Duvets

Duvets, often called comforters, from the French origin of the word, have been a prized item of bedding for the well-to-do and the less-affluent for centuries. The main difference in the terminology seems to be that they require covers while comforters do not. Either way, the duvet and comforter today are not usually considered casual living items, unless they have become worn from being cherished heirlooms.

Newer, plump bedding gives off an aura of luxury and elegance, whether snuggled under in the home or the five-star hotel. Some duvets, though, are actually lightweight enough to be wrapped around the shoulders for a little protection against the cool breezes of a summer night, whether sitting by a campfire at the lake or in the backyard. Remember to take along a bug-catcher and wear mosquito repellent!

Different climates need different amounts of fill in a duvet, so reading labels or descriptions on websites will help you avoid buying more warmth than you need for your area or not enough for the community where you're relocating. Reading labels will also tell you what you're getting, whether fill is pure wool or pure down, all polyester (great for those with allergies), or a combination of materials.

More about Reading the Labels on Duvets

While content may include what is called residue, not all "impure" content material is bad. Plant fibers, such as those from milkweed, are sometimes used to enhance goose down's properties. Some duvets contain 100 percent goose down, or perhaps contain as little as 40 percent goose down. Or they may contain duck down or feathers from other fowl. To varying degrees, content determines odor, price, individual comfort, ease of care, and lifespan.