Comforter vs. duvet: Differences and how to choose

Struggling with whether to opt for a comforter or a duvet? We’ve got you covered—literally and figuratively. The main difference between the two is that a duvet cover is a decorative, open-ended sheet designed to hold a thicker insert, while a comforter is a single piece of plush bedding with no interchangeable features.

Still not sure which cover option you should go with in your bedroom? We’ll help you make the perfect choice for your space and unique needs.

What is a comforter?

A comforter is essentially a thick blanket designed to cover your entire bed and serve as your main source of warmth. Its decorative outer layer is stitched around fill materials like wool, cotton, down feathers or—like many of our comforter lines—soft, durable polyester.

Comforters are designed to fit the dimensions of a specific bed type with a little excess so they drape over the sides of the mattress. You want just enough blanket to snuggle up in, but not so much that it hangs down to the floor. That's why picking the right size cover is so important—while a comforter meant for a full bed, for example, would still fit the dimensions of a queen, you want to ensure the cleanest look while giving you and your partner (or pet!) just the right amount of coverage.

Pros and cons of a comforter

You can’t go wrong with a lush, comfy comforter that perfectly complements your bedroom’s aesthetic, but there are definitely a few factors to consider when you’re comparing comforters to duvets.

Pros:

• Easy to maintain
• Consistent year-round warmth
• Infinitely layerable with quilts and coverlets
• Filling stays put with consistent thickness throughout
• May be available as part of a complete bed sheet set
• Ready to use as is
• Simple to change out, replace, transfer to another bed or return to your bed after laundering
• Usually has better coverage than a duvet

Cons:

• Changing out means buying an entirely new piece
• May be too hot during warmer months
• Can take a long time to launder
• Requires more frequent cleaning
• May gradually get flatter
• Bulkier and harder to store
• Less versatile

What is a duvet?

Duvet covers differ from comforters in that they’re a little smaller, are relatively thin on their own and can be swapped out to fit around the same insert. You can think of them like a blanket version of a pillowcase or sham.

Duvets are functionally very similar to comforters in that they also serve as the top layer on a bed and offer a combination of warmth and style. But because you can easily replace the cover, swap between All Season or Extra Warm inserts, or remove the insert entirely, you gain a lot of flexibility as the weather—or even your bedroom’s style—changes.

Pros and cons of a duvet

Still not sure if a duvet is the right choice for your bed? Here are a few more nuts and bolts to consider before you make your choice.

Pros:

• Can adjust warmth level by removing or changing inserts
• Laundering is extra quick
• Requires less frequent washing
• Lightweight and storage-friendly
• Can replace an old insert without having to buy a new cover
• Offers a wider range of styles

Cons:

• Requires slightly more maintenance
• Changing takes a little longer
• Insert can bunch up at times
• Less consistent thickness
• Tends to be smaller
• May require a separate insert

How to put on a duvet cover

Putting a duvet cover on can be tricky, time-consuming and frustrating—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the easiest ways to get an insert back into its duvet cover is to flip the covering inside out and then line up the insert on top of it. If your cover has strings in the corners, tie them to the insert’s corners. 

Reach through the open end of the cover and grab the far corners, then pull them back through the opening, bringing the covering over the insert as you go. Once you’ve got it straightened out, just button or zip the cover back up and shake it out to make sure there’s no bunching inside.

Do you put a comforter in a duvet?

You could technically put a comforter inside of a duvet, but comforters are meant to be used without an exterior covering. And if the two pieces were meant for the same size bed, it would be difficult to fit the comforter inside because they tend to run larger than duvet covers.

Duvet inserts, on the other hand, are specifically designed to fit perfectly inside of their covers. So if you want to bring a little more warmth for the cold months, look for an insert that matches your cover size. And if you want to add another dimension to your comforter, consider layering it with a coverlet.

Comforter vs. duvet: How to choose

Choosing between a comforter and a duvet cover really comes down to your priorities and how you like to manage room aesthetics throughout the year. Do you like mixing things up and making frequent design changes, or do you prefer to keep things consistent? Remember that switching out comforters requires a pretty significant amount of storage space, but you can keep a whole drawer full of duvet cover options to switch out with the seasons. 

Another major consideration is temperature control. If your home stays at a pretty consistent temperature throughout the year, then you shouldn’t have to worry about adjusting your main warmth layer. But if you like to keep cool with lighter, more breathable bedding during the hotter months and then curl up in heavier, more pillowy bedding as winter weather sets in, you’ll love the versatility of a duvet.

Hopefully this helped solve the duvet vs. comforter debate. Whether you decide to go with a comforter or a duvet, both options can complement your bedroom design perfectly. And while one may be slightly better suited to your needs than the other, remember that your bedding choice can be further tailored to your space by layering it with quilts or coverlets!

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