When it comes to bedding, many of us think the most important thing is choosing a certain color or style to match our décor but, beyond that, we should consider the kind of blanket we actually want: a duvet or comforter. But how do we know what is best? Here are some hints to help you decide.
Comforter – A comforter is a fluffy, thick blanket with a quilted top. It is used as the top blanket on your bed to give it some style, warmth, and finish.
Comforters are usually filled with synthetic fiber and are usually polyester or cotton blends that are quilted or sewn with a particular pattern across the comforter to hold the inside filling in place.
Comforters usually come in bedding set or with other items such as pillow covers and shams. That way, everything matches perfectly which is great when designing a bedroom.
Comforters can usually be thrown in the washing machine and then tossed into the dryer on low. You can also hang them out to dry if needed, which is always a nice choice because it soaks up that outside sunny smell. Generally, comforters are much easier to care for than duvets.
Duvet – A duvet softer and somewhat flatter than a comforter. The word translates to “down comforter” which is exactly what it is, an ultra-plush quilt filled with synthetic materials or other fillers such as feathers or wool.
Duvets are not usually quilted or stitched and are typically inserted into a cover. Since duvets are meant to be covered, they are usually only found in white, cream, or other neutral shades.
The cover and duvet itself are usually sold separately so you can choose the style and color you want and can easily switch them to match the seasons or your mood.
They are kind of like big, flat pillows and you can change the case as much as you want. Duvets are nice and warm so you most likely won’t need extra blankets. Skipping the top sheet reduces the number of layers on your bed, which is called European style.
Cleaning a duvet is easy if you have a cover on it, just remove it and throw it in the washer. The duvet itself has to be dry cleaned so they are a little more complicated but you won’t need to worry about it too often if you consistently use a cover.