Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

What is the Difference Between Coverlet and Duvet

The key difference between coverlet and duvet is that a coverlet has multiple layers that are sewn together, whereas a duvet has a removable cover to protect the feathers inside it.

Both coverlets and duvets are types of bedding, but their purposes are different. Coverlets are mainly used as a bed cover and for elegance, whereas duvets are used to provide comfort and warmth for the user. A duvet can be easily cleaned because of its removable cover, and this cover needs to be washed frequently to maintain the cleanliness of the duvet insert.

CONTENT

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Coverlet
3. What is a Duvet
4. Coverlet vs Duvet in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Coverlet vs Duvet

What is a Coverlet?

A coverlet is an additional layer of bedding that is used for warmth or decoration. As the name suggests, it is used as a cover. Coverlets are mainly used for decoration. They add elegance and sophistication to a bedroom. They can either be folded in half and placed at the bottom of the bed or laid across the bed with its corners tucked around the mattress.

Since a coverlet provides warmth, it is ideal in cold climatic conditions as an extra covering on top of the duvet. At the same time, it can also be used as the main bedding in warm climatic conditions. Because they are lighter and smaller, they can be used as a replacement for bedspreads or comforters.

Coverlets are similar to quilted blankets. They have three layers, and their outer layer is quilted. Coverlets are in different materials, but they are most often made of linen or cotton. There are patterned, intricate, detailed as well as plain coverlets.

Since coverlets are thin, they can be easily washed and need low maintenance. Generally, there are instructions in the package when buying them. Following them will prevent coverlets from shrinking. Usually, washing it once a month is enough, but if it is just placed folded at the bottom of the bed, even washing it once a season is sufficient.

What is a Duvet?

A duvet is a bed covering that is filled with either silk, feathers, down, wool, cotton or synthetic materials. Its main aim is to keep the user warm. When there is a duvet,  using bedding sheets is not necessary since it can be used both as a cover and a blanket. Although duvets originated in Europe and the feathers of ducks and geese were used to fill them, the name ‘duvet’ is of French origin. Duvets have various names, such as ‘doona’ in Australia and ‘comforter’ in the USA.

Duvets have two parts: a removable cover that can be closed with ties or zippers and a duvet insert. The duvet cover can be removed and washable, so it protects the duvet insert from spills, body oils and sweat. This is ideal if there are kids or pets in the house because the cover is washable. There are different coloured duvet covers in various materials and patterns, but the duvet insert is plain.

What is the Difference Between Coverlet and Duvet?

The key difference between coverlet and duvet is that a coverlet has multiple layers that are sewn together, while a duvet has a removable cover to protect the feathers inside. Coverlets are mainly used as a bed cover and as a decorative element, whereas duvets are used as blankets to keep the user warm.

The below infographic lists the differences between coverlet and duvet in tabular form for side by side comparison

Summary – Coverlet vs Duvet

A coverlet is an additional layer of bedding that is used for warmth or decoration. It is thin, and the three layers in it are sewn together. Coverlets can also be used as a substitute for bedspreads. Usually, they are made of linen or cotton and are available in plain or decorative varieties. A duvet, on the other hand, is a bed covering that is filled with either silk, feathers, down, wool, cotton or synthetic materials. Its purpose is to provide warmth to the user. It has two parts: duvet insert and duvet cover. The cover is easily removable and washable. Duvets are perfect if there are kids or pets in the house. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between coverlet and duvet.

Reference:

1. “What Is a Coverlet?” Wayfair.
2. “Duvet.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Oct. 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Interior of contemporary apartment with bedroom and living room” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Karo-Duvet” By Duvet&P illow-Expert – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia