If you’re new to the world of luxury bedding, you’re probably a bit confused by many of the terms that are thrown about as if everyone and their brother are going to know exactly what they mean. One of the first terms that you’ll encounter is the duvet. The word duvet is pronounced “doo-vey “; the T on the end is silent. Let’s take a look at the duvet, and how it fits in to the world of luxury bedding.

What Is A Duvet?

Many people who do not know the difference between luxury bedding items easily confuse duvets, comforters and bedspreads. In reality, blankets, quilts, and comforters are all replaceable by and actually meant to be replaced by the duvet. Although some choose to use only a duvet, others decide to put a duvet atop luxury bed sheets. This makes a duvet a money saver by far in comparison to other forms of luxury bedding sets. A duvet could be an excellent choice for you if you are trying to find luxury bedding at a discount price.

Duvet: The Origin

Though no one knows what city or town this luxury bed linen came from, the duvet probably originated in rural areas of Europe. Although the word is French, many think it originated with the Norse. “Dunn”, which, in Norse, means “down”, as in from birds, is thought to have been very subtly changed by the many different dialects until it eventually became “duvet”. Australians usually call the duvet a “doona”, which is actually an IKEA product back in the 60’s. Before then, Australians generally called it a continental quilt. As with Americans, Australians tend to clump all luxury bed linens, be they quilts, duvets, or comforters in to a single term, although they are very different.

The Make-up Of The Duvet

Duvets are traditionally made of eiderdown, though there are a few companies that use different materials. Eiderdown is harvested from elder ducks, and is the soft, underlying layer of feathers that is used for insulation. The eider ducks are not harmed when eiderdown is harvested. In fact, the ducks are generally wild, nesting in specific areas where the eider is harvested and, due to their interaction with humans, are quite friendly. This makes duvets that are stuffed with eiderdown a very environmentally friendly way to make luxurious bedding.

Duvet: The Purpose

The most basic reason is warmth. A duvet is generally warmer than any comforter, and even in the colder climates, one duvet will keep most people warm. There are, of course, other things that can keep a person warm. Generally the duvet is preferred by those who can afford luxury bedding ensembles, and don’t have to worry about the duvet becoming soiled. Although most duvets are covered so that they do not become dirty, they are extremely difficult to clean if they do. Many who use them feel that they are far more comfortable than the average blanket and bedspread combination. After all, comfort is what luxury bedding is all about.

Visit Luxury Bedding Info for lots more information about all luxury bed linens.