Duvet vs. Comforter: What’s the Better Option for Your Bed?

The right bedding doesn’t just make your bedroom look amazing — it’s key to getting a great night’s sleep. Once you’ve got those quality sheets and super comfy pillows sorted, a cozy blanket is the final touch to pull everything together.

But before you grab just any topper, it’s good to know that the terms “comforter” and “duvet” are actually different bedding items, even though people often use the terms interchangeably. A duvet is made up of two pieces, while a comforter is just one. Plus, they differ in thickness, design and how they function.

Here, we break down the differences between a duvet and a comforter and provide a list of factors to consider when choosing between the two, including your budget, style and sleeping habits.

A duvet consists of two pieces: a duvet insert and a duvet cover. A duvet insert is a quilted blanket filled with down, feathers or synthetic fibers. The outer shell is usually white or cream, as it’s meant to be placed inside a decorative duvet cover. A duvet cover, which is basically a giant pillowcase for your duvet insert, keeps it protected and clean.

Most duvet covers have handy loops or tabs on the inside corners and sides to keep the insert in place. Button closures, zippers or fabric ties along the bottom make sure everything stays secure. Duvet covers come in a ton of fabrics and styles, so you can easily switch them out with the seasons or whenever you’re feeling like it’s time for a bedroom makeover.

A comforter is like a duvet insert, but with one big difference — it’s ready to use as is, no cover needed. A good comforter has a durable, decorative outer fabric and comes in all kinds of patterns and colors. You can find them in various levels of thickness and fluffiness, depending on your personal preference. Plus, comforters are often larger than duvets, designed to drape over the sides of your bed.

When choosing between a comforter and a duvet, it’s essential to think about your laundry routine and sleeping habits to find the best fit for your bed. From comfort to cleaning, here are the key factors to keep in mind as you shop:

✔️ Style

Your decision might ultimately come down to what you think looks best. Duvets usually appear thicker and fluffier, perfect if you love a cozy, plush look. Plus, you can easily swap out the duvet cover whenever you want a change. Comforters, on the other hand, are often larger than duvets and drape over the sides of the bed, giving a more finished look. Some comforters also feature intricate details like beading or embroidery. Since they’re not as thick, you might want to layer a comforter with throw blankets or quilts for added warmth.

✔️ Comfort

Duvets are typically thick and puffy, while comforters are usually a bit thinner. When choosing between the two, consider your body temperature and sleeping habits.

✔️ Cleaning

If you use a top sheet, duvets and comforters only need washing every two to three months, at most, since they won’t come into direct contact with your body. But if you skip the top sheet, a duvet cover is the better choice since you can easily wash it more often. On laundry day, just put the duvet cover in the wash and reattach it to the insert after — no need to wrestle with a bulky comforter in your machine or take it to the dry cleaner. One of the disadvantages is that it will take a few extra minutes to put the duvet cover back on, but it saves you from washing the duvet insert more than necessary.

✔️ Price

The cost of a comforter or duvet set can vary widely, but duvets are usually more expensive. When buying a duvet, you’ll typically need to purchase the insert and cover separately. The upside is that the insert — the pricier part — should last for years, and you can easily update your look by swapping out the cover whenever you want a fresh aesthetic.

✔️ Size

Duvet inserts tend to be thicker and fluffier than comforters. However, comforters are designed to hang over the sides of the bed and also tend to be larger than a standard duvet, making them a great option if you sleep with a partner.

Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com