
Although people tend to use the terms interchangeably and both have different uses, Buzzle does a duvet cover vs. comforter analysis to help you out.
French Origin
The term duvet originated from an Old French word, which referred to “down feather” that was used as filling for bedding.
Both a duvet and comforter are types of blankets, and thus, it is very possible for people to confuse the two terms. However, the problem may arise when you need to choose between the two and can’t tell one from the other. Although a duvet as well as a comforter are used for bedding, the two serve different purposes and require to be handled differently. This Buzzle home guide discusses the differences between a duvet and comforter.
Comforter and Cover
A comforter is a type of bed linen that is used for spreading as a bedspread or over thinner bedspreads and layers of blankets. A comforter is always larger than the bed size and is meant to cover the sides of the bed to create a wrapping effect. Such bed linens are thick blankets that are often quilted and fluffy.
Duvet and Cover
A duvet is essentially a fluffy and bulky bag that is intended to replace all other underlying blankets with one top layer. Thus, it’s possible to dispense with additional layers of bedding such as sheets, quilts, bed covers, and blankets. Duvets are always sold with removable and elaborate covers that come with matching pillow covers as well. A duvet cover helps keep the inner layer clean for longer.
Duvet Cover Vs. Comforter
Purpose
Being more thick, a duvet can be used as a blanket as well as a bedding, thereby, making it unnecessary to use other bedding layers under it.
However, a comforter is merely a type of blanket that provides limited insulation and cannot replace the need for additional layers of bedding.
Size
A duvet is designed to fit the size specifications of a bed. It is, thus, sold in King, Queen, Twin, and other fixed sizes. Therefore, unlike comforters, duvets do not spill much over the sides of the bed.
As mentioned earlier, a comforter is always larger than the actual size of the bed and may sometimes, even reach 3/4th of the bed near the floor. That being said, comforters are sold as per bed sizes as well. These large blankets drape all sides of the beds, thereby, hiding the under layers of the bedding from plain sight.
Filling
A duvet provides exceptional insulation from the cold, because it is filled with down, other soft feathers, wool, or synthetic fiber.
Comforters are often filled with synthetic fiber, cotton, and goose down, that helps keep the user warm in mildly cool weather. These bedding are tied or stitched to evenly spread the filling and keep them in place.
Washing
Duvet covers feature buttons and zippers, which make it easier to remove these covers and wash them. However, the duvet in itself must not be washed unless specifically mentioned on the label as ‘washable’. The reason being, a duvet is made of soft, natural filling, which may transform into clumps after drying.
On the other hand, a comforter can be washed with ease and along with the other bed linen. Like duvets, comforters too have sham covers that are sold in sets to match with pillows. Being the main bedspread, people who like changing the look of their bedding can find several attractive comforter and pillow cover sets in various patterns and colors. The covers can be washed without any special care.
Since a duvet is used as a blanket as well as an alternative for other bed linens, it is comparatively more expensive than a comforter. Some duvets are as large as comforters and can drape the entire bed and almost reach the floor. If you prefer this type of look, make sure you find duvet covers of the same size.