3 Expert Tips To Choose A Duvet Cover & Set

Before you rush off and buy the first duvet cover set that takes your fancy, you should first have a careful think about which material you should choose.

A lot comes down to comfort and personal preference, but there are plenty of other reasons to choose one material over another, such as breathability, being easy to launder and durability.

Cotton

Hard-wearing, washable at high temperatures and comfortable, cotton is a popular natural choice. Available in a variety of thread counts, look for higher numbers for a tighter weave and a superior finish.

A lot of people prefer the breathability of cotton to man-made fabrics; it's also worth mentioning that cotton is an affordable option.

Pros:

• Natural fabric.
• Breathable.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Easy maintenance.
• Affordable. 

Cons:

• Superior Egyptian cotton duvets can be expensive.
• Can wrinkle easily after washing.

Silk

Silk bedding is synonymous with luxury.

While it is natural and a great hypoallergenic choice, it is extremely expensive and difficult to launder. While some people like the silky texture, others find it less appealing.

Pros:

• Natural.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Kinder on your skin and hair.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Needs laundering by hand or on a silk program with special detergent.

Polyester/polyester blends

Used alone, polyester can be a little scratchy next to your skin, so you'll often see it as a blend. It is a man-made fabric that is generally inexpensive. It needs washing at lower temperatures than cotton, but it tends to stay wrinkle-free.

Avoid ironing as polyester is a synthetic material that can melt. Polyester is less durable than cotton and can attract pet hairs and lint. It may also irritate sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Doesn't wrinkle as much as cotton.
• Inexpensive.
• Machine washable.

Cons:

• Can attract lint and pet hair.
• Prone to pilling.
• May irritate sensitive skin.

Linen

Linen bedding has gained in popularity in recent years as people move towards natural fabrics. While linen is hardwearing and breathable, it takes a long time to soften and wrinkles very easily.

It is also expensive; however, as it can last many, many years of use, it's price can often be justified.

Pros:

• Extremely durable.
• Breathable.
• Natural fabric.
• Hypoallergenic.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Wrinkles.
• Takes a while for new linen bedding to soften.

You need to select the correct duvet cover to match your duvet.

If you're not sure, just take a look at your duvet's size on its label or check your existing bedding. Here are the main bed sizes and their matching duvet cover sizes.

Bear in mind that some brands can vary by several inches, so we've just listed these figures as a general guide:

• For a Twin/Twin XL duvet you'll need a twin duvet cover measuring approximately: 66" x 86-90"
• A full/double duvet  takes a full duvet cover measuring approximately: 80" x 80"- 88" x 88"
• A queen duvet takes a queen duvet cover measuring approximately: 90" x 88-90"
• A king duvet  takes a king duvet cover measuring approximately: 102" x 90" - 104" x 92"
• A Californian king duvet takes a Californian king duvet cover measuring approximately: 104" x 94"

Purchasing a new duvet set is a great way to add a splash of color or to try out a new look without spending a fortune changing your furniture.

Here's how to pick the best duvet set to match your decor.

Solid color

If your bedroom already has a lot going on, then you may prefer to opt for a solid color duvet set. By no means does this have to be boring, you can choose a bright color for your modern bedroom or a neutral tone for a more sedate look.

Solid colors are the best choice for minimalist bedrooms, where they won't distract your gaze from the smooth lines and quality of finish. They also look good in modern or traditional rooms where they can be used to pick up accent colors, for example, to match your drapes or accessories.

Stripes

Traditional or coastal themes look great with striped bedding. A blue striped duvet cover with white wooden furniture is a definite coastal look.

However, stripes can also look smart and multicolored stripes can work well in a modern decor, breaking with traditional colorwise but keeping the same lines.

Plaid

Plaid works well in a cozy cottage or traditional themed bedroom, especially with dark wooden furniture.

It's definitely a warm, snuggled up look, so you may want to reserve it for winter and change to a different theme for warner times of the year.

Floral

For feminine bedrooms, both traditional and modern, choose a floral duvet cover.

Opt for small flower motifs for a retro look, or choose large, brightly colored flower prints for a modern look. Floral duvet covers are a good way to bring a touch of color and femininity to any bedroom.

Toile

Romantic, traditional and shabby chic bedrooms will look good with a toile printed duvet cover. Featuring romantic pastoral themes, these duvet covers can be overwhelming in detail.

Team them with plain walls for a traditional, quaint look, or match them to a rococo decor for an over the top luxurious look.

Geometric

For modern bedrooms, geometric shapes are a great way to add color or detail. If your modern bedroom is lacking a focal point, choosing bedding with a geometric string pattern will help to bring your room together.

Abstract

Abstract patterns work in both modern and traditional bedrooms. Choose a pattern and colors that appeal to you.

Opt for a modern print with bold colors in a predominately one-tone room.

If you have a lot of different colors in your room already, look for a pattern with just two colors that work with your existing color scheme.