Duvet Versus Comforter: Which Will Serve You Better

For many years, Americans stayed fairly loyal to classic comforters.  Ranging in size and weight, they were the preferred method of staying warm overnight.  However, as travel has increased, citizens of this country have come to appreciate some of the European ways of doing things.  This is definitely true when it comes to bedding.  The habit of tossing the top sheet and turning to duvets with covers as opposed to a comforter has crossed the sea with the Americans coming home. 

That being said, if you are in the market for new bedding, you might unsure what would be a better fit for you.  There isn’t a right or wrong answer.  In fact, there are pros and cons to both comforters and microfiber duvets.  However, these common comments and concerns may help you make your decision.

The Washing Machine Dance If you have found yourself wrestling with your comforter and washing machine in the past, then you are not alone and you might be wise to choose a duvet.  One of the nicest parts about duvets is the cover than encloses them.  The cover then takes the abuse and the duvet within doesn’t have to be washed. This is an especially big selling point for pet owners who find that they have to wash bedding far more often due to shedding.

Varying WeightDuvets come in a wide variety of weights to offer more warmth in the winter and less in the summer.  This is important to those who want the varying weight, but don’t want to change the look of their top blanket.  The insert can be removed and the duvet cover can remain the same year round.  On the other hand, for those who want to switch up the look frequently, duvet covers are more affordable than comforters and take up far less storage space. Additionally, the covers can be used with other types of blanket to create even lighter weight top blankets, cooler even than a summer duvet.

Size and Stuff So, what is the downside to duvets?  Many people dislike having to stuff them into a cover each time they want to change the bedding.  It can be a challenging process for a single person.  There are also complaints issued about the size of duvets.  Queen size box spring owners will be okay, as they can simply choose a king size duvet for added overhang, but those with a king sized bed can find duvets lacking.

A New Queen Size Box Spring Calls For A New Duvet

So you’ve found the perfect new queen size box spring. Now your task is to find the perfect new duvet to go on your new box spring. Shopping for the perfect duvet can be a fun task. 

First, you must decide on the colors for your room. Once you decide on your colors you need to decide if you want a plain colored duvet or if you want a design on your duvet. The next task is to decide if you want a fluffy duvet or if you would rather have a duvet that is thin. 

If you decide you want a fluffy duvet, then you have a couple of choices. One fluffy duvet choice is a duvet made of down. These duvets are extremely fluffy, warm and soft. However, down duvets are constantly losing feathers and thus getting feathers all over the bed and floor. An alternative to down duvets is the microfiber duvet. The microfiber duvet is just as fluffy, soft and warm as the down duvet, but does not shed feathers. Also, the microfiber duvet is hypoallergenic. 

If, however, you decide that the microfibre duvet will be too warm or fluffy for your taste, you can go the route of getting a summer duvet. The summer duvet will be made of a lighter and more airy fabric. 

Summer duvets and microfiber duvets can be found in the same place. Their prices are comparable. Both come in a variety of colors and design choices. It, then becomes you to ask yourself, “Do I want something super fluffy and warm, or would I rather have something light and airy?” Once your question is answered, it is time to have fun shopping for your new box spring!

Do Microfibre Duvets Work Well in the Summer?

If you are not opposed to man-made fabrics, microfibre is a wonderful option when it comes to summer duvets (or any duvet for that matter). Microfibre can be made to feel different ways, but most often, it feels similar to suede. Some people do not want to sleep under suede in the summer, so you will need to assess the feel of the fabric first before making a purchase. 

Summer duvets should be light in both weight and colour, and they should also be breathable, meaning they allow air to flow through the fabric. The most breathable fabrics are made of natural fibres, like cotton, silk, satin, etc., but Microfibre can also be breathable if it is thin enough. Be sure to avoid the heavy winter duvets that are filled with down or down alternative. That is the last thing you want in the summer. Instead, look for one that has a thin layer of filling, just enough to make the duvet comfortable. That’s all you need. Anything more will be uncomfortable.

Microfibre Duvet is more affordable than natural fabrics, so it is a good choice for a summer duvet. Most people only use summer duvets for a few months out of the year, so they have no interest in paying high prices for something that will be in the closet most of the time. However, if you live in a place that has warm weather year-round (or for a considerable part of the year), it may be better to invest in a natural fibre duvet. Yes, it will cost more, but it will be worth it in the end. Remember, don’t spend any more than is necessary, but also don’t be too frugal. Duvets can last for years and years, so you really want to make sure you get the right one.

What is a Summer Duvet?

Being wrapped in warmth and feeling embraced against the chill of the air is an extremely alluring thought in the middle of a cold winter. It is not so appealing when the mercury rises! At the same time, many people like to have a layer of comfort even during the warmer months. A summer duvet offers the perfect lightweight option.

What is the difference between a summer and winter duvet? Much of it has to do with the tog. Tog is a measurement of an item’s thermal resistance. A lightweight duvet, perfect for spring or summer, is between 3 and 4.5 tog, while a winter version is between 12 and 13.5 tog. As you can see, the higher the tog, the warmer the comforter.

A microfibre duvet with a rating of 3 or 4 tog offers lightweight protection against summer night chills or a robust air-conditioning unit. But the primary reason that people want a duvet at night is for a feeling of comfort. There is something about lying on a bed, unprotected by our duvets, that leaves us feeling vulnerable! We want to be cozy, not stifled. A lightweight duvet helps us get the right balance.

Microfibre is an ideal choice because it breathes very well and will not trap moisture. You will feel cool and refreshed all night while wrapped (lightly and loosely) in silky, smooth comfort. Your summer comforter will have all the benefits of your winter version, including wonderful texture, durability, ease of care, and understated beauty. If you suffer from allergies, you will sleep better knowing that microfibre is anti-allergenic as well. This is important for those whose allergies flair up seasonally.

king size duvet are not just for winter anymore. They can offer exceptional comfort any time of year.