A duvet cover is to a duvet as a pillowcase to a pillow. It goes around the duvet/comforter and gets buttoned up at one end. However during the summer I do end up using the duvet cover more as a quilt, with nothing inside it. Do whatever works for you.

So you're saying it is like a sheet?

A duvet cover has the weight of two sheets, yes.

Well, it depends on the duvet cover. I have some that are like sheets and I have some that are much heavier weight, like a very thick linen weave...more like upholstery fabric.

So what is the difference betweeen a duvet and a comforter?

I found the answer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Duvet

I have 3 duvet covers (with duvet inside each), and all are of different materials and weights. One made by Croscill is a lightly quilted top with unquilted bottom layer and corded edge. I've never used it without the duvet inside, but I suppose one could do that. Another is a Ralph Lauren with flanged edge and is a mid-weight decorator fabric. And the other is simply a white tonal stripe with corded edge 600 tc, just slightly heavier than a sheet. I suppose the sheet weight ones may be easier to wash, but I wash all of mine and love that about duvet covers. (That--plus the feel of sleeping ensconced under a fluffy down comforter!) So bottom line is duvet covers vary--depending on the brand and fabric used to make them. HTH

Obviously pictures don't do them justice. I'll have to start taking a look in stores.

Sujafar, I agree, nothing compares to that fluffy, cloud-like comfort!

I'm the opposite - am not crazy about down comforters, really comforters in general. I do like a top sheet, although many don't. I prefer that and a light blanket - supplemented or changed to a quilt/heavier blanket in colder temps.

I have used a duvet without an insert folded at the end of the bed. Just for looks. I like the fact that you can use a fluffier insert or a thinner one - depending on the look you want. I rarely wash my bedcovering - prefer to have it cleaned - and I don't have pets that get on the covering.

I know people who have made duvet covers from flat sheets but most I've seen to purchase are heavier than an actual sheet. But as someone responded, they come in all weights. I really like duvet covers.

tina

We used cotton blankets for years. I'll never go back. I keep a lightweight down-alternative comforter on the bed year round. Whatever I use has to be machine washable. I don't care for the chemical smell of dry-cleaned linens or clothes for that matter. To each his own. ;)

I'm a sheet type duvet cover person and only use the duvet and a bottom sheet -- it gets changed weekly and I love getting under the clean duvet on Monday night!!!

They can be a puzzle to change but once you get the hang of it, it doesn't take me any longer to change my duvet and make my bed than it did when I used top sheet, blanket, etc.

There are all sorts of duvet covers -- the sheet type ones and ones that are more to me like a comforter cover -- more of a bedspread type of cover and some of those are drycleanable only!

I love my duvets and making the bed is super easy in the morning!

All of our beds have duvets and we like the versatility and comfort. We love to travel and have found many of the linens we now own from having slept on them in B+B's, hotels and cruise ships. On a recent trip to a lovely B+B in Newport, RI I am now hooked on this company:
http://www.shopdownlite.com/sheetduvetsetsduvetsandshams-c-27_49.html

Many fine hotels use this brand of linens. They will not disappoint! They have wonderful down-alternative comforters and a beautiful pin-stripped white duvet cover.

I'll try to snap a pic of the one I just bought for the guest room.

I like 100% cotton quilts and cotton blankets. During the winter we use a Peacock Alley cotton, very heavy weight blanket. I love it since it "breathes" so well. I have a down comforter covered with a Martha Stewart duvet cover, but the thing is so heavy and bulky that it drives me crazy. And I don't want to see any wrinkles, but do I get wrinkles taking it off and on the bed every day. If you don't have a maid and don't like to iron, it's something to consider when choosing a duvet cover. :)

I like to use the duvet without the insert in the warmer months. I also have used them folded at the bottom of the bed.

If you're looking for a good quality duvet in a down-alternative and a duvet cover check out this site:
http://www.shopdownlite.com/

This company makes duvets and other linens for some very fine B+B's/hotels. We love to travel and enjoy fine linens, both at home and when on vacation. I first learned about this company when staying in a lovely B+B in Newport, RI (http://www.samueldurfeehouse.com/rooms.html)

They have a nice quality white duvet that you might consider (http://www.shopdownlite.com/hotelstylewovenpinstripeduvetpillowcases-p-1836.html)

Thanks everyone. I ordered from the Company Store.