Picking The Right Duvet Cover

Buying duvet covers comes across as a straightforward affair. Sometimes it’s even sold as a set with your bedsheets and pillowcases. Although it’s perfectly fine to match your duvet cover with the rest of your bedding, there are considerations you might wish to think about before committing to that bundle. 

A duvet cover dominates the bedding experience in a big way. Similar to the other sheets and covers, it protects the contents within - in this case the duvet - from dust, fur and light stains. But because it is the topmost layer and also wraps around the sleeper at night, factors like the type of fabric can make for a very different sleeping experience.

Before you pick up that next duvet cover, see if it will be the right one for you with the following checklist.

The duvet cover size

When it comes to duvet covers, there are no standard sizes. What do we mean by that?

Much like shoe and ring sizes, bed sizes around the world can differ in dimensions - and sometimes even in naming convention. For example, a double from North America measures 137 by 191cm, but 140 x 200cm in Europe. Worse still, a Queen in the US and Australia is actually a King in the UK. So, rather than rely on the naming of the bed size for your duvet cover size, measure your duvet’s exact dimensions and note it down in both their metric and imperial form for easier shopping.

Choose something with an extra inch of so or space, so that your duvet will fit into the cover more easily, especially if it’s fairly thick. If you like the look of a duvet cover hanging over the bed’s edges, refrain from buying an extra large duvet cover size to achieve this as your duvet will move around too much within.

The duvet cover fabric

Just like bedsheets, duvet covers are made from all types of materials. The type of fabric to pick, however, has more of an impact than a bed sheet because it affects the sleeper it is covering as well as the overall look of the bed with its wide coverage.

Cotton is one of the most popular types of fabric for duvet covers because it is reasonably-priced, breathable and soft to the skin. Opt for brushed cotton for added plushness and percale for a more elegant and crisp look. Cotton is also incredibly easy to care for and can be thrown in the machine to be washed.

If you’re looking for something even more breathable and yet incredibly luxurious to look at, go for silk. Silk is great for humid climates, keeping one warm when it’s cool and vice versa. It’s also really light and has a great sheen for that sophisticated look, and because of its dust-repelling nature, is great for those with allergies or asthma. The only drawback is that it’s not as easy to launder. An alternative with some of silk’s features would be sateen (though it’s better for keeping one warm than cool) - it’s easier to wash and doesn’t need ironing.

For more budget options, a polyester or cotton-poly blend type of fabric is both affordable and durable. It is perfect for those in cooler climates or sleeping in air-conditioning as it is a lot less breathable, so it keeps one’s warm air trapped under the pocket the duvet makes during sleep.

Linen has always been another popular choice for duvet covers. The natural material looks good in any setting, giving a refined look when ironed but a more rustic charm when left crumpled. It’s lightweight and breathable, and becomes even softer and more comfortable over time. Just make sure to buy pre-washed linen so it doesn’t shrink significantly during wash.

One additional tip if you’re still confused: Look towards your wardrobe. Whatever material you like to wear against your skin can be a good choice for you when you sleep as well.

The duvet cover design

Last but not least, the look of the duvet cover can make or break the look of your bedroom given its large bed estate. To choose from the wide array of quilt cover designs, look towards your interior theme. Would it work better to make the bed a focal point? Or do you wish to keep it more subdued for a restful vibe?

For the former, patterns and contrasting shades to the room palette will be ideal. For example, a lush green jungle print or solid dark clay duvet cover would pop beautifully in a leaf-green room. To keep it relaxed, opt for darker hues of the room’s colour, say, an ochre for a room that’s deep beige, or navy for a marine one.

Some extra duvet cover notes

• Check the opening of the duvet covers to make sure it’s made for easy insertion and removal, with closures to keep it from falling out.
• Duvet covers with ties are really helpful for keeping duvets in place, so check if yours include them.

Finding the ideal duvet cover with these tips will ensure comfortable, sound sleep every night, as well as a bedroom that always looks inviting and pleasing.

About Affairs Living

Affairs Living is one of Singapore’s leading smart furnishing solutions. Dedicated to helping you create a cosy living space you’d look forward to at the end of the day, our selection of bedding accessories—ranging from quilt covers to fitted sheet sets—can truly provide you with the ultimate sleeping experience. 

Whether you’re looking for an adjustable bed base for the perfect sleeping position or a mattress that can alleviate your back pain, we can be your one-stop solution. Our smart home technology also carries the promise of ending morning grogginess through an AI Function SMART Alarm, head and foot controls, and presetting your favourite positions!

Here at Affairs Living, we have everything you need to make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel. Grab the best deals, enjoy same-day delivery services and visit our newest showroom to start the most romantic affair of your homeownership journey. Shop now!