A guide from Crane & Canopy.
Typically, a comforter is a thick, quilted, fluffy blanket that is used to keep you warm. It is usually filled with synthetic fiber filler which is quilted or stitched to secure the filling and keep it evenly distributed. Unlike a duvet, the comforter only forms one piece of all of your bed linens. It is intended to sit on top of your sheets and those who want a layered look might prefer this. Comforters are usually sold in bedding sets that have coordinating separates and makes decorating easy. Caring for your comforter is easy as you can just place it in the wash with your other bedding.
See a selection of comforters here.
Sometimes referred to as a comforter (especially in the United States), a duvet is a type of bedding that is a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, or a synthetic alternative. It is protected with a removable cover, the duvet cover. The duvet originated in Europe and was made from down feathers because of its usefulness as a thermal insulator. Adding a duvet to your bed makes the whole chore of making your bed a lot easier. It’s a single covering instead of a combination of sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed coverings.
See a selection of duvets here.
Analogy: duvet is to duvet cover as pillow is to pillowcase. A duvet cover is a protective layer that slips over the duvet and has a closure. Because duvets and comforters can be expensive and difficult to clean, duvet covers are useful because they protect your comforter during use and are easily removed and easy to wash. With duvet covers, you can also quickly and easily change the look of your bed and room without having to completely redecorate.
The duvet should fit snugly inside a duvet cover which can be removed and washed when needed. The duvet cover also allows you to change your style or color choice of your bedding with the simple switch of the cover. This allows for easy changes from season to season.
See a selection of duvet covers here.
