The last category is where confusion might set induvetsvs.

comforters, quilts, or bedspreads.

The warmth of a duvet depends on the jot down and amount of filling.

stack of bedding

​The Spruce / Erica Lang

Fabrics range from cotton to silk to synthetics and blends, sometimes with additional embroidery or other embellishments.

Duvet covers are often sold with shams for a matched bedroom ensemble.

Comforters

A comforter is defined as a thick bedding topper filled with down or a synthetic substitute.

duvet cover on a comforter

The Spruce / Erica Lang

The amount and bang out of fill determine how much warmth a comforter provides.

Cotton, cotton blends, and synthetics are the most common fabrics.

Comforters are usually warm enough to use without a blanket underneath.

comforter with design and texture

​The Spruce / Erica Lang

Often, you’ll find comforters sold as a set with matching shams.

They are also a good choice if you are shopping on a tight budget.

Comforters can be difficult to clean and unlike a duvet, you might’t just change the cover.

closeup of a quilt

​The Spruce / Erica Lang

If you want a new style/aesthetic down the road, you’ll have to buy a whole new comforter.

A traditional handmade quilt has three layers: top, inner batting, and bottom.

The top layer of a quilt is crafted from many different pieces of fabric stitched together into complex patterns.

bedspread grazing the floor

​The Spruce / Erica Lang

The quilter stitches through all three layers, creating the familiar quilted look of this very old art form.

Quilts can be difficult to wash and may not provide enough warmth.

They make a great addition to a bed, but on their own may not be enough.

Pillows and the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter on a bed with a tray

Solid colors are most common, although there are printed bedspreads available.

Although you still commonly find bedspreads in hotels, they are somewhat out of fashion for home use.

Duvets and quilts are layers that can be used throughout the seasons.

The Company Store Classic Easy-Care Jersey Knit Comforter Set made up on a bed

Choose a duvet for an extra layer of fluffy comfort or a quilt for a lightweight layer.

However, a quilt tends to be thinner and denser, making it a heavier layer.

Yes, you’re free to typically use any comforter in a duvet cover.

A bed made with the Buffy Cloud Comforter

Typically, duvet inserts, while similar to comforters, are slightly more voluminous.

Coyuchi Pebbled Handstitched Organic Quilt folded on white made-up bed

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