Duvets

Roughly one third of your life is spent in bed. For this reason, taking the time to find the right bed and bedding is a wise investment. The duvet is one of the all-important components of any bedroom setup, and the right duvet ensures bedtime is as cozy and comfortable as possible. Check out the selection of duvets available at Best Buy to find the best one to top off your bed.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet is a type of bedding. It is a simple combination of a soft fabric cover and removable fill -- think: pillow and pillow case. The removable fill is insulating and is typically made from down, cotton, or a synthetic alternative. Duvet covers are designed to be interchangeable for easy cleaning and to add renewed visual appeal to the bedroom.

Benefits of Having a Duvet

There are a number of benefits to choosing a duvet over other types of bedspreads. Duvet covers come in various colours, and with duvet cover sets, you can easily change up the look of your room by swapping out covers. Duvets are also easy to care for, as you can typically just remove the cover for machine- and hand-washing. Plus, duvets give you the ability to adjust your bedding seasonally with minimal effort. You can place a lighter, cooler duvet in your cover during the warm summer months and then swap it out for a heavier, warmer one when winter arrives.

Different Duvet Cover Material Types

When shopping for a new duvet, material type is an important consideration. Different fabrics have their own unique properties that effect how duvets feel and how easy they are to care for. Here are some of the most common types of materials used to make duvet covers.

Cotton

As a natural fibre, cotton is highly breathable. As a result, cotton duvets promote airflow to help you remain cool during the night. For this reason, cotton duvets are an excellent choice for summer. Cotton is also typically soft to the touch and safe to machine wash. On the downside, cotton tends to wrinkle easily and can be costly, depending on the quality of the fabric.

Silk

A genuine silk duvet brings luxury to your bed. With its sumptuous texture, silk envelops you in softness. Natural silk also offers wicking benefits, drawing moisture away from your skin during the night. This makes silk an excellent option for people prone to night sweats. Like cotton, silk has a tendency to wrinkle and is a more expensive option.

Polyester

Polyester duvets are made from man-made fabrics that resist wrinkling and are generally machine washable. The texture and feel of polyester can vary greatly. Polyester microfibre options are particularly soft and often feature a pleasant silky or suede-like texture. If you're looking for a duvet that can stand the test of time, polyester is a good way to go. The primary disadvantage of polyester is that it is usually not breathable and tends to have a heavier feel that may not be ideal for warmer seasons.

Flannel

Flannel is a soft, heavy fabric that is often made from cotton but can also be derived from synthetic fibres. Ideal for winter, flannel retains warmth and makes your bed extra cozy. Cotton flannel options also offer breathability, so you're less likely to become overheated during the night. The main disadvantage of flannel is that the fabric has a tendency to pill over time.

Comparing Duvet Fill Options

The filling used to go inside a duvet cover will determine how warm it keeps you. There are a number of materials commonly used as duvet fill:

Down

Down feather is lightweight, breathable and a very popular filling in duvets. A pure or 100% down duvet is filled entirely with layers of fine feathers and is typically the costliest option. Other down duvets are filled with a mix of feathers and other materials, making them less costly. Keep in mind that some people are allergic to down. If you're prone to allergies, you may want to consider an alternative fill.

Down Alternatives

If you're looking for a hypoallergenic alternative to down that still has a soft, breathable feel, a cotton-filled duvet is a great choice. Polyester-filled duvets are also available. These bed covers are generally soft but not as fluffy as down or cotton. On the upside, polyester filling holds its shape well and can often outlast natural fibre fill.

Understanding Thread Count

Whether you're shopping for duvets or comforter sets, thread count is a feature you'll want to take note of. The thread count refers to how many threads are found in one square inch of a piece of fabric. Duvets with higher thread counts have less space between the threads. This results in bedding that is heavier and more durable. Most duvets have thread counts ranging from 100 to 500. Generally, higher thread counts come with more expensive price tags.