Buying Guide: Duvet Inners + Quilts

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Buying Guide: Duvet Inners + Quilts

Choosing the perfect duvet isn't just about a good night's sleep—it's about making your bed the cosiest spot in the house! At George Street Linen, your comfort is a top priority, whether you're

snuggling in or kicking the covers off. In this guide, we'll dive into all things duvet inners to help you find the perfect duvet.

To get started in picking your perfect duvet, we need to consider the following:

Are you a hot or cold sleeper?
Will you use the duvet in a specific season, or do you want it to work all year round?
Do you need a duvet inner that can be machine-washed?
Are you sensitive to natural fibres or suffer from allergies?

Shop Quilts + Duvets

Having tackled these questions, selecting your ideal duvet inner is simple. Let's explore the choices to find what works best for you. Read on or jump to the section that's most important to you:

What is a Duvet Inner? And is it different from a Doona or Quilt?
Understanding different types of duvet fillings
Understanding weight, warmth & loft
Picking the right size duvet
Care & maintenance for your new duvet

What is a Duvet Inner and is it Different from a Quilt or Doona?

Essentially, quilts, doonas, and duvets are different terms for the same item. Quilts, doonas, and duvets are all inserts that fit inside a cover, which can be called a quilt cover, doona cover, or duvet cover.

In Australia & New Zealand, these terms are used interchangeably to describe a weighted blanket stuffed with down, wool, or synthetic materials, providing a top layer to your bed. So, whether you hear quilt, doona, or duvet, they all mean the same thing!

Understanding Types of Duvet Fillings

Selecting the right duvet filling is crucial for a restful night's sleep. Whether you prefer natural options like down, feather, wool, and bamboo or synthetic alternatives, understanding each type's benefits ensures you find the perfect match for your needs.

Natural Fillings

Down and Feather

Down and feather duvets are filled with soft under feathers (down) and larger feathers from ducks or geese. This blend provides exceptional warmth and a firmer structure. Goose Down is especially prized for its superior insulation and lightweight feel, making these duvets suitable for all seasons. Down offers plush softness and warmth, while feathers add support and durability.

Made exclusively with Siberian Goose down, our light, soft, and warm duvets provide exceptional insulation. Our high-quality Class A down is sourced from certified farms and encased in tightly woven, dust-mite-resistant covers, ensuring luxurious comfort and excellent thermal performance. Shop our Siberian Goose Down Duvet Inners today.

Wool

Wool duvets are known for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making them excellent for year-round use. Wool naturally regulates temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Its ability to absorb and release moisture helps maintain a comfortable sleeping environment. Wool is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.

Bamboo

Bamboo duvets are a favourite eco-friendly option, as bamboo is environmentally friendly to produce and resistant to mould, dust, bacteria, and odours. Hypoallergenic and perfect for allergy sufferers, bamboo duvets have less loft than other fibres, making them ideal for warmer climates or summer months. Our bamboo duvet inners blend cotton and bamboo, offering sustainability and comfort in any weather. Shop our Bamboo Duvet Inners today.

Synthetic Fillings

Synthetics can get a bad rep, but not all synthetics are made the same when it comes to duvets. Our High-Loft and Supreme-Soft duvets are premium down alternatives. High-loft fibre closely mimics the feel, loft, warmth, and performance of natural down, while our Supreme-Soft duvets.

Down Alternative

Down alternative duvets replicate the feel of down while being hypoallergenic and more accessible to care for. Often made from high-quality synthetic fibres, these duvets provide similar loft and comfort to natural down without the risk of allergic reactions. They are also more economical and can be machine-washed, making them convenient for everyday use.

Microfiber

Microfiber duvets are lightweight and affordable and mimic the softness and warmth of down. They are hypoallergenic and easy to care for, making them suitable for all seasons.

Understanding Weight, Warmth, & Loft

Choosing the right duvet involves considering warmth, weight, loft, and GSM, which can significantly impact your sleep quality. Here’s a quick guide:

Warmth & Weight:

Warm & Lightweight: Feather and down duvets provide exceptional warmth without weight, perfect for those who prefer a cosy yet feather-light feel.

Mid-weight & Warmth: Down Alternatives like High Loft & Supreme Soft fill duvets mimic the light feel of down, offering even warmth distribution and suitability for all seasons, especially for those with sensitivities to natural fibres.

Cool & Lightweight: Bamboo-filled duvet inners are light and airy, ideal for staying cool and comfortable in warmer months.

Loft & GSM

Loft and GSM are crucial terms to understand when choosing a duvet inner. Loft refers to the thickness of the duvet inner, influencing its visual appeal with higher lofts creating a bigger, fluffier appearance. However, loft primarily affects how it feels to be nestled under the duvet rather than its warmth. A high loft duvet inner can be as thick as three blankets.

On the other hand, GSM, or "grams per square metre," measures the density of the filling. This metric directly correlates with the duvet inner's warmth:

Getting the Size Right

Making sure you pick the right size for the look and level of comfort you want is essential.

We offer duvet inners in sizes to fit single, king single, double, queen, king, and super king beds. While matching your bed size to your duvet inner size is common, we recommend going one size larger for extra comfort and coverage.

For instance, a king duvet inner on a queen bed ensures you're always covered, even with a blanket-hogging companion. This also gives your bed a plush, five-star hotel look.

Tips for choosing the right size:

Consider Mattress Depth: Modern mattresses are often deeper, so a larger duvet ensures adequate drape.
Avoid Blanket Fights: If you and your partner tend to steal covers, a larger size or even two separate smaller duvets can help.
Luxurious Aesthetics: Upsizing your duvet creates an elegant overflow on the sides, enhancing your bedroom's appearance.

Care and Maintenance for Duvet Inners

Now that you’ve picked your new duvet inner, it's important to learn how to care for it properly. Proper care and maintenance of your duvet inner can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure you enjoy a cosy and clean sleep environment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for different types of duvet inners:

Washing & Drying

Washing & drying instructions differ for different types of duvet inners, so we have provided some more general tips and some material-specific advice:

Always follow the care instructions on the product label. Some duvets are machine washable, while others require dry cleaning.
Wash your duvet at least once a year to maintain hygiene.
Air dry your duvet in direct sunlight between washes to release moisture and take advantage of the sun's natural antibacterial properties.

Feather & Down Fill duvet inners: Dry clean only; shake regularly to restore loft and shape.

Down Alternative: Warm, gentle machine wash or hand wash separately and line dry.

Wool-fill duvet inners: Machine wash or dry clean according to the label; use wool detergent and line dry in the shade.

Bamboo duvet inners: Wash gently in a machine with a mild detergent and air dry in the shade away from direct sunlight.

Storage & Protection

Following these care and maintenance tips, you can keep your duvet inner clean, fresh, and in excellent condition, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep for years.

Storage Tips

When not in use, store your duvet in a sealed bag to keep it fresh. The original packaging is often ideal for storage. Remember to leave the packaging slightly open to allow for air circulation.

Protective Covers

Use duvet covers and protectors to extend the lifespan of your duvet. These covers protect against dirt and wear, making it easier to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Regular Maintenance

Fluff and air your duvet regularly to maintain its plump look and evenly distribute the filling. Ensure your duvet is completely dry before placing it back in the cover to prevent mould growth.

Bringing it all together

Choosing the perfect duvet inner can seem daunting, but with the right information, it becomes much simpler. From understanding the nuances of loft and GSM to selecting the right size and considering allergy-friendly options, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision.

Remember, your comfort is paramount, and the right duvet inner can make all the difference in achieving a restful night's sleep. Whether you prefer breathable bamboo, luxurious feather and down, or hypoallergenic synthetic materials, there’s a perfect duvet for every sleeper and every season.

If you’re still unsure or feeling overwhelmed by the variety of options, our expert team at George Street Linen is here to help. Head in-store or email us for personalised advice and to explore our extensive range of duvet inners. We're committed to ensuring you find the ideal duvet inner that meets your needs and enhances your sleep experience.

Sweet dreams await with the perfect duvet inner from George Street Linen!