A duvet cover is more than just a bedcover. This eye-catching textile has a large footprint in any bedroom and can instantly give your space a refresh—whether with unique colors and prints or something more modest—especially if you want to disguise an old duvet insert. With this in mind, I tapped AD PRO Directory designers to weigh in on what to look for in a duvet cover to elevate your bedroom.
Material: When it comes to duvet covers, everyone has their own personal preferences. For Nicole R. Fisher, CEO and founder of Nicole Fisher Interiors, it’s linen: “They’re effortless, lightweight, and airy. I think the simplicity of the linen transcends different styles and spaces,” she says. Fisher notes that the feel is a big factor when selecting a duvet cover.
Carmen René Smith, founder and principal designer of Aquilo Interiors, says that it also needs to feel soft to the touch, breathable, and cozy. “What’s the point of a beautiful duvet if you don’t want to snuggle into it?” she says. “Texture is key too—whether it’s silky, crisp, or nubby, it should add depth to the space.”
Comfort: All of the interior designers I spoke to for this story point to natural fibers, not only because of their quality but also their airflow and breathability. Shelbie Cox of Shelbie Cox Studio recommends natural fibers like organic cotton and linen and notes that polyester and other synthetic fibers are best to avoid since they can trap heat.
Design: With so many patterns and colors to choose from, it’s important to keep your bedroom’s design style in mind. If you like more of a minimalist bedroom, Cox suggests a fine stripe pattern (like Quince’s European Linen Duvet Cover) or a monochromatic, muted color palette (see the Cozy Earth Bamboo Duvet Cover) for your duvet cover set.
If you want to go bold for your bedroom, there are options aplenty. “We’re maximalists, so we say bump up the color and pattern no matter what your signature style is!” says Smith, adding that it’s important to still maintain balance. “If you have bold wallpaper, pull a color from it and go for a solid, textured duvet—like a rich velvet for drama or a soft linen for a more relaxed vibe. If you’re mixing patterns, think about scale—a bold, oversized print pairs best with a smaller, more delicate duvet pattern to give the eye a place to rest.”
If you don’t want to commit to one style just yet, rest assured that having a few duvets in rotation can help you keep your bedroom design fresh. “I tend to go simple on bedding and let the accessories be the pops of pattern and color that’s easily swapped out,” adds Fisher.
Maintenance: While these are great design accessories for a bedroom, they also need to be practical. Ashley Ross, founder and principal designer of Muse Noire Interiors recommends keeping these questions in mind when shopping: How does it fasten (zipper, tie up, or buttons)? Does it fit within your washer and dryer? This will help you know how to use it and how to care for it.
