain. Duvet covers need to be removed and laundered separately. This takes more time and is more labor-intensive for hotel staff who need to clean many rooms.

How do you wash a duvet insert?

To wash a duvet, be sure to check the care label; washing depends on the material and construction. Generally, you will want to pre-treat stains with a stain remover or light detergent before tossing the insert into the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle (so it doesn't shrink). Make sure to properly dry it and fluff it out before stuffing it back into the duvet.

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