Furniture in a bedroom may echo the owner’s a taste, but it is the bed and the bed spread that makes the setting, creating everything from a woods inspired look to the classic Victorian ambiance.

Many people find that a duvet is a prime choice for bedding. The word ‘Duvet’ is derived from the Norse word ‘Dunn’ which means Down, the traditional filling for this luxurious comforter. While the soft down of waterflowl birds offers the light and airy stuffing that is so prized, many other types of fillings are available, from Down that is compressed to reduce allergens, to synthetic fibers and even wool.

A duvet is rated on warmth via a TOG system, 3.0 being rather low, suitable for spring or summer months, while the highest 10.0 would be suitable for cold climates and winter months. A TOG rating should not be confused with weight, as many duvet’s that may look ‘heavy’ actually have a TOG rating of 4.0 or 5.0 – which places it in the ‘lighter’ scale in terms of warmth.

Adding to the appeal of a duvet is the duvet cover, cases that fit snugly over the comforter, coming in a variety of looks, colors and overall themes. Covers are an incredibly affordable option that can alter that entire look of the bed collection, and the room. When choosing the right cover, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size, this may appear like a redundant advisement, but size really dose matter, and duvet covers are made to suit each one. Pay attention to Twin, Full/Queen and King/California King.
• Fit, Some covers are made with ties on the inside to prevent the duvet from shifting or traveling inside. While this is a nice feature, it can become cumbersome when inserting the comforter and becomes unnecessary when the cover is fitted correctly. Look for a cover that slides over the comforter easily with all corners nestle into the edges. When the blanket is used, it should not move nor shift inside the cover.
•  Closure, Most covers come with zippered closures, while the best of them offer hidden zippers. Some, however, offer tie closures, which may enhance or detract from the overall look – depending on what the owner is going for. 

Ranging from $30-$100 without covers, Duvets are an affordable investment that will last for years to come.