Best Quilts, Duvets & Doonas

Warmth and season

Warmth is probably the number one thing most people pay attention to when shopping for a new quilt.

Other countries, such as the UK, use a standardised TOG rating system that measures thermal resistance. Some international quilts sold in Australia will also display a TOG rating. The higher the TOG, the more warmth it insulates - they can range from 1 up to 15.

In Australia, quilts are given a more simple warmth rating from 1 to 7. The packaging usually describes the warmth of the quilt and the season it’s most suitable for.

The warmth rating of your quilt should depend on the climate of your surroundings and how well insulated your house is. You can have more than one quilt and switch between them during different seasons or opt for one all-season quilt if you prefer.

Most quilts sold in stores have a 3 warmth rating since it’s warm enough to cover most Australian cities year-long. However, in many rural areas such as Orange, NSW or Ballarat, VIC nights tend to get very cold and may require a 6 or 7 warmth rating in winter.

The tropical states don't require the same warmth from their quilts as the Southern states and could benefit from a quilt with a 1 or 2 rating. The 2 rating is also ideal for summer in the Southern states. Typically, these warmth ratings will be comfortable under the following temperatures:

• 1: 20 to 30°C
• 2: 15 to 25°C
• 3: 10 to 25°C
• 4: 5 to 20°C
• 5: 0 to 15°C
• 6: -5 to 10°C
• 7: -10 to 5°C

The warmth of the quilt can also be affected by the construction and stitching. Bad stitching can allow the filling to bunch over to one side instead of stay evenly spaced out, therefore, it’s best to take this into account when choosing. Stitches such as box and channel ensure against this.

Size

The bedding market in each country uses different sizes so bear this in mind when buying quilts or quilt covers from overseas retailers.

First, you should start by getting familiarised with the size of your mattress before you can choose a quilt for you. For stylistic purposes, it’s recommended you get a quilt one size bigger than your mattress if you wish for it to drape over the edges of the bed. If that’s not important to you, then you can get a quilt the same size as your mattress or even two single quilts for one large bed.

Secondly, keep in mind that quilts and quilt covers come in different sizes depending on the country so order accordingly:

Weight

In addition to the warmth of a quilt, the weight of the quilt can be an important consideration for some. Warmth does not always equal weight.

Some love to snuggle under the weight of a heavy quilt because it makes them feel comfortable and secure, whereas others prefer light and fluffy quilts that allow them to move about freely.

When choosing the right quilt for you, be sure to check both the warmth rating and the quilt weight to make sure you find the perfect one for you. The use of different materials can allow for a warm yet light quilt if that’s what you prefer.

Quilt filling materials

The filling material makes a hefty contribution to the price and overall comfort of your quilt. This is because the filling you choose can make the difference between a good night’s rest vs waking up from feeling too hot or cold.

Luckily, there is a wide variety to choose from to suit everyone’s tastes.

Cotton

Cotton is a great filling material that absorbs any moisture that it encounters and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those who suffer from allergies. It is a durable material that is likely to last you a long time. Cotton is very lightweight and is great for hot sleepers who don’t want anything too heavy or fluffy.

Wool

This is one of the most common types of quilt fillings - it is a natural fibre that is good for helping regulate temperature. It is suitable for those who suffer from allergies and perfect for absorbing moisture. It is good for those who prefer weight on their quilts since you won’t get that fluffiness that adds an aesthetic element.

Duck down

If you picture a fluffy luxury quilt like in all the movies, then you’re probably imagining one made of goose or duck down feathers. They are very soft fillings with high warmth ratings. Unlike other warm fillings, they are not heavy and won’t weigh you down.

Feather

A heavy filling that’s meant to give you a ‘tucked in’ feeling, feather fillings are hypoallergenic and said to be very comfortable. They are luxurious and similar to duck down but weigh more.

Microfibre/polyester

Microfibre is a common synthetic filling that is more affordable than natural fibres. It is easily machine washable, making it a convenient choice for many. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin.

On the downside, it is not as durable as many natural fibres are. It is an affordable alternative to feather & down since it can provide a plush look and feel, however, it is much heavier and therefore only suitable for cold sleepers.

Silk

Silk is a luxurious doona filler that can contour around your body’s shape. It offers both warmth and breathability. It isn’t as bulky as natural fibres are but suits both hot and cold sleepers since it is highly thermally regulating. It is a hypoallergenic material with natural antibacterial properties. Silk, while durable, can be a costly filler.

What is GSM?

Each filling will come with a GSM rating. It stands for ‘grams per square metre’ and refers to the weight of the filling. The higher the GSM of filling in the quilt, the warmer it will be. Below are examples of GSMs to help you decide the best quilt for your needs:

• 150-250 GSM is ideal for light, summer quilts.
• 250-500 GSM is more suited for autumn and spring weather.
• 500+ GSM is best for surviving the winter chill.

What is loft?

Loft refers to how fluffy the down quilt is, but it’s not to be confused with the quilt’s actual warmth rating. For down quilts, the warmth is measured in fill power. The higher the fill power, the fluffier the loft. This is also a great indicator of the quilt’s quality.

Below are examples of fill power examples to help you decide the best quilt for your needs:

Up to 400 - Light warmth

400-599 - All Seasons warmth

600-799 - Winter warmth

800+ - Ultimate winter warmth

Doona and quilt alternatives

For those who live in warmer climates, you might not need a thick quilt during the summer months in which case you can opt for a blanket or a coverlet, instead. Otherwise, a good option for colder climates includes a weighted blanket or a heated blanket which you can use in combination with your quilt.

Other things to consider

Machine washable: Something you should look out for in order to make your life easier is how easy your quilt is to wash and maintain. It is recommended that you follow the washing instructions as directed. Some quilts may allow for a machine wash and others may be hand wash only. The same goes for the use of tumble dryers.

Eco friendly: Doonas made of eco-friendly materials may be something you want to consider if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your purchases.

Hypoallergenic: For allergy sufferers, there are many hypoallergenic products on the market to help you avoid symptoms and keep you safe from dust mites.

Durability: Most good quality quilts should last you about 5 years. To prolong the life of your quilt, you should shake it every day to evenly distribute the filling.

Warranty: Since quilts can be big investments monetarily, it’s worth getting a quilt with a comprehensive warranty scheme if you wish to maximise your value for money.

You can read reviews on the best quilts on the market by scrolling up to help inform your purchasing decision.