Figuring out what bedding layers to use can be tough. First, everyone's sleep preferences are different, and second, the options (and their names) can be confusing. This blog clears the air on what a duvet cover is, what it's for, and why you might want to use one.
What Is a Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover is a washable cover for a quilted duvet insert. Its purpose is to protect the insert (which may or may not be machine-washable) from dust, stains, sweat, and other residues. Available in several materials, it also provides softness, breathability, and often moisture-wicking absorption.
What Is a Duvet Cover Set?
A duvet cover set is a bedding bundle with a duvet cover and one or two matching shams (decorative pillowcases) in the same fabric and color. Twin and twin XL sets typically come with one sham. Full, queen, and king sets have two. You can choose from linen, Turkish cotton, and organic cotton.
See our Fabric and Bedding Materials Guide for insight into the various fabrics available.
What Is a Duvet Insert?
A duvet insert is a quilted insulating bedspread. The French term duvet translates to "down," referring to the ultra-soft undercoats of geese and ducks. You can find options filled with down or down-alternative fibers. A duvet may or may not be machine-washable and usually goes inside a duvet cover.
Duvet vs. Comforter
Lots of people get duvets and comforters confused. While there are some differences between the two, the terms are often used interchangeably.
A duvet is traditionally viewed as an insert, meaning it goes inside a washable duvet cover. A comforter, on the other hand, can sometimes be used without a cover. It may feature a solid color or pattern and can be tossed in the washing machine and tumble-dried as needed.
But in today's world, duvets and comforters often mean the same thing: a fluffy, quilted, fiber-filled insert that offers insulation and goes inside a washable cover.
For more info on comforters, read our article What is a Comforter? Or check out Down Comforter 101: What Is Fill Power?
High-Quality Bedding and Inserts From Parachute
Now that you know what the different types of bedspreads are and what goes inside a duvet cover, you're ready to start exploring options for your own bed. Parachute carries down-filled comforters, down-alternative duvet inserts, duvet covers, and bedding bundles with matching shams and individual pieces, allowing you to mix and match with different bed linens.
When you browse the selection, you'll find duvet covers and sheets woven from high-quality, earth-sourced materials. This includes linen, percale, sateen, brushed cotton, and organic cotton, all Oeko-Tex certified for chemical safety.
Shop the bedding collection today!
Read Next:
How to Pick the Right Layer for You
Linen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Percale: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Sateen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Brushed Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
What Is Oeko-Tex? Learn About This Textile Certification Standard