• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER kitchenBefore & after: Hunting for George’s latest transformation
    • AFTER front elevationDated Sydney Hills District home given new life
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTER kitchenBefore & after: Hunting for George’s latest transformation
    • image014Catherine Martin’s new carpets are as stunning as her film sets
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • image014Catherine Martin’s new carpets are as stunning as her film sets
    • MHP_290817-9What you should snap up in Contents ID’s bi-annual sale! + win!
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • AFTER kitchenBefore & after: Hunting for George’s latest transformation
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Screen Shot 2022-03-15 at 5.02.31 pmFoodie Friday: Lemon & pink peppercorn spritz
    • Isla-MotelHip new motel renovation on NSW South Coast
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

How to pick the best duvet: your quilt questions answered

April 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

FacebookPinEmailTweet

I recently decided it was time to invest in a quality quilt; a really warm, heavy-feeling, hotel-like one that would look all plump on the bed. I don’t ask much, do I?! But I didn’t know where to start. And while I thought I probably wanted a feather duvet (that’s what we call them in the UK and the term doona used in Australia is actually trademarked by Tontine, don’t you know?), I wasn’t sure if they were cruelty-free.

A winter weight wool quilt

I thought if I had all these questions, you might have too! So I asked the folks at Onkaparinga, one of Australia’s oldest textile brands, to give us the lowdown on loft, fill options and certifications. Not sure what I’m talking about? Read on…

What are the main quilt fill options and which is best for which reason/season?

The main fills available are:

  • Down and feather – this can be great all year round depending on the percentage of down vs feather. For example, 85% down and 15% feather will be very warm and more suited to winter sleeping whereas 50% down 50% feather would be suited to all seasons or warmer sleepers all year.  

Down is the super soft and warm under-feather material sourced from ducks or geese. When the quilt is referred to as โ€˜down and featherโ€™ it has a higher down count (more expensive and warmer), when mentioned as โ€˜feather and downโ€™ it has a higher feather count (a cheaper alternative suited to all seasons/less warm).

  • Wool – this can be sourced from all over the world, although Australian wool is seen as the premium wool worldwide (we only use this). Wool is naturally temperature regulating and breathable, allowing for the materials to lock in warmth while allowing your skin to breathe. Higher wool GSM means a warmer quilt, for example 450-500gsm is perfect for winter or colder sleepers, 300gsm is suited to all seasons or warmer sleepers. Due to the temperature regulating properties both are suited to all year depending on the sleeper. Look for washable wool for a longer lasting quilt. 
  • Cotton – for the warmer sleeper or those hot balmy nights, it feels light on and doesn’t have much bulk to it. It’s a very thin looking quilt that will not give that plump look. Those that like a good looking bed too may want to add another quilt for decorative purposes but sleep just under the cotton quilt! 
  • Polyester is a cheaper alternative for quilts and is often found in quilts for commercial purposes or budget friendly quilts. Polyester quilts may give a plump look depending on the type and can be favoured by allergy sufferers as they can be washed frequently at higher temperatures. They are less breathable due to the synthetic fibres so are not recommended for hot sleepers. Being polyester, they are not made from natural fibres which can put some people off due to environmental factors and synthetics being close to skin for long lengths of time. 
A washable wool quilt is a good option for allergy sufferers

Is there one quilt that will work all year round or is it essential to have a summer and winter weight option?

Many quilts are suitable all year round depending on your sleep type. If you are an extremely cold person you may need to invest in a good winter quilt as well as hot sleepers, a summer weight (cotton) quilt. For those sleeping with heating and cooling in homes or average temperature sleepers, a good quality quilt made from natural fibres will be suitable for all year round.

Looking after your quilt, airing it regularly and shaking to help with loft, will keep your quilt fresh and looking great all year.

A quality doona is a few hundred dollars. Why is it worth it?

Investing in a good quality quilt will give you a quilt that will last for years if well looked after. A premium quilt will generally be made with higher quality and more natural fibres that are proven to give a great night’s sleep and last longer. 

Are there any considerations for people with allergies or asthma?

We find that natural fibres generally give less chance of allergies or asthma with wool being one recommended for allergy sufferers. With no chemical substances to irritate, wool is generally suited to allergy sufferers. It is important to regularly air your quilts and clean them according to instructions to keep dust (and allergens) to a minimum.

Can you explain some of the jargon please?!

  • Loft is the height of the quilt – so when the quilt naturally falls on the bed, how pillowy/high it looks and feels.
  • Baffle Box or Box Construction is the term used to describe how the quilt is built.  The โ€˜boxโ€™ is like a pocket that is filled with the fill material and closed off so that your quilt is made from โ€˜boxesโ€™ holding the fill in place, preventing too much movement of the fill that can result in uneven warmth. 

Are there any certifications we should look out for? Many people worry down-filled quilts involve cruelty to birds?

Oeko-Tex is important to check when considering allergies and an aversion to any harmful substances as it means the manufacturer and product has been checked and the product is free from any nasties! 

If you are looking for a down and feather quilt we do believe it is important to ensure they are RDS (The Responsible Down Standard) certified. RDS certification ensures the materials were sourced from suppliers that have treated the geese and ducks involved well. They are able to express innate behaviors and live pain and distress free. To become RDS certified the entire process from farm to manufacturer has been certified by auditors and inspectors from a third-party certifier. Any RDS certified down and feathers are clearly marked during the manufacturing process to ensure no non-certified products are mistakenly used.

Ensure your down and feather quilt is cruelty free by checking for RDS certification

What’s the most popular quilt you sell?

Our most popular is our Australian Washable Wool, Winter Weight Quilt. Filled with washable Australian wool this quilt is perfect for cooler nights.

I’ll let you know how I get on with choosing mine!

The best places to buy Australian bed linen online
Get our FREE eBook: 10 tips to fall back in love with your home This very popular post has been updated for 2020. I Love Linen Launched in 2013, I…

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • Dining room Canadian home reno is a riot of colour and fun and we love it!
  • We’re loving the 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards winners
  • studio xox Bathroom store specialising in Australian made opens in Sydney

Follow us on Instagram

Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

#pinkpeppercorn #spritzlife
Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

#timberhandles #timberknobs #cabinethardware #cabinethandles #finishingtouches #drawerpulls #kitchenhandles #kitchenpulls #kitchenknobs #kitchendrawer #kitchendrawers #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #theinteriorsaddict #homerenovations #interiordesignaustralia #interiordesigninspo #transformyourhome #housemakeover #designinspiration #trusttheprocess #designwork #beautifulhomes #dreamhouse #homestylingsydney #beforeandafterrenovation #creatingbeautifulspaces #kitchentrends2022 #kitchenglowup
Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

What a great example this is by @huntingforgeorge 

See all the details, and the laundry, on the blog now, via link in bio.
The patient has very much bounced back! Letterbox The patient has very much bounced back!

Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

UPDATE: thanks for all the love! Charlie is so well this morning after a big sleep!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
#designbywomen #homestylingtips #sydneycreatives
#homestylingsydney #interiorstyling #interiordesignsydney
#everydaydesign #interiortrends #renovationinspiration
#homedesigninspo #lovemyhome #stylingdetails
#loveinteriors #homeimprovements #interiordesignaustralia
#dreamhomeinspiration #homemakeover #personaldesign
#interiordesignaus #creatingbeautifulspaces
#creativehomes #housestyling #sydneyhomes
#interiorinspiration #myhomedesign
I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

More from Bedrooms

AFTER bedroom

Before & after: Luxury Sydney apartments go from drab to fab

Dining room

Canadian home reno is a riot of colour and fun and we…

Calvi.Co

New hemp linen brand inspired by Melbourne lockdowns

Koala Highback armchair

Koala: From ‘mattress in a box’ to bonafide furniture brand

Room reveal: my new lighter, brighter master bedroom + shop it!

Kitchen

Laminex woodgrains look super sophisticated in latest collab

My DIY polkadot wall in the boys’ bedroom

Living room

Inside a creative’s colourful home in the Southern Highlands

Sage & Clare Caro brushed wool throw

Layer up! 10 of the best blankets and throws.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2022 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!