Duvet vs. Comforter: What’s the Difference?

Searching for bedding can be confusing. You might be trying to figure out the difference between a duvet and a comforter.

A duvet is a bedding option consisting of a flat bag filled with natural or synthetic fibers nested within a removable top cover. Today's duvets are made with a variety of fill types.

A comforter is a quilted blanket filled with soft, synthetic fibers. Still not sure which is for you? We cover everything you need to know about duvets vs comforters.

Main Difference Between a Comforter and a Duvet

The main difference between a duvet and a comforter is a duvet is a two-in-one design consisting of an insert and cover, a comforter is a single piece of bedding. That means that a duvet always requires a cover that essentially works like an oversized pillowcase.

The other big difference is that a duvet's insert is its "fill." This is why it has a looser, fluffier feel. A comforter has tighter quilting with evenly distributing filling worked in. Duvets typically have higher fill power which makes them much fluffier and "cozier" than comforters even though they're designed to be more compact.

Here are additional differences between them, so let’s take a look at what those are. 

Comforter: The Pros and Cons

Let's talk about what to consider when you seek comfort in a comforter over a duvet.

Pros:

• You only need to buy one piece.
• Easier to store than duvets.
• Can often be bought as a set with matching sheets and bedding.
• The filling is consistently distributed for predictable coverage.

Cons:

• Can be hot and stuffy on warmer nights.
• More effort to clean.
• No option to change the cover if there's a spill or stain.

Duvet: The Pros and Cons

Next, dive into the pros and cons of diving under a duvet instead of a comforter every night.

Pros:

• They make your bed look neat in a snap.
• Easy to "spot" clean.
• Can change the cover if you want a new design.
• Easy to replace the cover and insert it if needed.

Cons:

• You'll need to buy two pieces to start.
• Known for fluffiness, duvets can be tougher to store.

Duvet Sizes vs. Comforter Sizes: Size & Dimensions List

While duvets appear fuller on your bed, they actually tend to be slightly smaller than comforters. Comforters are designed to hang over the sides of your bed just a little. A duvet will give you more of a "flush" fit. Both duvets and comforters come available in every mattress size.

Use the below to better understand the duvet and comforter standard sizes:

Duvet Size & Dimensions:

• Twin/Twin XL: 66" x 90"
• Full/Queen: 90" x 90"
• King/Cal King: 104" x 90"

Comforter Size & Dimensions:

• Twin/Twin XL: 66" x 86" to 86” x 88”
• Full/Queen: 86" x 96" to 88” x 100”
• King/Cal King: 102" x 86" to 107” x 96”

Just keep in mind that sizes for duvets and comforters can vary slightly based on manufacturers. Many manufacturers size up or down from the norm by a few inches. It also helps to know your mattress size when picking bedding. Do you have a thicker, larger mattress? Steer toward a larger duvet or comforter to get nice coverage around the edges.

Duvet vs. Comforter: Which Is Better?

The decision on which to buy is up to you and your preference. A comforter can be more difficult to clean but provide added design options. A duvet is easy to clean and more fluffy.

A comforter is ideal if:

• You want an option that's ready to go out of the bag.
• You have your heart set on a matching set with the comforter included.
• You love the classic layered look of a made bed.

Duvet is ideal if:

• You want bedding that's easy to care for.
• You want versatile bedding that can be swapped, matched, and changed easily.
• You love a fluffy bed.

The Purple Duvet is the perfect down-alternative duvet that gives you all the cozy, warm benefits without the allergens or pokey feathers of a down duvet.

Additional Considerations

Care

When it comes to duvet vs comforter care, the duvet takes top place for ease. That's because your cover slips off to go in the machine. By contrast, getting a bulky comforter into a washing machine can be a Herculean task.

Washing a comforter means a trip to the dry cleaners for most people. Don't forget the perk of being able to swap a stained or destroyed duvet cover for a new one without getting rid of the whole thing.

Design Preference

What if you were just choosing between a duvet cover vs a comforter based on looks alone? Comforters add that "layered" look that hangs over the sides of your bed.

However, not everyone loves a "frilly" bed. A duvet helps you pull off a cleaner aesthetic. It's the more modern choice. A duvet moves the emphasis from the sides of the bed to the top of the bed by offering extra fluffiness.

What Is a Duvet Cover?

A duvet cover is a two-part covering that includes an insert and cover. This design allows you to swap out your cover and insert for things like stains, wear and tear, or changes in your personal taste.

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is a single piece of bedding that goes over your sheets. The typical comforter is a blanket consisting of a cloth exterior over a filling. It typically serves as the top layer of bedding over your sheets. Available in a variety of sizes and thread counts, comforters offer lots of range for creating your bedding look.

Upgrade Your Sleep With a Purple Duvet

Offering the comfort and clean aesthetic of a classic duvet, the Purple Duvet is down-alternative bedding that feels soft and cozy without the allergens or pokey feathers of old-school duvets.