What Is a Doona? Doona vs Duvet vs Quilt, Covers & Australian Sizes
If you've recently moved to Australia, or you're shopping for new bedding online, you might be wondering: what exactly is a doona? And is it different from a duvet, a quilt or a comforter?
This guide explains the difference in plain English, why Australians say "doona", what doonas are made of, what a doona cover is, and how to choose the right Australian doona cover size for your bed.
What Is a Doona?
In Australia, a doona is the soft, filled bed covering that keeps you warm at night. It's filled with feathers, down, wool or polyester fibre and sits on top of your sheets. In the UK, Europe and the US, the same thing is usually called a duvet.
A doona isn't meant to be washed every week. Instead, it goes inside a removable, washable doona cover that protects it and gives your bed its look.
Why Do Australians Say "Doona"?
"Doona" started out as a brand name. When continental quilts became popular in Australia in the 1970s, the Doona brand was so well known that its name became the everyday word for any duvet, the same way "Esky" became the word for a cooler and "Biro" for a pen. Today you'll hear "doona" all over Australia, while most of the world says duvet.
Doona vs Duvet vs Quilt vs Comforter
- Doona: the Australian word for a filled bed insert.
- Duvet: the UK, European and US word for the same thing. A doona and a duvet are functionally identical.
- Quilt: traditionally a flatter, stitched, layered bedspread. In Australia, though, most people use "quilt" and "doona" to mean the same thing, which is why you'll see both "quilt cover" and "doona cover" in shops.
- Comforter: mostly a US term for a thick bedspread that's used on its own, without a removable cover.
So if you're shopping in Australia, a doona cover, quilt cover and duvet cover all describe the same product.
Doona vs Blanket
A blanket is a single layer of woven or knitted fabric, such as wool, cotton or fleece. A doona is a filled insert that traps air, so it's usually warmer and lighter than several blankets. Blankets are often used as an extra layer on cold nights or on their own in summer, while a doona with a washable cover is the main bedding for most Australian homes.
What Is a Doona Made Of?
Doonas come with different fillings, each with its own feel:
- Down and feather: light, fluffy and very warm for its weight.
- Wool: naturally breathable and good at regulating temperature, a popular Australian choice.
- Polyester or microfibre: affordable, easy to wash and a good option for people with allergies.
- Silk and bamboo: lightweight and cool, suited to warmer climates.
Doonas also come in different warmth levels, often shown as a weight in GSM (grams per square metre). Lighter doonas suit summer and warmer states, while heavier doonas suit winter and cooler climates. Whatever the filling, a removable cover keeps it clean.
What Is a Doona Cover?
A doona cover is a large fabric case that slips over your doona and closes at the bottom. Most doona cover sets also come with matching pillowcases. Doonara doona cover sets close with a hidden zipper and include one pillowcase in Cot, Single and King Single sizes, or two pillowcases in Double, Queen and King sizes.
Because the cover is what you see, changing it is the easiest way to change the whole look of a bedroom, whether that's a dinosaur doona cover for a young explorer, a boho quilt cover for a relaxed main bedroom, or a custom doona cover printed with your own photo.
Australian Doona Cover Sizes
Australian bed sizes are a little different from overseas sizes, and King Single is a size many visitors haven't heard of. Doonara doona covers come in six Australian sizes:
- Cot: 100 x 120cm
- Single: 140 x 210cm
- King Single: 160 x 210cm, a slightly wider single that's popular for kids and teens
- Double: 180 x 210cm
- Queen: 210 x 210cm, the most common size for main bedrooms
- King: 240 x 220cm
The easiest way to choose is to match the size printed on your doona's label. For full measurements, see our doona cover size chart.
Doonas for Babies and Toddlers
A cot doona is a small doona made to fit a cot. For babies, follow Red Nose Australia's safe sleeping advice, which recommends keeping doonas, quilts and pillows out of a baby's cot. Cot-size doonas and doona covers are best for toddlers who have moved on from a baby sleeping bag, and a fun themed cover can make the move to a "big kid" bed more exciting.
How to Choose a Doona Cover
1. Pick the right size
Choose the same size as your doona, not your mattress. A cover that matches your doona will sit neatly without bunching.
2. Choose your fabric
Premium polyester is soft, lightweight and shows bright colours beautifully. 100% cotton is naturally breathable, which many Australians prefer for warm summer nights.
3. Choose a design you'll love
Kids often love themed bedding like space, unicorns or sports. Adults might prefer boho, marble or geometric designs. For a gift, a personalised name quilt cover is hard to beat.
More Bedding Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Read our Christmas bedding ideas for styling a festive bedroom, or our Christmas bedding gift guide for doona cover gift ideas for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Aussies say doona?
Doona began as a popular Australian brand name in the 1970s and became the everyday word for a duvet, much like Esky or Biro.
Is a doona the same as a duvet?
Yes. Doona is the Australian word and duvet is the UK, European and US word for the same filled bed insert.
Is a quilt cover the same as a doona cover?
In Australia, yes. Quilt cover, doona cover and duvet cover all refer to the removable cover that goes over your doona.
What is the difference between a comforter and a doona?
A comforter is a thick bedspread used on its own, while a doona is an insert that goes inside a removable, washable cover.
What size doona cover do I need for a King Single bed?
Choose a King Single doona cover, which is 160 x 210cm at Doonara. It suits a standard King Single doona.
Does a doona cover include the doona?
No. A doona cover is just the cover and pillowcases. The doona insert and pillows are sold separately.
How often should I wash my doona cover?
Most people wash their doona cover every one to two weeks, along with their sheets. Use a gentle cycle and follow the care label.
Ready to refresh your bedroom? Browse all Doonara doona covers in every Australian size.