How To Use a Duvet Insert

A duvet insert is an easy-to-use, cozy addition to any bed, bringing warmth, comfort and a luxuriously plush style to your bedroom. But to get the most out of your duvet insert, choosing the right size and the ideal cover, and using it properly is essential.

Here is a helpful guide to using a duvet insert to create a snug, stylish bedding setup that’s easy to care for and comfortable to sleep in, night after night.

Finding the right size

The size of your duvet insert will have a significant impact on how you use it. When you're ready to pick out a new duvet, consider the following before settling on the right size for you.

• Mattress/bed size: Generally, it's best to match up the size of your bed and the size of your duvet, picking a queen-sized duvet insert for a queen bed, king for a king bed and so on. If your mattress and bed are particularly high, you can also opt for one size larger to allow your duvet to hang over the sides of the bed.
• Bedding style: Different bedding styles can be achieved with different duvet sizes. For example, if you like a relaxed, luxuriously plush style, go for a larger duvet size and allow the edges of the duvet to bunch up and gather when you make the bed. If you prefer a sleek, simple style, matching bed and duvet size will help you get neat, straight edges.
• How much you move during sleep: If you move around a lot during sleep, consider a larger duvet insert to help you stay covered and cozy all night. If you sleep with a partner, they'll be glad for an extra duvet to keep them warm!
• Sleeping style: If you share your bed, It's common to use a single duvet insert, but this is not the only bedding method. The Scandinavian sleep method uses two duvets on the bed with one for each person. This means that each can select the duvet insert that suits their sleeping preferences. Having your own duvet also prevents the notorious midnight tug-of-war, keeping you both warm and snug all night, no matter how you sleep.

Choosing a duvet cover

If you want to make your bed with a duvet insert, chances are you'll need to find a duvet cover to go along with it.

The most important part of choosing a duvet cover for your duvet insert is to pick the right size. In most cases, you can simply match up a standard-sized duvet insert, such as a double, queen or king, with the corresponding cover size.

After you pick out the right size, it's up to you what color, material and texture best suits your bedroom and your comfort preferences. Here’s how you can create different styles for your bed by selecting the right duvet cover.

• Bold tones: A bold bedding look demands an eye-catching duvet cover. Opt for a bright color like Rust or a rich, deep color like Cacao for a strong bedroom centerpiece.
• Color layers: Create a layered look for your bedding by picking out a duvet that contrasts or complements your pillowcases, flat sheet (or top sheet) and fitted sheet. Matching solid-colored bedding with a patterned duvet cover can enhance the layered look even more.
• Textural look: Adding more textures to your bedding can create a superbly plush, inviting look. Layer your bedding with a throw and extra pillows, and leave your duvet just slightly tousled.

Check out this comprehensive style guide for more advice on making the ideal bedding look for your bedroom.

Putting a duvet cover on

If you're using a duvet insert with a duvet cover, it's important to properly and securely fit the cover onto the insert. This can be tricky to do, particularly if you're making the bed alone.

Fortunately, there's an easy hack called the burrito method that makes putting a duvet cover onto a duvet insert simple and quick.

Here's how it's done in four simple steps:

1. Lay the duvet cover inside out on top of the bed, placing the duvet insert on top of the duvet cover with the corners and edges aligned.
2. Roll both the duvet insert and cover from the head of the bed down to the foot of the bed.
3. Once rolled up, pull one side of the duvet's open end cover over the whole 'burrito' and fasten or button up the opening of the duvet cover.
4. Unroll the whole thing and fluff the newly made duvet set so it lays neatly on the bed.

Check out this video to see how to do the burrito method (also called the California roll method) when making your bed.

Securing the corners

Whatever your preferred method for putting a duvet cover on, it’s important to secure the corners of the duvet cover tightly around the duvet insert.

This will help prevent the duvet insert from moving around as you sleep, which can leave bare patches in your duvet set and leave you freezing cold. Here are a few ways you can secure the corners of your duvet cover:

• Match the duvet cover size with the duvet insert: A duvet cover of the wrong size is not going to keep the duvet insert securely in place for very long. Correctly matching the duvet cover and insert is generally effective for keeping the duvet insert neatly in place for longer.
• Optional - comforter clips: Sometimes called duvet clips, these soft fastenings help to keep the corners of the duvet and duvet insert together. This will prevent the duvet insert from moving around inside the cover.
• Optional - corner ties: Some duvet covers and duvet inserts are made with handy features like interior corner ties, corner loops or other built-in fastenings. These are usually found in the top corners of the duvet insert, and using them is a super easy way to keep the corners of the duvet set securely together.

Washing and care

Just like any other bedding item, your duvet inserts will need to be washed and cared for properly in order to keep them warm, snug and in good shape.

When washing a duvet insert, always follow the care instructions listed on the wash tag (care label). In general, hot and warm water are fine for duvet inserts made from synthetic materials, but should be avoided for those made from natural fibres, as high temperatures can damage these kinds of filling materials.

One of the most common mistakes when washing a duvet insert is using fabric softener. Fabric softener tends to coat the filling material fibres which prevents them from completely drying out, potentially leading to mildew and mould growth over time. To help your duvet inserts smell fresher for longer, put your duvet insert on a cold-water rinse cycle with half a cup of white vinegar before washing.

For a comprehensive guide to caring for your duvet inserts, check out this article.