What is a Duvet Insert?: A Comprehensive Guide

The duvet insert is perhaps the most misunderstood type of bedding. Not quite a comforter, not quite a quilt, a duvet insert is an inner layer that goes inside the outer shell of a separate duvet cover.

The word 'duvet' (pronounced doo-vay) comes from the French word for 'down', the traditional bedding filling. Today, in addition to down duvet inserts, there are many other options on the market made from down alternatives.

You might hear people use the word duvet to refer to the entire duvet cover and insert set, but it's important to remember that duvets are made up of two separate components that work together to comprise the top layer of bedding.

In different parts of the world, you may hear different words used to describe duvet inserts.

• UK: Continental quilt
• Australia: Doona
• France: Couette
• Netherlands: Dekbed
• Germany: Daunendecke (with down) or Bettdecke (down alternative)

The basics (how to use)

Figuring out how to use a duvet insert is relatively intuitive, but if you've never had a duvet before, some guidance in sizing and usage might be helpful.

Choosing the right size

When deciding which duvet insert to buy, it's important that you select the proper size. The right duvet insert should fit snugly inside the removable cover. If your duvet insert is too big, it will bunch up inside the cover, making for a lumpy look; if your duvet insert is too small, however, there will be extra fabric in the cover, meaning your bedding won't be uniformly soft and fluffy, but rather have some 'empty' patches around the edges.

Typically, duvet cover sets align with mattress sizes, but if in doubt, you can always pull out a measuring tape and measure your mattress or duvet cover to ensure you choose the right insert size.

(Need more help? Check out our full guide to choosing the right size duvet cover.)

Can you use a duvet insert by itself?

If you love the look of simple white bedding, you might be wondering whether you can use a duvet insert by itself, as if it were a comforter.

The short answer is, yes! You can.

If you like the look of a plain duvet insert, it's entirely possible to skip the duvet cover altogether, but there are some things to consider first.

There are several pros and cons to using an insert without a separate duvet cover, so make sure you weigh up your options before deciding.

Pros:

• a great option for those who like stark white bedding
• easy to match with the look of your bedding
• popular choice for those with a minimalist aesthetic

Cons:

• ​no protective layer to keep the duvet clean
• requires more washing than it would with a separate duvet cover
• might make the look of your bedroom feel incomplete

Compared to other bedding

Compared with other bedding, duvet inserts are unique in that they're not typically used alone but rather alongside removable duvet covers.

But with all the different bedding terminology, we don't blame you if you're a bit confused!

Here are some common types of bedding that are frequently compared to duvets, and information on how they differ.

• Duvet insert vs. duvet cover: A duvet insert and a duvet cover are two separate but complementary pieces of bedding. The duvet insert is the plush, insulated layer that provides warmth, while the duvet cover is the removable outer shell that protects the insert and adds a decorative touch.
• Blanket vs. duvet: A blanket is a single-layer piece of fabric used for lightweight warmth, while a duvet is a thick, quilted bedding piece filled with down or synthetic fibres, typically paired with a removable cover. Unlike blankets, which can be layered, duvets provide an all-in-one, insulated bedding solution.
• Quilt vs. duvet. vs. bedcover: A quilt, duvet, and bed cover may all add layers to your bedding, but they serve distinct purposes. A duvet is a thick, insulated insert that provides warmth and is typically paired with a duvet cover for easy cleaning and aesthetic customisation. A quilt, on the other hand, is a stitched, multi-layered blanket that adds decorative flair and can be used alone or layered for extra cosiness. Meanwhile, a bed cover is a lightweight, oversized top layer that drapes over the entire bed, offering an effortlessly stylish finish while protecting the bedding underneath.

Finding the right one

Finding the right duvet insert for you comes down to choosing the right fill, weight, and size to suit your sleep preferences. Whether you prefer the plush warmth of down or the hypoallergenic comfort of a synthetic alternative, the perfect duvet insert will keep you cosy year-round.

• Fill: Duvet fills come down to personal preference, and while down has traditionally been used to make duvet inserts, in 2025, many people prefer an alternative fill. Duvet inserts made of synthetic materials are increasingly popular for a few reasons.
  • Hypoallergenic: Non-down inserts (such as those made with lyocell) are hypoallergenic because synthetic fibres naturally resist dust mites, mould, and bacteria while wicking away moisture, making a less conducive environment for allergens compared to down.
  • Ethical reasons: For a long time, down was considered the best duvet insert material, but that's no longer the case. With high-quality down alternative options on the market today, many vegans and others who are concerned with animal welfare might avoid down duvet inserts given the fact that it is sourced from geese and ducks. Luckily, inserts made with synthetic and natural materials are often just as good (if not better) than their down counterparts.
  • Maintenance: Down alternative duvet inserts are easier to maintain because they are typically machine washable, dry faster, and don’t require special care like fluffing or professional cleaning, unlike down, which can clump when wet and needs delicate handling.
  • Temperature regulation: Anyone who's tried sleeping with a down duvet during warmer months will know that it's not exactly a cool material. Down alternative duvet inserts, on the other hand, offer better temperature regulation. Many synthetic and plant-based fills, like microfibre or lyocell, wick moisture and allow for more breathability, making them ideal for hot sleepers or warmer climates.
• Weight: Choosing the right weight for a duvet insert depends on your sleep preferences and climate, but a medium-weight duvet is often the best option for year-round use. The right insert should adapt to different temperatures to keep you warm in the colder months and cool during the summer – even if you're a hot sleeper.
• Feel: When choosing a duvet insert based on feel, consider whether you prefer a light and airy or thick and heavy texture. If you love a plush, cloud-like duvet, opt for a fluffy duvet insert, while a lower-fill or quilted insert will provide a smoother, more compact feel.
• Luxuriousness: Choosing a luxury-feeling duvet insert enhances your sleep experience by providing superior comfort, softness, and durability. Opting for a high GSM (grams per square meter) weight of 450+ ensures a plush, insulating feel, while a high thread count duvet shell creates a smooth, breathable surface for a truly indulgent night's rest.

Washing & care

One of the biggest headaches when it comes to duvet inserts is figuring out how to wash them.

How you wash your duvet insert will depend on its material. Duvet inserts made with synthetic or plant-based fills are typically machine washable, while down-filled inserts often require more delicate care and sometimes professional cleaning by a dry cleaner.

Washing instructions

For best results, and to ensure the longevity of your bedding, always check the care label before washing your duvet insert. Some materials are machine washable while others require careful handling or professional cleaning. With proper care, you can help your duvet insert last as long as possible!

Basic steps for washing a duvet insert include:

• Check the care label: If the care instructions suggest you get your duvet cover professionally washed, then it's best to follow that advice. If you can wash the cover yourself, make sure you use the correct water temperature and wash settings for the fabric.
• Pre-treat stains: Spot clean visible stains with a gentle detergent before washing.
• Wash on a gentle cycle: If you are able to machine wash your duvet insert, use cold or warm water with a mild detergent to preserve the fabric and prevent shrinkage.

Drying

Duvet inserts made from down alternatives can often be safely dried in a dryer.

However, it’s important to use a low heat setting to prevent damage or clumping. Extra care should be taken for down-filled inserts which are more easily misshapen. For detailed drying tips and best practices, click here to read our full guide.

Duvet drying fundamentals:

• Air dry or tumble dry low: To prevent damage, air drying is best, but if using a dryer, select a low heat setting to maintain softness.

(For a full step-by-step guide on how to properly wash and care for your duvet, click here to read our comprehensive article.)

Tips & Tricks

Duvet inserts often get a bad reputation for being bulky, hard to manage, or constantly shifting inside their covers. But that’s only because most people don’t know the tricks to make them work effortlessly. With the right hacks, like securing your duvet insert in place or using the burrito method for easy cover changes, you can transform your bedding experience from frustrating to flawless. Master these simple duvet tips and tricks, and you'll never wrestle with your duvet again!

How to make a duvet insert stay in place

One of the most important factors when using a duvet insert in place is ensuring it stays in place. To keep it from shifting around, try to get the best fit possible by choosing the right-sized insert for your duvet cover.

You can also secure your insert with corner ties, duvet tabs or clips. Using a top sheet can also help reduce shifting, (but for more foolproof solutions, click here to read our full guide.)

​Duvet burrito hack

The duvet burrito hack is a great technique for effortlessly putting on a duvet cover, saving you time and frustration.

If you want a neatly styled bed and a good night's sleep without wrestling with your bedding, click here to check out our step-by-step guide to the burrito method.