31 août 2026

How To Choose the Right Duvet for Winter?

Who doesn’t want comfy, warm, and cosy bedding?

Duvet shopping should be simple yet with tog ratings, fillings and sizes to weigh up, it's easy to feel unsure which one is right. Choose well and it's the difference between drifting off in comfort and waking up too warm, or shivering at 3am. The good news it comes down to just three things tog rating, filling and size. Get those right and you're sorted for the season.

In short for winter in Europe & UK, go for a 12–13.5 tog duvet. Pick a feather & down Amurelle duvet for natural warmth and breathability, or a recycled down alternative if you have allergies or prefer a vegan, machine-washable option then simply match the duvet size to your bed.

Here's how it all works:-

What is a tog rating?

A tog rating tells you how warm a duvet will keep you specifically, how well it traps warm air around your body to insulate you through the night. The scale runs from 1 tog (lightest) to 15 tog (warmest).

One common myth worth clearing up: weight doesn't equal warmth. A high-tog duvet isn't necessarily heavy natural feather and down fillings trap heat far more efficiently than synthetic ones, so they keep you toasty without the bulk.

Here's a quick seasonal guide:-

Tog rating	Best for
1 – 4.5 tog	Summer and warm rooms, or if you sleep hot
7 – 10.5 tog	Spring and autumn — a great all-rounder
12 – 13.5 tog	Winter, cold bedrooms, and colder sleepers

If you'd rather buy once and adjust through the year, look out for all-seasons duvets two duvets (typically a 4.5 tog and a 9 tog) that button together for a warm 13.5 tog in winter and separate for summer.

What tog duvet do I need for winter?

For a winter, a 12 to 13.5 tog duvet is the sweet spot for most people. If your bedroom is particularly cold or you feel the chill easily, stay at the top of that range. If you tend to overheat or keep the heating on overnight, a 10.5 tog may be plenty.

Duvet fillings -

There are two broad families of filling natural and synthetic and the right one depends on how you sleep and any allergies.

Natural fillings are prized for their warmth-to-weight ratio and breathability:-

Down the soft, fluffy clusters closest to a bird's skin. The lightest, loftiest and warmest option.
Feather firmer and more supportive, with a bit more weight.
Feather & down the best of both: the loft and warmth of down with the support and value of feather.

Synthetic (down alternative) fillings are the go-to if you have allergies or want an easy-care, vegan option. They're lightweight, warm and typically fully machine washable.

At Amurelle, our premium duvets are made responsibly in Ireland and come in two options: RDS-certified 100% feather & down, or a 100% recycled down alternative. Both have a silky sateen casing, are hypoallergenic, and are machine washable so you get cloud-like comfort whichever you choose.

Once you've chosen your duvet, dress it for the season with a matching cover set. Our Breeze Linen Duvet Cover Set in 100% French flax linen is garment-washed for a lived-in softness and keeps you cosy in winter and cool in summer.

Prefer a crisp, hotel-style finish? The Hotel Cotton Duvet Cover Set in Classic Cord is made from 420-thread-count combed cotton with elegant cord stitching and you can add matching fitted sheets to complete the bed.

Duvet size guide

Your duvet should match your bed with a comfortable overhang on each side. Standard sizes are:

Size	Dimensions
Cot bed	120 × 150 cm
Single	135 × 200 cm
Double	200 × 200 cm
King	230 × 220 cm
Super King	260 × 220 cm
Emperor	290 × 235 cm

Amurelle duvets are available from Single to Super King. Not sure which you need? Our full bedding size guide has you covered.

Nothing beats climbing into bed with fresh bedding. To keep yours performing, air it regularly, wash it in line with the care label (our duvets are machine washable), and replace it when it starts to lose loft or feel flat. For a full rundown, see our guide on how often you should replace your pillows and duvet, and our bedding care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a higher tog always mean a warmer duvet?

Yes tog measures warmth, so a higher tog is warmer. But a warmer duvet isn't always heavier. Natural feather and down trap heat efficiently, giving you a high tog with a light, lofty feel.

Feather and down or synthetic which is better?

Feather and down offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio and breathability. Synthetic (down alternative) duvets are lighter to care for, vegan and ideal for allergy sufferers. Both keep you warm it comes down to your preferences and needs.

Can you wash a duvet?

Yes. Always follow the care label, but Amurelle duvets are machine washable for easy freshening up.

How often should I replace my duvet?

As a general rule, every few years sooner if it's lost its loft, feels flat or no longer keeps you at a comfortable temperature. Our dedicated guide covers the signs to look for.

What tog duvet is best for winter?

For winter in Ireland, a 12–13.5 tog duvet keeps most people comfortably warm. Choose the higher end if your room is cold or you feel the chill, and drop to around 10.5 tog if you tend to sleep hot.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT SUITS YOU BEST, UPDATE YOUR DUVET NOW!

SHOP HERE.