How to Put on a Duvet Cover: 2 Stress-Free Methods

You’ll sleep easy after learning these simple tips and tricks. 
Emily Benda Gaylord Avatar
Rear view of a person putting a brown duvet cover and white duvet insert on a bed
Photo: istockphoto.com

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When it comes to choosing your bedding, there are plenty of options, from quilts to comforters. Duvet covers can also be a good option for the top layer of your bedding, but many people experience some confusion when trying to figure out how to put on a duvet cover.

A duvet cover is a cover for a duvet insert or comforter and is aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. The best duvet covers keep out dust, protect the insert, have a fluffy and luxurious look, and come in various patterns and colors to complement your bedroom. But, there’s a little skill involved when it comes to putting on a duvet cover. We’ll cover two easy methods on how to put on a duvet cover to make swapping your bedding a breeze.

Project Overview

Working Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $0

How to Put on a Duvet Cover: California Roll Method

The California roll method (also known as the burrito roll method) is a popular duvet trick for putting on a cover thanks to its simplicity. If you can roll bedding together, you can do the California roll method.

how to put on a duvet cover rolled up duvet
Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 1: Turn the duvet cover inside out. 

Flip the duvet cover inside out and lay the cover flat on the bed with the opening of the cover at the foot of the bed.

STEP 2: Place the duvet or comforter on top of the cover.

Lay the duvet insert or comforter on top of the duvet cover and make sure the corners of the insert and cover match up. If the cover and insert can be tied together at the corners, do that now.

STEP 3: Roll the duvet and cover together.

Once the corners are matched up, it’s time to roll. Start at the end opposite the duvet cover opening, and tightly roll the cover and duvet together. Take your time to make sure you roll the bedding tightly. Like its nickname, the roll should look like a burrito.

STEP 4: Stuff the remaining duvet in the cover and close the opening.

Place the rest of the duvet insert inside the cover by tucking in the corners, then zip it closed; this should turn it inside out. For duvet covers with buttons, make sure to close up all of the buttons.

STEP 5: Unroll the cover.

Now it’s time to unroll the bedding carefully. Once laid out, give the cover a few shakes for a fluffy and full look. Smooth any wrinkles in the duvet cover filling.

And you’re done! You’ve successfully completed the burrito method for putting on a duvet cover.

RELATED: How to Make a Bed (the Right Way)

How to Put on a Duvet Cover: Traditional Method

While the California roll duvet method has been described as the easiest way to put a duvet cover on, there’s another simple way to do it. No rolling here—just a straightforward stuffing method.

how to put on a duvet cover man laying duvet on bed
Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 1: Lay the duvet down on the bed.

Whether you choose a comforter or duvet, make sure the insert is flat on the bed.

STEP 2: Place the cover on top of the duvet inside out. 

Flip the cover inside out and then place it on top of the duvet, with the opening side at the foot of the bed. The corners of the insert and cover should line up and if you have a duvet with ties, tie the corners of the cover to the duvet insert.

STEP 3: Flip the cover and duvet right side out.

Start at the foot of the bed, and then place your hands inside the duvet cover. Grab the top corners of both the cover and duvet insert. Holding tight, pull the cover and duvet until the cover is right side out. You might need to shake it a bit to help the cover fall over the rest of the duvet.

STEP 4: Close the opening.

Stuff any remaining duvet inside the cover and secure the opening with a zipper or buttons. Give your cover one last shake to help the insert lay flat and smooth any wrinkles.

Side-angle view of a perfectly made bed with a light-blue-and-white duvet cover and green throw pillows
Photo: istockphoto.com

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned the two quick and easy methods to put on a duvet cover, you can focus on creating a bedroom retreat to relax and get your best rest.

To really elevate your bedding, pick a fluffy duvet insert. Choose a duvet insert that’s one size larger than your duvet cover (a king-size insert for a queen-size cover) so the cover looks full and soft once stuffed. Make sure to leave the opening of the duvet cover at the foot of the bed. Then, fold the duvet cover in half from the head of the bed to the foot, and fold the top layer back in half. This gives a rich and full look to your bedding and will give your bedroom a five-star hotel vibe.

You can also swap your duvet cover with the seasons to keep your bedding fresh and timely. For example, a floral cover might be a nice touch in the spring, while a jewel toned cover would be cozy in the fall. These duvet cover tricks make seasonal swapping a breeze to experiment with different styles and allow you to protect your bedding with little hassle.

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