A comforter, also known as a doona or quilt, is a thick, insulated bedding that provides warmth. It can be filled with down feathers, wool, silk or polyester batting. The type of fill that is used determines the weight of the comforter as well as its level of insulation. Comforters are not generally decorative. They’re usually white and utilitarian in nature.
A duvet cover is designed to encapsulate a comforter. Essentially, it is a removable, decorative cover for a comforter, similar in design to a pillow’s pillowcase. The duvet cover protects the comforter from dirt and can be easily removed and washed as needed. Comforters can be used with or without a duvet cover.