Duvet Size Guide: With Sizing Chart

Comfort is key when planning your sleeping situation, and sometimes the right-size duvet is the only thing standing between you and the perfect bed. Because duvets come in all shapes and sizes, it can be challenging to decide which is the best fit for your specific situation.

That’s why we made this simple buyer’s guide to duvet sizes. By the end, finding the perfect plush covering for your bed will be more accessible than ever.

Why Duvet Size Matters

Duvet size matters in two chief areas: aesthetic and comfort ⁠– arguably the most important things about your bedroom. Despite many people thinking that duvets are fancy blankets, they provide an incredibly plush feeling without weighing you down, helping you sleep better.

A duvet’s size contributes to a sleeper’s comfort level in a big way, similar to having the perfect pillow. Too-large options might drag on the ground and feel heavier on one end, while too-small covers might not be able to keep you warm at night. Similarly, mismatched duvet sizes can make your bed look off-balance. 

A well-sized duvet sidesteps both issues, resulting in a comfortable bed that’s also easy on the eyes.

Duvet Size Chart

Unlike regular sheets and beddings, a single duvet can be paired with several mattress sizes. Manufacturers tend to produce these plush covers with a bit of leeway in mind, so there’s always a little bit of extra material if you want to upgrade your bed. 

Here are a few common duvet sizes and their ideal mattress dimensions. Keep in mind that sizes vary slightly by manufacturer.

Twin And Twin XL

Twin and twin XL beds are a staple for guest rooms, kids’ rooms, and smaller studio apartments ⁠, which means many people use them in everyday life. Luckily, these smaller beds don’t have to be less comfortable than larger options, and a well-sized duvet can be a big reason why.

At a humble 74 x 98 inches, the twin/twin XL duvet offers ample coverage for narrow beds. Even taller sleepers won’t have a problem ensuring their feet are tucked in and covered throughout the night.

Double And Queen

Duvets are versatile, and nothing demonstrates this better than double and queen beds using the same-size covering. Double beds are slightly wider than twin beds, making them an excellent pick for active sleepers. On the other hand, queen beds are heftier and better suited for couples who like to sleep together. 

However, buyers should know one thing when purchasing this size for a queen bed, especially when co-sleeping. At 95 x 98 inches, the double/queen duvet can result in a tight-feeling squeeze if you and your partner tend to tug on the sheets. That said, this may not be a problem if you’re sleeping alone or are a relaxed sleeper.

King And California King

King and California king beds are the two largest standard options on the market, with the regular king having a larger width while the Cal king improves length. 

While these two beds usually require different sets of beddings for the right fit, both mattresses can be paired with a single duvet. This means you won’t have to go out and purchase a new one if you upgrade your bed.

Duvets meant for these lofty mattresses measure 111 x 98 inches, which means there’s lots of width and length for everyone to share. 

Other Important Factors When Buying A Duvet Cover

Size isn’t the only thing you need to consider when purchasing a duvet for your room, and neglecting the other factors might result in a less-than-ideal sleeping situation. Here are three additional considerations you should make before you commit to a purchase. 

Thread Count

The term “thread count” might sound like a convenient buzzword used to make a duvet sound fancy, but it’s a vital comfort metric. A duvet’s thread count refers to how many threads are present in one square inch of material, with higher numbers indicating softer and more breathable sheets. 

Lower thread counts aren’t necessarily worse, however, with many options still providing a comfortable and breathable experience for less cash. That said, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, we recommend considering options with a thread count of over 200. Any less than this, and you’d probably end up purchasing brittle sheets that quickly wear down over time.

Outer Covering

Duvets typically consist of an “outer shell” or covering, a plush blanket, and the inner filling. While the outer covering can be swapped out for aesthetic and temperature reasons, it’s also essential to consider the included shell. After all, most people don’t purchase more than one duvet covering unless they’re very particular.

Here are a few common materials used for duvet coverings:

• Bamboo: Bamboo is a popular sustainable option that’s also soft, breathable, and very durable.
• Cotton: Cotton duvet coverings are some of the most flexible options on the market. Some are on the more affordable side, while others lean toward the luxury market. 
• Silk: Silk is a luxurious and smooth material woven by silkworms. While beautiful, silk duvet covers can be expensive and difficult to clean once stained.
• Polyester: Polyester is the number one choice for budget-friendly buyers. However, that doesn’t mean they’re low quality. We recommend checking out polyester covers in-person before making any purchasing decisions. 

Filling

Earlier, we mentioned that duvet blankets contain a filling layer that creates the coveted plush sleeping experience people have come to love. However, not all duvets are created equal – some contain more luxurious filling layers than others. 

Here are a few of the most common types of fillings you’ll encounter when shopping for a duvet: 

• Wool: Wool duvets tend to be quite warm, but many modern manufacturers have developed filling blends that promote airflow as you sleep. Like synthetic polyester fills, these are hypoallergenic.
• Feathers: Plucked from actual birds, feather fillings tend to be a bit bulkier than more fibrous options. Despite this, they tend to weigh less than common alternatives. 
• Down: Down fillings are some of the softest and coziest options you can buy, but some manufacturers may source their materials from dubious suppliers. You you have allergies and are considering down vs down alternative, synthetic polyester is a good option. 
• Synthetic polyester: Synthetic polyester is the artificial answer to down fillings, which means you get all the plushness without the potential allergic reactions. Moreover, these are machine-washable, making them an attractive option for many busy buyers.

Be sure to get the right size pillows. Not sure what size pillows to get. See our pillow size guide

Complete Your Bedding With The Perfect Duvet

Duvets are like the cherry on top of the cake – not a requirement, but they make the overall experience better. However, not all duvets are built with maximum comfort and value for money in mind. That’s where the Purple Duvet comes in. Check out our product page to learn more about our proprietary duvet and what makes it special!

Frequently Asked Questions About Duvets

What’s the difference between duvets and comforters?

When considering duvet’s vs comforters keep in mind comforters are a bedding accessory that is often designed as part of a set, while duvets have covers that can be swapped out when it’s time to clean up. Some people use duvet covers with their comforters to protect them from dirt and grime. 

How much longer should my duvet be than my bed?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to opt for duvets that are roughly 12 inches longer and 16 inches wider than your mattress. However, this isn’t a hard rule – you can size up or down depending on your preferences.

Are duvets machine washable?

Duvets with synthetic fills are washable, while items with natural stuffings like down and feather should be washed by hand. We recommend sending your duvet to a specialist cleaner if your natural fill bedding needs a thorough clean.

Do I need a duvet cover?

Yes, you need a duvet cover for your duvet. It’s similar to using a pillow without a pillowcase – you technically could, but you risk soiling your pillow or duvet. Because of a duvet's stuffing, washing and cleaning can be challenging, but using a cover will save you a lot of trouble.