How to Choose the Perfect Duvet Cover for You

Swapping out your bed sheets is the decor equivalent of cutting bangs: a quick way to symbolize a fresh start and a new style (if not a dramatic life change). Unlike the fringe you impulsively snipped with a pair of kitchen shears at eleven at night, upgrading your duvet cover is a transformation that calls for a little more thought. It’s an investment purchase, for one, and it can also influence the quality of your sleep—hair grows back, but nights spent in the company of insomnia will haunt you for months. Plus, you can’t disguise bad bedding with the help of an artful hat.

To that end, the first thing you should consider when shopping around for a duvet cover (besides the size) is material. Knowing whether you run hot or cold at night will help in picking out the right one—opt for light, natural fabrics like linen or organic cotton if you tend to wake up in the middle of the night to kick off your sheets, and choose brushed flannel or sateen if you have trouble falling asleep in the cold. (And if you’re browsing for a duvet insert at the same time: Many brands allow you to choose your insulation level, so be sure to take note.)

Then comes the fun part: choosing the look. From solid hues in soft butter yellow and rich chocolate brown to playful patterns of stripes, gingham, and painterly florals, our favorite duvet covers from the likes of Tekla, Matouk, Parachute, and more span every personal style. It’s worth spending a little time deliberating over the palette—after all, your bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so even something as seemingly basic as bedding has the power to transform the entire area.

Ahead, 15 of the best duvet covers to shop for your best sleep ever, from cloud-like linen options to crisp percale pieces that’ll make you feel like you’re sleeping in a five-star hotel.

With over 30 colors and prints to choose from, four interior corner ties that make it easy to get the duvet actually on (an occasionally herculean feat), and a hidden zipper closure, Boll & Branch’s best-selling organic cotton set is both pretty and practical. It’s designed to drape elegantly and be equal parts breathable and cozy, so you can use it year round.

We’re devotees of every single type of bedding Parachute puts out, but their top-rated percale duvet is a particular stand-out. Made in Portugal from long-staple Egyptian cotton, it really feels premium. You get a crisp (but not stiff) finish that adds polish and softens with each wash, similar to your favorite button-down shirt. The brand also frequently releases limited-edition colorways, like espresso brown and cobalt blue, but the simple neutrals are a classic choice if the new colors aren’t for you.

Done well, sateen can be smooth and luxurious—done poorly, it veers into slippery synthetic territory. Brooklinen’s take is the former: Durable, matte, and ultra-soft, it’s built to last from 100% long-staple cotton and is available in an array of colors. It’s also OEKO-TEX certified, so you can sleep a little easier knowing your new cover is toxin-free.

Morrow Soft Good’s linen comforter is woven from French and Belgian flax, and arrives pre-washed to give it that coveted lived-in look. Rustic aesthetics will appreciate the muted hues, which range from sage green to burnt terracotta, and you can also order swatches to verify how the color will look in your room. Linen is great for hot sleepers because its looser weave allows for better airflow; if you live in a warmer area, this is the way to go.

Forget what you know about flannel sheets: Coyuchi makes a version that’s a far cry from the camp-like plaid of bedding past. Soft, earthy colors and a delicate coconut shell button closure makes this an elegant option. Cold sleepers will love the thick organic cotton flannel, which has been brushed for extra warmth.

If you need a truly cooling duvet, go for this Buffy cover. It’s made from eucalyptus-derived lyocell (all OEKO-TEX certified, fully biodegradable, and with natural ingredients and zero essential oils) that is moisture- and temperature-regulating. You can test it out for a week before committing to the purchase through the brand’s At-Home Trial, and the sheer number of colors it comes in might just inspire a full bedroom makeover.

A number of luxury hospitality brands use Frette bedding in their properties, from The Ritz-Carlton to the St. Regis. Get the exact look and feel of a five-star resort by picking up their Egyptian cotton percale duvet for yourself. It comes complete with an embroidered border in white, gray, and khaki for a pared-back look.

Breezy flax linen feels extremely luxe, but the real draw for this Bed Threads duvet cover is the style. From twin to California king sizing, pick from a palette of unique and beautiful hues like burgundy cacao, olive stripe, and dusty lavender; color-block with contrasting shams, or opt for a tonal look with something similar. The soft duvet cover makes a great all-season item.

If you prefer a minimalist palette but want something a little more interesting than a plain white duvet cover, Hay’s organic cotton sateen duvet is a good contender. The 300-thread-count piece comes in a simple cream, offset nicely with a contrasting black trim that gives it a modern edge.

Like the look of stripes but want something with a contemporary spin? Berry seersucker certainly makes a statement (and for the consummate prepster: There’s also a blue-and-white Oxford option). Tekla makes its duvet cover with a chic mother-of-pearl button closure, as well as corner slits and ties that make it a little easier to attach your duvet insert.

Despite the delicate scallop trim, you don’t have to be too precious with this machine-washable option from Matouk. It’s made in India from 520-thread-count cotton percale, and the contrasting border offers just the right dose of color for minimalist sensibilities.

Haven’t you heard? Broderie anglaise-style decor is trending; bring it home via a lace-trim duvet cover. St. Frank’s design is made by artisans in India, using a 400-year-old fish net textile tradition whose end result is a delicate, dainty piece ideal for a sophisticated style. It’s made from crisp cotton percale that’s great for year-round use.

Botanical but not twee, these blue florals were inspired by 17th-century French textiles, created for Hill House Home by the artist Leïla Dubus. (You can choose from a few different prints and colors, too.) The sheets come in a sumptuous brushed cotton sateen that feels like a treat; pair it with a down comforter for a truly indulgent sleep.

English bedding brand Piglet in Bed has perfected the art of cottagecore textiles. This European stonewashed linen set comes in so many colors and patterns, but the micro-gingham print is a stand-out. The duvet cover gets softer with each wash, and you can choose between 100% linen and a linen blend for a slightly lower price point (that doesn’t skimp on the high quality).

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