Duvet vs Quilt: How to Choose the Right Bedding

Choosing new bedding can be confusing with so many terms to navigate—duvet, quilt, comforter, and more. Many Canadians are left asking: what is the real difference between a duvet and a quilt, and how do you know which is the best fit for your needs? In this guide, we’ll provide all the answers so you can choose the right bedding for every season and sleep style.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet is a plush, insulated insert typically filled with natural down, feathers, or synthetic fibres such as polyester. Designed to be used inside a removable duvet cover, a duvet forms the cozy centrepiece of many beds. The cover protects your duvet while letting you change the look—or toss it in the wash—whenever you like.

Duvets come in a variety of weights and warmth levels, from lightweight options perfect for summer to heavier versions that keep you warm through chilly Canadian winters. This flexibility makes duvets a versatile bedding choice year-round.

What Is a Quilt?

A quilt is constructed using three layers: a decorative top, a lightweight inner batting, and a backing. These are stitched together in patterns—often intricate and eye-catching—to produce a flat, single-piece blanket.

Quilts do not need covers and are typically thinner than duvets, which means they’re ideal for warmer weather or for layering.

They add a layer of texture and personality to your bed. With a wide range of colours, patterns, and stitching styles, they’re an easy way to reflect your style while giving your space a more finished look.

Duvet vs Quilt: Key Differences Explained

Let’s talk about the differences between a duvet and a quilt across several factors.

• Construction – Duvets have a removable cover and a soft, insulating insert, while quilts consist of stitched layers that hold their shape.
• Warmth – Duvets generally provide more warmth due to their high-loft filling. Quilts are lighter, offering moderate warmth and more breathability in general.
• Care and flexibility – Duvets must be used with a cover, making laundry and style swaps simple. Quilts can be used alone or layered for extra warmth.
• Style – Duvet covers are interchangeable, which lets you easily refresh your room’s look. A quilt’s pattern and texture are showpieces that add visual interest all on their own.

Do You Need a Cover for Your Quilt and Duvet?

Do quilts use covers?

Quilts are designed to stand alone and don't use covers. Their decorative top layer is a part of their appeal. To keep your quilt fresh, you can use a flat sheet between yourself and the quilt in bed. For a new look, simply swap the quilt for another style.

Quilts are generally machine washable, but it’s still important to consider the material and construction before tossing one in the wash. Since quilts don’t have covers, they come into direct contact with your skin, body oils, and sweat—especially if you don’t use a flat sheet. That means regular washing is key to keeping them fresh and clean. More care tips below.

Why duvets need covers

A duvet insert always goes inside a cover. Here’s why it matters:

• The cover helps shield your duvet from dust, body oils, and spills, keeping it cleaner for longer.
• It’s much easier to toss a cover in the wash than to clean the entire duvet.
• You can change colours or patterns as the seasons change—no need to buy a whole new insert to refresh your room.

Care & Maintenance Tips

The right care routine helps your bedding last longer and feel fresher night after night. Here’s how to look after your duvet or quilt.

Duvet inserts and covers

Duvet inserts should be washed 2–4 times a year, depending on usage and whether you use a top sheet. Always check the label first—some down or feather inserts may require professional cleaning. Use a large-capacity front-loading washer, mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. Dry thoroughly with dryer balls to keep the fill evenly distributed.

Duvet covers can be washed more often—every 1–2 weeks, similar to your sheets. This helps keep allergens, sweat, and dust at bay.

Check out our comprehensive duvet washing guide for more information.

Quilts

Quilts can often go in the washing machine, especially if they’re made from cotton. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dry flat when possible. For embellished or delicate quilts, spot-clean or hand wash to prevent damage. Always check the care label before washing.

• Cotton quilts are generally machine washable.
• Wool or silk quilts require more gentle care, often needing a specific wool-friendly detergent and a delicate cycle, or professional cleaning.
• Quilts with embellishments like beads, buttons, or delicate appliqué should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned to avoid damage.

If your quilt is new or features vibrant colours, test a small, hidden section for colourfastness before washing to ensure dyes won’t bleed.

A little routine care goes a long way in keeping your bedding clean, comfortable, and looking its best.

Which One Should You Choose?

Still not sure whether a duvet or quilt is right for you? The best choice depends on your needs, habits, and how you like your bed to feel and look. Here’s what to consider:

• For hot or cold sleepers – If you tend to overheat at night, try a lightweight or breathable duvet—look for down alternative or moisture-wicking materials. Prefer to stay extra warm and cozy? Choose a high-loft duvet with natural down or a winter-rated fill. Quilts are naturally cooler and breathable, making them a good option for warm sleepers or for layering in colder months.
• For changing things up – Go with a duvet. With a removable cover, it’s easy to switch up colours or patterns to match the season or your mood, without replacing the whole insert.
• For easy laundry days – A duvet with a cover is your best bet. Just toss the cover in with your regular sheets, and wash the insert a few times a year. It’s simpler and saves time.
• For how you like to sleep – Prefer something soft and cocoon-like? A duvet gives you that warm, lofty feel. Want a lighter layer that’s easy to fold back or toss over the foot of the bed? A quilt might be the one.

Read more on how to choose a duvet, or browse our full selection of bedding options.

Final Thoughts: Quilt or Duvet?

Both duvets and quilts make great additions to your bedroom, depending on what you need most—warmth, breathability, or a touch of style. A duvet offers plush comfort and the flexibility to switch up your look with a new cover. A quilt adds lightweight warmth and a decorative, textured finish that feels timeless.

Can’t decide? Many people enjoy the best of both—layering a quilt over a duvet for added warmth in winter or an effortless, styled look year-round. Explore our full collection of duvets and quilts to find your perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a duvet and a quilt?
A duvet is a soft, insulated insert used with a removable cover. It offers warmth and the flexibility to change your bedroom look with different covers. A quilt, on the other hand, is made from stitched layers of fabric and batting. It’s typically lighter and doesn’t require a cover.

What’s the difference between a duvet vs comforter vs quilt?

• Duvet – A two-part system consisting of a plain, filled insert that is meant to be used with a separate, removable, and washable cover. It is prized for its easy-to-clean cover and the ability to change a bed's style by simply swapping the cover.
• Comforter – A single-piece, fluffy bed covering where the outer fabric is sewn through to keep the filling evenly distributed. It’s an all-in-one option that can be harder to wash at home due to its size and bulk.
• Quilt – A three-layered bed covering with a decorative top, a thin layer of batting, and a backing, all held together by a pattern of decorative stitching. It is typically flatter and thinner than a comforter or duvet, making it ideal for warmer weather or as a decorative layering piece.

Which is warmer, duvet or quilt?
Duvets are generally warmer, especially those filled with down or high-loft synthetic materials. Quilts are lighter and more breathable—great for summer or layering during cooler months.

Do quilts need covers like duvets do?
No—quilts are designed to be used without a cover. Their fabric and stitching are meant to be seen and enjoyed as-is.

Can I use a quilt in place of a duvet?
Yes, especially in warmer weather. A quilt can be your main layer in summer or in a warm room. In colder months, it can also be layered on top of a duvet for extra warmth and texture.

Which is better for allergies: duvet or quilt?
Both can be suitable if made with hypoallergenic materials. Many duvets use down-alternative fills that resist allergens. Quilts made from tightly woven cotton or synthetic blends can also be a good option for allergy-prone sleepers.

Can you layer a quilt over a duvet?
Absolutely. Layering a quilt over a duvet is a great way to combine comfort and style. It adds visual texture and makes it easy to adjust your warmth throughout the night.