How To Choose the Perfect Quilt or Duvet

When it comes to a good night's sleep, few things can compare to the comfort and warmth provided by a high-quality duvet or quilt. The right choice of bedding can transform your sleeping experience, ensuring restful nights and rejuvenating mornings. With the many variations available in the market, finding the perfect quilt is a highly personal choice, dependent on your desired weight, warmth and fabric preferences. Discover everything you need to know right here about buying a duvet, ensuring that your nights are filled with peaceful slumber and your bedroom reflects your personal style and comfort preferences.

Quick Links

• What To Consider When It Comes To Choosing The Best Quilt
• Choosing The Best Fill Material For Your Quilt
• How To Choose The Right Quilt Weight
• Choosing Your Quilt Size And Thickness
• How To Choose Your Quilt By Temperature Rating
• Choosing The Best Quilt For Winter
• Choosing The Best Quilt For Summer
• Choosing The Best Quilts For All Seasons
• What Quilt Should You Consider When You Have A Sleeping Partner

What To Consider When It Comes To Choosing The Best Quilt

When choosing the best quilt for your sleep needs, you will need to consider important factors such as the material, weight, size, thickness and temperature rating. Opt for natural materials like cotton or bamboo for breathability, or wool for warmth. Synthetic options like polyester are durable and budget-friendly. Choose a lightweight quilt for warmer climates or summer, and a heavier, thicker one for colder seasons. Make sure that the size matches your bed for full coverage. Temperature rating matters - look for quilts designed for your sleeping environment, whether cool, moderate or cold. To help you make the best decision, we will explore and break down these factors below:

Choosing The Best Fill Material For Your Quilt

Choosing the right fill in your quilt is crucial to enjoying a restful night's sleep that is catered to how you sleep and your needs. But choosing the right fill isn't always easy, so let's explore the different types of fills so you can determine which one is the best for you:

Cotton Quilts

Cooler than polyester, cotton is a natural fibre that breathes well. Available in varying GSMs, you can pick one for every season.

• Pros: Cotton quilts are lightweight and breathable, making them a good choice for hot sleepers. A 100% cotton quilt will be hypoallergenic, which is safe for allergy-prone sleepers.
• Cons: Cotton retains more heat than bamboo, which is why it could be far from ideal during Australia's hot summers. Also, these quilts are not entirely as soft or comfy as bamboo.

Wool Quilts

Wool quilts are an excellent choice if you're looking for warmth and durability. A soft and comfortable fill fibre, wool stays dry much longer than cotton or down with similar exposure to moisture and humidity.

• Pros: This natural material is unique in responding to different temperatures. Wool quilts can keep you cool during summers and warm during winters, making them perfect for year-round use. The material also wicks sweat away from the skin. It's hypoallergenic and anti-microbial - making it excellent for those with allergies. Wool quilts are ideal for hot sleepers and those who experience night sweats and hot flashes.
• Cons: These duvets are naturally heavier and flatter than other quilts. Most quilts may only be dry cleaned, making maintenance tedious. That said, today, shoppers can access machine-washable wool quilts to make upkeep easier and hassle-free.

Polyester Quilts

Polyester quilts like microfibre, are also incredibly affordable, easy to clean and lightweight. They're hypoallergenic and can be used by people with sensitivities. Polyester, unlike microfibre, doesn't breathe as well, causing overheating and discomfort for hot sleepers. Ideal for cool sleepers during winter.

Microfibre Quilts

Microfibre, for instance, is exceptionally versatile and can be crafted as the best quilt for summer. Alternatively, this fibre can be moulded into a warm, cosy alternative to goose-down quilts with a higher GSM and fluffier loft.

Bamboo Quilts

Bamboo quilts are composed of natural bamboo fibres and feel lightweight. We think it's one of the best quilts for summer and well-suited for hot sleepers or people living in warmer climates.

• Pros: Bamboo is a natural and sustainable fibre. It's fast-growing, resilient and naturally renewable. It helps to naturally regulate your body's temperature, keeping you cool during the summer. Ideal if you're someone who likes a warm quilt without bulk. Fibres are resistant to bacteria, mould, dust mites and odour, improving sleep quality and overall bed hygiene.
• Cons: Bamboo quilts can be expensive, wrinkle easily, and may not be as durable as other types of quilts.

Feather and Down Quilts

If you're looking for the softest and most luxurious quilts that money can buy, make a feather and down quilt your top choice. In that, look for the ratio of down to feathers. Down helps contribute to the quilt's softness and warmth without adding to its weight, while feathers work to add bulk. Pure goose down is thus one of the softest and lightest fillings for your quilts and pillows. In that, look for a quilt where the filling is stitched in box construction. It keeps the fill in place, warming you evenly.

• Pros: Down quilts offer excellent insulation and are breathable, lightweight and durable. Down quilts are primarily preferred for winters or by cold sleepers looking for extra warmth. Today there are options available for all-year use as well.
• Cons: These duvets are more expensive than all other quilt types and need dry cleaning and maintenance. What's more, they could cause allergies in those with sensitivities. Still keen to buy? Look for quilts with anti-bacterial treatments. Down duvets, while breathable, will trap body heat, leading to overheating.

Silk Quilts

A luxurious and comfortable fabric, silk tends to drape around your body, comfortably moulding to its shape, giving you a heap of comfort while you sleep.

• Pros: Silk is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. With the correct type of care, silk can last for decades. While synthetic duvets can trap heat, making you too warm during sleep, silk naturally wicks moisture away from the body.
• Cons: Silk quilts are generally more expensive than synthetic varieties. They also need more maintenance and care.

Allergen-Free Quilts

It is first important to distinguish the difference between the terms 'anti-allergy' and 'hypoallergenic' when it comes to bedding in general. Anti-allergy means that the quilt has been treated specifically to prevent and protect against the build-up of dust mites. Hypoallergenic means the materials used to make the duvet are very unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.

When it comes to the best type of quilt for those who suffer from allergies, wool or bamboo is the best choice. These fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic and wick away moisture, creating a dry environment that's inhospitable to fungus, mould and dust mites.

How To Know What Is The Best Quilt Filling For You?

Choosing the best quilt filling depends on your sleep preferences and needs. Down offers luxurious softness and warmth, ideal for cold sleepers, while feather blends provide firmer support at a lower cost. Wool is breathable, moisture-wicking and great for year-round use. Silk is lightweight and hypoallergenic, which is perfect for sensitive skin. Synthetic fills like polyester are affordable, durable and hypoallergenic, suitable for allergy sufferers. Consider warmth, weight and maintenance - down and silk require delicate care, while synthetics are easier to clean. Match the filling to your climate, comfort preferences and budget for the perfect quilt!

How to Choose The Right Quilt Weight

There are a lot of important factors to consider when it comes to how to choose the right quilt weight, such as knowing what GSM you will need. Here is a breakdown of everything you will need to know in order for you to make the right choice:

What Does GSM Mean?

GSM stands for "grams per square meter" and is a unit of measurement used to determine the weight or density of a textile. In quilts, GSM is used to measure the weight or density of the filling or batting used in the quilt. A higher GSM rating indicates that the quilt's filling is thicker and heavier, providing more warmth and insulation.

How To Choose The Right GSM

Choosing the right GSM (grams per square metre) for your quilt depends on factors such as the season and your personal comfort preferences. For summer, opt for a lightweight quilt with a GSM of 150 to 250 because it's breathable and perfect for hot nights. For autumn or spring, a medium-weight quilt with a GSM of 300 to 350 will offer balanced warmth and comfort. In winter, go for a heavier quilt with a GSM of 500+ to keep you cosy during colder months. Your ideal quilt's warmth also depends on how warm you like to feel in bed.

Think about the following questions:

• Do you need a quilt that helps regulate your body temperature?
• Is year-round comfort a priority?
• Do you and your partner have different temperature preferences while sleeping?

Consider these factors to find the perfect quilt that suits your needs, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep no matter the season.

Choosing Your Quilt Size and Thickness

Choosing the right quilt size and thickness depends on your bed dimensions, sleep preferences and desired loft (fluffiness). Start by matching the quilt size to your mattress, single, double, queen or king, ensuring it drapes nicely over the edges. For thickness, consider the season: lightweight quilts (low loft) are ideal for summer, while thicker high-loft quilts provide warmth for winter. Think about your sleeping habits: do you prefer a snug, lightweight feel or a plush, cosy layer? Also, consider your bed height and if you want the quilt to tuck in. The right size and thickness ensure comfort, style and perfect temperature regulation!

What Is Loft In A Quilt?

Loft measures the quilt's height or thickness. So, a higher loft equals high GSM, except when it comes to down filling, in which warmth is measured in fill power.

How To Choose The Desired Loft

Choosing the desired loft in your quilt depends on your comfort preferences and seasonal needs. Low-loft quilts are thin and lightweight, perfect for summer or warmer sleepers. Medium-loft quilts offer balanced warmth and are ideal for spring or autumn. High-loft quilts are thick and fluffy, providing extra insulation for winter or cooler climates. Consider how you like to feel in bed, snug and cosy or light and breezy, and pair the loft with your quilt's GSM and filling for the perfect combination of comfort, warmth and style!

How to Choose Your Quilt by Temperature Rating

Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) measures the quilt's ability to capture and retain heat, a high TOG value indicates a warmer quilt. However, remember that TOG is not an indicator of quality or weight.

TOG Warmth Ratings

Choosing the Best Quilt for Winter

Winter quilts are made from heavily insulated materials. They are ideal for the colder months, as they provide warmth and insulation, trapping body heat to keep you warm on chilly nights.

Wool and down are the most popular materials used for winter quilts. Wool is an excellent insulating material, and it regulates body temperature naturally. Down, on the other hand, is an insulating material that is fluffy, soft and provides excellent warmth.

What Are The Best Thick And Heavy Quilts?

For winter quilts, the ideal GSM range should be around 350 to 400. This will ensure that the quilt is thick and heavy enough to trap heat and keep you warm throughout the night.

Best Quilt for Cold Sleepers

The best quilts for cold sleepers are wool and feather & down due to their exceptional warmth and insulation. Wool quilts are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and regulate body temperature, making them ideal for chilly nights without overheating. They're also hypoallergenic and durable. Feather & down quilts provide luxurious warmth with their high loft and lightweight feel, trapping heat effectively while remaining soft and cosy. Both materials excel in cold climates because they offer superior insulation, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout the night. For the ultimate warmth, choose a high-TOG wool or feather & down quilt, perfect for cold sleepers who crave a snug, restful sleep experience!

Choosing the Best Quilt for Summer

Summer quilts are built to be lightweight and breathable, made from thin yet quality materials. They do not provide much insulation and many summer quilts have moisture-wicking and cooling properties to keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather.

For summer quilts, the recommended GSM range is between 100 to 150. This will ensure that the quilt has enough good quality and breathable insulation while still being lightweight.

What Are The Best Breathable Duvets?

Cotton, silk, bamboo and polyester blends are all great materials for summer quilts. Cotton is perfect for hot and humid climates as it is cool and breathable, while silk and bamboo are soft, lightweight and luxurious materials. Polyester blends tend to be more affordable and can wick away sweat from the body.

Best Quilt for Hot Sleepers

The best quilts for hot sleepers are ones with a microfibre, bamboo or silk fill due to their lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking properties. Microfibre quilts are soft, hypoallergenic and excellent at regulating temperature, making them ideal for warm nights. Bamboo quilts are naturally breathable, eco-friendly and resistant to dust mites, offering a cool and comfortable sleep surface. Silk quilts are lightweight, hypoallergenic and excellent at wicking moisture, keeping you dry and cool. These materials are perfect for hot sleepers because they promote airflow, prevent overheating and provide a comfortable, sweat-free sleep experience. Choose a low-TOG quilt in these fills for a refreshing, cool night's rest!

Choosing the Best Quilts for All Seasons

All-season quilts, as the name suggests, are designed to be used all year round, offering a balance between warmth and breathability. They come with a medium level of insulation that provides an adequate level of warmth in winter while not being too heavy for summer.

• Best fabric types: Natural fibre blends such as cotton, silk, and wool are ideal materials for all-season quilts. They provide excellent insulation, breathability, and temperature regulation. Synthetic fibres such as microfiber and polyester are also great options as they are lightweight, soft and comfortable.
• Recommended GSM: A GSM range between 150 to 250 is recommended for all-season quilts as they offer the right level of insulation and breathability, keeping you comfortable in both hot and cold weather.

What Quilt Should You Consider When You Have A Sleeping Partner

You may have different sleeping preferences from your partner, particularly with sleeping temperatures. In that case, it can be hard to find the perfect quilt to buy to suit a hot and cold sleeper simultaneously. If this is an issue, consider trying the 'Scandinavian sleep method', which entails making up your bed with two duvets. This means that you can purchase two separate quilts with different features and properties to suit both of your needs. It's also a great sleep hygiene practice, ensuring less partner disturbance during the night.

Explore Our Range Of Quilts and Duvets At Harris Scarfe Today

Start your search for quilts with Harris Scarfe. You will find a quilt that meets your needs with various in-store and online options. You can also shop our entire bedding range which includes mattress protectors, pillows, mattress toppers and much more. With competitive pricing and frequent sales and promotions, you can find the perfect quilt that fits your budget. So why not check out the selection at Harris Scarfe and upgrade your bedding today?