Getting the right bedding can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for. If you have decided you want a duvet and a duvet cover, our guide below will take you through the things you should consider, to ensure you get the right duvet cover for you.
1. Material
Firstly, decide what material you would like. There are three main types of material used for duvet covers in the UK and Europe.
- 100% polyester
- Polyester and cotton mix
- 100% cotton
Each of the above material have different properties, feel and looks.
Polyester is often used for duvet covers that need a shine or sheen to them. They usually have a silky/satin feel. However, polyester is a man made material and isn’t as naturally breathable as say cotton. This makes polyester duvet covers generally warm and sweaty to sleep under as your own perspiration does not get absorbed into the material. A lot of people also complain of their duvet “slipping” inside the cover and ending up on one side or at the bottom of the duvet cover, so not ideal for a good and warm nights sleep. The slippy nature of the duvet cover is due to the polyester which has a smooth and silky surface.
To help minimise the effects of the above, a lot of polyester duvet covers have the polyester on the top side, to ensure a good look, and polyester cotton mix or 100% cotton on the reverse, so it is nicer on your skin and minimises the slipping of the duvet.
If you were to buy a polyester duvet, I would recommend that you get one that has either a polycotton or cotton reverse.
Polyester and cotton mix – (also known as polycotton) duvet covers are the most popular. Polycotton duvet covers have the best of both worlds in that they can have good designs and embellishments on them, and also have the absorbency and softness of cotton. Whilst they will never have the properties of 100% cotton duvet covers, the amount of cotton in the duvet cover will give you an indication of close it will get. Most popular mixes are 48% cotton 52% polyester or 50% of each. Cotton rich duvet covers are available and generally have 60% or more of cotton.
Polycotton duvet covers are also a lot easier to care for then 100% cotton, in that they dry a lot quicker, and are far easier to iron.
100% cotton – 100% cotton duvet covers are the most luxurious. Natural fibre with great aeration and absorbency properties, make them perfect for keeping you warm in the cold and cool in the warm. Cotton is also naturally soft, so cotton bedding feels great on your skin.
Cotton duvet covers and bedding in general will also last longer the polyester or polycotton bedding. It will take longer to “bobble” and will look good as new for a lot longer.
Once you have decided which material is right for you, you then need to decide what kind of embellishment you would like. It is a matter of personal choice and you can choose from plain, printed, embroidered or “bling” bedding which is in vogue at the moment.
2. Pattern
Plain bedding – A lot of people prefer plain and simple bedding. Plain duvet covers are available in a vast number of colours and shades, and available in all different types of materials. Plain bedding is easy to co-ordinate with bedroom decor and does create a simple and serene ambiance which is perfect for sleeping in. Plain bedding has the advantage that it is relatively cheaper then highly embellished or embroidered versions.
Printed bedding – Printed duvet covers can have a vast variety of designs, colours and types of prints. Whether you want something bright and floral for the summer, something retro, something quirky or something fun, there are lots of designs out there.
There are also different types of prints, created using different methods, like photographic prints, screen prints or block prints. Photographic prints are currently in vogue, where a photograph is used to make the print. They usually result in sharper and more life like prints.
Embroidered and embellished duvet covers – Intricate embroidery or fancy weaves such as jacquard, and a little bit of extra interest to your duvet cover. Embellishment also adds interest and this is quite the trend at the moment. Duvet covers with diamante embellishments, or crushed velvet bands go some way to bring some bling to your bedroom. Many bedding sets in this kind of range tend to have accessories that help again to jazz up the set. Accessories like throws, runners and cushion covers are usually available.
3. Quality
As with everything, quality is important and I would always recommend buying the best quality that your budget allows. Apart from material, bedding quality is measured in thread counts. The thread count is the number of threads per square inch on the bedding or duvet cover material. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave making the fabric stronger and softer. Lower thread count bedding will be very thin and almost see through. It also won’t last long and will bobble after a few washes.
Bedding known as percale, has a minimum of 180 thread counts per square inch and this is usually a good starting point. You can get very high thread count bedding, right up to 1000 and sometimes more. Pure luxury.
4 .Colour
Finally you need to decide on a colour. You may decide on a colour that co-ordinates with the decor of your bedroom, or even the carpet colour. You may have a neutral colour scheme in your bedroom in which case you can go for any colour – your favourite colour may be. Colour however, plays a big part in interior designing and also effecting how you feel or your moods. See our guide about choosing colours for interior designing for a more in-depth look at the effects of colour.
