Doona vs Quilt: What's the Difference in Australia?
Quick answer: In Australia, a doona and a quilt are the same thing a padded insert filled with down, wool, cotton, bamboo or synthetic fibres, designed to be used inside a removable cover. The word "doona" is uniquely Australian. Internationally, "quilt" can also mean a decorative stitched blanket, while in the UK and Europe the equivalent is called a "duvet" and in the US it's a "comforter".
If you've ever shopped for bedding in Australia, you've seen doona and quilt used almost interchangeably. Are they really the same, or is there a hidden difference? This guide covers what a doona is, what a quilt is, the difference between a doona, quilt, duvet and comforter, where the word "doona" comes from, and how to choose the right one for Australian seasons.
What is a doona?
A doona is a padded bedding insert designed to sit inside a removable doona cover. It provides warmth and cushioning, and is the most popular form of top bedding in Australian homes.
The word "doona" is uniquely Australian . It came from a 1970s brand name the "Doona" originally sold by Kimptons Feather Mills, which entered the Australian market with Scandinavian-style feather quilts. The brand name became so common that Australians now use "doona" as the everyday word for any padded quilt insert , much like "Esky" for an insulated cooler or "Glad Wrap" for plastic film.
A doona is typically filled with:
- Down or feather light, warm, premium feel
- Wool natural temperature regulation, great for Australian winters
- Cotton breathable, ideal for warm climates
- Bamboo soft, breathable, naturally moisture-wicking
- Synthetic microfibre or polyester hypoallergenic, easy-care, budget-friendly
A doona is always used with a removable doona cover , which protects the insert from stains, makes washing easier, and lets you change your bedroom look without replacing the insert.
What is a quilt?
In Australia, a quilt is the same thing as a doona a padded insert paired with a removable cover. The two words are used interchangeably by Australian retailers, with "quilt" being slightly more common on packaging and "doona" more common in everyday speech.
Internationally, "quilt" can mean something different:
- In Australia and New Zealand: Quilt = doona (a padded insert used with a cover)
- In the US and UK: Quilt often means a decorative stitched blanket , made from layered fabric panels, sometimes patchworked, and used as a top blanket without a cover
So if you're shopping at an Australian retailer, "quilt" and "doona" mean the same thing. If you're buying from a US or UK site, double-check the product description a "quilt" may be a thin decorative blanket rather than a padded insert.
Difference between doona and quilt: side-by-side
For Australian shoppers, here's the practical comparison:
| Feature | Doona (AU) | Quilt (AU) | Quilt (US/UK meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Padded insert | Padded insert | Decorative stitched blanket |
| Used with cover | Always | Always | Usually no cover |
| Common fills | Down, wool, bamboo, synthetic | Same as doona | Cotton batting layers |
| Decorative? | Plain | Plain | Often patchwork or stitched patterns |
| Where used | Australia, NZ | Australia, NZ | US, UK, global |
The short answer: in Australia, doona = quilt. The only confusion happens when shopping from overseas retailers.
Doona, quilt, duvet, comforter: what's the difference?
This is where most shoppers get confused there are four words for similar (but not identical) bedding products around the world.
Doona vs duvet
A duvet is the UK and European word for what Australians call a doona a padded insert used with a removable cover. They are functionally identical. "Duvet" comes from the French word for "down", reflecting that early European duvets were down-filled. If you see "duvet" on imported bedding from the UK or Europe, treat it the same as a doona.
Doona vs comforter
A comforter is the American word for a thick, pre-quilted blanket that doesn't need a cover . The decorative outer fabric is sewn directly to the filling, so the whole comforter goes on the bed as-is. This is the main practical difference comforters are an all-in-one piece, while doonas/duvets are designed to be used inside a separate cover. Comforters are easier to throw on the bed but harder to wash and impossible to restyle.
Doona vs quilt (Australian usage)
Same thing both are padded inserts with a cover. Most Australian bedding retailers, including Levede, use "quilt" on packaging but "doona" in conversation.
Summary table
| Term | Country | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Doona | Australia | Padded insert with cover |
| Quilt | Australia / NZ | Padded insert with cover (same as doona) |
| Quilt | US / UK | Decorative stitched blanket, no cover |
| Duvet | UK / Europe | Padded insert with cover (same as doona) |
| Comforter | US | Pre-quilted thick blanket, no cover needed |
If you're in Australia, you mostly only need to worry about doona vs quilt and they're the same thing .
Where does the word "doona" come from?
The word "doona" comes from a 1970s Australian trademark . Kimptons Feather Mills imported Scandinavian-style feather quilts under the brand name "Doona" the name itself adapted from the Danish word "dyne" , meaning a down quilt. The product was so successful in Australia that the brand name passed into everyday language, and Australians have been calling padded quilts "doonas" ever since.
Today, "doona" is recognised across Australia as the standard word for a padded quilt insert. Even though the trademark has long expired, the name stuck making it one of the most successful examples of a brand name becoming a generic term in Australian English.
Is a doona cover the same as a quilt cover?
Yes in Australia, a doona cover and a quilt cover are the same product . Both are removable fabric covers designed to slip over a padded insert (the doona or quilt), with an opening at one end and ties or buttons to keep the insert in place. The terms are used interchangeably by Australian retailers.
When shopping, the only thing that matters is:
- The size matches your insert a queen quilt cover fits a queen doona, a king quilt cover fits a king doona
- The fabric suits your climate cotton and bamboo for summer, flannelette or microfibre for winter
- The opening style buttons, ties or a press-stud closure
Browse quilt covers at Levede to compare sizes and fabrics.
How to choose the right doona or quilt
When buying, look past the doona-vs-quilt naming and focus on three things: warmth rating, fill type, and ease of care .
Warmth rating (GSM)
Doonas and quilts are usually rated by GSM (grams per square metre) the higher the number, the warmer:
- 150–200 GSM summer-weight, cool nights and warm sleepers
- 250–350 GSM all-seasons, the most versatile option for Australian homes
- 400–500 GSM winter-weight, cold climates and cool sleepers
- 500+ GSM extra-warm, ideal for unheated bedrooms and the Australian alps
Fill type
- Down/feather light, warm, premium feel, higher price
- Wool temperature-regulating, naturally hypoallergenic, great for changing seasons
- Bamboo moisture-wicking, breathable, ideal for warm sleepers
- Cotton breathable, machine-washable, budget-friendly
- Microfibre / synthetic hypoallergenic, easy-care, most affordable
Care and allergies
If you have allergies or are sensitive to dust mites, synthetic or bamboo fills are the safest choice they're hypoallergenic and easier to wash regularly. Down and feather doonas need professional cleaning and can trigger allergic reactions.
Style
Invest in two or three doona covers so you can refresh the bedroom look seasonally without buying a new insert. A neutral white insert pairs with any cover.
Browse the full quilt and doona range at Levede, and complete the bed with matching quilt covers and bed sheets .
Doona or quilt: which should you buy?
If you're shopping in Australia, don't worry about the doona-vs-quilt naming they're the same product. Focus on:
- Warmth (GSM) matched to your climate and personal sleep temperature
- Fill type matched to your allergies, care preferences and budget
- Size matching your bed (single, double, queen, king, super king)
- Cover in a fabric and style you'll enjoy
For most Australian households, a 250–350 GSM all-seasons quilt with a wool or bamboo fill is the most versatile choice. Pair it with cotton quilt covers in summer and flannelette in winter.
Frequently asked questions about doonas and quilts
Is a doona the same as a quilt in Australia?
Yes in Australia, a doona and a quilt mean the same thing: a padded insert filled with down, wool, bamboo or synthetic fibres, designed to be used inside a removable cover. The words are interchangeable. "Doona" is the everyday Australian term; "quilt" is more common on retail packaging.
What is a doona?
A doona is a padded bedding insert used as the main top layer on a bed. It's always paired with a removable doona cover and is filled with down, feather, wool, cotton, bamboo or synthetic fibres. The word "doona" is uniquely Australian, originally a 1970s brand name that became the everyday term for a padded quilt.
What does the word "doona" mean?
"Doona" is an Australian word for a padded quilt insert used with a removable cover. It comes from the 1970s Australian trademark "Doona", which was adapted from the Danish word "dyne" meaning a down quilt. The brand name became the everyday word for any padded quilt in Australia.
Is a quilt the same as a doona?
In Australia, yes a quilt and a doona are the same thing, a padded insert with a removable cover. The only place this gets confusing is internationally: in the US and UK, "quilt" can mean a decorative stitched blanket used without a cover, which is different from an Australian quilt.
What is the difference between a doona, quilt, duvet and comforter?
In Australia, doona and quilt are the same thing (padded insert with a cover). A duvet is the UK/European word for the same product. A comforter is the American word for a pre-quilted thick blanket that doesn't need a cover. The main difference is the comforter it's all-in-one and not designed to be used inside a separate cover.
Is a doona cover the same as a quilt cover?
Yes in Australia, a doona cover and a quilt cover are the same product: a removable fabric cover that slips over a padded insert. The terms are used interchangeably. Make sure the cover size matches the insert size (queen, king, etc.).
Do I need a cover for a doona?
Yes always use a cover with a doona. It protects the insert from stains, sweat and wear, makes washing easier (you wash the cover, not the insert), and lets you change the bedroom style without replacing the doona.
Are quilts warmer than doonas?
No warmth doesn't depend on the name. It depends on the fill type (down, wool, synthetic) and the GSM (grams per square metre). A 500 GSM quilt and a 500 GSM doona give the same warmth.
What's the difference between a quilt and a comforter?
A comforter (common in the US) is a pre-quilted thick blanket that doesn't need a cover. A quilt or doona (common in Australia) is a padded insert designed to be used inside a removable cover. Comforters are easier to put on the bed; quilts/doonas are easier to wash and restyle.
What does GSM mean on a doona or quilt?
GSM stands for grams per square metre it measures the weight and warmth of the fill. Summer doonas are 150–200 GSM, all-season doonas are 250–350 GSM, and winter doonas are 400+ GSM. Higher GSM = warmer doona.
Where does the word "doona" come from?
The word "doona" comes from a 1970s Australian trademark Kimptons Feather Mills sold Scandinavian-style feather quilts under the brand name "Doona", adapted from the Danish word "dyne" (a down quilt). The brand became so popular that Australians now use "doona" as the everyday word for any padded quilt insert.