Age Check

Please verify your age to continue.

Item has been added

The Ultimate Guide: Understanding the Difference Between Quilt and Doona (and How to Choose the Best One)

Buying new bedding can often feel like navigating a linguistic minefield. You’re looking for a warm, comfortable insert for your bed, but the terms "quilt," "doona," and "duvet" are thrown around so interchangeably that it’s easy to feel confused. For Australians, this confusion is compounded by a unique history and local terminology. At Adorearth, we believe in conscious comfort, and that starts with clarity. This comprehensive guide will not only settle the great quilt vs. doona debate but will also walk you through the essential factors—from fill to weight—to ensure you choose the perfect bedding for a truly restorative sleep.

What is the difference between quilts, doonas and duvets?

To put it simply, for the vast majority of Australians, a quilt, a doona, and a duvet are all different words for the exact same product: a soft, thick bedding insert designed to be placed inside a removable cover. The difference is primarily one of geography and history.

What Is A Quilt?

The term quilt is arguably the most globally recognised name for this type of bedding insert. However, its meaning can be ambiguous. In traditional, historical contexts, a quilt refers to a multi-layered textile—often featuring intricate stitching patterns—that can be used as a bedspread or a decorative coverlet. This traditional quilt is a finished product that does not require a separate cover.

 

In modern Australian and European contexts, however, "quilt" is often used interchangeably with "doona" or "duvet" to describe the thick, unquilted insert that goes inside a cover.

What Is A Doona?

The word doona is the term most commonly used across Australia and New Zealand. Its widespread use is a fascinating case of a brand name becoming a generic term. The word was originally trademarked by the Tontine Group, which began manufacturing and marketing these bedding inserts in Australia. Much like "Victa" for a lawnmower or "Hills Hoist" for a clothesline, "Doona" became the default, colloquial term for the quilted insert.

 

A doona is typically filled with a material like down, wool, or a synthetic fibre, and its primary purpose is to provide insulation and warmth. When you hear an Aussie talk about a doona, they are almost certainly referring to the insert that sits inside their doona cover.

What Is A Duvet?

The term duvet is most prevalent in Europe and North America. It originates from the French word for "down," which was the traditional filling material. Like the doona, a duvet is a soft, flat bag of filling that requires a protective, removable cover.

 

While you might see the term "duvet" used in Australian retail, it is generally understood to be synonymous with "quilt" and "doona." The key takeaway is this: in Australia, if you are buying an insert to go inside a cover, you are buying a doona, a quilt, or a duvet—they are all the same thing.

Title

What types of doonas are there?

Once you understand that the names are interchangeable, the real decision-making begins. The "type" of doona is defined not by its name, but by the material used for its filling, which dictates its warmth, weight, breathability, and suitability for different sleepers.

 

The three critical factors you need to consider when selecting a doona are: Fill, Weight (GSM), and Size.

Title

What fills are available for doonas and what is the best fill?

The filling, or 'fill,' is the heart of your doona. It is responsible for trapping air and providing insulation. Different materials offer different levels of warmth, breathability, and maintenance.

Cotton: The Classic Choice

Cotton fill is a popular choice for its natural, breathable properties. It is lightweight and excellent for summer use or for sleepers who tend to overheat. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitivities. However, cotton-filled doonas can be heavier than other options and may not offer sufficient warmth for the depths of an Australian winter.

Feather and Down: The Traditional Insulator

Feather and down doonas are prized for their luxurious softness and superior insulation. Down, the soft, fluffy undercoating of ducks or geese, is exceptionally good at trapping heat while remaining light and airy. The higher the percentage of down (and the lower the percentage of heavier feathers), the warmer and lighter the doona will be. The main drawbacks are the high cost, the potential for ethical sourcing concerns, and the fact that they can trigger allergies in some sensitive individuals.

Microfibre and Polyester: The Budget-Friendly Options

These are synthetic fills, often referred to as 'man-made' or 'hollow fibre.' They are the most budget-conscious choice and are typically hypoallergenic and easy to machine wash. Polyester and microfibre doonas are generally warm, but they can sometimes trap too much heat, leading to clammy, uncomfortable sleep. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan than natural fills, as the fibres can clump over time.

Wool: The Heavyweight Champion

Wool is a fantastic natural insulator, known for its ability to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture. Wool doonas are heavy, providing a comforting, snug feeling, and are excellent for cold climates. They are naturally fire-resistant and hypoallergenic. The main consideration is their weight and the fact that they often require specialised cleaning.

Bamboo: The Sustainable, Thermoregulating Superior Fill (Adorearth Focus)

For the conscious Australian sleeper, bamboo fill represents the next generation of bedding. At Adorearth, we champion bamboo for its unique combination of comfort, health, and sustainability.

 

Bamboo fibre is naturally thermoregulating, meaning it actively adjusts to your body temperature. It keeps you cool and dry in the summer by wicking away moisture and provides a lightweight, breathable warmth in the winter. This makes a bamboo doona a true all-seasons solution for the often-unpredictable Australian climate.

 

Furthermore, bamboo is inherently hypoallergenic and antibacterial, resisting dust mites and mould, which is a significant benefit for allergy sufferers. From a sustainability perspective, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, requiring minimal water and no pesticides, aligning perfectly with Adorearth’s commitment to eco-friendly, luxurious sleep.

 

Ready to experience the difference? Explore Adorearth's range of sustainable Bamboo Quilts and Doonas today.

How do I choose the right weight doona for me?

Beyond the fill material, the second most important factor in choosing a doona is its weight, which directly correlates to its warmth. This is measured using GSM, or Grams per Square Metre. GSM indicates the density of the filling—the higher the GSM, the more filling there is, and the warmer the doona will be.

 

Choosing the right GSM is a personal decision based on your climate, your home's insulation, and your personal sleeping temperature.

GSM Range    

Warmth Level

Ideal Use Case

150 - 300 GSM

Lightweight/Cool    

Summer, hot sleepers, or well-heated homes.

300 - 450 GSM

Medium/All-Seasons    

Spring, Autumn, or for year-round use in moderate climates.

450 - 600+ GSM

Heavyweight/Warm    

Winter, cold sleepers, or poorly insulated homes.

The Adorearth Advantage: Our bamboo doonas are designed to offer exceptional thermal regulation at a medium GSM, often providing the warmth of a heavier traditional fill without the bulk or weight. For a truly versatile solution, consider a dual-weight doona or layering a lightweight bamboo doona with a bamboo blanket during the coldest months.

Title

What size doonas are there available for my bed size?

The final consideration is size. In Australia, doona sizes correspond to standard mattress sizes: Single, Double, Queen, King, and Super King.

Mattress Size

Standard Australian Doona Size (cm)

Single

140 x 210 

Double

180 x 210 

Queen

210 x 210 

King

245 x 210

Super King

270 x 240

A Pro Tip for Ultimate Comfort: Many Australians choose to upsize their doona. For example, using a King-sized doona on a Queen-sized bed. This simple trick ensures a generous drape over the sides of the mattress, eliminating cold spots and preventing the dreaded "doona hogging" if you share your bed. The extra overhang also creates a more luxurious, plush look in your bedroom.

Title

Conclusion: Choose Clarity, Choose Comfort

 

The debate over the difference between a quilt and a doona is, in the end, mostly a matter of semantics. What truly matters is the quality of the insert you choose. By focusing on the fill, the weight (GSM), and the size, you can move past the confusing terminology and select a doona that guarantees you a perfect night's sleep.

 

At Adorearth, we are committed to providing bedding that is not only supremely comfortable but also kind to the planet. Our bamboo doonas offer a superior, sustainable alternative to traditional fills, ensuring you sleep soundly, knowing you’ve made a choice for both your well-being and the environment.

 

Ready to transform your sleep?

 

Shop the Adorearth Bamboo Bedding Collection now and discover the difference that sustainable luxury makes.

Our Guarantee

90 Day Risk-Free Promise

Shipping

FREE 2-8 Day Delivery Australia Wide

National Leader

Over 50,000 Orders Shipped!

Customer Satisfaction

Check Out Our Testimonials!