Duvet Thickness Guide
The right duvet size will have a significant impact on your sleep. You should choose a duvet 12 inches longer and wider than your mattress to give a pleasing overhang.
Tog ratings are used to evaluate the majority of duvets. This is a measure that measures the extent to which a duvet can hold heat and keeps you warm.
The Right Thickness
The key to a great night's sleep starts with the duvet. The thickness or tog rating of your duvet will be a significant factor in how warm you can sleep, and it can also affect the overall appearance of your bedroom.
Tog rating is the measure of how the duvet's insulation is. Tog ratings that are lower are more light and cooler while higher ratings are warmer and more comfortable. The tog rating of a duvet depends on a variety of factors including your personal preference as well as the temperature in your bedroom and the time of the year.
In general, a tog rating between 1 and 4 is ideal for summer, while 10.5 and 13.5 is more suitable for winter. The weight of a duvet can be an important consideration, with natural fills like goose down promoting a lightweight and airy feel, whereas synthetic duvets are generally heavier and more dense.
Another thing to think about is the duvet's ticking - or outer casing - which can help regulate your temperature, based on its material and thickness. In general, polyester and cotton ticking are the best choices for the majority of people, with the latter being often thought to be the better option since it is soft and breathable.
It's also worth considering the duvet's fill, as this can also have a big impact on its temperature-regulating properties. tog duvets explained with down fill are a popular choice as they are airy and offer the perfect cloud-like feel, and feathers are also an excellent option for those looking for some extra warmth.
When you are choosing a duvet you should also consider the size of your mattress. A duvet should ideally be a bit larger than the mattress so that it can be tucked into the bed neatly at the foot, and avoid any unsightly or uncomfortably folded folds. Also, if you share your bed with a spouse or children, settling for a larger duvet will help to avoid any nighttime battles!
Seasonal Temperatures
The weather outside can affect the temperature inside your bedroom and a duvet's weight is essential to regulate your body's warmth. The appropriate thickness will depend on the season and your personal preference for warmth.
Duvets are usually labelled with a 'tog' rating, which indicates how warm or cool the duvet is, with lighter ratings being cooler, and higher ones warmer. This is a good way to determine a duvet's thermal insulation, but it is important to remember that the tog rating doesn't necessarily indicate how heavy or warm the duvet is actually. Instead, it is best to think about the size of the filling, which is measured in GSM (grams per square meter).
In the summer, you may want to choose a thinner duvet as it is less bulky and can aid in regulating your body temperature while sleeping. This is particularly important for those who sleep on their backs, as a thinner duvet will keep the bedding from bunching and forming a cold spot on your body.
A summer duvet made of natural fibers will help to improve breathability and prevent overheating during hot summer nights. It's also an excellent idea to cover your bedding with blankets and sheets designed to increase airflow and stop overheating.
In the winter, you'll want to switch to heavier and warmer duvets. This will hold in your body heat and keep you warm and cosy during cold winter nights. A winter duvet usually has between 10.5 and 15 tog, which is perfect for a restful night's sleep even in the coldest of conditions.
Owning duvet togs explained per season is a great way to ensure that you have the best sleep conditions all year round. So if you are contemplating switching to a thicker duvet, it's worth keeping a light summer duvet in hand for the warmer months, and a warm winter duvet to keep you cosy when the temperatures drop.
Children's Beds
The size of your bed will play a role on what duvet thickness you require. For instance, if you have a bed for your child that is small, then you must select the right duvet for a 70x140 childrens mattress to ensure it fits correctly and doesn't drag onto the floor where dust may collect.
The fabric of your duvet can also impact how it feels, as well as how warm or cold it is. There are many different fillings, from down to hollow or microfibre synthetic fibre. Both will provide warmth, but a down duvet tends to be lighter and more luxurious, whereas synthetic ones will be a bit drier and heavier.
The thread count can also influence the softness of your duvet. The higher the thread count, the more soft the duvet will be.
The design of your duvet can affect its thickness. Click To See More boxed duvet has a layer of fabric that are sewn around the edges to create a square shape which helps to trap heat to provide insulation. A baffled duvet is comprised of cubes of fabric that are stitched together to form blocks. It also holds air to provide insulation, however it can be more affordable than a boxed duvet.
It's also worth looking at the tog of your duvet. If you live in a cold climate you'll probably want to go for a duvet that has a high tog rating of 10.5 or higher. This will help keep you warm and toasty in the winter months, however it's best not to go above 10.5 tog, as this can make a bed too hot and uncomfortable.
Additionally, toddlers and infants should not be sleeping under quilts or duvets as this could cause overheating and suffocation. Instead, they should use a sleeping bag or blanket. Visit the Lullaby Trust for more information about sleeping safely.
Aesthetics
Duvets offer a variety of alternatives to traditional comforters and are easy to care for. Duvets are comfortable and are suitable for winter or summer weather. You can also easily change the cover for a different look.
You can pick from a variety of duvet fillings. Down and feathers are a luxurious option that provide warmth and comfort without the bulk, while synthetic alternatives such as microfibre are a light weight and offer the same degree of softness as down. Some people prefer a duvet with a natural feel and has a more authentic feel, while others prefer the ease of cleaning and washing that synthetic fills.
The material your duvet is made from will also influence how it feels, and also how it looks. Linen and cotton are both classic choices, with cotton providing a soft, smooth texture that becomes softer with age. Silk is a different option with a silky finish which is ideal to add a touch of class to your bedroom.
Depending on your personal preference and the frequency you wash your duvet you might want to think about choosing an organic or eco-friendly alternative. These are typically made using natural fibres like wool or down, and some are also being certified to OEKO-TEX and GOTS standards. They're the best choice if you're looking for an environmentally friendly product that doesn't sacrifice the comfort of its wearer.
After you've decided on the thickness of your duvet, it's important to ensure that the cover fits properly. This will keep your bedding fresh and clean by preventing clumps from falling out. You'll find a wide selection of duvet sizes available and the size of your mattress usually determining the best duvet tog for you.
A 4'6" double mattress requires a standard duvet that is snugly slid over it with a generous overhang. There are also King size duvets that are specifically designed to fit a king bed and offer an even more comfortable fit. You should consider if you need a duvet with buttons to ensure your bedding stays in place.