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Duvet, Then and Now

If you’ve ever had a duvet, or have just heard many great things about it, you may be curious to know the origins of this type of bedding that provides a good night’s sleep like no other. Simple, lightweight and warm, the duvet is often preferred to regular beddings.

The word “duvet” comes from the French word which means “down,” as in the down feathers of the Eider duck, the material that was originally used for this bedding. Today, a duvet is no longer strictly made of bird feathers. Oftentimes, synthetic materials are used instead such as the microfiber down comforter made of polyester. These materials have most of the characteristics that made the original feather bed a great surface to sleep on. Still, some would consider an old-fashioned Hungarian down comforter as second to none in making one feel cozy at night. There are nuances in the original down material that can be discerned and appreciated by the more discriminating.

Lying on a duvet makes one feel refreshed because of its ability to absorb excess humidity emanating from the body, thereby providing for maximum relaxation.

The duvet originated in parts of 18th-Century Europe. Down feathers were discovered to be of use for sleeping. For one thing, the down feathers serve as an excellent insulator, wherein heat is trapped among the feathers. Although the duvet was initially used as a cheap solution to the biting cold European villagers experienced at night, duvets eventually became popular even among the higher echelons of society. Soon enough, the use of the duvet spread throughout the continent.

Nowadays, the duvet is popular as an alternative to regular beds because of the ease in handling and compressibility. Because of this, one can store a duvet without taking up too much space. Many people find it more convenient to have a duvet rather than separate bed covers, bed sheets, blankets and so on. Duvets are also pretty easy to wash. However, the more modern synthetic brands are easier to dry than the traditional feather beds.

There are many designs to choose from and one can combine the use of a duvet with other products such as bed linen and quilts. Duvet sets vary in terms of color and ability to insulate–as rated according to “tog” level–among other classifications.

The duvet is a bedding on its own but it is often associated or likened to a comforter, which is a thick blanket that also serves as an insulator. Duvet covers are also put over comforters when making one’s bed. Silk comforters, as exported from China, can actually be considered as duvets even though they are made of silk and not down feathers.

Around the world, people have different uses for a duvet. Some use it as a simple bed, others alongside an assortment of other beddings. Whether for aesthetic or practical purposes, the duvet has made its mark.

After 300 years, the duvet is still a much sought-after instrument in one’s nocturnal life. Many testify to having better sleep on a duvet than any other type of bedding. It is the bedding of choice for many who value comfort and convenience.