Having a duvet cover makes it easy to change the look of your bedding. Whether you call them comforter covers or duvet covers, they are the best thing you'll find to keep your comforter (or duvet) stylish as well as clean. This duvet covers buying guide will provide information you may find useful on how to buy duvet covers and how to choose the one that is right for you.
"Duvet" is the French word for the down of birds, the under-feathers that have no spine. Duvet is also the name of a bag filled with down, feathers, wool or other natural stuffing to help keep people warm while they sleep. Today, people refer to this type of bedding as either a "comforter" or a "duvet" and their covers either as a comforter cover or a duvet cover.
A duvet cover is like a huge pillowcase for your comforter. Duvet covers can be changed as often as you want to wash them or whenever you change the style of your bedding. They open on one end for inserting the comforter. To put the duvet cover on, turn it inside out, place it at one end of your comforter, then pull it up over the comforter, turning it right-side out as you go.
You'll find duvet covers in sizes to fit all comforters. They are sold in similar sizes as all other bedding: twin duvet covers, full/queen duvet covers and king duvet covers. They are often generously sized to accommodate your particular comforter. The approximate duvet cover sizes are:
Duvet covers come in thread counts (TC or tc) just as sheets do. Thread count indicates the number of threads in each square inch the fabric. You can find duvet covers with thread counts from 100 to 1000 and even higher. A 300 TC is good for a quality duvet cover, but the higher the thread count you buy, the softer the material will be.
Duvet covers are usually fastened across the open end with buttons, snaps, ties, hook-n-loop strips or a zipper. This makes the covers easy to remove for washing. Look for duvet covers with a quality zipper, strong snaps, color-matched hook-n-loop strips or buttons that are sewn tightly and reinforced at the stitching. Make sure that the buttonholes are well-stitched so they won't fray in the laundry. These are signs of quality and will add to the long life of your duvet cover.
Duvet covers are available in a variety of fabrics and patterns. The right style for your bedroom is a matter of personal taste. When choosing a duvet cover for your comforter, pick out a style that will go well with the furniture and flooring of your bedroom. Duvet covers should also complement the art on your bedroom walls and the window dressing.
If you have a very traditional bedroom, choose a traditional plaid or floral print or a solid-color duvet cover. For a child's bedroom, there are hundreds of duvet cover patterns in florals and stripes or featuring critters, sports teams and more, all in fun colors to please any child. For a man's bedroom, solids and subdued patterns in the duvet cover and other bedding lend style and classic masculinity to his space.
Many manufacturers offer coordinating window curtains for your duvet. Look for these when you select yours, and perhaps choose the bedding in a set which features sheets and cases as well as a duvet cover. While you are shopping for your duvet, be sure to choose accent pillows to complement your bed.
Duvet covers may be sold singly or as part of a set of sheets. If you want to decorate without worrying which colors go best together or if you simply like to have your bedding match, choose sheet sets that include a duvet cover.
Fabric preferences are different for everyone. Some fabrics used in duvets are:
Cotton: Cotton is the most common material for duvet covers. Cotton can be made into limitless patterns and textures. It is easily dyed, easy to care for, soft and has great breathability.
Blends: Cotton-polyester combines the best of natural and synthetic fibers. These blends -- durable polyesters with soft, breathable cottons -- are ideal for easy-care, no-iron bedding.
Silk: Silk is luxurious, soft and often washable. Silk will take vibrant dyes in the most gorgeous colors and is an elegant duvet cover choice.
Faux suede: Faux suede is usually a polyester fabric which feels and looks like the real suede. Being imitation, it is more affordable and easier to clean than real suede, and it comes in hundreds of colors.
Velvet: Most velvets are polyester blends and washable. This heavier look in a duvet cover may be better for cooler months.
Dry clean or wash?
A duvet cover will provide years of use depending on the quality of the material and the care you give it. Some duvet covers are made of silk, which should ideally be professionally cleaned. Others are woven materials, similar to furniture throws, and these may stretch with washing. Still others are cotton or poly-cotton blends and may be as safely laundered as your sheets. Overstock.com recommends that you follow the manufacturer's instructions to care for your particular duvet cover.
Storage
Storing a duvet cover is as easy as storing sheets and blankets, since duvet covers fold flat. If you enjoy having several duvet covers to change the look of your bedrooms, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or washing, then fold and store them with your other bedding.
When you have several duvet covers, you can change them with the season. Exchange a pastel, softly-patterned, cotton duvet cover you enjoy in spring and summer for a velvet duvet cover in a richer color for fall and winter. Additionally, duvet covers will have a longer life if you alternate them between washes.
How do you pronounce "duvet"?
Pronounce it du-VAY.
Do I really need a duvet cover?
Every comforter needs to be washed or dry cleaned when it gets dirty. Duvet covers keep the comforter clean, and they are much easier to wash and dry than a whole comforter. Duvet covers aren't a necessity, but they are such a great convenience, every home should have them.
Update your bedding
While you are online shopping at Overstock.com for duvet covers, why not also choose a new sheet set, pillows or some down bedding? It's not expensive to give your bedroom -- or all of your bedrooms -- a complete makeover; this is Overstock.com, after all! Choose bedding which has the comfort and warmth you want and which suits your home and your tastes. You will enjoy some of the best prices on the Web for duvet covers, other bedding and much more.
Duvet covers for the whole family
With everyday discounts on Overstock.com's large selection of duvet covers, comforters, bedspreads and other bedding, you can afford to pick up duvet covers for everyone in your family. Our quality duvet covers will last for years to come, keep your comforters clean and lend you the peaceful sleep that you enjoy.
Treat yourself
A good night's rest can be the best thing for your health and sense of well-being. Sometimes your comforter and its duvet cover will make all the difference. Let Overstock.com add comfort to your bedrooms with beautiful duvet covers and luxurious bedding. You will sleep well, surrounded by warmth and luxury.
