Coverlet vs duvet, what is the difference?

After a long tiring day, everyone needs to recharge for the next day. The best way to do that is to get a relaxing, peaceful sleep. You can choose from many options while customizing your bed to its optimal comfort (also check 10 top rated mattresses with great comfort). It is up to you to decide what makes you comfortable. A heavy, cozy quilts that you can tuck in and snuggle, or are you a person who likes minimum layers on your bed.

Using extra layers on your bed is one of the many ways to decorate your bed. Coverlets and Duvets are prime examples of that. Now, the question is, what will you choose. 

Let’s find it.

Comparison Table

Difference	Coverlet	Duvet
Structure	A thin layer of knitted bedding that looks like a quilted blanket	A down/ alternate down filled blanket with cover.
Season	Suitable for summer Not suitable for winter	Suitable for winter Not suitable for summer
Washable	Washable as per instructions on the tag	Not washable due to material durability
Designs	Comes in different designs and patterns	Duvet itself doesn’t have any design.
Price	Generally not expensive	Generally expensive

What’s A Coverlet?

Coverlet is a thin layer of extra bedding for decoration and warmth. Coverlets come in various sizes and styles. You can choose a plain coverlet or a pattern design of your choice. Coverlets can be an extra warmth layer in winters or a primary layer in summers. Most common are cotton or linen coverlets. A Coverlet can improve your bed’s appearance with your choice’s design.

A coverlet can be an alternative to other bedding options, like bedspread or comforter. It is similar to a quilt due to the same stitching pattern. However, a coverlet is just one layer, unlike a blanket which is a layer between two fabric sheets.

Who Should Use A Coverlet?

Anyone who desires to improve their bed’s appearance can use a coverlet. The decorative quality of the coverlet and the variety of specific sizes makes it unique among wide bedding varieties. Apart from a decoration piece over your bed, a coverlet can be for all seasons. For example, it can provide you with some extra layer of warmth over your blanket in winter. In summers, a coverlet is best if you need to layer up (also check the best selling bed sheets for summer). 

If you only use it as a decorative layer, then a coverlet can be used without cleaning for at least a season. However, cleaning it once every month for regular use is essential. It is important to know the material of your coverlet before cleaning it. Some are machine washable, and some are for dry or professional cleaning.

If you like the large variety of beddings and don’t mind stuffing your closet, then an additional coverlet won’t disturb you. However, for some people, it is a complete waste of closet space with all the extra layers on top of the essential bedding items.

Pros of Coverlet

• Gives a fresh look to your bed.
• It can be an extra layer for warmth over your blanket.
• A perfect solution for layering up in summers.
• Easily washable.

Cons of Coverlet

• It cannot be used solely in winters due to its thin layer.
• Mostly it is used as a decoration piece.

What’s A Duvet?

Duvet is a quilted blanket that you can use as a blanket and cover the bed. The most common stuffing inside the duvet is down feathers, silk or wool, or some alternative synthetic material. Duvets mostly come with a removable cover. Most covers come with buttons or zippers to make the duvet aligned as it has the slipping ability. Duvets can be an alternative to bed covers because you can change the sheet as you wish. 

The stuffing inside a duvet can provide reasonable warmness, that you don’t need a separate blanket. It isn’t easy to wash the duvet because of its stuffing. However, you should keep an eye on the cleanliness of your cover for its durability. Duvets stay for a long time with quality materials.

Who Should Use A Duvet?

Duvet gives a two-in-one experience to its users. It has the quilted blanket features and can be used as a bed cover, thanks to replaceable duvet covers. A duvet is the best option if you prefer different looks every few days for your bed. Then, you have lots of duvet covers, and you’re good to go. 

Duvets are closet space savers because of their blanket and cover features. In other words, you don’t need separate bed covers and blankets; have a duvet.

For people who don’t prefer heavy blankets, duvets are the best option. The filling material inside a duvet provides the much-needed warmth without putting too much weight on you. In addition, the duvet stuffing is adjustable according to weight and heat retention as preferred. 

Pros of Duvet

• A fresh look to the bed with a customizable duvet cover.
• Adjustable weight and warmth of the duvet as desired.
• Two-in-one functionality of blanket and bed cover
• Provides the warmth of a blanket without putting too much weight
• Long-lasting material.

Cons of Duvet

• Difficult to clean the duvet itself
• An additional layer of the cover is required for a duvet
• Duvet and duvet cover is normally a separate purchase

What’s the Difference Between Coverlet and Duvet?

Structure

Coverlet is a thin layer of knitted bedding with some stuffing mainly to cover the surface of the bed. The common materials for a coverlet are cotton, silk, velvet, or linen. It is commonly mistaken for quilts due to its appearance, which is not the case. Different sizes are available to the buyer according to his standard bed size.

Duvet is a down or alternates down filled blanket which can be a bed cover, thanks to duvet cover. A duvet cannot be used without a duvet cover. Common materials used in duvet are down cotton, wool, silk, and polyester. A duvet is adjustable according to the heat retention and the overall weight preferred by the user. All standard sizes are available for a duvet.

Season

Coverlets are common for the decoration of your bed. However, it is suitable for summer if you need to layer up. The thin layer structure with little stuffing can provide a snuggling feel in summers. In warmer weather, it can easily provide suitable weather warmth. 

For winters, coverlet alone cannot be the snuggling option. However, you can use a coverlet on top of your blanket for extra warmth. If not the whole body, place it on your leg for a cozy feel.

Duvets are made as an alternative to a blanket. The difference is the weight of the blanket, which is not the case with the duvet. For the winter season, duvets can provide much-needed warmth by heat-trapping (also check the top rated bed sheets for winter). The best part is that you can adjust the weight of the duvet according to your preference. 

For the summer season, a duvet might not be a suitable option. A duvet’s heat trap function can increase the hot environment in summers. For warmer weather, a duvet can be used by adjusting its material portion.

Washable

It is easy to clean a coverlet as most of these are washable. You can machine wash your bedspread easily. It is important to note that the coverlet used for decoration can last season without a wash. 

On the other hand, if frequently used, then it is recommended to wash it once a month. For a coverlet’s long and durable life, it is important to see the cleaning instructions on the tag attached. Some are machine washable, while other needs dry or professional cleaning. If you frequently use the coverlet, the variety of coverlets is the key.

Duvet itself is not washable due to the material used in it. However, the duvet cover can be regularly cleaned. The quality of the material inside a duvet is essential for its durability. That’s why a duvet cover is used to keep that quality intact for a long time. 

Washing the duvet alone will destroy the quality of the material used. For keeping the duvet clean, make sure you keep your duvet cover clean, or you should have various duvet covers for a clean, fresh look every time.

Design

Coverlets are made to give a designer look to your bed. This is achieved with the help of different patterned designs. You have both choices: either a monotone coverlet or a more vibrant coverlet. 

You can customize the look of your bedroom every other day by choosing the coverlet of your choice. The best way to enhance the look of your bed is to use pillow covers of the same design. If that is not the case, a stylish combo can up your game.

Normally duvets are made of single-color sacks. Mostly white, cream or off-white color is used for this purpose. So, the duvet itself has no design in it. 

Normally this makes it look boring laying on the bed. This is covered with the help of duvet covers. These covers can be of any multi-color options or single bold color options.

Price

Coverlet is not an essential bedding feature. It is an up-to-the choice of the user to place a coverlet on his bed or not. Further, there is no need to buy a separate cover for a coverlet. So, the price asked is in entirety for the coverlet only. Normally, these are not so expensive. A quality coverlet won’t cost you more than $100-$120. 

That is not the case with the duvet. The main reason is that you must buy a duvet combo with a duvet cover. Most duvet makers sell duvet covers separately. This way, a duvet will cost more than a coverlet. Further, a duvet’s price depends upon the material used for making it. All in all, a duvet will cost you $180 – $250 on average.

Key Takeaways: Coverlet Vs Duvet, Decoding the Distinctions

The Pursuit of Optimal Comfort

A rejuvenating sleep after an exhausting day is essential. Customizing your bed for optimal comfort is a personal choice. While some prefer the coziness of heavy quilts, others gravitate towards minimal bed layers.

Decorating Your Bed: Coverlets and Duvets

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of your bed, coverlets and duvets emerge as popular options. Each has its unique characteristics, making the choice between them dependent on individual preferences.

Introducing the Coverlet

Coverlets are thin layers of bedding primarily used for decoration and warmth. They can be the main layer during summer or an additional warmth layer during winter. Their resemblance to quilts, plethora of designs, and seasonal versatility make them a favored choice for many.

What’s a Duvet?

Duvets are quilted blankets, typically filled with down feathers or synthetic materials. They are designed for warmth and often come with removable covers. With the ability to customize the cover, duvets offer both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Distinguishing Between Coverlets and Duvets

While both coverlets and duvets serve to adorn and warm the bed, their structures, seasonal suitability, maintenance, design options, and price points differ. Coverlets are often thinner, suitable for summer, and come in various designs. In contrast, duvets, with their down or synthetic fill, are apt for winter and require covers for design versatility.

Conclusion

Both coverlet and duvet have different functionalities. One is mostly used to decorate your bed, while the other is an alternate option to a blanket. Bedspreads come in single or multi-colored and patterned options. Duvets are used with duvet covers that can be customized as desired. A full comparison is given above. Now the choice is yours whether you choose a duvet or coverlet.