When it comes to getting your best sleep ever, choosing the right bedding topper can make all the difference. One of our most frequently asked questions is about just this: duvets vs. comforters. Each week we receive multiple phone calls asking the same question... "What's the difference between a duvet and a comforter? Aren't they the same thing?"
While these two pieces share many similarities (they're both cozy, top-layer bedding pieces that provide warmth and comfort), they're fundamentally different and offer their own advantages and disadvantages. In this guide, we'll break down the key differences between a duvet and a comforter, so you can decide which is the right one for you.
What is a Duvet?
The duvet (pronounced "doo-vay") originates from Europe, where it has been used for centuries as the most popular bedding choice. The word itself comes from the French word for "down", as traditionally duvets were filled with duck down feathers. Today, duvets can be filled with various types of materials: goose down, wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibres. You can learn more about goose down by reading our blog post, "Dissecting Down", here.
A duvet is essentially two bed sheets that are filled in the middle with insulating materials, and sewn shut around all four sides. You'll typically see stitches sewn through the duvet to keep the filling evenly distributed, in baffle boxes or channels. Pro tip: we always recommend baffle box construction, which keeps the insulation evenly distributed within each box, so it won't shift around.
An example of baffle box stitching on a duvet
Duvets aren't meant to slept under alone; they're meant to be used with a duvet cover. This works exactly like you would use a pillow case with a pillow. The duvet cover can be easily removed and washed frequently, which helps to keep your duvet fresh and clean without needing to launder it.
Many duvets now come with tabs on each corner and duvet cover ties, which will keep you duvet in place and won't shift around inside the cover.
Pros of Duvets:
- Easy to clean: Since you only need to wash the duvet cover, it's easy to keep your duvet clean and fresh. Because they are covered by a duvet cover, we only recommend professional cleaning if spills or stains occur.
- Customizable style: You can easily change the look of your bedding with duvet covers. It's easy to change your style according to the seasons, updated room decor, or with design trends.
- Choose your fill: Duvets are available in a wide range of fills, and different warmth levels to suit every climate and season. You can choose a very light fill for the summertime or during life changes (such as menopause), and a heavier fill for the colder months or northern climates.
- Natural fibres: Duvets have the option of goose down fill, which is natural and breathable. It will adapt to your body's temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Our duvets are certified organic and made from premium down fill that's ethically sourced. Our duvets also feature a shell made from 100% cotton with a high thread count, which prevents noisy crunching noises at night.
What is a Comforter?
A comforter is a one-piece bedding item that doesn't require a cover. Unlike a duvet, the fill inside of a comforter is stitched directly into it's fabric shell, often in a quilted pattern. You'll typically see comforters sold as part of a "bed-in-a-bag" set at big retailers, with matching pillow shams and even coordinating sheets.
Comforters are most popular in North America and designed to be a simpler, all-in-one option than a duvet and duvet cover.
Pros of Comforters:
- All-in-one design: A comforter doesn't require a cover, which can be easier to use.
- Affordable and accessible: Comforters are widely available and often come in matching sets.
- No shifting around: Since the interior fill is sewn into place, you don't have to worry about anything shifting around.
Cons of comforters:
- Bulky and hard to launder: Washing a comforter can be tricky, as it requires the entire piece to be washed (which is often very bulky). While many comforters are machine-washable, many may require professional cleaning, and it's recommended to wash comforters every 3 months at a minimum to remove allergens, dust, and dirt.
- No choice of fill: comforters are always made with synthetic fill, which is not as breathable an option compared to natural fibres. This is not as versatile as a duvet in terms of seasonal adaptability.
- Lack of style flexibility: While you can change the visual appearance of your bed by layering on a blanket or throw pillows, the comforter takes up the largest visual "real estate" on your bed and as there is no cover, you are stuck with the pattern provided.
Which Should You Choose: Duvet or Comforter?
Now that you know the difference between these two pieces, the choice between a duvet or comforter ultimately depends on your lifestyle, cleaning preferences, and style needs.
Consider a duvet if: You prefer easy-to-wash bedding, love to change up your decor, like seasonal flexibility, and want control over what your bedding is filled with and where it's made. Here at Au Lit Fine Linens, our duvets are made in Canada, and are available in a variety of fills to suit every sleeper. No need to wash your duvet unless spills or stains occur. All of our goose down duvet come with a ten year guarantee.
Consider a comforter if: You want a simple, all-in-one solution with less fuss, live in a year-round temperate climate, and don't mind washing the comforter frequently.
Our selection of goose down, wool, silk, and synthetic duvet option at Au Lit Fine Linens
Final thoughts: Duvet vs. Comforter
Both duvets and comforters offer unique advantages, making each one the right choice for different preferences. No matter what your choice, the most important thing is that your bedding meets your needs for comfort, style, and convenience.
At Au Lit Fine Linens, we offer a range of bedding options from duvets to coverlets and quilts, designed to elevate your sleep experience. Check out all of our duvet options here, visit us at either of our two locations in Toronto, or call our dream bed experts for the answers to all of your questions at 1-800-363-6080.
