What is the Difference Between Quilt and Duvet

The main difference between quilt and duvet is that a duvet is a bedding material that is comparatively loftier and softer than a quilt.

When you walk into a home furnishing store, you might get lost amid the tons of bedding materials available. Most of the beddings will look alike in your eyes. However, when it comes to their function, the number of layers included and the fillers inside, there is a distinctive difference between quilt and duvet.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Quilt 
   – Definition, Features
2. What is a Duvet
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Quilt and Duvet
     – Outline of Common Characteristics
4. Difference Between Quilt and Duvet
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Duvet, Quilt

What is a Quilt

Quilts are a bedding material with two to three layers. The number of layers used in a quilt depends on the climate during which you are going to use it. Quilting originated in Sweden during the fifteenth century. Back then, heavily stitched and appliquéd quilts were made for the very wealthy and noble families. They were initially created with silk and wool.

A quilt includes three layers: the top layer, the batting layer, and the bottom layer. However, in some quilts, you may only find a top layer and a bottom layer. Quilts with three layers have a batting layer which is the insulation part of the quilt. This batting layer makes your body feel warm. Therefore, three layered quilts are specially designed for the cold or winter seasons. The batting layer in the quilts is generally made using wool, polyester, cotton fibers or fiber blends. Quilts with only two layers are designed to be used during ordinary or hot summer days. In contrast to the duvets, quilts have thinner and more flattened fillers.

Centuries back, quilts were used as both decorative wall hangings and functional beddings. However, during that period, they were limited only to the nobility and churches.

 What is a Duvet

A duvet is a simple, two-component bedding that is comparatively loftier and softer than a quilt. A duet consists of a duvet insert and a cover. Duvets originated in the rural areas in Europe. They were initially filled with the down feathers of geese and ducks. However, modern-day duvets are often filled with synthetic fibers or wool.

Unlike a quilt, a duvet functions as an insert. You can buy a duvet with or without its cover, depending on your choice. This simply gives you the chance to see if it tones with your other beddings. Further, duvets are similar to soft cushion blankets with separate covers and allow you to remove the duvet cover and clean or wash it separately. Though quilts work as both beddings and art pieces, duvets are only used as bedding material.

Similarities Between Quilt and Duvet

1. Quilts and duvets function as bedding materials
2. Both consist of more than one layer.
3. The middle layer of both types of beddings can be created with wool or fibre.
4. Quilts can also come in two layers just like duvets. However, it depends on the season during which you intend to use the quilt.

Difference Between Quilt and Duvet

Definition

A quilt is a one-piece bedding with two to three layers, while a duvet is a two-component bedding with a duvet cover and an insert.

Structure

A quilt includes three layers: the top layer, batter layer and the bottom layer, while a duvet set basically consists of the duvet insert and the cover.

Loftiness

Compared to quilts, duets are loftier and come with fluffier and thicker fillings. A quilt is a flat version of bedding with a less fluffy batting layer.

Simplicity

Quilts are comparatively easier to use as they are one-piece beddings with two or three layers.

Function

Quilts are also used as ornamental wall hangings and art pieces, while duvets are used as simple and plain beddings.

Conclusion

The main difference between quilt and duvet is that quilts are single piece beddings with two to three layers, while duvets are simple beddings with two components: the duvet cover and the insert. Even though both appear to be good choices when you are selecting bedding material for your home, you should pay attention to practical details like the number of layers you want and during which season you are going to use the bedding.

Reference:

1. “History of the Duvet.” Penrose Products.

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