Buying Guide: Duvet Covers

A duvet cover is what slips over the duvet inner and serves as the most protective and visible part of your bedding. Duvet covers are generally more practical and breathable than other bedding options, like a quilt.  After reading this blog, you’ll have the tools to buy the right duvet cover for you.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Benefits of a duvet cover
• How to know when it’s time to replace your duvet cover
• Duvet cover options
• How to decide which duvet cover to buy
• Should you buy a duvet cover set?
• How much bigger should a duvet cover be than your bed?
• How to match the rest of your decor to your duvet cover
• The range of duvet covers for sale at Briscoes
• Take one step closer to a better night’s sleep with Briscoes
  
  

Benefits of a duvet cover

Added warmth

Duvet covers come in different materials and thicknesses. Deciding what kind of cover you need should factor in the climate where you live. If your bedroom gets really cold in winter, a thicker duvet cover can help to trap heat beneath your duvet to keep you warm. However, if you live in warmer temperatures, you don’t want to be sweating through summer with a big, heavy duvet cover. 

Covers can also provide breathability and help to cool you down while you sleep. The temperature of your body can significantly affect your sleep quality, so choosing the right duvet cover is essential.

Duvet inners can be inconvenient to clean, as some are thick and can’t be washed in your washing machine at home. Cleaning a duvet inner can also be an extremely time-consuming task. 

Buying a duvet cover means you won’t need to worry about cleaning your duvet inner as often. Yes, you will still have to clean it, but definitely not as regularly. A duvet cover is much easier to clean and put back on. 

Enhance your bedroom’s decor

Duvet covers come in many different styles and colours. We have duvet colours in green, duvet covers in yellow and classic duvet covers in white. This is a huge benefit of a cover over a quilt or a comforter. Having one of these means you’re stuck with the same style until you get a new one, unlike covers that can be easily switched out. You can mix and match styles and colours of duvet covers to contrast the rest of your room. A duvet cover can also be the pop of colour you need to spice up your bedroom. 

Protect your duvet

As well as general grime, duvet inners may often get damaged and stained due to anything -  from sweat to snacking in bed. A cover for the duvet inner will ensure it’s protected and will last way longer. Duvet covers are far easier to replace than the whole duvet inner, so it won’t matter as much if you accidentally spill something on it.

Visible tears and rips

Unless you’re handy with a sewing kit, tears and rips mean it’s time to replace your duvet cover. Usually, tears and rips are a sign that the fabric is weak and old. Sleep experts suggest replacing your duvet every five years. If you’ve had your duvet cover for a while, patching up rips and tears may be a waste of time, as it’ll rip easily again in the future. 

Colour blots or fading

If your bed is near a window with the sun beaming in during the day, it can cause colour fading, which can be frustrating if you have a vibrant or bold cover. Similarly, if you’re using a cleaning detergent that is too strong or your duvet cover is clumping in the washing machine, it can cause colour blots and spots of bleaching. There are a few things you can do to help the duvet cover keep its colour longer:

• Add salt 

The chloride in salt helps to seal in colour and prevents fading.

• Wash in cold water 

This also helps to prevent fading

• Add vinegar 

Once again, washing your duvet cover with white vinegar is a great solution.

Generally, if the colour is beyond saving - this is a sign it’s time to replace it. Unless you’re ok with the unsightly marks, of course. 

How to decide which duvet cover to buy

When deciding which duvet cover to buy, you’ll want to match up to what your needs are. 

Explore considerations, including:

• The size of your bed and duvet

• Your budget

• Thread count

• The season (i.e. linen in summer). 

It can be a good idea to look up reviews online to see other people’s experiences and see what relates to you and your needs. If you’re still feeling stuck, our Briscoes bedding experts are also always available to help.

Should you buy a duvet cover set?

A duvet cover set is when you’ll buy a duvet cover along with other things like matching pillow covers. Sheets aren’t included, but can be a great addition. This way, everything matches up and hopefully goes with the aesthetic of your bedroom. Also, as sets are generally cheaper, you’ll save money rather than buying things individually. If you’re restyling your room from scratch, a new set may be good so that everything matches.

How much bigger should a duvet cover be than your bed?

Generally, it’s a good idea to buy one size up from the size of your mattress. Each duvet cover size only changes in width, so if you buy a duvet the same size as your bed, the duvet won’t cover the whole thing. A larger sized duvet will cover the base of the bed and make it look more stylish. More duvet also reduces the chance of blanket-hogging! 

How to match the rest of your decor to your duvet cover

Choosing the perfect bedding to match the style of your bedroom is the best way to make the aesthetic of your bedroom flow. If you want your bed to be the centrepiece of the room, a bold colour or print, or even mixing and matching prints and colours on the bed will make it stand out. 

If the vibe of your bedroom is more relaxed, you could try some neutral colours with some coloured pillows to make it more exciting. Maybe your style is completely minimalistic - a completely white bed always looks chic and fresh. Have fun with matching your duvet to your decor. Try out prints and colours you might not normally put together. It’s all up to you!

The range of duvet covers for sale at Briscoes

At Briscoes, we have various duvet cover options available to suit any style. Choose from top brands such as;

• Royal Doulton creates beautifully-made designs you can trust and makes premium bedding with a slightly higher price point than other brands. If you’re looking for a duvet cover with luxury, this is the one for you.

• Urban Loft has a mix of classic and modern styles, and is slightly more affordable. 
• Hotel @ Home has a minimalistic approach to bedding and is more stripped back, with less frills and fancy stuff.

Popular duvet options include white waffle for a modern, sleek look as well as beautiful earthy prints, if that’s more you. There are also cute fleece optionsif you’re preparing your bed for winter.