Duvet

A duvet (/ˈdjuːveɪ/, /ˈduːveɪ/, or US /duːˈveɪ/; from the French duvet [dyvɛ] "down") is a type of bedding consisting of a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, silk or a synthetic alternative, and typically protected with a removable cover, analogous to a pillow and pillow case. Sleepers often use a duvet without a top bed sheet, as the duvet cover can readily be removed and laundered as often as the bottom sheet. In British English, a duvet is also called a continental quilt, or simply a quilt. In Australian English, it is also called a doona. In American English, it may be called a comforter; however, a comforter is usually a slightly different type of bedding that is not as thick, does not have a cover, and is often used over a top sheet.

Duvets originated in rural Europe and were filled with the down feathers of ducks. The best quality is from the eider duck, for its down is known for its effectiveness as a thermal insulator.

History

From Viking times, duvets of eider down were used by people on the northern coast of Norway. From the 16th century, wealthy people all over Europe began buying and using such duvets. In the story The Princess and the Pea from 1835, H.C. Andersen tells about a princess lying on 10 eider-down duvets.