Is a Quilt Cover the Same as a Duvet or Doona Cover?

Buying bedding can be tricky and confusing sometimes. When you take things like different sizes, materials, colours, and manufacturers into consideration, it’s not surprising that a lot of people are having difficulties deciding what they want.

Another thing that can be confusing for some is all the different terms used in the bedding industry. One of the most common confusions people face is when they’re looking at something they believe is the same product but are faced with different names.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a quilt cover is the same as a duvet or a doona cover, you’ve come to the right place.

Is a quilt cover the same as a duvet or doona cover?

You will often hear the term “quilt cover” when someone’s describing an item other people would describe as a “duvet cover” or a “doona cover” So, it’s safe to assume that quilt covers, duvet covers, and doona covers are the same thing.

After all, all of these items are used as a protective and decorative fabric that goes over a duvet or doona. If they’re purchased as a set, you will often get matching pillowcases to go with the cover that will help complete the look.

But the name you use for the cover will depend on where in the world you’re located. Those who live in Australia will usually use the term “doona” and not “duvet”. Before doona was in regular use, Australians used the term “continental quilt”.

The difference between a quilt, duvet, and doona

As we explained, quilt, duvet, and doona are all different names that are used to describe the same thing, at least in Australia.

These terms refer to a weighted blanket that is stuffed with down or synthetic fabrics and it provides a top layer to a bed. So you can say there is no difference between the three terms.

And then over the quilt, duvet, or doona, people typically place a cover. This cover is used to protect the quilt and keep it clean while also adding a splash of colour, pattern, and texture to the bed.

But still…

Technically, you can say that a quilt, a duvet, and a doona are different names for the same thing. They are inserts that are placed inside a cover and placed on top of a bed. This seems simple enough, but we should mention there are some minor differences.

• “Quilt” is undoubtedly the most popular name for this type of insert. But in certain cultures and countries, the term quilt is used to describe a bedspread while “comforter” is used to describe the insert.
• “Duvet” is another term that is used to describe a quilted insert that is placed on top of a bed and inside a cover. However, keep in mind that “duvet” is a term that is most commonly used in the United States or Europe, where you might also hear the term “comforter”.

There is usually one big difference between a quilt and a duvet and that is the middle layer, or to be more precise, what they’re filled with. Inside a duvet, you can usually find feathers, down, or wool, which gives the duvet a more full and comfortable look.

• “Doona” is a term most commonly used in Australia and it describes the quilted insert that is placed inside a doona cover and is used as the top layer of your bedding. It’s typically filled with feathers or other manufactured materials. A doona is also a trademarked property of The Tontine Group.

Of course, all of these are just technicalities and the difference only matters depending on what part of the world you’re located in. If you live in Australia and are on the hunt for a perfect doona cover, you can also search for a quilt or duvet cover and still get the product you’re looking for.

How to put a doona cover on

If you’re struggling with how to put a doona cover on, there are two ways you can go about it.

The original way:

• Turn the cover inside out.
• Grab the top two corners.
• Align the corners with the top two corners of the doona and grasp firmly.
• Shake well until the bottom two corners of the doona and the cover align.
• Zip up the cover.

The “California Roll” way:

• Turn the cover inside out and place it on the bed.
• Lay the doona on top of the cover, making sure all the corners and sides correspond.
• Start rolling the doona from the closed end.
• When you reach the end, flip the cover.
• Zip up the cover and unroll it.

FAQs

Let’s go through some of the questions you may have about quilts, duvets, and doonas, as well as the covers on them. Answers to these questions will help you understand everything about your bedding.

What are quilt covers made of?

The most common material you will find in quilt covers is wool. Wool or wool blends are often used because they are soft and ideal for winter months as they help keep you warm and cosy during cold nights. High-quality covers use Egyptian cotton, which is considered to be the best on the market.

You can also find quilt covers made out of linen. Linen covers are typically found in high-end markets, as they’re durable, very soft, and mostly fuss-free.

Another material that is often found in high-quality quilt covers is silk. Silk is often associated with luxury, and the quilt covers that are made out of this material are very soft and hypoallergenic.

Can you use a quilt without a cover?

Technically, the answer to this question is yes. Quilts are ready to use as soon as you purchase them and don’t require any type of cover at all. However, it is highly recommended you use a cover for multiple reasons, and experts also say you should use a top sheet as well.

The first and most important reason you need a cover is to protect your quilt. We all sweat while we sleep, and while it’s typically not an excessive amount of sweat, over time it accumulates and can get soaked into the quilt. This will limit its lifespan and create a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria.

Just like you probably wouldn’t sleep on a mattress that doesn’t have a sheet over it, you should apply the same logic to your doona or quilt. With the cover on, you will be sure that no sweat or dirt will wind up on your expensive quilt. And it’s much easier to clean a cover than a doona or quilt.

The second reason is purely aesthetical. You can find covers in all different colours, patterns, and styles. With the right cover set, you can make your bedroom into a beautiful sanctuary and transform your bed from a piece of furniture into a fashion statement.

Can you sleep with just a quilt cover?

Quilt covers are usually lightweight and while their primary use is to protect a quilt or doona, you can still use them as a replacement for the quilt. This is typically done during the summer months when you don’t need anything more than a lightweight cover.

If you want to use your quilt cover as a blanket during the summer months, you should probably go with one made out of silk and not wool so you don’t sweat.

Summary

We hope this article will help you finally end the debate of whether quilt covers are the same thing as duvet or doona covers. Even though it doesn’t seem like it at first, these three terms can be used interchangeably and often describe the same thing.

There could be small differences depending on where you live. If you live in Australia when you say “quilt cover” you might as well say any of the other two terms. However, it doesn’t matter what you call them. All that matters is that you find ideal quilt covers for your bed.