While we've all heard the words "comforter" and "duvet" before, do we really know what the main differences are between them? It's okay if you're a little fuzzy on the details because we've outlined the main differences so you can finally choose a side in the great duvet vs comforter debate.
Duvet Vs Comforter
The main difference between the two is that one is essentially a giant bag stuffed with down and the other is actually a blanket filled with wool or down.
Duvet
A duvet is definitely something a lot of us have had in our homes before, but because they're commonly referred to as blankets or comforters, we might not have even noticed. Duvets are large white bags that are filled with down or synthetic fibers. The reason you may not have noticed is that duvets are often stuffed inside duvet covers, which can be an assortment of fabrics and designs.
Depending on the duvet that you buy, you could be spending over $100 on a duvet. Some of them will cost you about $80.00, but ones that are designed to keep you warmer will cost you closer to $200.00. There are also some duvets that come with sheet sets, though if you're wondering which sheets you should buy then you can always turn to the article we wrote about the best bedding!
Comforter
On the other hand, comforters are blankets that have feathers, wool, or down all stuffed inside fabric. Comforters don't need specific covers because they're already made from a variety of fabrics printed with cool designs that you can select from.
Comforters are also capable of offering more bang for your buck because a lot of them come in a bed-in-a-bag, which means you'll be getting a comforter and everything else you need for your bed. Some comforters will cost you about $60.00 and come with coverlets and shams. There are also some comforters available that won't even cost you $30.00, making it an easy win for some people in the duvet vs comforter debate!
Duvet Pros and Cons
If you're looking to get a duvet then there are some things you should know.
Pros
- If you're someone who doesn't like to make your bed or is indecisive about patterns, duvets are considered an easier blanket to use. You don't need to have a whole array of flat top sheets, shams, flat sheets and the like.
- You really only need the duvet cover to add to your room. Duvet covers come in a collection of different fabrics, so you can buy one that works best for your bedroom (or a few to mix things up) and you'll be pretty much all done!
- You shouldn't wash the actual duvet itself and really only need to wash the duvet cover, which also makes laundry a little easier.
- The warmth really depends on what the duvet is filled with. It's one of those blankets that might be great in the winter and then you can use the duvet cover on its own in the summer.
Cons
- Duvets have the potential to get really messy. With the down and the different sizes of duvet covers, it can be difficult to keep everything in place. If your duvet cover is a bit too large, the duvet itself can be tangled inside the cover and you'll need to rearrange everything more than once.
- Now, that's not to say that you shouldn't look for a duvet cover that does have a little leeway because you want to make sure your duvet stays puffed for maximum warmth. But finding a proper duvet cover can be difficult and, depending on the one you want, it can be expensive as well.
Comforter Pros and Cons
If you're leaning towards getting a comforter, then here are a few things you should know.
Pros
- if you're someone who likes to plan out what your bed looks like and want to have everything from the pillowcases to the top sheets match, then a comforter is the way to go. Not only can you mix and match to your preferences, but they often come in a bed-in-a-bag set so you can have a matching set!
- Comforters don't need to be accompanied by a top sheet which means that you don't have to worry about constantly shifting the comforter and its cover around. They stay in place and you can just drape it over your bed.
- You can easily wash most comforters without needing to strip off a cover first. Just plop it into the washing machine and wash with the rest of your loads.
- They're pretty inexpensive and if you grab them in a bed-in-a-bag set then you're getting even more bang for your buck.
Cons
- They're not always easy to wash. Though you can throw most comforters in the washing machine, some of them might prove to be a little too large for some machines, which means you may have to trek to the laundromat.
- Remember that not all comforters can be placed in the wash. Some of them need to be dry cleaned and only dry cleaned. If that's the case, it's recommended that you use some sort of cover like a top sheet. If you use a top sheet, then it could become a pain to have to make your bed in the morning because now you have to deal with arranging both covers as opposed to just one.
Which Is Better?
Well, it all comes down to which you'd like to deal with. If you're someone who likes simplicity and only having to pick up a cover or two, then a duvet is best. Though, if you're someone who likes order and planning a little more, you can grab a comforter. Both come with their pros and cons and it's up to you where you stand in the great duvet vs comforter debate.
We also wrote a piece about how to choose between a quilt, bedspread, or various blankets for your bed, so be sure to head over to that article if you're still a bit lost!