Quick Answer: A duvet is an insert with a removable cover (easy to wash, versatile). A comforter is a single quilted blanket (simpler, no cover needed). A quilt is thin and lightweight (best for summer or layering). For Canadian winters, a duvet with a warm insert offers the most flexibility. For year-round simplicity, a medium-weight comforter works. For hot sleepers, a quilt provides coverage without trapping excess heat.
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Comforter, quilt, duvet. Most people use these words interchangeably and sleep perfectly fine without knowing the difference. But if you are shopping for new bedding and trying to figure out what to buy, the differences matter because they affect warmth, weight, maintenance, and how your bed looks.
Here is the simplest way to think about it. A duvet is a two-piece system: a plain insert and a decorative cover. A comforter is a single piece that serves as both the fill and the exterior. A quilt is thinner, flatter, and made from layered fabric rather than fluffy fill. Each has a purpose. None is universally better.
The Duvet: Two Pieces, Maximum Flexibility
A duvet system has two components. The insert (also called the duvet) is a plain white shell filled with down, down alternative, wool, or synthetic fibre. The cover (also called a duvet cover) is a fabric envelope that slips over the insert, functioning like a giant pillowcase.
Why this works well:
- Easy washing. Remove the cover, machine wash it, and put it back on. The insert only needs occasional washing (2-4 times per year), which extends its lifespan.
- Seasonal swaps. Keep a lightweight insert for summer and a heavier one for winter. Same covers, different warmth levels. In Ontario, where bedroom temperatures range from 16C in January to 26C in August, this adaptability is practical.
- Style changes. Swap the cover to change your bedroom's look without buying a new blanket. Covers cost $40-$100, far less than a new comforter or duvet insert.
The drawback: Duvet covers are mildly annoying to put on. The insert shifts inside the cover, bunching in corners. Higher-quality covers have internal ties or clips that attach to the insert's corner loops, which helps but does not eliminate the problem entirely. Some people find this maintenance enough to choose a comforter instead.
Down vs Down Alternative Inserts
Down (goose or duck feather clusters) is lighter, warmer per ounce, and more compressible than any synthetic fill. A quality down duvet feels like sleeping under a warm cloud. It also costs more ($150-$400 for a queen insert) and is not ideal for people with feather allergies.
Down alternative (polyester fill designed to mimic down's loft) costs less ($50-$150), is hypoallergenic, and is machine washable. It is heavier than down for the same warmth level and does not last as long. Down alternative inserts typically need replacing every 3-5 years as the fill compresses. Down inserts can last 10-15 years.
Fill Power: The Number That Actually Matters
Fill power measures how many cubic inches one ounce of down will occupy. Higher fill power means the down traps more air per ounce, which means better insulation with less weight. A 700+ fill power goose down duvet will feel lighter and warmer than a 550 fill power one. Canadian manufacturers like Canadian Down and Feather Company offer fill powers ranging from 575 (good) to 850 (Hutterite goose down, premium). For Ontario winters, a 650-700 fill power in All Season Weight is the sweet spot for most bedrooms.
The Comforter: One Piece, Simple
A comforter is a single quilted blanket with fill sewn directly into the outer shell. There is no separate cover. What you see is what you sleep under. Comforters are typically available in matched bedding sets (comforter, pillow shams, bed skirt) that coordinate the bedroom.
Why this works well:
- Simplicity. No cover to put on, no shifting insert. Make the bed in 30 seconds.
- Consistent look. The pattern and texture are part of the comforter itself. No cover means no bunching, no misalignment, and a cleaner appearance on the bed.
- Ready to use. Buy one piece and you are done. No need to purchase a separate insert and cover.
The drawback: Comforters are harder to wash. Most queen and king comforters do not fit in a standard home washing machine. You either need a large-capacity washer, a laundromat commercial machine, or dry cleaning. Since the comforter is your only layer between your body and the fill, it gets dirty faster than a duvet cover would, and washing it is more work.
Some people use a flat sheet between themselves and the comforter to reduce how often the comforter needs washing. This works but adds a layer that can tangle during sleep.
Comforter Sets in Canada
If you prefer the comforter route, Canadian retailers typically sell comforter sets ranging from $80-$300 for a queen. A set usually includes the comforter, two pillow shams, and sometimes a bed skirt or decorative cushions. The advantage is coordinated styling without shopping for separate pieces. The disadvantage is that the set components often wear at different rates, and replacing one piece means finding a match or buying a whole new set.
The Quilt: Thin, Light, Layered
A quilt is three layers stitched together: a decorative top, a thin batting (fill) layer, and a backing fabric. Quilts are significantly thinner and lighter than comforters or duvets. They were originally designed to be layered (the word "quilt" comes from the Latin "culcita," meaning stuffed sack, but modern quilts are more blanket than sack).
Why this works well:
- Hot sleepers. If you overheat under a comforter or duvet, a quilt provides coverage without the insulating bulk. It is enough to feel like you are "under something" without trapping excessive heat.
- Layering. Quilts combine well with blankets. In winter, add a wool blanket under the quilt for warmth. In summer, the quilt alone is enough. This gives you granular control over warmth that a single thick comforter does not.
- Easy care. Most quilts fit in a standard washing machine. They dry faster because they are thinner. Maintenance is minimal.
- Aesthetics. Quilts, particularly handmade or artisanal ones, can be visually striking. The patchwork and stitching patterns add texture and character to a bedroom.
The drawback: A quilt alone is usually not warm enough for Ontario winters. If your bedroom drops below 18C, you will need additional layers. Quilts are best as part of a layering system, not as a standalone winter blanket.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Duvet | Comforter | Quilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Adjustable (swap inserts) | Fixed (choose by weight) | Light to medium |
| Weight | Light to heavy | Medium to heavy | Light |
| Washability | Cover: easy. Insert: occasional. | Difficult (commercial washer) | Easy (home washer) |
| Cost (Queen) | $100-$400 (insert + cover) | $50-$200 | $60-$200 |
| Best For | Year-round use, easy care | Simple setup, matched decor | Hot sleepers, summer, layering |
| Lifespan | Insert: 5-15 years. Cover: 3-5 years. | 3-7 years | 5-10 years |
Duvet Warmth Ratings: TOG and the Canadian System
If you have shopped for duvets from European or UK brands, you have probably seen TOG ratings. TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures how well a duvet traps heat. Higher TOG, warmer duvet. The scale was developed in the UK in the 1940s, and it remains the standard there.
In Canada, most retailers use a weight-based system instead. Here is how the two systems compare:
| Canadian Weight | TOG Equivalent | Best For | Room Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Weight | 3-4.5 TOG | Hot sleepers, summer months | 22C and above |
| Regular Weight | 7-9 TOG | Spring and fall, mild winters | 19-21C |
| All Season Weight | 10.5-12 TOG | Most Ontario bedrooms in winter | 16-18C |
| Winter Weight | 13.5+ TOG | Cold sleepers, very cold rooms | 15C and below |
Most Ontario homes keep the thermostat at 20-22C during the day and drop it to 16-18C overnight to save on heating. That overnight temperature puts most bedrooms in the "All Season Weight" range. If you live in an older Brantford home with drafty windows, or you lower the heat aggressively to save on Enbridge bills, consider a Winter Weight duvet.
The Two-Duvet System
Some European brands sell snap-together duvets: a 4.5 TOG summer insert and a 9 TOG autumn insert that button together for a combined 13.5 TOG in winter. This approach gives you three warmth levels from two pieces. It is less common in Canada, but you can replicate it by buying two inserts (summer weight and regular weight) and layering them inside a single oversized duvet cover during January and February. Dorothy, our sleep specialist, has seen customers do this with two inexpensive down-alternative inserts for under $200 total.
Fill Power vs Warmth Rating
Fill power and TOG measure different things. Fill power tells you how efficient the down is (higher fill power = more warmth per ounce). TOG or weight rating tells you how warm the finished duvet actually is. A duvet made with 850-fill-power Hutterite goose down needs fewer ounces of fill to hit the same warmth as a 575-fill-power duck down duvet. The result: the premium down duvet is lighter on your body while keeping you just as warm. For people who dislike the heavy feeling of winter bedding, investing in higher fill power makes a real difference.
Duvet Cover Sizing Guide
One of the most common bedding frustrations is a duvet insert that bunches, shifts, or hangs unevenly inside its cover. Usually, the problem is sizing mismatch or missing fasteners.
Standard Duvet Cover Sizes in Canada
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 64 x 87 | 162 x 220 |
| Double / Full | 80 x 86 | 204 x 218 |
| Queen | 90 x 90 | 229 x 229 |
| King | 104 x 90 | 264 x 229 |
Important: There is no universal standard. "Queen" can mean 86x86, 88x88, or 90x90 depending on the manufacturer. Always check the actual measurements printed on the packaging for both your insert and cover. Do not rely on the size name alone.
The Right Fit
Your duvet insert should be 1-2 inches larger than your cover on each side. This slight compression creates a full, fluffy look and prevents the insert from shifting. If the cover is much larger than the insert, you get empty fabric and a flat appearance. If it is much smaller, the insert bunches and creates lumpy cold spots. When in doubt, measure both pieces before buying.
How to Keep Your Duvet Insert from Bunching
Even with proper sizing, inserts can shift overnight. Here are the fixes, from built-in to DIY:
- Corner ties and loops. Most quality duvet covers have fabric ties at the inner corners. Quality inserts have matching loops. Thread the tie through the loop and knot securely. This is the single most effective solution.
- Duvet clips. Plastic or magnetic clips that grip both the insert and cover from inside. Available at most home goods stores for $10-15. Worth it if your cover lacks ties.
- Safety pins. Low-tech but effective. Pin through both layers at each corner and the midpoint of each long side.
The "burrito roll" method for putting on a duvet cover without help: lay the cover inside-out flat on the bed with the opening at the foot. Lay the insert on top, aligning corners. Tie or clip the corners. Starting at the head, roll both layers tightly toward the foot like a burrito. At the foot, reach inside the cover opening and flip it right-side-out over the ends of the roll. Unroll back toward the head. Fasten the closure. Takes about five minutes and works well for one person.
Cooling Duvets and Blankets
If you sleep hot, the type of duvet or blanket you choose matters more than most people realize. "Cooling" bedding works through three mechanisms: breathability (letting heat escape), moisture-wicking (pulling sweat away), and in some cases active temperature regulation.
Cooling Technologies Compared
Bamboo viscose feels cool to the touch initially and offers good airflow. It wicks moisture better than polyester. However, the cool feeling fades after a few minutes as the fabric reaches body temperature. The ongoing benefit is less heat trapping, not active cooling. Bamboo duvet covers run $60-$120 queen in Canada.
TENCEL (eucalyptus lyocell) absorbs 50-70% more moisture than cotton. The fibre structure channels sweat away from your body more efficiently than bamboo. It is smoother, more breathable, and regulates temperature more consistently. TENCEL duvets and covers cost slightly more than bamboo, typically $100-$200 queen.
Phase change materials (PCMs) are the only bedding technology that actively regulates temperature. Microencapsulated materials infused into the fabric absorb excess body heat when you warm up and release it when you cool down. They activate at skin temperature (around 28-32C). The limitation: they can become saturated in extremely hot rooms. PCM duvets cost 20-50% more than standard options.
Ontario Humidity and Your Duvet
Ontario winters bring dry indoor air from forced-air heating, while summers can be humid. Down handles this climate range well because it naturally wicks moisture and breathes in both conditions. Synthetic fills hold up better with frequent washing (useful if you sweat heavily) but trap more heat. If you are choosing between the two for a Brantford home, down is the better climate match unless allergies are a concern. Stop by Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street to feel the difference in person.
Do Cooling Blankets Actually Work?
The honest answer: it depends on which technology you are buying. Bamboo and TENCEL genuinely improve breathability and reduce heat retention. You will sleep cooler than under polyester, but these fabrics do not actively cool you below room temperature. Phase change materials have the strongest evidence for real temperature regulation. Gel-infused products tend to feel cool for the first few minutes and then warm up. If you are a serious hot sleeper, TENCEL or PCM is worth the investment. If you run warm but not extremely hot, bamboo does the job at a lower price.
The Canadian Four-Season Strategy
For Ontario's temperature extremes, many families keep a layered system: a lightweight duvet insert (or quilt) for May through September and a heavier duvet insert for October through April, both using the same cover set. This costs more upfront than a single comforter but provides better comfort across all seasons. The total investment for a two-insert duvet system is roughly $150-$350, which is comparable to buying two comforters of different weights.
Bedding and Your Mattress Work Together
Your bedding controls the warmth above you. Your mattress controls the comfort and temperature below you. If you sleep hot, even the lightest quilt will not fix a heat-trapping mattress. The Restonic ComfortCare uses TempaGel cooling foam and individually wrapped pocket coils for airflow. The Luxury Silk and Wool uses natural fibres for temperature regulation. Paired with the right bedding, these mattresses create a complete thermal management system. Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, to test in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a duvet without a cover?
Technically yes, but the insert gets dirty faster and is harder to wash. Duvet inserts are designed to be protected by a cover. Using one without a cover is like using a pillow without a pillowcase. It works, but it reduces the lifespan of the insert and requires more frequent laundering.
Is a duvet or comforter warmer?
It depends on the fill. A thick down duvet is warmer than most comforters. A thin synthetic duvet is less warm. The advantage of a duvet is that you can choose the warmth level by selecting the insert weight. Comforters have a fixed warmth level. For Canadian winters, a medium to heavy duvet insert (All Season or Winter Weight) is typically sufficient for bedrooms at 16-18C.
What is a duvet TOG rating?
TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) measures how well a duvet traps heat. A 4.5 TOG is summer-weight. A 10.5 TOG is standard year-round. A 13.5 TOG is winter-weight. In Canada, most retailers use weight categories (Summer, Regular, All Season, Winter) instead of TOG numbers. An "All Season Weight" duvet is roughly equivalent to 10.5-12 TOG, which suits most Ontario bedrooms in winter.
What size duvet cover do I need for a queen bed?
A standard queen duvet cover in Canada measures approximately 90 x 90 inches (229 x 229 cm). However, sizing varies by manufacturer, so always check the dimensions on the label. Your duvet insert should be 1-2 inches larger than the cover on each side for a full, snug fit. Avoid buying a cover much larger than your insert, as the excess fabric causes bunching and shifting.
Are quilts warm enough for winter?
Usually not on their own in a Canadian winter. Quilts are designed as lightweight coverings. For winter warmth, layer a quilt over a wool or fleece blanket, or use a quilt as a decorative top layer over a duvet. A quilt alone is best suited for summer or well-heated bedrooms above 20C.
What is the difference between a duvet and a bedspread?
A duvet is a thick, filled covering designed to keep you warm, used with a removable cover. A bedspread is a thin decorative covering that drapes over the entire bed including the pillows, reaching to the floor. Bedspreads provide minimal warmth and are mostly for appearance. In colder climates like Ontario, a bedspread alone is not enough for winter sleeping. Some people use a bedspread on top of their duvet for a finished, hotel-like look.
How often should I replace my comforter or duvet?
Down duvet inserts last 10-15 years with proper care. Down alternative inserts last 3-5 years. Comforters last 3-7 years depending on quality and care. Replace when the fill has compressed noticeably, the warmth has decreased, or the fabric shows wear. At Mattress Miracle, we recommend checking your mattress on the same timeline. Call (519) 770-0001 for guidance.
Do cooling blankets actually keep you cool?
Bamboo and TENCEL (eucalyptus) blankets improve breathability and wick moisture, so you retain less heat. They are genuinely cooler than polyester or standard cotton. Phase change material (PCM) blankets actively absorb excess body heat, providing the strongest cooling effect. Gel-infused blankets feel cool initially but warm up quickly. For hot sleepers in Ontario, a TENCEL duvet paired with a breathable mattress makes the biggest difference.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Your bedding works with your mattress to create comfortable sleep. If you are upgrading your top layers, make sure the foundation underneath is solid too. Brad can help you match the right mattress to your bedding preferences. We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987.
Shop BeddingRelated Reading
Sources
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Health Canada. Indoor air quality guidelines. canada.ca/health-canada
- Lenzing AG. TENCEL fibre properties: moisture management and thermoregulation. tencel.com