What is the difference between a duvet & comforter?

It can be confusing to know which is which, so we're here to help!

A duvet often refers to the duvet cover and duvet insert bedding option that many people opt for.

A duvet cover is kind of like a big pillowcase for the insert which can be filled with natural (down) or synthetic fibers (down alternative). The duvet cover can be changed with the season or whenever the redecorating bug hits you so that you don't have to purchase a whole new setup. Duvet covers can be washed regularly with your sheets and since typically duvet inserts do not come in contact with your skin the guideline is to wash the duvet insert 2-4 times a year. 

Comforters don't require covers and can typically be purchased in a bed-in-a-bag with matching sheets and shams. If you're redecorating you have to purchase a whole new comforter rather than just the duvet cover. Since comforters can come in contact with skin more regularly they also must be washed more frequently. Some comforters can be machine-washed but depending on the fabric, some cannot and require dry-cleaning only. Also, since they can be bulky, they can also require a commercial washing machine.