Comforters vs Duvets vs Duvet covers: What's the Difference Between Them?

For many of us, it’s confusing whether to get a “comforter” or a “duvet” since these two terms are often used interchangeably and sometimes even labeled as the same thing. However, they are very much different from each other.

What’s the difference between them? Which one is better? Now let’s take steps to clear it up and find out what works best for your bed.

What is a comforter?

A comforter refers to a quilted, thick and fluffy blanket that is used to lay on top of the bed for warmth or decoration. It’s filled with synthetic fiber materials like polyester or cotton blends, which are usually evenly distributed and secured in place through quilting or stitching.

A comforter comes as a whole piece, while it’s often sold in bedding set with matching pieces such as sheets and pillowcases. It’s designed to be the final piece of the bed, laying on top of any other bedding. In this way, decorating the bed becomes a fairly easy thing.

What is a duvet?

Originated in Europe, the duvet refers to a soft, fluffy quilt usually filled with powerful natural insulating materials such as down, down feathers and wool.

Duvets, unlike comforters, are not supposed to be quilted or stitched. Instead, they are less-finished meant to be an insert enclosed in a removable and washable cover, which is called a duvet cover.

A duvet is a single covering instead of multiple bedding pieces and layers, so it will be much easier and faster to manage and make your bed with a duvet.

What is a duvet cover?

A duvet cover is a protective sleeve slipping over the duvet, just as a pillow sham on the pillow. It usually has a closure with zippers, ties or buttons.

Duvet covers are multi-functional. They can keep the duvet clean during use and change the look of your bedding without replacing the thick duvet. In addition, a duvet cover is easy to remove and clean. Therefore, you can switch your bedding styles easily by changing a new duvet cover.

The Sizes of Comforter, Duvet and Duvet Cover

The chart above lists the sizes most commonly used, namely, the standard sizes. Measured manually, it might have a 1–2-inch difference.

Comforter vs. Duvet: The Main Difference and Their Pros and Cons

The main difference between these two bedding items is that the comforter is meant to be used as one piece, while a duvet is meant to be used with a cover. Also, the comforter can be layered with other bedding, but the duvet doesn’t need to be paired with anything else.

Now you may wonder which is better to choose when buying new bedding. To answer this, we need to take an in-depth look at their pros and cons.

Comforter

Pros:

Ready to use as one piece, no assembly needed;

Comes with matching bedding set;

Hangs over your bed for a more decorative look;

Can be used to make layered styling bedding.

Cons:

Difficult to clean;

Not warm enough for colder weather. Needs to be paired with top sheets, blankets or quilts.

Duvet

Pros:

Easy to clean.

Easy to make the bed. No need for additional bedding pieces.

Changes your bedding style with ease;

Fluffer and warmer during winter months;

Cons:

May be hard to assemble;

The filling may clump or bunch up.

After comparing the two bedding items, it’s obvious that choosing a comforter or a duvet depends on personal preferences.

If you prefer the ease of care and style changing, a duvet is a perfect choice. If you want the simplicity of use and layered styling, then go for a comforter.