Duvet Guide

How to Choose the Perfect Duvet

A good night’s sleep will do you a world of good, and it all starts with the right duvet! Use this guide to read up on everything from filling and sizing to warmth and weight — and sleep easy knowing you have the knowledge you need to choose the perfect duvet.

Duvet Fill
Types

Our Duvet
Certifications

Duvet Warmth
& Weights

Duvet
Construction

Duvet Sizing

Duvet 101

What’s the difference between a duvet and a comforter? Wait, they’re not the same thing? Not exactly! A duvet is usually white, filled with down or an alternative, and calls for a duvet cover. This makes it easy to keep clean and switch up the look of your bed whenever you like.

A comforter, on the other hand, is typically quilted, filled with synthetic fibers, and features a pattern or design already.

So which option is better? It depends on your personal preferences. But we prefer duvets for their versatility and ease of care. Not to mention, using a duvet cover is a good way to protect your investment.

Fun fact: Ever wonder the difference between comforters and duvets? Our neighbours in the U.S. often use the word “comforter” to refer to a “duvet”! They also use the term “duvet insert” on occasion.

We make our duvets with only the best, most-trusted materials. That’s a pretty bold statement, but as you’ll see in a moment, we have the certifications to back it up. We also pay special attention to all the little details, from handy anchor loops that attach to our duvet covers to prevent slippage, and double-piped bound edges for an extra quality edge.

Read on to discover everything our duvets have to offer!

Duvet Fill Types

Why choose a silk duvet?

Did you know silk is the strongest natural fiber in the world? As you can imagine, that means our silk duvets are incredibly durable and long-lasting. What’s more, this type of duvet is naturally hypoallergenic, as silk fibers are highly resistant to dust mites and bacteria.

Silk also possesses exceptional temperature regulating properties. Silk duvets adjust to a sleeper’s body temperature, keeping warm sleepers cool and cool sleepers warm year-round. For those who run hot or share a bed, a silk duvet may be just the thing!

Can I wash a silk duvet?

When used with a duvet cover, a silk duvet almost never needs cleaning! For any rogue spills, simply spot clean with a white, damp cloth. To freshen up a silk duvet, air it out in the sun periodically. For detailed care instructions, visit this page.

Our Silk Duvets

Fill type:

100% mulberry silk

Warmth options:

Light warmth & year round

GSM* available:

175, 200, 350, and 380 GSM

Has a comforting weight and lies flatter on the bed for a sculpted look
Zippered pocket opening to ensure the quality of the silk filling
Handy anchor loops to secure a duvet cover in place
OEKO-TEX® Certified

*GSM stands for Grams Per Square Meter! For our duvets, GSM describes the weight of the fill, and doesn’t take into account the weight of a duvet’s shell.

Why choose a down duvet?

A classic, time-tested choice, down duvets provide superior insulation and will keep you warm on even the coldest nights. Down’s natural loft creates a full, fluffy look that many associate with a stay at a luxury hotel. So this option is both functional and beautiful!

Down is also highly breathable with excellent moisture wicking properties, so you don’t need to worry about overheating either. Simply choose the right warmth for the season (or your sleeping style!) and enjoy a blissful night’s sleep. Last but not least, a down duvet will last for decades with proper care, making it a sound investment.

Can I wash a down duvet?

Yes, our down duvets are machine washable and dryable. However, with careful use, a down duvet should only require washing every five to ten years. Always be sure to follow care instructions closely for best results. Visit this page for detailed instructions!

Our Down Duvets

Fill type:

Premium white goose down or a down blend

Warmth options:

Light warmth, year round warmth, and extra warmth

Fill Power* :

550+, 600+, 650+, 700+, 800+

Offers warmth without weight and a full, fluffy look
Offers warmth without weight and a full, fluffy look
Downproof, 100% cotton shells
Handy anchor loops to secure a duvet cover in place
Responsible Down Standard, Downmark™, and OEKO-TEX™ Certified

*Fill power describes the fluffiness or loft of down. It’s determined by measuring how much air an ounce of down can hold. The bigger the down clusters, the higher the fill power and the fluffier and warmer the duvet!

Why choose a down alternative duvet?

There are a few reasons you might choose a down alternative duvet. If you’re looking for an option with no animal by-products, a microgel or bamboo duvet fits the bill. (The bill won’t be too big either!) Wool is another great option. Though technically an animal by-product, wool is animal-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable.

Down alternatives are all hypoallergenic and come in a variety of warmths and weights. If you go with a wool duvet, you’ll enjoy excellent breathability, moisture-wicking, and a sleek, flat drape. Meanwhile, microgel and bamboo duvets mimic the properties of down, so they have a more classic, fluffy look!

Can I wash a down alternative duvet?

Yes, most down alternative duvets are machine washable! Wool duvets should be dry-cleaned or spot-cleaned only. Again, it’s important to follow care instructions closely to preserve your duvet. For more details on duvet care, visit this page.

Our Down Alternative Duvets

Fill type:

Microgel, bamboo, bamboo charcoal, or pure Australian wool

Warmth options:

Light warmth and year round warmth

GSM* available:

200, 240, 250, and 300 GSM

Medium weight with options comparable to the look of down
Handy anchor loops to secure a duvet cover in place
Synthetic options with no animal by-products
OEKO-TEX® Certified

*GSM stands for Grams Per Square Meter! For our duvets, GSM describes the weight of the fill, and doesn’t take into account the weight of a duvet’s shell.

What do our duvet certifications mean?

Click each logo to learn more!

Responsible Down Standard Certified

The Responsible Down Standard certification ensures a company follows best practices in animal welfare and products contain only certified material.

Downmark® Certified

Downmark® certification ensures a product has been finished in Canada with genuine, high-quality down or feather materials.

OEKO-TEX® Certified

OEKO-TEX® certification ensures a textile has been verified in an independent laboratory and is free of any harmful substances.

Duvet Warmth and Weights

Everyone sleeps differently. Some run hot and sleep best with light layers. Others can never get warm enough and need extra layers. Many fall somewhere in between and may benefit from switching duvets depending on the season.

As a general rule of thumb, if you’re a hot sleeper, go for a light warmth duvet. If you’re a cold sleeper, an extra warmth duvet is your best bet. For those who fall in between, a year round warmth duvet may be just right.

That said, there are a few other factors to take into consideration before choosing your warmth. For starters, what’s the climate like where you live? If you’re an east coaster, a year round warmth duvet may not cut it in the dead of winter. But if you live on the milder west coast, chances are you can get away with it!

You’ll also want to consider how many layers you sleep with. If you like using an extra blanket or throw or even have a thicker jacquard duvet cover, you may enjoy a lighter warmth duvet. Note, if you have a down duvet, avoid adding heavy layers on top of it, as this can compress the down, which reduces insulation.

Whether you sleep with a partner is another consideration. Another body in a bed generates more heat, so for co-sleepers, a synthetic or extra warmth duvet can get a little toasty. All this to say, if you share a bed, you’ll want to choose a breathable, temperature-regulating option like down or silk!

Our duvet warmth levels

Light Warmth

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Year-Round Warmth

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Extra Warmth

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What duvet weight should I choose?

Time to weigh in! Do you like your duvet light and fluffy, like a cloud? Then, definitely go for down. Microgel and bamboo mimic the loftiness of down but are a little heavier, so if you like a smidge more weight on your body, these duvets could be good options.

On the other hand, if you love the comforting feel of heavy blankets, you’ll want to choose a heavier duvet. Nodding along? Then, give silk a try! Silk duvets have the most weight to them — although this also varies based on warmth level.

Our duvets by weight

Lightweight

Down Duvets | Shop Now

Medium Weight

Down Alternative Duvets | Shop Now

Weightiest

Silk Duvets | Shop Now

Cachet Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

Wow!!! It is everything I hoped it would be. My bed is now like being in a luxury hotel. The weight is exactly right and the duvet stays put perfectly all night. - Jennifer

Pearl Mulberry Silk Duvet

This is the second mulberry silk duvet I've bought from QE Home. It does the job satisfactorily of keeping me warm - great in the summer (doesn't get too hot) and perfect in the winter. If it gets really cold at night, I now have a weighted blanket as well to see me through.- Susan

Bamboo Charcoal Duvet

This has definitely been the best bedding purchase I have made to date. I naturally run hot, so I like to be cool when I sleep. This duvet is the only one that has been able to keep me cool through the whole night. - Jordan

Pure Australian Wool Duvet

This was the best purchase ever. It is so comfortable. I love the warmth it provides, how it feels on my skin. It makes me not want to get out of bed! - Jackie

Carmanah Microgel Duvet

The duvet is perfect! It feels like sleeping in a cloud ☁️ and it’s not too heavy. Their service is also incredible! They made sure they had all the right shipping information and got it sent to us in great time. Highly recommend! - Natalie

Duvet Construction

The key with duvet construction is achieving an even distribution of the fill (AKA warmth!). And depending which duvet fill you go for, there are a few different techniques to choose from. With down duvets, there are two main types of construction: baffle box and stitch box. Both are pretty much what they sound like!

Baffle box construction involves a series of “boxes” created by stitching internal walls of fabric inside a duvet. These boxes allow down to loft to its full extent and remain evenly distributed, preventing any cold spots. So this technique is perfect for colder sleepers, cooler weather, or anyone who likes an even feeling of warmth.

Close-up of clean sew lines on baffle box stitching on our Prestige Down Duvet.

Prestige Duvet - Baffle Box Construction

Stitch box construction also involves a series of boxes or pockets for the down. The difference is, these pockets are created by stitching directly through the top and bottom layers of the duvet shell. With this method, down may be scarce along the sew lines, creating some cool spots and a more sculpted look. But if you sleep on the warm side, this can be an advantage!

Close-up of elegant hand sewn lines on our Fortuna Duvet.

Chinook Duvet - Stitched Box Construction

Our silk duvets use either stitch box, ring stitch, or even, hand stitch construction. Ring stitch involves a series of small rings stitched into the top and bottom layer of the duvet, which prevents the silk floss from shifting. However, like stitch box construction, silk floss may be scarce along sew lines. So again, this method may be better for warmer sleepers or climates.

Close-up of diamond sew lines on stitched box stitching on our Chinook Duvet.

Meridian Duvet - Ring Stitching

Only our most premium silk duvet is hand stitched to create a series of evenly spaced loops throughout the top and bottom of the duvet. This secures the silk floss and creates a perfectly even layer of warmth. Like baffle box construction, there are no cold spots with this method.

Close-up of a circular ring stitch line on our Meridian Duvet.

Fortuna Duvet - Hand Stitching

What about the fabric shell of a duvet?

Also known as the “ticking”, the fabric shell of a duvet contributes to your overall comfort! There are a couple factors to consider here, first being the thread count. Anything above 220TC will be down-proof ー and rest assured, all our duvets meet this criteria.

The higher the thread count, the softer and lighter the shell. Softness isn’t as big a concern, as you’ll be using a duvet cover. But a lighter shell will allow down or alternative fills to achieve greater loft and a fluffier look.

Second, consider the fabric! Most of our duvets are made with breathable, 100% cotton shells, woven in a sateen or jacquard. A sateen shell will be a little lighter, while a jacquard adds more weight and warmth to a duvet.

Close-up of a Jacquard fabric duvet shell.

Jacquard Shell

Close-up of a Sateen fabric duvet shell.

Sateen Shell

We also have natural alternatives, like bamboo. Our bamboo duvets are made with 100% bamboo rayon shells. These shells are slightly less breathable than cotton, but they have excellent moisture-wicking properties.

In the end, a duvet shell isn’t quite as important as the fill. But understanding what makes a shell down-proof, how different weaves affect warmth and weight, and which fabrics breathe best can help inform your decision!

Duvet Sizing

What size duvet should I choose?

This might seem like a simple question. If you have a queen size bed, you should get a queen size duvet, right? Maybe! But maybe not…

In some cases, you may want to size up. If you like a duvet that cascades over the sides of your bed or you share a bed and find yourself fighting over blankets, sizing up is a great option. If you prefer your duvet to fit without too much overhang, stick to the same size as your bed.

Our Duvet Sizes

T D Q K SK

Twin: 62” W x 88” L
Double: 78” W x 88” L
Queen: 90” W x 90” L
King: 106” W x 90” L
Super King: 114” W x 93” L

Overhead view of a white bed over a hardwood floor, with a duvet layed flat over top without a duvet cover.

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