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How to pick the best duvet: your quilt questions answered

By Jen Bishop •

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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 ‘down and feather’ it has a higher down count (more expensive and warmer), when mentioned as ‘feather and down’ 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 ‘box’ is like a pocket that is filled with the fill material and closed off so that your quilt is made from ‘boxes’ 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…

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April 21, 2021

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

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Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

#outdoorbath #outdoorbathroom #outdoorbathtub #gardenbathroom #gardenviews #bifolddoors #steelbifold #blacksteeldoors #blacksteeldoors #bathroombeforeandafter #studiominosa #bathroomdesigninspiration #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #indooroutdoorflow
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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 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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