Are you torn between purchasing a duvet cover or a comforter, or still struggling to figure out the difference between the two? Duvets and comforters have their own individual benefits, and each works better for some people and not others. Personal preferences, local weather, and even interior design choices can all play a role in deciding which one of these you should opt for in your bedroom. Read on for some insight into what the difference is and help to figure out which one to buy.
Aesthetics vs. Practicality
When it comes to choosing between a cozy duvet and an ornate comforter, the choice can often come down to what you favor: the look or the use? A comforter can certainly be easier on the eyes. Comforters usually come in an array of designs and colors and their even design can make your bedroom setup look particularly neat and tidy.A duvet, on the other hand, is a little more difficult to work with. It can get lumpy and bumpy in some places due to the real down filling that shifts easily. The lumps can be difficult to even out. This can irritate some people, while it remains an appreciated feature of a natural duvet to others. A duvet may not give you that smooth, picture-perfect look, but one thing is for sure; a duvet is the coziest blanket you’ll ever own. When it comes to warmth and functionality, nothing beats a down-filled duvet. The lightweight cover provides warmth and comfort at the same time.
How Hot Can You Handle?
Your Budget
No matter how you slice it, a duvet is usually significantly costlier than a comforter. Sometimes the price difference can be in the hundreds of dollars, though it’s worth mentioning that a pricey duvet blanket is often a lifetime investment. You may need to change the cover every now and again, but the duvet itself stands the test of time.
So while it may cost more upfront, in terms of longevity, you will certainly get your money's worth. Of course, what you have to spend is sometimes a non-negotiable factor. If your budget is a little tighter, a comforter can be an equally stylish, more affordable option for you.
Your Bedroom Design
If your style is very simple or modern chic, finding a duvet cover to match your particular style should be relatively simple. However, if you have a very eccentric style or detailed design style, you may be better off going with a comforter. Because they are less expensive, they generally come in more styles and color selections. This also makes changing them up every so often an easy task. Since duvets and duvet covers cost a little more, there are fewer choices and most of what is available on the market is pretty standard and oftentimes, quite simple.
Simple vs. Fancy
A comforter is a one-shot deal. Comforter sets often come with matching pillowcases and are sold as a "bed-in-a-bag" set. You will have all the matching items conveniently sold and packaged together to make your life simpler and easier. If you choose to go for a duvet cover, you have to be willing to — and actually enjoy — shopping for accessories that are just right. A duvet cover with matching pillow shams is a hard find. A duvet with matching pillow shams for several unique pillow shapes is next to impossible.
For some, shopping for the right matching items can be a total drag. For others, the opportunity to get creative and mix and match your own pillow and decorative room accents individually can be exciting and fun. You can take the time to really make your personality shine in putting your bedding set together. You can shop at vintage boutiques to find one-off items that will complete your overall design and cater to your artistic side.
Wear and Tear
Keeping your bedding set clean is a top priority and this is another way in which comforters and duvets differ — quite a bit, actually. A comforter is easy to spread out, but it is difficult to wash. Depending on the design and material, you may only be able to spot clean it. Over time, the comforter can start to look dingy and discolored. Comforters also tend to lose volume quicker and no matter how much you try to fluff them, comforters just won't perk up the same way duvets can. Duvets are significantly easier to wash as they normally are used with a duvet cover. Simply remove the cotton cover, wash, and replace. They also retain volume longer and you won't need to constantly puff it up to get your desired look.
In the end, the decision comes down to your budget, your taste, and your personal needs and preferences. Both comforters and duvets can be stunning pieces to add to your room. It's about choosing the items that best suits your taste with a price tag you can live with.