When choosing quilts, deciding on the fill can be difficult. Will you invest in a high-quality and comparatively expensive pure down quilt or a combination of feather and down. If the quilt is for yourself (rather than the guest room, where it'll only be used occasionally), take the time to think about your needs, as your choice of fill can make all the difference to a restful and luxurious night's sleep.

Choosing New Quilts

If you hate heavy bedding but want maximum warmth, a 100% down quilts fit the bill. But if you want one for all year round, a different fill might be better, or a dual-layer quilt, where you use one layer in summer and both layers, held together by press-studs, in winter.

If you want to snuggle up on the sofa under your quilt on cold winter nights, a down or down/feather quilt will wrap around you more easily than any other fill.

How Much Down?

If you're looking for soft, light and warm quilts, choose one with a high down content. The more down, the warmer and lighter the quilt, but also the more expensive. However, down will last longer than feathers, which have hollow, tubular quills that'll break down over time.

If you want the softness and lightness of 100% down but less warmth in a warmer climate, look for less fill to reduce the warmth factor.

Value For Money

Spending more doesn't automatically get you a better product with all purchases, but with a down quilt you're likely to get a better-quality product. Higher-quality down (bigger clusters) will give you better loft and warmth. Smaller, lower-grade (and cheaper) down is flatter and will eventually lose its ability to spring open when you fluff and air it.