Decorate with a Duvet that Does its Duty

Duvets are very trendy and upscale, not only in name but in style

We're seeing duvets everywhere, even at the major discount chains. They are priced higher than comforters and some people may wonder what the differences are that warrant this special attention.

While you can find duvets (pronounced doo-VAY[s]) that are filled with synthetic fibers, that is not their intent. They have been popular in Europe for a very long time - centuries, in fact - due to the fact that the best duvets are filled with down. At the high end, goose down is used; the middle quality incorporates duck down, and on the lower end a down/feather or feather/down blend (ratios may be listed on some). Now, they're also manufactured with synthetic fibers.

Historically, duvets are the same as comforters and quilts with that exclusion. A comforter can be filled with any material and is historically not as temperature-friendly. Duvets, when filled with down and with a cotton cover will breathe. They will keep you warm when it's cold and just right when it's not. In addition, the loft and tog values will affect the comfort ranges. Tog ratings are scaled to indicate the ability to keep warm air trapped within. A higher tog rating means added warmth.

Like comforters, duvets are crafted using what is known as the baffle box. This is the stitching that runs in squares or channels through the outer and inner materials. The baffle is what prevents the filling from losing its form or migrating and clumping unevenly. When the interior shifts, you'll suffer cold spots while sleeping.

A duvet with down filling may need cleaning every third year or so - if it has a cover. Natural fills will also last longer than synthetic fibers and a good quality duvet can grow old gracefully with care - as long as thirty years. Do avoid sitting on a duvet or the down and/or feather fill will wear down and lose its ability to trap air for warmth.

Duvets are typically used instead of a top sheet and they are generally made of white fabrics. That is why duvet covers are most often used. The covers are washable while down-filled duvets must be cleaned professionally. There is often confusion between the terms: "duvet" and "duvet covers." Many people - and even some retailers - define a duvet as the cover. To set the record straight: the duvet is the "comforter" and the duvet cover is treated like a pillowcase to protect the duvet (or even a comforter).

You'll find silk and satin duvet covers that are very stylish and they are quite beautiful. However, they won't breathe like a cotton cover. Silk covers typically shouldn't be washed, but cotton covers are launderable at home.

Note that for those with allergies, down-filled duvets may not be a good choice. They can harbor dust mites and without frequent washing will only become worse.