A comforter set can really tie your bedroom together, especially if you don’t want to struggle with duvets and duvet covers. A comforter may be a great option if you prefer a more breathable sleep or crave simplicity. But how do you choose a comforter set? We’re here to help you figure it out.
We took feedback from our at-home testers (as well as our own evaluations at our test lab) to help recommend the best comforter sets in Canada. Some of our evaluation areas included materials, fill, style, and what is available in each set. These unique and extensive tests allow us to recommend the sets below.
Best Comforter Sets for Canadians
- Best Overall: Bare Home Comforter Set
- Best Duvet: Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet
- Best Patterned: Utopia Bedding Printed Comforter Set
- Best Down Duvet: Silk & Snow Canadian Down Duvet
- Best Lofty Comforter: Bedsure Comforter Set
- Best Warm Comforter: Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Comforter Set
- Best Down Alternative: Sweet Home Collection 5-Piece Comforter Set
- Best Lightweight: HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter Set
- Best Set Options: Bedsure Reversible Black Bed Set
Why Did We Choose These Comforter Sets in Canada?
In our test lab, we evaluated each of the comforter sets we are recommending to you based on various factors. Between the feedback from these tests and our own at-home tester feedback, we began to notice that they stood out to us in very specific ways. We chose to recommend the mattresses on this list based on the following standout performances.
The Bare Home Comforter Set is the best comforter set in Canada. It has 25 colour options available, oversized sizes, and is simple to care for. The down alternative microfibre is extremely plush and comfortable, too.
If you’d rather try out a duvet, the Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet might be the perfect place to start. This duvet offers three weight options, so you can choose how warm you want it to be. The alternative microfibre fill is breathable and soft.
Utopia Bedding’s Printed Comforter Set is the best-printed option on our list. While most of our other options include solid colours, this comforter set comes in various fretwork patterns and colours, great for different bedroom themes!
What about a down duvet? The Silk & Snow Canadian Down Duvet offers ethically and sustainably sourced duck down as a luxurious fill. This duvet comes in two weight options, but it’s perfectly breathable no matter which you choose.
If you’re looking for a fluffy, lofty comforter set, look no further than the Bedsure Comforter Set. This comforter is so thick it’s often mistaken for a duvet!
If you often get cold during the night, consider choosing the Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter Set. This set is reversible, and one side uses a faux Sherpa to help retain heat and keep you cozy. A multitude of colour options makes this option great for most Canadian bedrooms.
The Sweet Home Collection’s 5-Piece Comforter Set is the best down alternative option we could find. This comforter and sheet set is lightweight and cozy, not to mention perfect for those who want a colourful bed set.
If you sleep hot, consider the lightweight HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter Set. This option uses a thinner comforter than the others, so you can cool off a little as you sleep.
Finally, the Bedsure Reversible Bed Set has the best set options on our list. This comforter set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, pillowcases, and a bed skirt. This is in addition to the comforter and pillow shams you’d expect to find.
Best Overall
Bare Home Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Microfibre
- Fill: Down-Alternative Microfibre Fill
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King/California King, Oversized Queen, Oversized King
- Colour Options: 25 Options
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want their comforter to hang over the sides of their bed
- Those who prefer even fill distribution
- Users who prefer easy care
- Those who suffer from allergies
The Bare Home Comforter Set uses a comfortable microfibre cover and down alternative microfibre fill to create a comfortable, lofty feel for your bed. This modern design uses box stitching to keep the microfibre fill in place, preventing it from clumping and moving throughout the comforter. The fill won’t settle on one side or the other, so you’ll get consistent comfort throughout. There are 25 colour options available, including standard neutrals and some patterned options, along with brighter purples, pinks, reds, and mint greens. You can also choose from three heathered options if you prefer that look.
However you want to style your bedroom, this comforter has an option for you. It also features great all-season comfort, so you no longer have to switch your blankets out depending on the weather. The comforter features enough fill to keep you warm in the winter, but it’s also breathable enough to prevent overheating in the summer. If you sleep hot but still want to be cozy, this comforter offers a nice compromise.
The down-alternative microfibre fill is hypoallergenic, meaning that your allergies won’t be triggered by the fill. Users that experience allergic reactions to down fill will find that they sleep much easier with this comforter.
This comforter set includes one comforter and one pillow sham. You can choose one of the six standard mattress sizes, but the oversized queen and king-sized comforters are available as well. This size option is ideal if you prefer your comforter to hang over the sides of the bed. It’s easy to care for this comforter, too. You can put it in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. After, either air dry or tumble dry on the lowest dryer setting for best results.
The Highlights
The Bare Home Comforter Set is made with a down-alternative microfibre fill. This fill has hypoallergenic properties, so you can rest without any allergy triggers. The box stitching on the comforter helps the fill stay in place without shifting around inside. Meanwhile, the hydro-brushed cover materials are extremely durable and lend this comfortable soft feel. This comforter set is breathable yet warm, providing comfort through every season.
- Hypoallergenic down-alternative microfibre fill
- Box stitching helps fill stay in place without shifting around
- Hydro-brushed cover materials are durable and soft
- All-seasons comfort work for use all year round
From the Test Lab
“This comforter set was soft and durable. We loved the bright colours and oversize options, too.”
Best Duvet
Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet
Features:
- Materials: 100% Cotton
- Fill: Down-Like Microfill
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
- Colour Options: White
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a weight choice
- Those who prefer to use a duvet
- Users who want to change their style often
- All seasons and Canadian provinces
The Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet is the first duvet on our list. A duvet isn’t all that different from a comforter and may allow a wider range of options and styles to fit your needs. Duvets should be used with duvet covers. While it might seem like a hassle, these covers make it easy to clean your duvet, change your style, and use your duvet for longer. Duvet cover options like the Silk & Snow Percale Duvet Cover offer a range of colours. They are easy to install and care for, so your duvet lasts for many years to come.
Duvets like this one also feature better-quality fill distributed across the surface of the blanket. The Silk & Snow Alternative Duvet comes in three different weight options, including a lightweight option that is thinner for those who sleep hot. The all-season option works to keep you cool during the hot summers and warm in the winter, while the winter weight is fluffy and dense, providing much-needed warmth.
You can choose the option that works best for you. If the duvet and duvet cover match in size, you can choose whichever cover you like. This means a range of materials, feels, and colours are open to you. This duvet uses a hypoallergenic down alternative fill, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. This means it’s more sustainable than some of the other options on our list.
The cotton exterior is breathable and smooth, so you won’t have a problem with overheating. Like most duvets, it features built-in loops at the corners to help install inside a duvet cover. The duvet itself only needs to be washed a few times a year if used with a cover, but you can wash it in your machine at home.
If you want to try out a more luxurious option than the standard comforter set, consider this duvet. It’s a great introduction to what a duvet can offer, especially when it comes to weight options.
The Highlights
The Silk & Snow Down Alternative Duvet features three weight options, including a Lightweight option, an All-Season option, and a heavier Winter option. You can choose the weight that best fits your sleeping preferences. The hypoallergenic down alternative fill is sustainably made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can feel great about your purchase. The square baffle box construction keeps the fill from shifting around inside the duvet, providing even comfort throughout. The entire duvet is machine washable, so your sleeping space is always fresh.
- Three weight options, including Lightweight, All Season, and Winter
- Hypoallergenic down alternative fill made from recycled plastic bottles
- Square baffle construction keeps the fill from shifting around inside the duvet
- Machine washable, so you can keep your sleeping space fresh
From the Test Lab
“This duvet was a great choice for us. It was lofty and luxurious, and choosing our perfect weight made it even better.”
Best Patterned
Utopia Bedding Printed Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Brushed Microfibre Polyester
- Fill: Down Alternative Polyester
- Sizes: Twin, Full, King, Queen
- Colour Options: Fretwork Quatrefoils: Gray, Navy, Red, Chocolate, Real, Plum, Beige; Standard Fretwork: Red, Navy, Gray, Chocolate
It's Great For:
- Canadians who prefer a duvet-like comforter
- Those who prefer patterned comforters
- Users who suffer from allergies
- Most bed sizes and sleepers
The Utopia Bedding Printed Comforter Set features a beautiful fretwork design across every one of the available colour options. Some of these options are quatrefoil quilted, meaning that the fill is more evenly distributed. Still, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for style with this comforter set. Colour options like plum, teal, chocolate, red, and navy are made to match your colourful bedroom décor, while the fretwork design adds a stylish touch.
The outside of each comforter is made of brushed microfibre, a polyester blend that feels soft and comfortable to the touch. If you don’t sleep with a top sheet, this is one of the best options for you. It’s extremely smooth on your skin and only gets softer when it’s washed. It’s also extremely durable, meaning you don’t have to worry about tears or snags.
The fill inside is a down-alternative polyester. It’s not a thin comforter by any means, and there is enough loft to the fill to make it feel luxurious. This all-season comforter features just enough fill to be breathable and cool when it’s hot. It also retains enough heat when it’s cold to help keep you warm.
Utopia Bedding’s Printed Comforter set comes in four standard sizes, including Twin, Full, King, and Queen. There are 11 options to choose from when it comes to colour and stitching patterns, so there are options for all. Each set comes with one comforter and a pillow sham, with larger sizes offering two pillow shams.
The Highlights
Utopia’s Bedding Printed Comforter Set features a hypoallergenic polyester design, so those who usually have allergies can sleep more comfortably. This comforter looks and feels like a duvet, including the box-quilted design to keep the polyester fill in place. It has the loft and weight you’d expect from a duvet. The brushed microfibre cover is extremely soft and smooth, too. It comes in various colours of quatrefoil patterns, as well as some solid options.
- Hypoallergenic polyester design
- Looks and feels like a duvet, with the weight and loft you’d expect from a duvet
- The brushed microfibre cover is extremely soft and smooth
- Comes in a quatrefoil pattern or solid colours
From the Test Lab
“Our testers loved the patterns on this comforter set. It felt so much like a duvet that many of them couldn’t tell the difference.”
Best Down Duvet
Silk & Snow Canadian Down Duvet
Features:
- Materials: 100% Cotton
- Fill: 100% Canadian Duck Down
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
- Colour Options: White
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Those who want to choose a lighter option for the summer
- Those who prefer the feel of genuine goose down
- Ethically-conscious Canadians
Looking for a pure down duvet? The Silk & Snow Canadian Down Duvet has you covered. This option feels great, but it also comes without an extra helping of guilt. That’s because the 100% Hutterite duck down inside is sustainably sourced and ethically gathered right here in Canada. If you worry about down practices, this duvet can help you sleep a little easier. The down is framed in baffle boxes, so it doesn’t shift around and leave you too cold.
There are two weight options to choose from. The all-season option works to keep you warm in the winter but provides breathability in the summer, so you don’t overheat. If you often wake up hot no matter what, you can choose the lightweight option to sleep a little more comfortably.
This duvet, like most options, works best when you use it with a duvet cover. The cover reduces wear and tear on the duvet. It also keeps your duvet clean, since you can take the cover off and wash it separately. This is particularly important on a duvet like this one, which can only be spot cleaned or cleaned professionally.
There are a ton of duvet options to choose from, including smooth options and crisper covers with texture and character. Consider options like the Silk & Snow Flax Linen Duvet Cover if you’re looking for an entirely different bedding experience.
Overall, this option is incredibly soft, and fluffy, and won’t keep you up at night. If you want to be able to choose exactly how fluffy the duvet is, you can choose one of the weight options to get the most from the duvet. Thankfully, this duvet comes with a 100-night risk-free trial. If you’re on the fence about down duvets, don’t be afraid to try it out!
The Highlights
The Silk & Snow Down Duvet features a higher fill power, which means that it provides better insulation overall. This duvet works to keep you warm in the winter, particularly if you choose the all-seasons weight option. There are two options, including all-season and lightweight for hotter sleepers. The 100% Hutterite duck down used inside of the duvet is ethically gathered and traceable, so you can feel comfortable about the duvet. The breathable cotton shell is smooth, durable, and neatly divided using a baffle box construction.
- Higher fill power provides great insulation, so your warmth stays with you on colder nights
- The fill is ethically gathered and traceable
- Two weight options, including All Season and Lightweight
- The breathable cotton shell is smooth and durable
From the Test Lab
“We were skeptical about duvets, but especially down duvets. This option changed our mind and the way that we sleep.”
Best Lofty Comforter
Bedsure Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Polyester
- Fill: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Twin, Queen, King, California King
- Colour Options: Pink, Grey, Beige, Khaki, Navy, Sage Green
It's Great For:
- Canadians with non-standard bedroom colours
- Those who want to use a comforter with a duvet cover
- Users who prefer easy care
- Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, and California King beds
Bedsure’s comforter Set is the loftiest comforter we’ve seen. In fact, it has such a high fill density (300 GSM) that it feels more like a duvet than a traditional comforter. It’s also extremely versatile. You can use it as a comforter on its own, of course. There are several different colours available, including options like pink and sage green that aren’t widely available.
However, you can also put it in a duvet cover if you want. There are corner tabs at each corner to make it easy to anchor it into a duvet cover. If you want to change up your style or improve the durability of your comforter, using a duvet cover is certainly an option.
However, this comforter set does best when used as a comforter on its own. The colours are beautiful and the puff and loft of the comforter may get lost when it’s squeezed into a duvet cover. You can machine wash and tumble dry this comforter, so cleaning shouldn’t be that much of an issue.
You can purchase this comforter in Twin/Twin XL, Twin, Queen, or California King. Keep in mind that all available colours won’t be available in every size, so make sure to choose carefully.
The Highlights
Bedsure’s Comforter Set comes in six colours, including colours like pink and sage green which aren’t usually standard in comforter sets. It’s easy to care for because you can machine wash it on cold. You can also tumble dry it on low to ensure that it stays fresh. The soft polyester cover is comfortable, especially if you don’t use a top sheet. It feels great on your skin! The fill is a 300 GSM polyester fill, which offers a great loft for use throughout the seasons.
- Comes in six colours, some of which aren’t standard for most comforters
- Machine wash cold and tumble dry low care
- Soft polyester cover
- 300 GSM polyester fill with great loft for all-seasons use
From the Test Lab
“This lofty comforter is comfortable enough to be used on its own or in a duvet cover. Our testers loved how versatile it was.”
Best Warm Comforter
Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Micromink Polyester and Faux Sherpa Fleece
- Fill: Down Alternative
- Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King
- Colour Options: 24 Options
It's Great For:
- Staying warm on colder nights
- Those who prefer a soft, well-cushioned comforter set
- Canadians who prefer simple care
- Most bed sizes
The Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Comforter Set is one of the best options in Canada for those who need a warmer comforter. If you often find yourself shivering through colder Canadian nights, this option can help you stay warm and cozy. The cover is made with micromink polyester on one side and faux Sherpa fleece on the other. The comforter is fully reversible, so you can use the warmer fleece side for colder seasons.
This bed set includes one comforter and two pillow shams. The pillow shams match completely, meaning they have faux Sherpa on one side and micromink polyester on the other. The fill is a comfortable polyester down alternative that helps retain heat, with box stitching to keep the fill evenly distributed.
There are 24 different colour options for this comforter set, including various plaids and patterns in different colour options. You can select an option to get a set of sheets in black along with your comforter set, which is especially useful if you don’t have sheets that match.
In addition, these sheets are easy to care for. They can be machine washed and tumble-dried on low at home, so you don’t have to worry about spot-cleaning them. All of the materials used to create this comforter set are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so you know you’re only getting the best.
The Highlights
The Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Comforter Set is available in 24 different colours and patterns. The reversible design of this comforter set allows you to choose how warm your bed gets, as you can choose a soft faux Sherpa or smooth polyester. It’s available as a set with a comforter and two shams, or as a comforter and sheet set. The comforter itself is filled with down alternative polyester, making it comfortable and cozy.
- Available in 24 different colours and patterns
- The reversible design allows you to choose how warm your bed gets
- Available as a sheet set or with two pillow shams and a comforter
- Down alternative polyester fill is comfortable and cozy
From the Test Lab
“This comforter was soft and comfortable, as well as warmer as most of the other options we tried. It’s perfect for those cold Canadian nights.”
Best Down Alternative
Sweet Home Collection 5-Piece Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Microfibre
- Fill: Polyester Goose Down Alternative
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Colour Options: 19 Options
It's Great For:
- Beds in most sizes
- Dorm rooms
- Canadians who want vibrant, colourful bedding that matches
- Taller mattresses (up to 16” tall)
It can be difficult to find a comforter set with a distinct type of fill. The Sweet Home Collection 5-Piece Comforter Set breaks the mould with this beautiful, smooth comforter set. The blanket is made with a synthetic goose-down alternative, which is a special type of polyester. As a result, the comforter has some loft. It’s cozy to snuggle up in, especially on those colder nights.
But don’t let that deceive you. Though this comforter is extremely cozy in the winter, it’s lightweight enough for summer nights, too. This all-season comforter works to keep you comfortable no matter what the weather is like.
These microfibre sheets pair nicely with the microfibre and down alternative comforter. Each piece matches for color. If you choose the mint green option, for instance, your entire bedding set will be mint green. If you’re a huge fan of having a colourful bedroom, this could be the perfect set for you.
This comforter set is available in 19 different colors. Some of the standout colors include canary yellow, teal, eggplant purple, and magenta. There’s also mint green and a range of blues. No matter how your bedroom is decorated, there is a color option featured here that will work for you.
The beautiful box stitching can help keep the comforter feeling the same throughout its life. The box stitch allows the down-alternative fill to settle in place, so it doesn’t sag to one side of the blanket or the other.
The Highlights
The Sweet Home Collection 5-Piece Comforter Set is available in 19 different colors, including standout options like magenta, mint green, teal, and purple. The comforter is made of extremely soft microfibre, which is great for that cozy all-season feel. This comforter is lightweight for summer sleeping, but it’s warm on those cold nights, too. This set includes a comforter, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
- Available in 19 different colors, including magenta, mint green, teal, and purple
- Extremely soft all-season comforter with polyester goose down alternative
- Lightweight for summer sleeping but warm enough for the winter
- Includes a comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases
From the Test Lab
“We loved the colour options! These sheets were also extremely soft, and the comforter was very cozy.”
Best Lightweight
HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter Set
Features:
- Materials: Double Brushed Microfibre
- Fill: Down-Alternative Fibrefill
- Sizes:Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
- Colour Options: 21 Options
It's Great For:
- Canadians who suffer from allergies
- Those who prefer odour-free comforters
- Users who want a more lightweight comforter
- Those who want to put their comforter in a duvet cover
Sometimes, you don’t want a heavy comforter weighing you down. The HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter is your solution. This comforter is on the lightweight side, though it’s perfect for all seasons. The thinner fill level allows for greater breathability and makes it ideal for use during all seasons. If you want a comforter that you can use throughout the seasons, this might be the best option for you.
HIG’s Comforter Set is hypoallergenic as well, so those who suffer from allergies can be comfortable. The fabrics used in this comforter are certified by OEKO-TEX, meaning they are safe for humans to use. The box quilting helps keep the fibrefill right where it belongs instead of allowing it to shift all over the comforter.
There are 21 different colour options available, and all of them are completely reversible. This means you’re getting two comforters in one! You can choose options like purple with a lavender side, black with a burgundy side, and a blue comforter with a dark grey side. Ready to change up your bedroom décor? Just reverse your comforter and you’re ready to redecorate.
You can get the HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter Set in three sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King. Next time you’re looking for a comforter that works perfectly in the summertime, consider this comforter set!
The Highlights
The HIG 3pc Down Alternative Comforter Set is filled with a hypoallergenic, odour-resistant down alternative fibrefill. This lightweight fill is cozy and breathable. There are 21 different colour options, so there’s a comforter for every bedroom design. This comforter set is great for use throughout the seasons due to its more breathable design. It’s also great for those who sleep hot.
- Hypoallergenic, odour-resistant down alternative fill
- 21 colour options, so there’s a comforter for every bedroom
- Great for all-season use
- Lightweight for those who prefer a more breathable comforter year-round
From the Test Lab
“This comforter was great for our testers who sleep hot. It was breathable and comfortable, and stayed cozy when it was cooler, too.”
Best Set Options
Bedsure Reversible Bed Set
Features:
- Materials: 100% Polyester Microfibre
- Fill: Polyester
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King
- Colour Options: Black, Blue, Grey, Navy, White, Dark Grey, Navy/Light Grey, White/Light Grey
It's Great For:
- Those who like the idea of a reversible comforter
- Canadians who want a complete set, including sheets
- College students and kids
- Those who sleep warm and need a cooler blanket
Bedsure’s Reversible Bed Set comes in 8 different colours, all of which are reversible. This means that you can change the way your bedroom looks whenever you feel like it! This set comes with more pieces than any of the other options on our list. The comforter set comes with a comforter, a pillow sham, pillow covers, a fitted sheet, a bed skirt, and a flat sheet. This means that you can completely match your bedding without breaking the bank!
The middle of this comforter uses a diamond-quilted design that works well to keep the fill right where it belongs. A perimeter channel also helps keep the comforter a little more comfortable. It’s completely machine washable and can be tumble dried afterward. Taking care of your bedding has never been easier.
This 100% polyester microfibre cover is soft and smooth, perfect for lounging on in the middle of the day. The polyester fill inside the duvet is spread thin enough that you can relax no matter how hot you sleep!
You can get the Bedsure Reversible Black Bed Set in Twin, Twin XL, Queen, and King sizes, whichever works best for the size of your bed! Remember to use the exact size to purchase this comforter set, because it also comes with sheets.
The Highlights
The Bedsure Reversible Bed Set includes a reversible comforter, which can be used to change up the style in your bedroom. It’s the same on both sides, but with a different colour. Each set includes a full bed set, including pillow shams, pillow covers, a comforter, a bed skirt, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet. It’s a great set for kids, college students, or as an inexpensive backup when you’re washing your regular comforter. The diamond-stitched design helps to keep the fill consistently spread out.
- The reversible comforter can change up the look of your bed whenever you want
- Each set includes pillow sham(s), pillow covers, a comforter, a fitted sheet, a bed skirt, and a flat sheet
- Great for kids, college students, or as a backup to your regular comforter set
- Diamond-stitched design to keep the fill consistent
From the Test Lab
“This Bedsure comforter set features an entire bed set, complete with reversible comforter and sheets. Our testers loved that it had the entire bed system included.
Why Trust Us?
We’ve been in the sleep industry for years! In that time, we’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a great night of sleep. But don’t trust our experience alone! We also tested each of these comforter sets in our test lab. We put them through rigorous testing and evaluation to determine how they might react to different sleepers. We also got extensive feedback from our team of at-home testers, who spent a significant amount of time with these comforter sets.
We evaluated our recommendations for the best comforter sets in Canada using a few key performance areas:
- Materials. A comforter set’s exterior materials can make all the difference. We made sure each comforter set was made with quality materials, inside and out.
- Fill. The filling is important, too. We looked at the filling for each comforter set to determine how it would react to heat, how lofty it was, and if it would be right for you.
- Contents. The contents of a comforter set can help you decide which one to get. We evaluated which pieces came with each comforter set, to offer you a wealth of options.
- Style. One of the biggest aspects of your comforter purchase is the style. We looked at the available colour, pattern, and style options for each comforter to bring you the best selection.
Comforter vs Duvet: Which One is Right For You?
Comforters and duvets are often confused, meaning that you might not know which one you want. However, they aren’t quite the same. There are a few key differences that can make all the difference.
First, comforters don’t need to go into a cover. Duvets need to be covered with a duvet cover for extra protection. This means that duvets are easier to keep fresh (because you can wash just the cover when it gets dirty). However, most comforters can be washed in a machine, as long as you have a machine that’s big enough.
Since duvets have to be put into a duvet cover, it can be a bit more difficult to use them. Duvets can be difficult to slide into their covers, no matter how easy they say it is. A comforter is a single piece. You can put a comforter inside a duvet cover, but most users use the comforter as-is, without any additional covers.
On the other hand, duvets are usually fluffier. They have a bit more loft and breathability. Comforters suffer a little from their quilted-through design and can be a little thinner and flatter than duvets.
The right option for you depends on your preferences. A comforter is a simple option that contains everything you need without any additional purchases. Plus, it often comes in sets with other pieces to help coordinate your bedding.
How to Choose a Comforter Set
Once you have decided to purchase a comforter set, you’ll need to know a few basics. The following tips and features can help you choose a comforter set that works well for you.
Materials and Fabrics
The material used on the exterior of the comforter can determine how soft it is. It’s an important factor to consider when purchasing a comforter set. Some of the options include:
- Cotton. Cotton is a soft, breathable material that can feel smooth on your comforter. You may find that as you wash your comforter more, the cotton cover will become softer and more comfortable on your skin.
- Brushed microfibre. Microfibre is an extremely breathable and mostly synthetic material. This material is soft and cool and will help those who overheat stay asleep throughout the night.
- Polyester. Polyester is a fully synthetic material that is soft and durable. It’s easy to care for and doesn’t ever lose its soft touch. Polyester is also one of the least expensive comforter materials you can choose.
Fill
The fill inside the comforter can make all the difference. There are many different fill options to choose from, so make sure to pay special attention to the fill available in the mattress you choose. Here are a few of the options available:
- Cotton fill. Comforters filled with cotton are usually lightweight and soft, with a thin layer of cotton fill helping insulate you in the summer and the winter.
- Wool fill. Wool is a natural fill that helps regulate temperature. Wool is warm, but it can also be breathable and fluffy in the summertime. It wicks away moisture, reducing sweating and overheating.
- Down fill. Down is a soft material made from the finer feathers of birds like ducks and geese. Down tends to be loftier, fluffier, and more breathable than some synthetic materials. However, those who are allergic to down should avoid it.
- Down alternative/synthetic. A down-alternative synthetic fill can be any range of man-made options, including polyester. However, not all down alternatives are polyester. Others can range from a variety of materials.
- Polyester fill. Polyester is a synthetic material that is sustainable and often preferable to natural fibres (especially for those with allergies). The vast majority of comforters will use some type of polyester fill, including microfibre and fibre fill.
You should choose the fill that best fits your sleep style. You should try different options if possible! The only way to know for sure which fill option you prefer is to try multiple options to find what works for you.
Colours and Patterns
Colours and patterns are, of course, a personal preference. However, the options for your comforter set can play a huge role in how you decide which one to purchase. Many companies offer a select number of solid colours and patterns. Browse to find the one that best matches your home design, but make sure to look at actual pictures of the comforter. The pictures in the listing may show the colours as more vibrant or a different shade than it is. If there are user review images, see what the comforter looks like in different lighting.
Choose a pattern to match your décor if you can find one, and don’t be afraid to shop around until you find a comforter that you love!
Keep in mind that you can always use a duvet cover for your comforter set. If you can’t find a comforter set that works with your decor, you can always choose a more appropriate duvet cover. Of course, this comes with its own set of challenges. It remains an option for those who need more options than their chosen comforter set offers.
Size Options
There are six standard mattress sizes, but not every comforter set comes in all sizes. For example, many comforter sets only come in larger sizes (Queen and King), and only a select few come in California King.
The six standard sizes are Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. You should choose a comforter that matches the size of your bed, but there are some exceptions.
For example, if you like your comforter to hang off the bed, choosing a size up isn’t such a bad idea. If you have a queen-sized mattress but prefer your comforter to hang over the sides of the bed, a king-sized comforter can be the perfect option for you. It’s down to your preference, especially if you want to mismatch the size.
Note that there are some extra sizes as well – including super king or super queen (designed for more overhang or to offer relief to cover-hogging partners), and even split king for adjustable beds.
Included with the Set
What’s included in your comforter set? Usually, your comforter set includes the comforter and a set of pillow shams. Select sets may come with other extras (including matching cushions and even sheet sets). However, most commonly, you’ll find a comforter in your chosen size and an appropriate number of pillow shams.
Usually, it goes something like this:
- Twin/Twin XL: 1 comforter, 1 pillow sham
- Full: 1 comforter, 2 pillow shams
- Queen: 1 comforter, 2 pillow shams
- King/California King: 1 comforter, 2 pillow shams
However, what’s included in some sets may vary. Always check to see what comes with your comforter so you can plan accordingly. Be aware that some companies choose to sell different pieces separately. Make sure you double-check this information before you make a purchase.
Stitching and Construction
Much like duvets, comforters use stitching and construction to control where the fill lays. A boxed construction is the most common. This construction uses small quilted boxes to keep the fill from slipping to one side or bunching up. Other constructions include channel stitching for the same purpose. It’s extremely important to choose a comforter set with smaller fill sections. The fill will shift over time, and you want a comforter that will last.
However, comforter construction isn’t as strict as duvet stitching. There are a variety of different stitch or quilting patterns for comforters. All work well to keep the fill right where you want it. Some might create beautiful patterns on the top of the mattress, too!
Warmth and Breathability
Canadians have different sleeping preferences, of course. You should understand how you sleep best to help choose a comforter that works best for you. If you often wake up warm, you should choose a thinner comforter. Breathable materials like cotton are best for those who sleep warm. Most comforters use polyester fill, which can be breathable when very little is used.
If you need a little more warmth from your comforter, look for a polyester or microfibre fabric. Polyester fill can keep you very warm as well, but you should choose a comforter with a higher loft if you find yourself getting cold often. The fill type and loft can be important to consider when it comes to temperature, too.
If you are concerned about the warmth or breathability of your comforter set, make sure to research how others have felt about it. This can give you a good idea of how it might feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can put your comforter inside a duvet cover, but it doesn’t need one. If your comforter no longer matches your bedroom décor (or if you want it to last a little longer), you can slide it right into a duvet cover.
You should wash your comforter every month, but every two months is fine, too. If you put your comforter in a duvet cover, you can wash your duvet cover more often and won’t need to wash your comforter as often.
A good comforter should last up to 25 years, though this varies based on the comforter itself. If you keep it covered and care for it regularly, a comforter can last a long time. That’s because your comforter doesn’t have to hold weight as your mattress, pillows, or sheets do!
