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11 duvet covers for every style and budget, starting at $42 — plus expert buying tips

We also answer the age-old question: How do you put on a duvet cover?
Overhead of someone making the bed
Vivian Le/ TODAY
/ Source: TODAY

Bedsheets get a lot of attention. But what about duvet covers?

"Getting into a comfortable, cozy bed can be one of the simple pleasures in life," says Elina Winnel, a certified sleep coach and founder of The Sleep Expert. Bill Fish, certified sleep science expert and President of OneCare Media, agrees, saying that while duvet covers themselves may not have a big impact on sleep, the little things add up.

A quality duvet cover not only contributes to a blissful night’s sleep, but also determines the bedroom’s aesthetic and feel.

Karin Sun, Textile Expert

Duvet covers can enhance the décor of a bedroom and help to craft the perfect setup for a good night's sleep. Changing out your duvet cover is an affordable way to improve the comfort of your bed and refresh the look of your space, according to Karin Sun, a textile expert who has more than a decade of experience in the space and is the co-founder of bedding brand Crane & Canopy.

"A quality duvet cover not only contributes to a blissful night’s sleep, but also determines the bedroom’s aesthetic and feel," Sun adds.

But what exactly does a quality duvet cover look like for your specific sleep style, aesthetic, needs and budget? We did the research and tapped the pros to come up our list of the best duvet covers of all types and for all budgets. Keep scrolling or use the links below to learn about our top picks and what to look for when shopping.

What to look for | How we chose | Cotton duvet covers | Linen duvet covers | Bamboo duvet covers | FAQs | Meet our experts

What to consider when buying a duvet cover

Go natural, especially if you run hot or cold. "Natural fibers adapt more easily to temperature fluctuations and allow our skin to breathe more easily. This enables us to regulate our own body temperature more effectively," Winnel says, adding, "Polyester traps heat, and the skin doesn’t breathe well." Look for cotton, bamboo or a combination, which may be more durable — but avoid synthetic blends. Bamboo is a particularly great option for warm sleepers regardless of climate, according to Sun. "Bamboo has naturally temperature-regulating properties, so it can be a good choice for warm sleepers," she explains.

Don't be fooled by thread count. Very high thread counts are less breathable, so higher isn’t always better for duvet covers, Winnel explains: "While a higher thread count can mean the material is softer and more durable, this isn’t always the case. It depends on the fabric. A higher-quality fabric with a lower thread count is better than a lower-quality fabric with a high thread count," she says.

Egyptian cotton is worth the splurge. Long-staple or Egyptian cotton is known for its durability and softness, according to Fish. While it can be pricier, he says, "We do feel like Egyptian cotton is worth spending the extra money, as it will be part of your bedroom set for years to come."

The weave is all about personal preference. Sateen, percale, twill — these words all describe the weave of the fabric. Sateen is smooth and sleek; percale is a plain weave and is crisper and cooler; twill has more of a robust feel. Really, it's mostly about looks and texture preference: "Our bedrooms should be treated as a sleep sanctuary, and if the color and feel of your duvet cover make you feel calm, then you are off to a good start," Fish says.

Look for fasteners. "Having your duvet insert get all bunched up into a corner is more than frustrating," Fish acknowledges. Make sure that your cover has buttons, clasps or ties to keep the duvet in place.

Check the maintenance. What are the duvet's washing instructions? Do you need a duvet cover that's easy to clean regularly? Make sure it's not dry clean only, for example.

Consider the type of duvet. The duvet covers we like best are made from cotton, bamboo or linen — they tend to be the highest-quality and most frequently used fabrics for duvet covers. Furthermore, premium cotton is worth the splurge for its durability and luxurious feel: "A high-quality duvet cover that's between 300- and 430-thread count will last you many years," Sun says. Linen, on the other hand, can be a "tad rougher" at the beginning but does get smoother over time, says Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist and specialist in behavioral sleep medicine (BSM). Like bamboo, this makes it an excellent choice for hotter climates, she adds.

How we chose the best duvet covers

We at Shop TODAY know that the number of choices on the market when it comes to duvet covers can be overwhelming, with more options available than ever before. Sifting through five-star reviews, narrowing down the most important features of a duvet cover, and developing those parameters — from type of fabric to thread count — take time and research. And let's face it: If you're a consumer looking to get a good night's sleep, you don't have time for that kind of leg work, so we created a guide that breaks it down and simplifies your decision-making process.

To put together our list of the best duvet covers, we combed ratings, interviewed textile and sleep experts, thought through the best qualities of a great duvet cover, and even pooled our own personal experience of years of owning and using different duvet covers. Even if you don't end up going with one of the duvet covers from our list, this guide should give you a good idea of what to look for.

Best cotton duvet covers

Long-staple cotton, or cotton that has a longer fiber, is stronger, softer and more durable. They fray, pill, wrinkle and fade less than fabrics made with their short-staple counterparts. For those reasons, says Sun, a duvet cover made from 100 percent cotton is worth the extra cost.

Premium cotton is now grown around the world, so the Egyptian label isn't as important as it once was, but you need to decide if you prefer the silky feel of cotton sateen or the crisp feel of a percale weave. These higher thread count, long-staple cotton duvet covers are high-quality and will last for years, according to Sun.

California Design Den Duvet Cover & Shams (3-Piece Set)

Material: 100% long-staple cotton, sateen weave | Thread count: 400 | Sizes available: Queen/full, king, oversized king | Colors: 8 | Ties included? Yes

This three-piece set is made from long-staple cotton and has a 400-thread count and a silky sateen weave that has left buyers thrilled. Target shoppers have given it a five-star average overall rating and have said they'd recommend it to others.

This all-season cotton duvet cover is breathable and temperature-regulating, won't wrinkle or fade, and is inspected at every level of product for pilling, shrinkage and colorfastness, according to the brand. It's also safe to machine-wash and tumble-dry, and at around $50, it's an affordable yet luxurious option.

Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover

Material: 100% long-staple cotton, sateen weave | Thread count: 480 | Sizes available: Twin, queen/full, king, oversized king | Colors: 4 | Ties included? Yes

Brooklinen is considered by many an industry gold standard for linens, offering high-quality sheets and duvet covers at a relatively reasonable price. With a 480-thread count with a luxe sateen finish, this best-seller is OEKO-TEX certified — meaning it's eco-friendly, is easy to wash and dry and is designed to last.

This duvet cover features extra long-corner ties and large closure buttons that are easy to fasten yet don't fall open easily. Amazon reviewers gave the duvet cover nearly five stars in the categories of softness, comfort and affordability.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Brooklinen is holding a 20% off sale for Sleep Week, which runs from March 13 to March 17; the discount is automatically applied. Amazon is offering a 15% off on-page coupon.

Pizuna Cotton Duvet Cover Set

Material: 100% long-staple cotton, sateen weave | Thread count: 400 | Sizes available: Twin, full, queen/full, king, oversized king | Colors: 29 | Ties included? Yes

This budget-friendly option does double duty as being affordable and high-quality. For starters, it's made from 100 percent long-staple cotton with a 400-thread count in a sateen finish. It also comes in dozens of colors and sizes — at that price, you can get a few and change them with the season.

The cover is also is easy to wash and dry, according to reviewer, and it even has a hidden button closure. It's made with chemical-free fabric that's easy on sensitive skin and is temperature-regulating for warm sleepers. With almost 3,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this duvet cover is a winner.

Parachute Sateen Duvet Cover

Material: 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, sateen weave | Thread count: TJ | Sizes available: Queen/full, king, oversized king | Colors: 5 | Ties included? Yes

Fish loves Parachute because of its high-quality products.

"The price tag of some Parachute products may scare people away, but it is important to remember that you spend roughly one-third of your life on your bedding," he says.

This duvet cover is made in Portugal and features premium Egyptian cotton. It comes in several colors: White, Sand, Light Gray, Blush and Slate.

Parachute's duvet covers also come in percale, a lighter-weight, more breathable fabric than sateen, which is woven to create a silky surface. The percale option is great for warm sleepers and warm climates because of its breathability.

Best linen duvet covers

Linen is a great option for hotter climates and for warmer sleepers. Linen is a natural fiber from the flax plant, and the best-quality linen is grown primarily in Belgium. Linen is a popular choice of fabrics for bedding, and its qualities make it a great choice for those looking for breathable, hypoallergenic and durable bedding. It's also moisture-wicking, another great feature for warm sleepers.

Linen is heavier than cotton and is about 30 percent stronger, and while the fabric is crisp initially, it softens with time and use. Linen is also more environmentally friendly than cotton and has a more relaxed and casual texture. Linen fibers are thicker than cotton fibers and require a lower thread count to create a beautiful fabric.

Simple & Opulence Linen Duvet Set

Material: 100% stone-washed Belgian linen | Sizes available: Twin, queen/full, king, California king | Colors: 18 | Ties included? Yes

Garnering almost 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon, this duvet set comes in 18 colors and is 100 percent linen. It's machine-washable and dryable, and can be ironed if needed.

Reviewers say this set is good-quality, worth the money and is comparable to more expensive sets. Plus, they love how soft the fabric is. We also like that two extra buttons are included with the set, in case you lose any!

This eco-friendly set is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for sustainable fabric production.

West Elm European Flax Linen Duvet Cover


Material: 100% European flax linen | Sizes available: Full/queen, king, oversized king | Colors: 21 | Ties included? Yes

West Elm's best-selling European linen duvet cover is made of natural flax and washed for that lived-in softness. Made in a Fair Trade Certified facility using European flax linen, the duvet cover has an heirloom quality that is said to endure years of consistent use.

There's a wide range of colors (21!) to choose from, but even better — it's made using the so-called melange technique, which uses two different-colored yarns to create depth. The yarn is spun from multiple hues that creates coloring highs and lows, and each duvet cover is woven from the same yarn.

Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover


Material: French linen | Sizes available: Full/queen, king, oversized king | Colors: 7 | Ties included? Yes

This pick from Coyuchi may be our priciest pick yet, but trust us — we have good reason to include it.

This duvet cover is made from French linen that's derived from organic flax; this translates to "longer, stronger yarns, creating a fabric that’s softer, weightier and more enduring than any other linen you’ve met," the brand says. The linen is then woven in Portugal with a 186 gsm weight (read: sturdy), but it's also washed for a more relaxed texture. This all means that this linen cover will stand the test of time, and it'll only grow softer every time you wash it.

What's more, this flax supports a community of farmers who incorporate the product in its rotation, alternating it with wheat, fava beans, alfalfa and winter oats.

A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE: For a 100 percent European linen set that's over $100 cheaper but still quite luxe (though not quite budget), go for Cultiver's linen duvet cover set. It's still durable at 165 gsm, and also comes pre-washed for softness.

Best bamboo duvet covers

Bamboo rayon is a newer option on the market when it comes to fabrics. According to an article on the Sleep Foundation site, bamboo is a good option for those who are concerned about resource renewability, pesticide use and water.

Bamboo is a more eco-friendly and sustainable option than cotton or linen because it grows quickly and with fewer resources. It's also gaining popularity for people with sensitive skin, since some say bamboo-based fabric is gentler on the skin. It also has natural antimicrobial properties and is known for being lightweight and durable.

Hotel Sheets Direct Bamboo Duvet Cover Set

Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Thread count: 1600 | Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, oversized king | Colors: 7 | Ties included? Yes

This duvet cover is made out of 100 percent bamboo-derived viscose that's OEKO-TEX 100 certified. Amazon reviewers have given this bamboo duvet cover set a nearly perfect five-star rating in several categories: softness, comfort and ease of cleaning.

The set is also reportedly moisture-wicking, anti-pilling and breathable. Plus, because it's hypoallergenic and machine-washable, this duvet set is safe for those with allergies. Reviewers also love that the duvet cover offers hotel-quality linens at a reasonable price.

Serta Rayon From Bamboo Duvet & Sham Set

Material: 100% Bamboo rayon | Thread count: 205 | Sizes available: Full/queen, king | Colors: 4 | Ties included? Yes

Serta's Zen Rest Duvet Set has a 205 thread count and is made totally from bamboo. It's said to be wrinkle-resistant, comes in four colors, and full/queen or king sizes. It's durable, can hold its color well over numerous washes, is easy to clean, and is hypoallergenic, many reviewers report.

EDITOR'S NOTE: At time of publish, JCPenney is offering this Serta set for $98 with code 4HOMEBUY. Kohl's is offering a BOGO for half off.

Company Cotton Bamboo Sateen Duvet Cover

Material: Bamboo rayon and combed cotton sateen | Thread count: 300 | Sizes available: Full/queen, king | Colors: 8 | Ties included? Yes

Boasting a 300 thread count, this duvet cover is made from a blend of bamboo from rayon and combed cotton sateen. It's machine-washable, comes in eight different colors and can even be customized with a monogram.

Shoppers have helped it earn close to five-star ratings in the categories of quality and value.

Questions about duvet covers, answered by experts

What’s the difference between a duvet and a comforter?

While a comforter is a warm, thick quilt that's filled with down or synthetic filler, a duvet and duvet cover are two separate pieces that go together. The duvet is like a comforter, except it's usually just plain white fabric. The duvet is inserted into the duvet cover and tied at the corners so it doesn't slip.

Is there a trick to putting a duvet cover on?

You can put the duvet cover on one of two ways:

The first is to grab the top two corners of the duvet, then reach inside the duvet cover and straighten the duvet into the cover, tying the corners and smoothing it out.

The second is to turn the duvet cover inside out and match the corners up, tie the corners of the duvet into the cover, then turn it right side out over the duvet.

How often should I wash a duvet cover? Should I turn it inside out when washing?

How often you wash your duvet cover depends on the type of sleeper you are.

Some people do not use a top sheet, so those people should wash their duvet cover weekly when they wash their bottom sheet and pillow cases. If a top sheet is used, every two weeks is fine depending on if you have pets sleeping on top of your bed or not.

The duvet insert should be cleaned twice a year (professionally at the dry cleaner if needed). You don't need to turn it inside out, but you can button the buttons to prevent them from getting loose.

Meet our experts

Bill Fish is a certified sleep science expert and co-founder of Tuck Sleep, a sleep review website. Fish is currently President of OneCare Media LLC.

Dr. Shelby Harris, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. She is board-certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Karin Sun is a textile expert and the co-founder of bedding brand Crane & Canopy.

Elina Winnel is a certified sleep coach and founder of The Sleep Expert.