Getting into a freshly made bed with soft pillows and a snug duvet is one of life’s many pleasures. Choosing the right duvet is essential to making sure you are comfortable and cosy – nobody wants to freeze in winter or overheat in the summer! If you don’t know your hollowfibre from your microfibre or your tog from your down, this little guide should help you decide which duvet to purchase for your home.
The tog rating refers to the thermal efficiency of the duvet – how well it retains heat. A thick duvet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be warmer, so choosing the right tog rating is important when deciding whether you need a winter or summer duvet. Tog ratings range from around 2.5 to 15; the lower the rating, the less warm the duvet keeps you. As a general rule, anything between 2.5 - 7 is great for summer, a 10.5 is ideal for all seasons, and a 13.5 or over is a snug winter duvet.
There are two options when choosing which filling your duvet has, and your choice will come down to personal preference and budget.
Natural fillers
These are a more luxurious and expensive option, made from bird feathers and soft down. Natural fillers are cosy, and their natural movement allows your skin to breathe, preventing you from becoming sticky or sweaty. Feathers weigh much more than down, so often, a blend of the two is used. Down-only duvets are also popular, as they are lightweight yet retain plenty of heat, but down is more expensive. Natural fillers tend to settle at one end of the duvet, so a good buy is a duvet with compartments stitched into it so the filling stays equally distributed.
Synthetic Fillers
Synthetic fillers most commonly include hollowfibre and microfibre options. Both options provide lightweight, affordable duvets that are warm and comfortable without being bulky or heavy. In a hollowfibre duvet, each fibre is hollow, allowing it to trap more heat. With more space within the duvet, it becomes more breathable and lighter whilst still in heat. Microfibre duvets are made from very finely woven fibres that mimic the feeling of soft down. Both these options are great for those with allergies, as they are hypoallergenic, don’t harbour dust mites and are machine washable.
Some people opt for a bigger duvet than their bed for extra coverage. This is a good idea when sharing with a restless sleeper or a duvet hoarder!
Single – 135cm x 200cm
Double – 200cm x 200cm
Kingsize – 225cm x 220cm
Super Kingsize – 260cm x 220cm
To extend the lifespan of your duvet so you can enjoy the comfort it brings for longer, make sure you follow these simple guidelines on caring for it:
- Always leave your bed to air before making it again
- Have a winter and a summer duvet; this will help you sleep better as you won't get too hot or too cold
- Wash your duvet yearly for cleanliness and to extend its efficiency.
Here at The Range, we know everyone will have different needs and wants when finding a snug sleeping solution. That's why we sell various duvets, from hypoallergenic to cooling to insulating and beyond, all at great and affordable prices. Take a look through our Duvets to find the perfect duvet for you, and make sure to look through all our Pillows and Duvet Covers to truly complete your space.
