Duvets reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the mixture of sheets, blankets, and quilts or other bed covers, which is traditional in many parts of the world. The cover is called a duvet cover or a “quilt cover”.

In Australia a duvet is called a “Doona”, from a trademarked brand name derived from the Old Norse “dunn” meaning “down feathers”. Though still registered to the Tontine Company, the name “Doona” has become a general term for a duvet or down quilt. A duvet is sometimes confused with a comforter, although comforters go on top of the traditional sheets and blankets and are primarily decorative while duvets are used alone.