Ever since I left home and branched out on my own, I’ve used duvets with duvet covers on my beds. I enjoy being able to easily change the style of my bed by swapping out the duvet cover, which folds neatly and stores easily in my cabinet until my mood changes. Like many others, I’ve stuck to what I know and like when it comes to my bedding choices.
But, am I missing out by ignoring the other options? There’s more to the top of the bed than I’ve allowed myself to explore, and it could be that my climate and sleep patterns would be better suited to a different solution. To find out, I explored the pros and cons of each type of bedding, because at the end of the day, function is equally important as fashion.
1. Quilts
A quilt is made by sandwiching batting between two layers of fabric. The fabric is sewn with stitching to create a design, or if handmade, can be a patchwork of fabrics sewn together. They are used alone, without the need for another covering over the quilt, and are lightweight. Quilts may be a good option for you if you sleep hot, or live in a very warm climate.
Pros: Lightweight; are often reversible with a different pattern on opposite sides; are used alone.
Cons: Washing quilts can be difficult, as they usually don’t fit in standard washing machines. If you like to sleep with a warmer bed covering or live in a cold climate, a quilt may not be your best option.
2. Comforters
Comforters, like quilts, do not need a separate cover to be used. They are made by sandwiching down or down alternative between two layers of fabric, though they can also be filled with cotton or wool. Usually there will be some sort of stitching or chambers inside to keep the fill from shifting around in between the outer fabric. You can find comforters in many different patterns and styles to suit your tastes. Typically, comforters are lightweight and used with a flat sheet to both provide extra warmth, and keep the comforter cleaner for longer. Most likely you’ll need to take the comforter to a cleaners to be washed. Even though they tend to be machine washable, they typically won’t fit in most standard home washing machines.
Pros: Lightweight and good for warm climates; they come in a wide variety of styles; doesn’t need an extra cover, can be used with a flat sheet to prolong cleanliness; often come as part of a bedding set which can be economical.
Cons: Cannot usually be washed at home; filling can flatten over time.
3. Duvet Inserts with Duvet Covers
A duvet is much like a comforter. They are filled with down or down alternative, and are usually stitched in squares or another pattern to prevent the down from bunching within the duvet. They usually are heavier weight and warmer, however it is possible to find lighter weight duvets. The main difference is that a duvet must be used with a duvet cover. Duvet covers not only prolong the life of the duvet, making it so that it requires less washing and providing protection to the duvet insert, they also are easy to change out more frequently.
Pros: Provide more warmth in colder climates; duvet cover is easily removed to wash in home washing machines; can change styles easily; can be used with or without a flat sheet.
Cons: Down filled duvets can be more expensive; could be too warm in hot climates; some people could find it difficult to insert and remove the duvet from the cover.