What Is the Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter?
At MATTEO, we believe bedding should be more than just functional. It should feel effortless, inviting, and timeless. But when it comes to building your ideal bed, many people ask the same question: what’s the difference between a duvet and a comforter?
Let’s break it down simply so you can decide what suits your space, your sleep, and your style.
What Is a Duvet?
A duvet is a soft, flat insert (usually filled with down, wool, or an alternative) that’s designed to be used inside a duvet cover. Think of it as the pillow insert to your pillowcase. The duvet cover acts as a removable outer shell that can be washed, swapped, and styled to your liking.
Explore our luxury Duvet Covers for timeless tones and textures.
Why Choose a Duvet?
- Easier to clean: just remove the duvet cover and toss it in the wash.
- Style flexibility: change your duvet cover to refresh the look of your bed.
- Custom layering: choose your preferred weight insert and update seasonally.
What Is a Comforter?
A comforter is an all-in-one piece that combines the fill and outer shell into a single stitched unit. It often has a fixed design, making it less flexible when it comes to changing colors or cleaning.
While comforters are simple, they lack the customization and layering options that duvets and covers offer.
The Case for Duvets in a Well-Dressed Bed
At MATTEO, we lean toward duvets covers because they align with how we approach design: refined, versatile, and intentionally crafted. Our cotton duvet covers and linen bedding are garment-washed for softness and meant to age beautifully with time.
Pair your duvet with:
Each piece is designed to layer effortlessly, blending quiet texture with lived-in ease.
How Duvets and Comforters Fit the Bed
While comforters often have extra overhang that drapes down the sides of the bed, duvets tend to fit the mattress more closely for a clean, tailored look. If you prefer bedding that feels tucked-in and modern, a duvet may better suit your aesthetic. For those who enjoy a more layered or oversized appearance, a comforter can help achieve that effect.
Ease of Assembly
Duvets do require a little assembly, inserting the fill into the cover and fastening ties or buttons. However, once secured, they stay in place and offer long-term convenience. Some covers include internal loops or ties to prevent shifting, making the process easier. If you're looking for a quicker setup, a comforter may offer simplicity out of the bag, but with less flexibility long-term.
Warmth and Sleep Style
Duvets can often provide more warmth than comforters, depending on the insert you choose. This makes them especially ideal for cold sleepers or climates where you want extra insulation. Comforters, on the other hand, tend to offer medium warmth and may require layering during colder months.
Care Considerations
A comforter’s bulk makes it harder to clean, many require professional laundering or extra-large washers. In contrast, a duvet cover can be easily removed and machine washed at home, which is ideal for regular refreshes or if you have allergies and need to wash your bedding frequently.
Which Is Better: Duvet or Comforter?
If you want a low-maintenance, one-and-done bedding option, a comforter might work. However, if you care about:
- being able to wash your bedding easily
- layering for all seasons
- refreshing your bedroom style
- investing in quality textiles that last
For warmer seasons, we recommend a lightweight down or wool duvet insert. Both are breathable, naturally insulating, and soft enough to layer.
In colder months, opt for a loftier down insert or an all-season wool fill to stay warm without overheating.
A duvet with a removable duvet cover is a better long-term choice.
Find the Right Fit with MATTEO
Our Duvet Covers are sewn in small batches in Los Angeles using 100% cotton and linen fabrics. Each is garment-washed for softness and available in a palette of quietly elegant tones. We also offer Fabric Swatches so you can feel and see before you commit.
Ready to build a bed that reflects how you want to live?
Explore our full Bedding Collection or start with a Best Seller.
