Home Decorating Bedroom Decorating The 12 Best Duvet Covers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed The Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover impressed us with its durability, ultra soft feel, and affordable price point. By Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 21, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Real Simple / Henry Wortock A good duvet cover should be a staple of your ideal bed if it isn’t already. Not only does a duvet cover help you sleep comfortably all night long, but it also protects your duvet insert, preventing damage or staining that could shorten its lifespan. Plus, it provides a fun way to change up the decor in your room on a whim—all you have to do is pop a new cover on your duvet insert to freshen up your space. To find the best duvet covers for a range of sleeping preferences, we tested 34 duvet covers and evaluated them on material, quality, durability, and ease of use. For expert tips on how to shop for duvet inserts, we reached out to Amy Hoban, COO of Parachute. Our Top Picks Best Overall Duvet Cover: Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover at Slumber Cloud Jump to Review Best Budget Duvet Cover: Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge Duvet Cover: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Duvet Set at Bloomingdales Jump to Review Best Cotton Percale Duvet Cover: Parachute Percale Duvet Cover at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Cotton Sateen Duvet Cover: Parachute Sateen Duvet Cover at Parachute Jump to Review Best Bamboo Duvet Cover: The Company Store Company Cotton Sateen Duvet Cover at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Linen Duvet Cover: Quince European Linen Duvet Cover at Onequince.com Jump to Review Best Waffle Duvet Cover: Quince Organic Luxe Waffle Duvet Cover at Onequince.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight Duvet Cover: Anthropologie Relaxed Cotton-Linen Duvet Cover at Anthropologie Jump to Review Best Zippered Duvet Cover: Hotel Sheets Direct Bamboo Duvet Cover Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Duvet Cover Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover 5 Slumber Cloud View On Slumber Cloud Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People who want a simple duvet cover that’s breathable and not too expensive. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a duvet made with 100 percent natural materials like cotton or linen. The Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover impressed us with its super soft touch and flawless design. It’s made of a cotton rayon blend which not only offers temperature regulation to prevent overheating at night, but is also buttery soft. The fabric is also quite durable, ensuring you’ll get the most out of your duvet cover, and it’s just the right size too. We found that it had enough fabric to easily fit over our duvet insert, but also didn’t look sloppy or showed any bunching. We also appreciate subtle details like polished seams and sateen edges, which give this cover a finished look that elevates the rest of your bed. The buttons fit well, and the stitching is flawless and durable—even around the buttons, which didn’t pop off in the night. This duvet cover is one of the more affordable options on our list, yet the quality of its fabric and construction is certainly splurge-worthy. Its simple design allows it to match a variety of rooms and decorating styles, bringing soft comfort to your bed for years to come. Price at time of publish: $124 for queen Material: 60% cotton, 40% Outlast viscose | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin XL, queen, king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Budget Duvet Cover Jellymoni 100% Natural Cotton Duvet Cover 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for an affordable duvet cover that’s easy to put on and comes in a variety of colors. Who it isn’t for: People who want a solid duvet cover as opposed to a striped one. This affordable duvet cover was a crowd favorite during testing. It’s made with 100 percent cotton, which is breathable enough to keep you comfortable at night. While it isn’t as soft or as silky as other picks on the list, the fabric also doesn’t wrinkle easily, making it ideal for people who prefer smooth, crisp bedding. For those who loathe wrestling with their duvet cover, the Jellymoni Cotton Duvet Cover features a double-zippered design that could not have been easier to put on. Plus, it allowed the duvet insert to stay fully concealed, creating a streamlined look that we definitely appreciated. This duvet cover ranges in size from twin to Cal king, though we found that it shrank five inches in width after washing, which created a snug fit around the duvet insert. However, this cover held up very well after several spin cycles, with no differences observed in color or quality. While we wish that this duvet cover comes in some solid color options in addition to stripes, its quality is excellent for its price. Price at time of publish: $40 for queen Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Zipper | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Splurge Duvet Cover Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Duvet Set 4.6 Bloomingdaleâs View On Bloomingdales View On Bollandbranch.com Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Who it’s for: People who want to treat themselves to a high-quality duvet cover with a buttery soft feel. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a snug duvet cover. There’s no better way to pamper yourself than by splurging on bedding, and this duvet set is just the ticket. Made with 100 percent long-staple organic cotton, this cover is soft and smooth with a satin-like finish, and it’s reversible so it’s extra easy to make your bed each morning. It also features a button closure with a tuck-in flap that conceals the buttons, as well as corner fabric ties that hold your duvet in place while tossing and turning, creating a polished look. In terms of fit, we found that this cover was able to comfortably encase our duvet insert with some extra room to spare, even after shrinking a couple of inches in the wash. We did have to make some adjustments to ensure that the duvet insert laid flat in the cover, but once it was secured, it stayed in place. This cover has a nice weight that’s not too heavy or slippery, and it didn’t show any signs of wear and tear after multiple washes. While the price may be steep, we think it’s worth the splurge given its buttery-soft touch, hidden buttons, and reversible design. Price at time of publish: $328 for full/queen Material: Organic cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Full/queen, king/Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cotton Percale Duvet Cover Parachute Percale Duvet Cover 4.9 Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Parachute View On Zola Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for simple cotton bedding that’s breathable and lightweight. Who it isn’t for: People who want a duvet cover that comes with pillowcases. Made from 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton, the Percale Duvet Cover from Parachute brings a hotel-like quality to any bed. Percale refers to a type of weave that has a classic matte finish and brings a hotel-like look to your bed (Hoban likens Parachute’s percale to “the perfect button down shirt—cool and crisp to the touch”). This duvet cover is also Oeko-Tex certified, which means that it’s free from harsh chemicals. While we initially found the texture of this duvet to be a bit rough, it became extremely soft and comfortable after the first wash. We especially liked that it didn’t feel overly heavy or stiff, and that it had good airflow. When we put the duvet insert over the cover, we found that it had a good fit that wasn’t sloppy, and we were able to easily button and unbutton the duvet as needed. Additionally, the cover did not shrink at all during washing. This cover comes in eight hues to match all sorts of design schemes, and it ranges in size from twin to king. Overall, we were pleased with the overall quality and durability of this duvet cover and would definitely recommend it to those who are seeking simple yet well-made bedding. Price at time of publish: $190 for full/queen Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cotton Sateen Duvet Cover Parachute Sateen Duvet Cover 5 Zola View On Parachute View On Zola Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People who want a luxe duvet cover with a nice sheen. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer bedding that doesn’t wrinkle easily. For people who like the look and feel of a lustrous bedspread, this sateen duvet cover from Parachute will bring just the right amount of shimmer to your space. It’s made with Parachute’s signature long-staple Egyptian cotton, which is known for its soft touch, and it “doesn't have an overly shiny appearance—it’s more of a subtle, luxurious luster,” according to Hoban. We noted that it has a silky smooth texture and has nice features like detailed stitching and hidden buttons, which create a polished, luxe look. In addition to the button enclosure, this duvet cover uses fabric ties to keep everything in place, and we found that they did a surprisingly good job of holding things together. While we noted some shrinkage in the wash (3.5 inches in width and five inches in length, to be exact), we were still able to seamlessly fit the cover over the duvet insert. Plus, we didn’t notice any other flaws that occurred with washing. However, it was quite wrinkled after taking it out after the dryer, so if you want crisp, smooth bedding, this isn’t for you. This duvet cover has a satin-like feel, so while it may not be ideal if you’re looking for bedding that’s fuzzy and cozy, it's quite comfortable to snuggle with in warmer climates. While it may be pricey, we think it’s worth it for the quality; plus, Parachute also has a free 60-day return policy, so you can always return it if it doesn’t work out. Price at time of publish: $220 for full/queen Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Full/queen, king/Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Bamboo Duvet Cover The Company Store Company Cotton Rayon Made From Bamboo Sateen Duvet Cover 4.9 The Home Depot View On Home Depot View On The Company Store Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for a cooling duvet cover. Who it isn’t for: People who want a simple duvet cover with no border. This duvet cover is made with a blend of cotton sateen and bamboo rayon, resulting in bedding that’s soft, silky, and cool to the touch. Both cotton and bamboo are breathable and temperature-regulating materials, which we noticed right away, especially since this cover is impressively lightweight and airy. While we felt that the button enclosures were a bit difficult to use, they did feel sturdy and held our bedding in place throughout the testing process. When we washed this duvet, we found that it did shrink three inches in length and one inch in width, but it still fit over our duvet insert with ease. Furthermore, we found that this cover held up exceptionally well in the wash—all buttons and seams remained intact, and no threads came loose. This duvet cover comes in several neutral hues and can be further personalized with a monogram. One downside is that the cover features a border around it, which not everyone might be a fan of. However, if you don’t mind the extra flair it brings to your bedding, this cooling duvet cover makes a great choice for your bed. Price at time of publish: $189 for full/queen Material: 70% rayon made from bamboo, 30% cotton sateen | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Linen Duvet Cover Quince European Linen Duvet Cover 4.7 Quince View On Onequince.com Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for a soft, durable duvet cover with a lived-in look. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a heavier duvet cover. Linen sometimes gets a bad rap for being harsh and scratchy, but this beautiful duvet cover from Quince will put the naysayers to rest. It’s made with top-notch European flax and is pre-washed, so it arrives at your doorstep as soft as can be. Linen is also a breathable material, which makes it great for hot sleepers, and we definitely found this duvet cover to feel lightweight yet durable and high-quality. Right out of the box, this duvet cover was free from pills, snags, and other imperfections. It did remain a bit wrinkled after being washed, but that rumpled look is part of the charm of linen bedding. To secure the duvet insert, we found that the hidden button enclosure and corner ties held everything together, but there are also additional fabric ties in the middle to be on the safe side. After washing this duvet cover, we found that it shrunk slightly, but we were still able to get it on the bed with no problem. It felt even softer and comfier after washing, and we were highly impressed with its overall quality, especially for the relatively affordable price. We also like that it comes in a variety of color and pattern options, making it a good fit for all types of bedroom styles. Price at time of publish: $140 for full/queen Material: Linen | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal kin Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Waffle Duvet Cover Quince Organic Luxe Waffle Duvet Cover 5 Quince View On Onequince.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People who want a duvet cover with some textured details. Who it isn’t for: People looking for bedding that isn’t prone to snagging. There’s something that’s just extra cozy about waffle knit bedding, especially when it’s made from ultra-soft organic cotton, like this duvet cover from Quince. On one side, it features a classic honeycomb pattern that brings some texture to your bed, and on the other side, it has a percale lining that feels soft and smooth on your skin. We appreciated the high-quality construction of this duvet cover, noting its perfect seams and pearlescent buttons, which add a nice decorative touch. It also comes with two spare buttons as a just-in-case, plus a reinforced hem that looks extra polished. The opening is big enough to fit in a duvet insert without much of a struggle, and the four corner ties hold it firmly in place. The feel of this duvet cover is soft yet crisp, reminiscent of the kind of bedspread you’d find at a fancy hotel. While it did shrink slightly after washing, it was still easy to slip onto their insert, and no loose threads or pilling occurred. All in all, this is a top-notch duvet cover that’s perfect if you’re looking to bring a little more luxury to your life. Price at time of publish: $100 for full/queen Material: Cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Lightweight Duvet Cover Anthropologie Relaxed Cotton-Linen Duvet Cover 4.7 Anthropologie View On Anthropologie Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.3/5 Value 4.8/5 Who it’s for: People looking for lightweight, airy bedding with a rustic touch. Who it isn’t for: Cold sleepers or people who live in cool climates. This chic duvet cover from Anthropologie rolls the benefits of cotton and linen into one cozy bedspread. It features raw edges which give it a rustic vibe, and it has a slight thready texture that brings a casual vibe to your room. Since both linen and cotton are breathable fabrics, this bedspread cover feels nice and airy, so you won’t get too stuffy sleeping underneath it, After multiple washes, we found that this duvet cover holds up to wear and tear. No rips, loose threads, or other imperfections occurred, and we could immediately tell the materials used are high-quality. This cover has a standard button enclosure and corner ties to hold the insert in place, and we really appreciate that the pearlescent buttons provide an extra pretty finishing touch. Texture-wise, this duvet cover has a slightly rumpled look, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it feels soft to the touch. Since linen and cotton let in lots of air, this duvet cover is a great choice for hot sleepers or people who live in warmer climates. Overall, we were impressed with the quality and construction of this duvet cover and consider it worth the price tag. Price at time of publish: $228 for queen Material: 55% linen, 45% cotton | Closure Type: Buttons | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Zippered Duvet Cover Hotel Sheets Direct 100% Bamboo Duvet Cover Set 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Quality 4.6/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Who it’s for: People searching for a zippered duvet at an affordable price. Who it isn’t for: People who can’t stand wrinkled bedding. For people who don’t want to deal with buttoning up their duvet, a zippered option can make life a little easier. This bamboo duvet cover has a smooth and easy-to-use zipper that makes it a breeze to enclose your duvet insert. Plus, since it’s made from bamboo viscose, it has a cooling touch that will keep hot sleepers comfortable, even during the summer. We were impressed that the insert did not budge during a full night’s sleep, and can confirm that the four corner ties and zippered enclosure held it securely in place. We also liked how soft and smooth this cover felt, although we did find that it remained quite wrinkled, even after coming out of the wash. While we noticed some slight wear that occurred after washing, notably that the zipper was not as smooth to use as it was when we first took it out of the box, it wasn’t enough to really make a difference in our impression of this cover. There were no other loose threads, rips, or pilling that occurred with washing. Given its affordable price and fabric quality, we think this duvet cover makes a great option, especially if you’re looking for some cooling bedding. Price at time of publish: $108 for queen Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Closure Type: Zipper | Size Range: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, Cal king Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict Our top pick is the Slumber Cloud Essential Duvet Cover because it offers high quality for a lower price point. The fabric is buttery soft and cozy, showing no signs of wear and tear after multiple washes. It has a button enclosure and fabric ties, which keeps the duvet insert firmly in place, and is breathable enough to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Our Testing Process We put 34 duvet covers through a series of tests to determine the best options. First, we inspected each duvet cover for any imperfections, including loose threads, uneven stitches, and irregularities in the dye or pattern. We then examined each duvet cover's texture and quality, knowing that sateen is known for its silky smoothness. We then measured each duvet cover's length and width using a tape measure and compared it to the manufacturer's dimensions. Next, we laundered each duvet cover, following the manufacturer's instructions and removing promptly from the dryer. Afterwards, we measured each again to check for any shrinkage. We then examined once again for texture and quality, noting if there were any differences post-wash. Then, we put each duvet cover on a duvet insert, and noted how difficult or easy the process was. We then placed each covered duvet on the bed and evaluated how well the insert stayed in place within the duvet cover. To do this, we put the duvet through a series of tests: First, we folded the duvet down to the foot of the bed and pulled it back up again; then we got in the bed under the duvet, pushed it off the bed, and pulled it back up again by a corner; then we got out of the bed and spread the duvet over the bed again. Finally, we did a stain removal test. For spot-clean-only duvet covers, we poured one teaspoon of coffee on the cover and let it stand for 30 seconds. We then blotted the area with a cool, wet towel, and treated the spot with a stain remover. For machine-washable covers, we did the same process but put each cover directly in the washer without pre-treating it with a stain remover. After laundering a second time, we thoroughly evaluated the cover for signs of wear or damage, including stains, missing buttons, loose threads, pilling, snags, or irregular seams. We then evaluated the overall value of each duvet cover by taking all these insights and comparing the quality and performance to the cover's price. How to Shop for Duvet Covers Like a Pro Material Duvet covers come in a variety of materials, with the most popular being cotton and linen. Both fabrics are known for their breathability, which can help you stay comfortable under a duvet insert. Linen is “a natural fabric made from the flax plant,” says Hoban, and it has temperature-regulating properties that make it a better choice for hot sleepers, though it may feel a bit rough when you first purchase it. While linen is typically more expensive than cotton, Hoban says that it “is a stronger and more durable alternative to cotton,” so it may be a good choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting duvet cover. If you’d prefer to stick with cotton, know that the texture of your cover will depend on the type of weave you get; for instance, a sateen duvet cover will have a silky smooth touch while percale will feel crisp and cool. We recommend staying away from polyester duvet covers, as they tend to hold in heat and could cause night sweats. This is especially true if you have a microfiber or polyester-filled duvet insert. While a breathable duvet cover won’t totally counteract the stuffiness of those duvet inserts, it might help. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Closure Type “Typically you find either buttons or zippers on the bottom of the duvet cover,” Hoban tells us. Since the point of a duvet cover is to protect your duvet insert, you want to make sure that your cover has a sturdy closure that will prevent its contents from spilling out while you’re sleeping. A zippered cover is the best option to keep your duvet secured, and they’re often quicker and easier to put on. However, Hoban says that “buttons are easier to maintain and are more gentle on the fabrics when washed in a laundry machine,” so they also make a great way to secure your duvet cover. Lastly, you may also see duvets with fabric ties, but they aren’t as common as zippered or buttoned options. Dimensions “A duvet cover should be slightly larger than the duvet insert so that it makes changing your bedding an easier task,” Hoban advises. In general, you’ll want your duvet cover to have dimensions that are about 2 to 3 inches larger than your duvet insert, depending on whether you prefer a snug or loose fit. “If the duvet cover was the same size or smaller it would be very challenging to stuff your duvet insert,” Hoban explains. “Also, a little extra fabric creates a beautiful drape, giving you an elegant look in the bedroom.” More Duvet Covers to Consider Brooklinen Luxe Duvet Cover: We found this duvet cover to feel crisp and smooth against the skin, and it only got softer and snugglier after washing. However, we think there are more affordable options that are just as good, if not better. Better Homes & Gardens Clipped Jacquard Diamond Duvet Cover: This patterned duvet cover won praise for its smooth feel and durability, standing up to multiple washes without any damage to the embroidered design. We did notice some loose threads near the corner ties though, and felt that the stitching could have been better reinforced, but for the price we still think this is a good option, especially for people looking for a patterned style. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) Real Simple / Henry Wortock Questions You Might Ask Is a duvet cover necessary? Technically, you can sleep with just your duvet insert, but using a cover will make life so much easier. For one, a duvet cover will protect your insert from dust, spills, and stains, so you can just wash your duvet cover instead of the heavy and fluffy insert. Plus, as Hoban explains, “the duvet cover protects the insert from dust and dirt and keeps the feathers in the best shape,” which will help you get more use out of your insert. A duvet cover also allows you to tailor your duvet to your sleep preferences: If you like the feeling of smooth sateen against your skin while falling asleep, a duvet cover can help you feel more comfortable at night so you can catch some quality Zzz’s. If you don’t like dealing with the duvet cover and separate insert, Hoban suggests getting a comforter instead: “It’s a one-and-done to make your room and sleep heavenly.” Can you use a duvet cover with any comforter? If your comforter is the right size, there’s no reason why you can’t use it, though most duvet covers were not designed for this kind of use. Hoban elaborates that “while you can add a duvet cover to any comforter, it’s best to pair a duvet cover with a properly sized insert,” in order to “create the best sleep experience and look without too much or too little fabric.” Real Simple / Henry Wortock How can I make putting on a duvet cover easier? “Practice!” says Hoban. She notes that “it takes time, but I try to think of it as relaxing.” She recommends that you start by “[placing] the duvet insert flat on the top of the bed,” then “turning the cover inside out.” Next, “grab the top two corners of your cover before taking the top two corners of the insert into your hands,” and tie the insert and duvet cover to secure them. Then, “flip the duvet cover right side out and shake and fluff so the duvet cover is covering your insert.” Finish up by securing the ties in the bottom corners, buttoning the closures, and giving your duvet a final fluff. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we tested 34 duvet covers in our Lab and evaluated them material, quality, durability, and ease of use. For expert insight on how to shop for duvet covers, we spoke to Amy Hoban, COO of Parachute. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit