Quilts, Quilt Covers and Duvet Covers - What Is The Difference?

Quilt covers, duvet covers, comforters and quilts, the list goes on. Are all of these just names for the same thing? Are they all just a kind of blanket? Or do each of these items serve a different purpose and offer unique benefits to your sleeping arrangement? At Briscoes, we’re the leaders in bedding. So, we get asked questions similar to the title of this guide all the time. We've compiled a lot of information to help you make a better-informed purchasing decision. Along the way, we’ll cover what makes a comforter special, whether blankets and quilts are the same, and answer many other questions you didn’t even know to ask. Here are the main points if you want to jump to them: 

The difference between quilt covers and duvet covers

The difference between a quilt and a comforter

How to decide between a quilt, comforter or duvet and duvet cover

The range of comforters and quilts a Briscoes

The range of duvet covers at Briscoes

Other ways to help get a better night’s sleep

Let’s get into it!

The difference between quilt covers and duvet covers

We’re proud to stock one of the most extensive selection of quilt covers and duvet covers in NZ. But what sets these two types of bedding apart? Generally speaking, nothing. Quilt covers and duvet covers are typically just names for the same thing. This can sometimes be confusing, as quilts and duvets inners are very different. Unlike standalone blankets, a quilt cover or duvet cover is an outer casing for a duvet inner.

Instead of a quilt cover, we normally call this casing a duvet cover in NZ. There are many types and styles of duvet cover to fit your decor or the current season. And they come in various sizes, including duvet covers in king single, duvet covers in queen and even kids duvet covers. One of the benefits of a duvet cover is that you don’t need to wash your duvet inner as often. Trust us; a duvet inner takes a while to dry!

The difference between a quilt and a comforter

It’s quite common for a quilt and comforter to be confused. However, these two items are vastly different. Usually, a quilt has three layers that are sewn together. The sewing is usually done so that a pattern or design is created with the stitching. The middle layer of the quilt is usually the thicker insulator, generally made from polyester, wool or some kind of down. 

On the other hand, a comforter serves a similar purpose but is made differently. In most cases, a comforter is made from two layers that are sewn together. Unlike the created patterns of a quilt, most comforters in NZ feature stitching that is in a grid format. Each of these boxes will be filled with some kind of insulator like down. Both comforters and quilts are designed to be used independently and without a cover.

How to decide between a quilt, comforter or duvet and duvet cover

How do you decide which is best for your bed with so many bedding options? Unfortunately, there isn’t a golden rule when choosing bedding. In saying that, it can be helpful to ask yourself a range of questions to point you in the right direction. 

Disclaimer: Some people have all of the bedding options mentioned in this guide. They just switch them throughout the year. 

What kind of sleeper you are

There are many different sleeping positions. Depending on how you sleep, you may prefer a certain type of comforter, blanket or quilt. For example, if you’re a hot sleeper, something light like a quilt or comforter may be preferred as these are less thick. However, a thicker comforter or duvet may be a good choice if you're someone that really feels the cold. 

The current season

In New Zealand, it can get bitterly cold in the winter and scorching hot in the summer. Although some people have the same bedding all year round, many prefer to switch between their blankets, duvet covers and comforters for each season. For example, thin blankets or quilts may be good for summer, whereas a thick duvet inner and duvet cover may be better for winter. 

Your room’s decor

Everyone has a unique taste when it comes to bedroom decor. In some relationships, it can be the cause of much debate. The fact that many different styles of bedding are available probably doesn’t help either. The quilt pattern may be fantastic if you want a classic-looking bed. However, a duvet may be better if you like to change up their style often. This is because it’s really easy to switch out a duvet cover. At Briscoes, we have a wide variety of many different styles of bedding. Check out our guide on trans-seasonal layering. 

Whether it will stay in your bedroom

Let’s be honest. It’s not ideal having to drag a thick duvet out to the living room if you want to use it for cuddling up and watching a movie with your partner. Thinner blankets and quilts may be ideal if you’re planning to use your bedding for more than just bedding. Just be careful not to drop and popcorn or crumbs!

The range of comforters and quilts a Briscoes

If you’re looking for a quilt set, comforter set or stand-alone comforters in NZ, look no further than our range at Briscoes. As with any item on our website, you can shop comforters confidently, knowing you’ll get fast delivery and our price promise. Choose from various fabrics like microfibre, cotton and cotton/ polyester blends. We only supply leading comforters and quilts brands, like Galaxy, Twil & Co, Royal Doulton and Fieldcrest.

The range of duvet covers at Briscoes

One of the big benefits of choosing a duvet is that you can switch out the duvet cover to fit your current taste and the season. At Briscoes, you can get creative with the most out-of-the-box or classic designs. We have a wide variety of duvet covers in different fabrics, including duvet covers in linen, duvet covers in cotton and even duvet covers in velvet. Choose from some of the leading brands of duvet covers in NZ, including Kas, Esprit, Twill & Co, Royal Doulton, and so many more. 

Top tip: If you’re also looking for a new duvet inner, check out our wide range. Our guide to duvet inners is also a good starting point when looking to buy.

Other ways to help get a better night’s sleep

Your comforter, duvet or quilt isn’t the only factor when aiming for the perfect night’s sleep. Yes, the right bedding is important, but there are also other factors to help you not only get to sleep quicker but also to help you to get a better quality of sleep. 

Don’t forget your pillow

Ever tried to get a good night’s sleep without a pillow? It can be pretty difficult. Your pillow has a big role to play in your quality of sleep. Depending on your sleep style or allergies, there are many different styles and stuffing to consider. Our guide to buying pillows makes it easy for you to find the dream pillow to rest your weary head. In the guide, we explore pillow considerations if you’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper or even a side sleeper. 

Make good habits

You’ve probably heard it many times before, but it’s not the best idea to be using your smartphone, TV or laptop right before bed. There are many good habits you can take up to help you sleep better and many bad habits that you should probably try to avoid. As well as trying to mitigate the blue light from screens, it can also be a good idea to exercise during the day to tire yourself out. Another trick some people swear by is drinking herbal and caffeine-free tea. There are many helpful online resources with tips to sleep well. 

Choose the right sheets for the season

Sheets have a big role to play in the temperature of your bed at night. And having your bed at the right temperature is vital to getting quality sleep. Not all sheets are created equal. At Briscoes, we stock a wide selection of sheets, including flannelette sheets to keep warm in winter and percale sheets for summer. For more advice on buying sheets, read our guide to bed sheets.

Know what kind of bedding you want?

Whether you choose a quilt, comforter or duvet cover, you can rest assured that we have you covered at Briscoes. Either shop from our range of bedding online or pop in and chat with the team at your local Briscoes store. Another great source of bedding inspiration is our sleep shop. Here, you can find further information on many different bedding options. Other bedding guides that may be of interest include:

• Guide to protecting your mattress
• Electric blanket buying guide
• Winter bedding: How to style your bed this winter