How To Choose a Duvet: Six Essential Steps
Duvets have revolutionized the bedroom, making it easy to clean, change, and update bedding without all the bulk. These handy blankets work by sliding inside a duvet cover, making it easy to switch up your bedroom's style every season.
If you haven't used a duvet before, it may be frustrating to try to compare it to a quilt or comforter. You may be wondering what types of filling there are, what sizes are available, and how to spot quality duvets.
Southshore Fine Linens is here to help home decorators choose, use, and enjoy the perfect duvet in just a few essential steps.
How To Choose a Duvet Insert for Perfect Sleep
Duvets should be chosen based on your comfort preferences, sleeping environment, and budget. Follow these simple steps to find the perfect match for your needs:
1. Determine Your Preferred Fill Material
Duvets are available in a variety of fill materials, each with its unique characteristics. Here are a few different types of duvets available on the market:
- Cotton: A versatile and breathable option that is easy to clean and hypoallergenic
- Down and feathers: The ultimate luxury option for warmth, lightness, and coziness
- Microfiber: An affordable and easy-care option with hypoallergenic properties
- Silk: A luxurious and lightweight option that is great for temperature regulation
These fills range in price, quality, and warmth, so research each material carefully and choose according to your sleeping preferences.
2. Consider Your Sleep Environment
Your sleep environment plays a significant role in selecting the right duvet. For example, if you tend to sleep hot, you may want to opt for a lighter fill or a duvet with breath. If you sleep in a cooler climate, you may want to consider a heavier fill or one with insulating properties.
Additionally, if you have allergies or asthma, it's crucial to choose a hypoallergenic option that can help reduce allergens in your bedding. Consider selecting a duvet with an allergy-friendly certification for added peace of mind.
- Hot weather: Opt for a lighter duvet with breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo, or silk
- Cold weather: Choose a heavier duvet with insulating materials like down or wool
- Allergies/asthma: Look for hypoallergenic options like microfiber or down alternative fills
3. Determine the Appropriate Size
Duvets come in standard bedding sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king. While these are the most common sizes, measuring your mattress and bedding before purchasing a duvet is essential. A properly sized duvet should fit comfortably inside a duvet cover with some overhang for a polished look.
If you have an oversized or custom bed, consider purchasing a duvet one size larger for optimal coverage. Additionally, if you prefer your bedding to drape over the sides of your bed, opt for a larger size.
4. Research Duvets, Pricing, and Quality
Like any other bedding item, duvets vary in price, quality, and features. When comparing options, consider researching the following:
- Fill power: The higher the fill power (the amount of down per ounce), the fluffier and warmer the duvet will be
- Thread count: A higher thread count indicates a smoother, more durable cover
- Certifications: Look for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard or NOMITE to ensure ethical and eco-friendly production methods
- Brand reputation: Research the brand's reputation, customer reviews, and return policies before purchasing
These variables can impact your duvet's overall quality, performance, and longevity.
5. Read Honest Product Reviews
Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to read reviews from other customers. This can provide valuable insight into the quality and comfort of the duvet, as well as any potential issues or concerns.
6. Make Your Choice and Enjoy Your New Duvet
After considering all of the above factors, it's time for the fun part — purchasing a duvet to enhance your nightly experience. While this duvet-buying guide offers helpful considerations, go with your gut and choose the duvet that feels right for you.
Don't forget to grab a duvet cover set to complete your bedding ensemble!
Shop now for our fashionable duvet covers!
What Is the Best Filling for a Duvet?
Cotton is one of the best all-around fill options for a duvet insert. It's lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean since the duvet cover filling can be washed in a washing machine and dryer. This is a great choice for those who need more durable bedding for kids and pets.
If you're looking for something more luxurious, down and feather-fill options are perfect for their warmth and fluffiness. These are made from duck or goose feathers and are a great choice for people in colder climates. They also tend to have higher fill power, which means they are lighter, more voluminous, and offer more warmth overall.
Create the perfect sleep sanctuary shopping with Southshore Fine Linens today.
What Duvet Thickness Should I Get?
The thickness of your duvet is typically measured by its tog rating (thermal overall grade), which indicates its warmth level. The tog rating scale ranges from 1 tog (coolest) to 15 tog (warmest).
Choosing the right duvet thickness depends on your personal comfort levels and the season:
- Summer: For warmer months, a duvet with a tog rating of 2.5 tog to 4.5 tog is usually sufficient as it provides a lighter cover
- Winter: During colder seasons, a higher tog rating between 9 and 13.5 tog is recommended for extra warmth
- Year-round: If you're looking for a versatile option that can be used throughout the year, a duvet with a tog rating of 10 to 13.5 is commonly chosen
Contrary to common belief, the tog rating isn't an indicator of a duvet's thickness or quality. Instead, it's a measure to gauge the duvet's capacity to trap warm air. So don't let its numerical value be the sole deciding factor in your purchase. Consider the filling material, weight, and personal preferences for a well-rounded decision.
Decorate Your Dream Bedroom With Southshore Fine Linens
Now that you know how to buy a duvet, it's time to beautify the rest of your bed. Southshore Fine Linens offers every accessory you need to create your dream bedroom.
From comfortable bed sheets to stylish duvet covers to warm down comforters, we have the most luxuriously soft bedding to make your room feel like an oasis.
