Duvet cover guide

What is a duvet cover?

Duvet covers are casings to put around the duvet to help keep it fresh and stop touching the skin. Duvet covers can be chosen by what type of material they use, how decorative they are or based on weight; a heavier duvet cover will provide more warmth during the winter months.

How do I choose the best duvet covers?

There are many options to suit any budget, and you can think about if you would like a duvet suited for Luxury or allergy sufferers. There are different materials for filling a duvet. Down and feather duvets can be traditionally comfortable, but they can be unpleasant if you suffer from allergies.

If your duvet is a super king, you'll find options a bit more limited; the most common sizes for retailers are single, double and king sizes.

Change the style of your bedroom with a new duvet cover.

The duvet cover isn't just functional. It can also create visual appeal in your bedroom too. There are countless designs to choose from; you can even get your images printed on them for the ultra personalised look, so finding something to match your style will be simple.

Does a high thread count mean higher quality?

The fabric's standards highly determine quality. Having fewer threads is advisable at the hotel because it tends to be lighter, robust, and softer than other sheets. Misinterpretation has been made that high thread counts are synonymous with quality, which often can be the case; however, having a high thread count doesn't guarantee a high-quality duvet cover.

 Fibre

For a duvet cover with a softer feel, you'll want one with more delicate fibres that you can snuggle up with better.

Weight

A heavier duvet cover will mean hotter under the covers, suitable for winter but not for the warmer summer months.

Thread count

Thread count means the density per square inch of the threads. A higher thread count can often be smoother and softer.

Finish

This critical step determines the sheet's final texture, colour, and softness, resulting in a unique feel providing comfort.

Plain, patterned or colourful?

Duvet covers can be used in rooms as a decoration. If choosing plain or pattern bedding in the bedrooms, you need to assess how well it reflects your décor and your guests' expectations and matches your style.

Plain and simple

Crisp white linens are a timeless favourite, as they provide a feeling of freshness and minimalism. Though a simple appearance, less is often better for room décor and white linen can add colour by adding cushions, rugs or curtains.

Patterns and textures

Patterned sheets are a perfect choice for more visual appeal. Geometric bed linens can often give your home a modern feel. Ruffled and seersucker designs can be a good option if you need some extra texture in your linens.

SINGLE

135 x 200cm

DOUBLE

200 x 200cm

KINGSIZE

230 x 220cm

SUPER KING SIZE

260 x 200cm

Standard: 50 x 75cm

Oxford: 50 x 75cm (excluding border)

Square Oxford: 65 x 65cm (excluding border)

Kingsize: 50 x 90cm

Types of Duvet Covers

Perhaps you're not aware that there are different types of duvets to choose from. Some can be pretty expensive but choosing the right one for your bed is vital to getting a good night's sleep and enjoying your time when you get into bed.

Cotton duvet covers

Cotton is a great natural material, breathable and comfortable. Cotton is a great natural fibre that keeps you warm and cosy when sleeping. However, cotton can become very heavy on the duvet cover, but some prefer it because it is breathable. Also, cotton takes a long time to dry, leading to mildew forming on the bedding. Not ideal for those who live in humid areas of the country or those with family members with allergies.

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton tends to be far more popular than any other material because it has a noticeably comfier texture and is easy to care for. Egyptian cotton means that your duvet cover will feel soft, delicate, and silky, giving you extra comfort in bed. The threads in Egyptian cotton are more tightly wound than other types, which means that they do not fray as quickly and last longer.

Silk duvets

Duvets made from silk can be a costly buy as they are incredibly luxurious and therefore only available to those who have a bigger budget to play with. They require less washing than other fabric materials because they accumulate less dust, dirt or hair. Bedding made from silk is likely to last longer; it might be worth investing in one piece of silk bedding rather than buying cheaper ones every year.

 Polyester duvet covers

Being a synthetic material, Polyester is relatively cheap and easy to clean; however, it's not as comfortable as other materials and doesn't seem to last as long either. It also tends to be far more oily than the natural fibre, forming allergies. Be worth it if you're using it in the long run.

Linen duvet covers

Another natural fibre that tends to last around five years and is breathable and durable makes it a superb choice for a good quality product over a more extended period. Linen doesn't have the same warmth as other materials, so it's not recommended for colder climates but fine if you live in hotter climates.

Wool duvet covers

The same rules apply to wool as they do to silk. They are highly durable and clean well; however, they require more investment. A tremendous all-around material, wool tends to be expensive but provides warmth during colder months and is anti-allergy, so an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies.

Sateen duvet cover

Sateen Duvet covers are pretty similar to satin in that they look great with a tailored finish. They tend to be smoother than percale, but it's worth checking before buying one as some Sateen finishes can be slightly less smooth than percale.

Percale duvet covers

Percale is a popular fabric that offers a unique and textured finish. This makes it perfect for those who like to add some personality to their bedroom designs. They can also be great for spring/summer when the weather tends to be warmer, allowing air to circulate on your percale duvet cover.

What's the difference between cotton and polycotton?

Polycotton and cotton remain two different choice options known for comfort and ease to wash. Polycotton combines strong Polyester and luxurious Cotton and has been chosen because it has a relatively easy-care nature. These fabrics have been very durable, withstand repeated use, washing and drying and make them an excellent choice in the commercial and home environment.

Different methods of closing for duvets

Some people prefer an older-fashioned buttoned duvet, which can be found underneath the hem and at the corners. Some button covers have an oversized flap of fabric concealed inside the buttons, and some are designed to expose them as decorative accents.

A zipper seal saves you from getting caught by each button. Fabric ties are also a less common option for closing the open ends of a duvet cover, but they can give your overall "bedscape" a relaxed, breezy look.

How do I wash my duvet cover?

It is vital to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer; however, as a guide, these steps work well: – Separate all dirt from the rest of your bedding before washing (you can use a vacuum cleaner or a clean, light brush).

You don't need to wash your duvet cover after every use, but the more wear and tear on it, the sooner you should clean it (if you can't find care instructions contact your manufacturer for advice).

If you need to wash your duvet cover, make sure it is completely dry before putting it back on your bed (it may take up to 24 hours depending on the material) – When washing, make sure any zips are closed up; otherwise, they may catch during the spin cycle causing them to break.

What do I do if my duvet cover doesn't fit?

First, check that your bedding size has been correctly chosen according to how big or small you want your bed sheet to be. Secondly, check that you have put the cover on properly and there's no extra material lying around. It could just be that the duvet cover isn't fully spread out correctly.

If it still doesn't fit, you'll need to measure the duvet and then order one that will fit correctly.

What does a hypoallergenic duvet cover mean?

A naturally hypoallergenic duvet cover is made of materials containing little to no dust mites or allergens, making hypoallergenic duvet covers perfect for people who suffer from allergies.

The cover will not harbour any dirt or grime that could prove harmful; however, it is essential to remember that even these covers need washing.

What's the difference between a duvet and a comforter?

As bedding differs from other materials, it is usually a source of debate. Few bedding arguments remain as conflicting as those concerning comforters and duvets. Some people use different names for similar things, and a comforter and a duvet are roughly the same. This debate has generated debates on the internet in several countries worldwide. (Britain has a strong preference for the word duvets while the American population generally uses comforter).