Can You Use a Duvet Cover by Itself?

Wondering if you can use a duvet cover by itself? It turns out you can – and in more ways than one!

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect bedspread. For some, it's a gorgeously fluffy duvet and more pillows than you can count. For others, it's a snug-fit blanket and soft sheets. Regardless of your preferences, however, most people will change their bedspread with the seasons.

And while a snuggly duvet or bulky comforter may perfect for cold weather, summer nights often require a different sleep strategy. This is where the versatile duvet cover shines. Using a duvet by itself – either without an insert or without a top sheet – is the ultimate way to sustain your bedding aesthetic all year round.

Read on to learn two methods for using a duvet by itself, good sleep guaranteed.

Using a duvet without a duvet insert

There's nothing as cosy on a cold winter day as snuggling up under a pillowy duvet in bed. While many of us love the weight and warmth duvets provide, they are sometimes too insulating to use during summer and can easily cause you to overheat during sleep. An easy solution to this problem is to make your bed as usual, simply using the duvet cover alone without its duvet insert. This is a great way to cool down your bedding setup while retaining the cosiness and security of heavier winter bedding. Plus, you won't get too cold when your body naturally cools down during deep sleep.

Making your bed with a duvet without an insert also helps to keep your bedroom aesthetic in place year-round. No more swapping out those decorative pillows each season! If you like the look of your bedding with your favourite duvet cover, top sheet and pillowcases, it makes sense to use your empty duvet cover as a comforter over the summer.

If you're a hot sleeper, dressing your bed with an empty duvet cover is often more convenient than the alternatives. It's the perfect light blanket for summer and is cool enough that you won't need to remove it before bed, only to replace it in the morning. Since a linen duvet cover is light and breathable, you're also not likely to want to kick it down to the foot of the bed in the middle of the night, where it can easily get dirty or dusty.

In short, using your duvet without a duvet insert during the warmer months is a convenient and easy way to keep your bed made just how you like it.

Using a duvet cover without a top sheet

Another way you can use your duvet cover by itself is to make your bed with only your fitted sheet and duvet: no top flat sheet in between. This is the traditional method for making the bed in many European households, but it's also become a growing trend in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom.

An increasing number of millennials say this is one of the best ways to make the bed, as it's more comfortable, convenient and cost-saving. And one of the main reasons to forego the top sheet is a compelling one: for comfort. It's no secret that top sheets move around more during the night than duvet covers, and they can easily become uneven or bunched up. If you're a restless sleeper, you might even find yourself regularly tangled in your top sheet or feeling too restricted with the top sheet on your body. If this uncomfortable experience sounds familiar, ditching the top sheet could be a good idea.

While top-sheet fans tout the extra layer for its ability to create a protective layer between your body and your duvet cover, there are plenty of ways to keep your duvet clean and fresh without one. Flipping your duvet set in the morning as you make your bed, or hanging it up for a brief period after waking helps your body moisture evaporate from the duvet. Techniques like these help to keep your bedding smelling fresh and prevent bacterial growth which can easily make your duvet smelly.

Another common method is to simply wash your duvet cover as frequently as you would your sheets. Top sheet haters often point this out, noting that the whole purpose of your duvet cover is the extra layer of protection that keeps your heavier, harder-to-wash duvet cleaner for longer. To keep your bedding fresh, just toss your duvet cover in the washing machine along with your mattress sheet and pillowcase once or twice a fortnight.

The benefits of a linen duvet cover

If you're using a duvet cover by itself, it needs to be made of the best material to ensure your comfort, whether you're pulling out the duvet insert for the summer months or you've said goodbye to flat sheets altogether. One of the best materials for a duvet cover is 100% French flax linen, which beats other types of bedding on many points.

1. Linen is temperature-regulating

Linen is famous for its temperature-regulating qualities including its lightness and breathability.

Unlike synthetic materials, linen is naturally moisture-wicking which helps to keep your body temperature comfortable while you sleep. Flax linen is perfect for the summer if you're using an empty duvet cover and sheet set, as the material helps to distribute your body heat and evaporate excess perspiration to keep you comfy even in warmer climates.

2. Linen is soft on the skin

If you prefer to go without the top sheet, a flax linen duvet cover is a great choice thanks to its strength and luxurious softness on the skin.

Flax linen duvet covers can be made much lighter than cotton duvet covers, as flax linen is naturally strong and durable. This also means that linen duvet protectors often have the same silky, friction-free texture as linen sheets, making them a much softer alternative to a regular blanket or a duvet protector made from ticker material.

3. Linen is breathable

The best duvet covers to use year-round are ones that are breathable.
During spring and summer, you can use an empty linen duvet cover and top sheet as a lightweight bedspread, which helps to circulate air and keep your body cool during sleep.

When autumn rolls around, linen's natural breathability helps to prevent sweating and overheating, even if you're using a traditional duvet set without the top sheet.

4. Easy care and maintenance

Regardless of how you use your duvet cover, high-quality flax linen bedding is easy to care for and maintain. If you're sleeping with a complete bedding bundle, you should ideally wash your top sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases once a week, whereas your duvet cover can be laundered less frequently.

On the other hand, if you're using your duvet cover without the top sheet, it needs to be washed as frequently as you would your sheets to keep it clean.
Once in the wash, linen can be cleaned with only cold water and a mild detergent – good for the planet and your wallet. Best of all, linen naturally softens with every wash and doesn't need any fabric softeners to keep it silky smooth, unlike synthetic alternatives.