A guide to duvets and comforters for the tired and confused
It may not be an everyday decision, but choosing bedding is perhaps more complicated than it may appear at first sight. This is definitely the case when you consider how terminology varies from country to country, or even from one region to another. Take for instance the distinction between duvets and comforters. Many of us and even some retailers struggle to be precise.
Here is a quick run through the differences.
- A duvet is a plain fabric “bag” filled with either natural or synthetic fibre. A comforter is also filled, but has a permanent design printed or stitched on them. These designs are often intricate and attractive, and form a good part of the comforter’s appeal.
- Duvets are used without a top sheet as they are designed to be used inside a separate cover. Comforters are used with a top sheet or even another blanket.
- Comforters are typically oversized for the bed so they drape down, whilst duvets are typically a neat fit.
- Duvets can be added to a bed with a comforter if it gets particularly cold, but usually they are used to replace a comforter altogether. They come in different togs (levels of thickness) so you can have the appropriate level of bedding for the season, stores like Tesco have a wide range to choose from.
- Duvets were originally filled with down feathers or even silk, which meant that washing was not recommended – the cover could be easily changed and washed instead. Comforters are typically fully washable, although you might struggle to get a king sized one in a domestic washing machine! Nowadays both types of bedding are available with synthetic fillings so care is not such an issue, although over enthusiastic washing can cause the filling to clump. This reduces thermal efficiency… and doesn’t feel very good either!
So which to choose? The price of comforters varies widely depending on the quality, size and design, but leaving aside issues of cost it’s all down to your preference. Matching your décor should be possible with either product – if you like the feel and fragrance of regularly changed fresh sheets, then maybe a comforter is for you. On the other hand the soft cosy cloud of a duvet, matched for the ambient temperature can be a luxurious bedtime experience. And of course there is no rule that says you can’t put a duvet on top of a comforter, to truly achieve the best of both worlds. Not to mention the sleep of your dreams.
Image by MAZZALIARMADI.IT used under the Creative Commons license
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