12 best winter duvets, tried and tested by a sleep expert

Dunelm’s Dorma full forever 15 tog winter duvet was an instant hit. It provides excellent warmth without breaking the bank. And while it is synthetic, it has a down-like feel and even has the classic rustle sound you’d expect from a natural filling. If you would rather have the real deal, though, I’d recommend Dusk’s supreme goose down duvet (reviewed below).

With a 15 tog rating, it feels weighty, which adds to the snug feeling of being enveloped, but also means it has a pleasingly chunky look when on the bed (hotel-level luxury at home is always a bonus). If you’re a warm sleeper or prefer a lightweight duvet, it’s also available in 13.5 tog or 10 tog, both of which are suitable during the colder months. For extra durability, the duvet is finished with a quilt stitch and bound edging, so I’m confident that it will last you years.

I’ve been so impressed with the Dunelm duvet that I’ve already got my eyes on the 7.5 and 4.5 tog versions for summer.

During testing, I found that Slumberdown’s 15 tog duvet provided serious warmth, despite costing less than £20, making it a great budget winter duvet.

The soft hollow fibre filling feels surprisingly lightweight and is breathable – both my partner and I woke up feeling refreshed. Slumberdown claims that it’s anti-allergenic, and while I didn’t test for long enough to see whether it was resistant to dust mites, I didn’t wake up with any snuffles.

It might not have the signature crunch you find with down duvets, but it’s far easier to clean. It’s machine washable and tumble dryer friendly, so it can be back on your bed in no time, making it an ideal option for homes with small children, pets or just accident-prone adults. Simple yet effective, it gets the job done. 

If you run warm, even in the depths of winter, I’d recommend Simba’s hybrid three-in-one duvet. One member of my testing panel (my partner), who is a hot sleeper, absolutely loved it. Essentially, it’s a three-in-one solution, comprised of two duvets – a lighter 3.5 tog and a warmer 7 tog – which you can use separately during warmer weather, or attach using poppers to form a 10.5 tog duvet when the chill sets in.

What makes this duvet stand out from the rest is the clever fabric it uses to regulate your temperature. Made with cooling Stratos technology (similar to the tech that keeps astronauts cool in space), the duvet helps dissipate excess heat, ensuring you stay warm on cold nights and cool on the hottest nights. The filling, which is made with recycled bottles, is evenly distributed and stays that way as it’s smartly packed into pocket squares. While this is certainly an investment, you are getting a premium quality product that can be used all year round.

I was surprised at how much I liked Premier Inn’s luxury duvet, but, given that it’s made by one of the most popular hotel chains in the UK, I should have known it would be a hit.

It’s clear that Premier Inn knows a thing or two about getting a good night’s sleep, as this duvet helped me stay comfortably warm during colder nights. Much like Dunelm’s Dorma full forever 15 tog winter duvet, it’s synthetic, but neither my partner nor I overheated.

While it’s not the most sophisticated duvet of the bunch, it’s a brilliantly practical cover that does the job perfectly well without breaking the bank. If you’re interested, we’ve also reviewed the Premier Inn mattress.

My daughter has been testing this 10.5 tog duvet for a month, and I’m regretting not getting one for myself. It’s so fantastic that I’ve found myself drifting off under it after reading to her at bedtime and not wanting to get back up.

It’s super breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, and helps keep your temperature just right – no waking up sweaty or shivering. It also doesn’t make a rustling sound that other duvets do, which makes bedtime feel extra peaceful.

What really sold me is how plush it feels – cloud-like and cosy, without being heavy or bulky. The 10.5 tog rating hits the perfect balance for winter: warm enough to feel cocooned, but not so thick you’re overheating by morning.

Plus, it gets bonus points for practicality as it’s machine-washable at 40C. On top of that, Panda offers a 30-night trial (the brand even covers the return postage if you don’t like it) and a five-year guarantee. In short: if you run cold, value quiet comfort, and want something that won’t feel too heavy but will keep you snug, this duvet is a strong contender – and one I now wish I’d got two of.

Fairly similar to Simba’s hybrid three-in-one duvet, Soak & Sleep’s all-seasons duvet is made up of two layers, including a 4.5 tog and 13.5 tog duvet, which can be used separately or fastened together to create maximum warmth, giving you the best of both worlds. While it’s not as technical as Simba’s, it does the job for those looking for an all-season duvet and is cheaper.

It has a soft, plush filling that I found mimics the appearance and feel of a lofty, feather duvet, but without any of the allergens. I also really liked the snap studs that join the two duvets together, as they were quick and easy to secure and didn’t budge, no matter how much tossing and turning occurred.

I’d recommend this for anyone looking for customisable warmth – it’s a great all-rounder and comes at a reasonable price.

Wool is renowned as one of the best natural options for winter bedding thanks to its ability to insulate, breathe and regulate temperature far better than most synthetic fillings. That’s exactly why I was drawn to the Woolroom organic washable wool duvet, and it didn’t disappoint.

It’s filled with certified organic, fully traceable wool and wrapped in a soft cotton sateen cover that feels wonderfully smooth. I was surprised by how slim it looked for a winter duvet, but wool doesn’t rely on bulk to keep you warm – it traps heat efficiently while allowing excess moisture and warmth to escape.

I tested the “warm” option, equivalent to 11 to 14 tog rating, though light, medium and all-season versions are also available.

Sleeping under it felt cosy yet never stuffy. I stayed perfectly warm through cold nights, and my partner – who tends to run hot – remarked that he didn’t overheat, which is rare for us. The duvet feels breathable, drapes nicely and avoids that heavy or clammy sensation common with synthetic fillings.

I was also pleasantly surprised to learn it’s machine-washable on a wool or delicate cycle, with a low spin and line drying. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting warmth without weight, especially couples with different temperature preferences or those prone to overheating.

I found Dusk’s supreme goose down duvet to be the best down winter duvet in tests. It’s made from 80 per cent soft goose down and 20 per cent goose feather, which not only makes it soft and lightweight but also just the right balance of cosy and temperature-controlled. Plus, it comes at a surprisingly reasonable price compared to other down duvets on the market. The duvet retains heat and fluffiness well, although it did take some time to air and reach full loftiness after it had arrived.

It’s ideal for adding a touch of luxury to your bed, and it’s encased in a smooth cotton cover, ensuring ultimate breathability to avoid overheating. While I tested the 13.5 tog, it’s available in 4.5 and an all-season version, which comprises two separate 4.5 and 9 tog duvets, so you can find an option that works for you. It’s worth noting that Dusk recommends having this duvet professionally laundered.

I tested the M&S supremely washable duvet over several chilly nights, and it quickly became one of the most convenient options I’ve tried.

Much like Simba’s hybrid three-in-one duvet and Soak & Sleep’s all-seasons duvet, you can customise the warmth. The duvet comes in two parts: a lightweight 4.5 tog and a warmer 13.5 tog, which you can pop together or separate depending on the season. When I used both layers together on chilly nights, it felt luxuriously warm yet surprisingly light – not the stifling heaviness you sometimes get with synthetic fillings.

One of the biggest advantages for me has been how soft and fluffy it feels, with a very even loft and no rustling when I shift in my sleep. The polyester fill is quick-drying, so I was able to machine wash it at 40C and tumble dry on a low setting, then have it back on my bed the very same day. That makes it ideal for families, messy sleepers, or anyone who values practicality.

For those who prioritise easy maintenance, allergy-friendliness, and year-round flexibility, this is a really strong choice.

The White Company is synonymous with luxury, so it should come as no surprise that this duvet, which is filled with Muscovy duck down and feathers, is one of the most sumptuous on our list.

Unexpectedly lightweight, the mix of 90 per cent down and 10 per cent feather creates a wonderfully warm duvet that’s plump, airy and ideal for wrapping up in on a cold night. Not too hot and not too cool, it did a great job of keeping our bodies at the right temperature and was a real pleasure to hunker beneath each night.

While professional laundering is recommended, you can machine wash and tumble dry this duvet. Plus, it comes with an impressive 10-year guarantee.

Down is a topic that can certainly ruffle a few feathers, so if you’re looking for a more ethical and sustainable option, a duvet made using recycled fibres is the way to go. This one from Rise & Fall – a brand known for its hotel-standard bedding – provides all the quality of luxury down but with added eco credentials since its filling is made using only fibres that have been recycled – no new down is added at all, and the filler is de-dusted, sterilised and washed before being used.

In terms of what it feels like, I was surprised at just how thin and light this duvet was, but don’t let that fool you. You see, the weight of a duvet does not relate to its tog rating. Duvets filled with feathers or down naturally have better thermal properties than synthetic versions, which means you don’t need as much filling to achieve the same rating, often making them lighter. As a result, I found this duvet to be supremely warm and snuggly, and wonderfully soft to dive into, despite only having a 10.5 tog rating, making it ideal for those who don’t like to feel too penned in at night.

If you’re looking for a first duvet for your child, I highly recommend this down alternative option from Bedfolk. While it comes in a choice of togs, toddlers should opt for 4.5, even during winter. This is because young children are less able to regulate their body temperature and, as they’re small, the duvet traps more air around their bodies, keeping them warmer at lower tog ratings.

The filling creates a cosy drape for your child, helping them to feel snug and secure. While it’s not bulky, it quickly warms up and should serve them well all year. The only downside here is that it is high maintenance. While it’s possible to machine wash, Bedfolk recommends having it professionally laundered, as most washing machines don’t have the capacity to allow the duvet to properly re-loft.