8 Best Duvet Covers 2024 | UK Interior Designer Reviewed
Finding the right duvet cover isn't easy, though, when there are so many different types to choose from, including soft cotton, crease-proof polyester, and luxurious silk. Before you start shopping, you'll need to think about the size of your bed, the material you prefer, the thread count, and which colour will match your bedroom perfectly. We've put together a buying guide that's packed full of advice.
Plus, we've created a list of our favourite products available at Amazon and John Lewis. Whether you're after a tropical cover for a single bed, a fancy floral design for a double bed, or some geometric king-size sheets, we've got something for everyone! Moreover, we have partnered with interior designer Belen Dakak for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Duvet Covers
John Lewis & Partners
A Top-Quality Cotton Cover That Stays Crease-Free
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Table of Contents
- Fact-Checked & Approved by Interior Designer Belen Dakak
- 8 Best Duvet Covers in the UK
- No. 1John Lewis & Partners | Soft & Silky Egyptian Cotton
- No. 2Skinnydip | Dominica Duvet Cover Set
- No. 3John Lewis & Partners | Crisp and Fresh Egyptian Cotton Bedding
- No. 4John Lewis & Partners | Helmsley Duvet Cover Set
- No. 5House by John Lewis | Elevation Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
- 3 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Many Duvet Covers Should You Have?
- Should You Wash New Bedding?
- How Often Should You Wash Duvet Covers?
Fact-Checked & Approved by Interior Designer Belen Dakak
Belen is an interior designer (residential and retail design), having worked for top retail brands including Estee Lauder, Seasalt and John Lewis, as well as working with private clients on residential projects and RoomLab, an online interior design platform.
Belen is also a landscape garden designer with an RHS Level 2 in Principles and Practical Horticulture.
How to Choose a Duvet Cover in the UK
- Check if Your Bed Size to Make Sure Your Sheets Fit
- Decide Which Material Is Best for Your Skin
- Use Thread Count to Measure the Quality of the Sheets
Make Sure to Check if Your Bed Is Single, Double, King or Super King Size
Not sure which size to look for? Allow us to break it down for you. There are four main categories of bed sizes: single, double, king, and super king. In terms of measurements, single beds are 92 x 188cm and double beds are 138 x 188cm. A king-size bed is 183 x 203cm and super king-size is 203 x 203cm.
Duvet covers aren't typically measured in cm as they're a little bigger than the bed itself. So, knowing the name of your mattress size will help you to determine which duvet cover will fit it comfortably.
For extra comfort while sleeping, why not consider a memory foam pillow to help support your head?
Decide Which Material You Prefer to Snuggle Against
Choose Cotton if You Want a Durable and Versatile Material
Duvet covers made from 100% cotton feel soft and luxurious, hence why they're typically found in 5-star hotels. Woven with multiple threads, they're thick and durable too - so you can wash them regularly without worrying about them fraying or losing their shape.
Cotton is also suitable for all types of weather, providing warm insulation in winter but keeping you cool in summer which will save you the hassle of having to buy different duvet covers for each season. This type of high-quality cover will tend to set you back a little more than other materials but is a worthwhile investment. Cotton is breathable and hypoallergenic. We all sweat at night.
Cotton fibres can absorb up to 1/5 of their weight before the cotton feels moist. Cotton absorbs body moisture which evaporates into the surrounding air. 100% cotton helps resist allergens because it is naturally hypoallergenic. Synthetic fibres, by contrast, can irritate sensitive skin because of the chemicals and processes used in their manufacture.
If You're After Something More Affordable, Try Polycotton or Polyester
If you're after something that's similar to cotton but a bit cheaper, try polyester or a polycotton blend. Both feel soft and smooth, and most importantly they hardly ever crease so you won't need to get the iron out after washing your cover.
However, while these materials are easy to care for and don't require much maintenance, they can pill after being washed over and over again, causing little bobbles of fabric to appear on the surface.
People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that polycotton or polyester makes them itch. This is due to the synthetic fibres in the materials, which contribute to the lack of airflow through polycotton or polyester sheets.
For a Smooth Texture That Feels Great on Your Skin, Pick Soothing Silk
Silk is a beautiful material with a glossy finish. Made naturally with the help of silkworms, a silk cover will be more expensive than other materials but is smoother than even the finest cotton and feels amazing on your skin. It also has the ability to retain heat or cool you down, depending on the air temperature.
Furthermore, as silk is hypoallergenic, it'll repel dust, mites, moisture, and any other allergens that could provoke night-time sneezing episodes! If you suffer from allergies, we definitely recommend opting for a silk duvet cover so you can fully relax at bedtime.
If you can't get enough of the feel of silk on your skin, take a look at some silk pillowcases!
Consider a Thread Count Around 200 or More for the Best Quality, but a Lower Thread Count Is More Breathable
Generally, the more threads that are used, the better quality a duvet cover is. While a cover with a higher thread count is thick and durable, it doesn't always mean that it'll give you an amazing night's sleep. During winter, it'll provide good insulation but on a hot summer night, you'll probably want to go for a cover with a lower thread count - these are lighter and more breathable.
A standard duvet cover will have a thread count of around 200-300 and will feel pretty soft. Meanwhile, a cover with a thread count as high as 800 will be incredibly soft and durable, basically the comfiest you can get. Covers with higher thread counts also, understandably, tend to be more expensive.
The optimum thread count for luxurious bedding is generally regarded as between the 300-400 range however, even 200-thread count linen can also be incredibly comfortable due to its finish and fabric quality.
8 Best Duvet Covers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | John Lewis & Partners Soft & Silky Egyptian Cotton | | The Best Quality Bedding That Money Can Buy | |
2 | Skinnydip Dominica Duvet Cover Set | | Leafy Print to Give You Tropical Vibes All Year Round | |
3 | John Lewis & Partners Crisp and Fresh Egyptian Cotton Bedding | | A Top-Quality Cotton Cover That Stays Crease-Free | |
4 | John Lewis & Partners Helmsley Duvet Cover Set | | Fun and Floral, With a Touch of Sophistication | |
5 | House by John Lewis Elevation Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set | | Cool, Contemporary, and Reversible | |
6 | Amazon Basics Microfibre Duvet Cover Set | | An Economical Buy That's Far From Basic | |
7 | Sleepdown Swirl Striped Glitter Duvet Cover | | If You Love a Bit of Sparkle, This Set Is for You | |
8 | LilySilk Pure Mulberry Silk Bedding | | Made from Mulberry Silk for a Smooth and Luxurious Feel |
John Lewis & PartnersSoft & Silky Egyptian Cotton
The Best Quality Bedding That Money Can Buy
This is without a doubt the best quality duvet cover you can get! Made from 100% Egyptian cotton, it's extremely well-crafted and surprisingly durable. Despite its delicate appearance, this product has a whopping 800 thread count which makes it feel like silk and provides you with a luxurious sleeping experience.
We love the 5 different colours that this cover comes in, from classic white to charming rose pink. Although it's a little on the expensive side, the quality and durability of this product make it well worth the money!
Leafy Print to Give You Tropical Vibes All Year Round
Bright, bold, and beautiful - the leafy print on this duvet cover will bring summer into your snooze zone! Coming complete with pillowcases for under £30, it's a total bargain. You'll be surprised how well these sheets fit in with different styled rooms.
The polyester and cotton blend makes this a very low maintenance option, which is perfect if you've just moved out from home and don't want to spend your free time in front of the ironing board. We really can't fault this cheap, trendy duvet set!
John Lewis & Partners Crisp and Fresh Egyptian Cotton Bedding
A Top-Quality Cotton Cover That Stays Crease-Free
This fantastic duvet cover will make a chic, fuss-free addition to any bedroom. Choose from a wide range of lovely colours to suit your décor, including teal, dove, amethyst, navy, mustard, and more.
The Egyptian cotton has a smooth, matte texture and a thread count of 200, meaning it's extremely high quality. Plus, an easy-care finish has been applied to the material so there's no need to iron it frequently - it should stay crease-free even after a few spins in the washing machine!
Fun and Floral, With a Touch of Sophistication
This cotton cover by John Lewis & Partners has a gorgeous springtime feel, with blue blooming patterns all over. It's bright enough to add a pop of colour to your bedroom without being too loud or distracting.
Thanks to a lower thread count of 200, this product is soft and lightweight. It also comes with pillowcases in a matching print, so you don't have to worry about buying anything separately. The 100% cotton will also stay nice and crease-free!
House by John LewisElevation Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
Cool, Contemporary, and Reversible
Geometric patterns are all the rage right now and what better way to jump onto the trend than with this striking design? The turquoise polycotton cover is reversible too, making it very versatile and fun for those who fancy a change now and then.
With a thread count of 180, this product isn't too bulky but it's sturdy enough to keep you warm even on the chilliest evenings. Costing between £25 and £55 (depending on the size), it's fashionable without breaking the bank!
An Economical Buy That's Far From Basic
Made from 100% polyester, this duvet cover by AmazonBasics is durable enough to avoid wrinkles and shrinking in the wash. Not only is it soft, but it also provides impeccable insulation and total breathability.
Low maintenance and very affordable, it's a superb choice for students and those moving into their first home. Best of all, there are loads of colours to choose from so you can pick your favourite and you could even buy a spare set in another shade.
If You Love a Bit of Sparkle, This Set Is for You
Love a bit of bedroom bling? You won't be able to resist this duvet cover which is adorned with sparkly swirls. It comes in 3 gorgeous shades and includes pillowcases too to really make your bedroom pop.
While this bedding is comfy and the underside is made from a soft microfibre that's gentle on the skin, we should warn you that the glittery exterior might cause irritation if you lie on top of it. Other than that, it's fabulous!
Made from Mulberry Silk for a Smooth and Luxurious Feel
Made from pure mulberry silk, this duvet cover will have you sleeping like a true king or queen. The natural proteins of the silk create a cooling sensation on the skin that's perfect for humid nights, while also keeping you feeling toasty in the winter.
The quality of this duvet cover is exquisite and it'll last you for years to come. The only downside is the price, which is the highest on our list. Still, the durability and the added pillowcases make it worth buying if you want to treat yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Duvet Covers Should You Have?
This is a matter of personal preference, though 2-3 should be sufficient for most households as you’ll likely have one on the bed, one in the wash and another just in case. But if you like to change the bedding according to how you feel or the season then having more certainly isn’t a problem either!
Should You Wash New Bedding?
You should absolutely wash your bedding before using it because they have been packaged straight from their respective factories. While we can assume are kept as clean as possible, it’s not impossible for dust and the chemical smell of a factory to linger on the material - and freshly-washed sheets feel better anyway!
How Often Should You Wash Duvet Covers?
On the understanding that you are sleeping with your duvet every night, you should be washing your duvet cover once a week. It can be a laborious task, but there is a whole microscopic world hidden between the fibres which harbour dead skin cells and dust mites that can trigger allergies and cause skin breakouts.
Written and researched by Annie Speight
Top 5 Duvet Covers
No. 1: John Lewis & Partners｜Soft & Silky Egyptian Cotton
No. 2: Skinnydip｜Dominica Duvet Cover Set
No. 3: John Lewis & Partners ｜Crisp and Fresh Egyptian Cotton Bedding
No. 4: John Lewis & Partners｜Helmsley Duvet Cover Set
No. 5: House by John Lewis｜Elevation Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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