What Is A Duvet Cover

Well if that doesn’t have your head spinning I don’t know what will! ha. Many of you were confused (after I posted our board and batten wall post) about the differences and why we use them. Personally, they are easier to clean (regardless if they are natural materials or synthetic materials), especially in our Airbnb and easy to swap out for seasonal design changes.

Duvet Vs Comforter

Let’s dive into what a duvet, comforter and duvet cover are with specific descriptions of each!

The image above shows a brown waffle duvet cover set (we have the green duvet too!) which is one of my favorites. If you are familiar with Restoration Hardware bedding, this duvet cover will not disappoint giving you that same feel and look.

*You can shop this entire room & the rooms below on our Amazon Storefront. Don’t see something on our storefront, email me and I’ll send you the link.

What is a Duvet

A duvet is the top layer of bedding. The duvet typically consists of fill material being goose down feathers or a hypoallergenic filler that gives you the same fluffy feel as feathers. I always buy hypoallergenic as I’m allergic to feathers.

When shopping for a duvet, be sure to read the washing instructions. Some require dry clean, which honestly, is not for me. I need to be able to remove, wash and put back on quickly.

What is A Duvet Insert

This brings me to the term “duvet insert.” Think of the top layer of bedding as two parts. Instead of one big heavy comforter (that is impossible to wash if a king size in a normal washing machine) the duvet insert acts as the “comforter” but has a separate cover (a duvet cover that you buy separately) that fits over the duvet insert and usually zippers, snaps or buttons closed.

Duvet Tie Loops
The loops attach to the ties on the Duvet Cover, keeping it in place

Duvet Inserts
We have several of the white inserts below but they come in different colors too! See Insert Here

What is a Duvet Cover

The duvet cover is a stylish cover (they come in a variety of colors and patterns) and is used for protecting an insert. It slips over the duvet insert and acts as a barrier protecting the insert from bodily fluids, dust and anything that comes in contact with it.

Can you use a duvet cover by itself? I suppose you could but it would be like a “top sheet” and you would freeze! ha. The purpose of a duvet cover is to add a patterned or solid color bedding theme to your bed and they are easier to wash vs a big bulky comforter. Plus, you can swap out the duvet covers for each season creating a mini bedroom refresh every few months.

Think of the duvet as the final layer of a bed. They coordinate perfectly with quilt or blanket and the option to pull up at night if cold, is amazing! If it’s a warmer night, simply leave at the foot of the bed. Plus, they look great!

Protect your duvet – I personally buy a zippered waterproof duvet insert cover to protect my “insert” investment. The first time someone spills liquid in the bed or worse, a kid has an accident, you will be happy you bought one!

Duvet Ties
The ties attach to the loops on the Duvet Insert, keeping it in place

My Duvet Cover below:
See Cover Here

It’s so simple to remove and wash a stylish duvet cover vs washing a big heavy comforter, especially at our Airbnb. I’ll share our Airbnb bedding tips and tricks in another post soon.

What is a Comforter

A comforter is just that, a traditional heavy thick blanket that traditionally comes with matching pillow shams and is impossible to wash and dry without taking hours. I’m not saying I don’t like them, I own plenty but they can be costly and never tend to wash well. For example, ever buy a comforter that is plush and fluffy until you wash it? I’ve had several that once washed, the inside material gets clumped together and never regains its “fluff.”

This particular set is very affordable and has a button enclosure with ties to attach the insert. I also have 2 sets of blue gingham duvet covers in the bunk room.

Duvet Ties
The ties attach to the loops on the Duvet Insert, keeping it in place

My Duvet Cover below:
See Cover Here

Here is an example below of how I used a duvet cover in our guest room below. This particular duvet cover is from Pottery Barn and it’s so simple to remove and wash. You can see the full room makeover by clicking through to this post, small guest bedroom makeover.

Curious how to store your duvets? I use these blanket storage bags that fit perfectly under the bed or in a closet.

More bedroom posts

How To Make A Bed Professionally

How to Paint over Blue Walls with White Paint – No streaks

Our 30 Minute Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Engineered vs Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

An alternative to purchasing a duvet insert would be to use an old comforter as the insert. I have done this before (any fluffy blanket will work) and while it works, it’s impossible to keep the insert in place and not get all bunched up at the bottom of the cover. A good duvet cover will come with ties or snaps inside that attach to a duvet cover, keeping it in place.