Weighing it up: The best quilts for winter

When winter hits and the temperature dips, picking the right kind of quilt can make all the difference between slumbering soundly or shivering the night away. There are many considerations to make when buying the right quilt or doona. Read on to find out about the best GSM for winter, quilt loft ratings, and the best materials for winter quilts. We also provide recommendations for choosing an all-seasons doona, suitable for the winter months and beyond. We're here to help you weigh up the ins and outs of the best winter quilts, so you can find a comfortable, cosy and compatible sleeping partner to get you through those colder nights.

Quick links

• Warmest doonas for winter in Australia
  • Feather & Down
  • Wool
• Frequently asked questions
  • What is the difference between a quilt and a doona?
  • What is a quilt loft?
  • What GSM quilt for winter?
• Choosing the best all-seasons doona
• Most popular brands for winter quilts
• Find a deeper sleep with the best bedding for winter

Warmest Doonas for Winter Nights in Australia

Choosing the best quilt for winter will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you are a cold sleeper, you may want a quilt with a higher fill power or GSM (grams per square metre / warmth-to-weight ratio). For sleepers that run hot, a doona with a lower GSM rating made from breathable materials will be ideal. Two types of quilt fill are considered superior when it comes to warmth: feather, down and wool. We've broken down the main features of each material, to help you select the most suitable quilt for your needs:

Feather & Down Doonas For Winter - The Ultimate in Softness & Warmth

A blend of feather & down has long been a popular fill choice for quilts, but how does a down-filled quilt keep a person warm in winter? Feathers and down are natural insulators that have the ability to trap air within their many small air pockets. As cold air tries to penetrate the filling of the quilt, the trapped air warms up and creates an insulating barrier between the cold air and the person using the quilt. The down feathers also prevent body heat from escaping.

Here are some other reasons why feather & down-filled quilts are an excellent choice for winter:

• Lightweight: Down is much lighter than other materials, such as cotton or polyester. Choosing a feather/down blend is recommended since quilts made from 100% feather fill are often flatter and heavier. Down fibres are more lightweight and fluffy, due to their lack of quills. This makes it perfect for blending with feathers to create a quilt with a superior warmth-to-weight ratio as well as a luxuriously high loft rating.
• Breathable: Feather & down are incredibly breathable materials that prevent the body from overheating. Their natural design allows the air to circulate freely and lets unwanted moisture evaporate with ease.
• Hypoallergenic: Naturally hypoallergenic materials such as feather & down are perfect for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. These quilts prevent bacteria and dust mites from thriving thanks to their moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties.

Wool Quilts For Winter - Warm, Light & Breathable Comfort For the Colder Months

Wool quilts, with their natural insulating properties, help to keep you warm during colder months and cool during warmer months. This makes wool quilts suitable all year round. Wool is also a durable material that can withstand wear and tear over time. This means that wool quilts are long-lasting and can be used for many years.

Australia in particular has abundant access to some of the best-quality wool found globally, making it both an economical and practical choice for Aussie households. We've listed some of wool's other unique qualities that make it one of the best types of fill for your doona:

• Moisture-wicking & antibacterial: Wool quilts can absorb moisture without feeling damp. This helps to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night. They are also naturally hypoallergenic.
• Flame-resistant: Wool is naturally flame-resistant, so it is less likely to catch fire compared to other more flammable bedding materials.
• Environmentally friendly: A renewable and sustainable material, wool can be produced without harming the environment. This means that wool quilts are an environmentally friendly choice.

Choosing the best quilt for winter will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you are a cold sleeper, you may want a quilt with a higher fill power or GSM (grams per square metre / warmth-to-weight ratio). For sleepers that run hot, a doona with a lower GSM rating made from breathable materials will be ideal. Two types of quilt fill are considered superior when it comes to warmth: feather, down and wool. We've broken down the main features of each material, to help you select the most suitable quilt for your needs:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a quilt and a doona?

A 'quilt' and a 'doona' are simply different terms for the same item. 'Doona' is considered Australian slang for a quilt (or duvet) but all words can be used interchangeably to describe the quilted insert that acts as the top layer of your bedding.

What is a quilt loft?

Loft refers to how high your quilt sits, and determines the thickness of the wadding or batting layer inside the quilt. While high and low loft can influence the warmth rating of a quilt, it is more of a design consideration than a functional one. High-loft quilts typically provide more of a fluffy and luxurious look.

What GSM quilt for winter?

A quilt with a GSM of 500 or higher is the best choice for winter. GSM stands for grams per square meter, a measure of the donna's weight. A higher GSM means that the quilt is thicker and heavier, and therefore will provide more warmth.

Choosing the Best All-Seasons Doona

Not everyone has the budget or space to store a quilt for each season in their linen closet. This is why many may opt to purchase a quality all-seasons doona. All seasons are constructed from insulating materials that help to regulate body temperature. They are designed to keep the sleeper warm in winter, and cool in summer. A GSM of between 200 to 400 is ideal for an all-seasons quilt, which can stay on your bed all year long. Here are some of the best types of all-seasons doonas to choose from:

Cotton

Cotton quilts are valued for their comfort, durability and softness. A quality cotton doona is known to be cool to the touch, and an incredibly effective insulator. Due to its superior cooling abilities, choosing a cotton doona with high loft and fill power would be an excellent combination for your all-seasons quilt. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic and breathable.

Polyester/Synthetic

One of the most cost-effective choices for bedding, polyester quilts are worth taking a look at. Lightweight and low-maintenance, polyester is a versatile material that can be a great alternative to down and feather-filled bedding. High-quality polyester microfibre quilts are designed with high loft ratings and fill-power in order to mimic the warmth and feel of higher-value quilts made from natural materials, such as down.

Wool

Nature's miracle fiber, wool doonas deserves another mention in the all-seasons category due to its impressively versatile insulating abilities. Say goodbye to hot and sweaty or cold and clammy nights with wool's moisture-wicking superpowers. If using a wool quilt as an all-seasons option, we recommend picking one with a slightly lower GSM (200 to 350) to prevent overheating during the warmer months.

Overall there are several excellent choices for doonas that provide appropriate insulation all year round. All-seasons quilts are also cost-effective and space efficient, making them a popular go-to for the discerning buyer. If you need to boost your quilt's effectiveness for the current season, you may want to consider the impact of your quilt cover, as well. A thick, snuggly flannelette doona cover will completely transform your all-seasons quilt for the colder months, whereas a cooling bamboo cover will make it more appropriate for summer.

Most Popular Brands for Heavy Winter Quilts

Tontine

For over 60 years Tontine has manufactured premium Australian-made bedding, including quilts. Their range features heavy-weight 500GSM quilts, microfibre 'soft as down' quilts, bamboo and wool blend quilts, plus many more. No matter your individual needs and preferences, the Tontine range will have something for you. Their bedding selection also includes staples such as mattress toppers and pillows that will improve your overall sleep experience.

Gainsborough

An industry leader in quality and sustainable bedding, Gainsborough offers doonas suitable for summer, winter and all-seasons. Choose from materials such as a duck feather & down blend, allergy-free cotton, washable heavy wool, or a microfibre down alternative for your quilt. Gainsborough offers bedding to suit all mattress sizes from single, all the way up to super king - so you're sure to find a quilt for every bed in the home. Gainsborough also stocks a stylish range of quality bed linen to help personalise your chosen bedding.

Soren

Soren is a trusted brand for supplying an assortment of homewares to Australian families. Their selection of high-quality quilts includes down and feather blends, heavy-weight wools, anti-bacterial cotton, as well as polyester all-seasons quilts with customisable layers to suit the current climate. For extra cosiness and warmth, you may wish to add a quality electric blanket from Soren to your winter bedding essentials list.

Find a Deeper Sleep with the Best Quilts & Bedding for Winter

Many of us will naturally spend more time in bed during the winter months, so it makes sense to invest in appropriate bedding that will keep you warm. Once you've chosen your ideal winter doona, be sure to check out our winter bedding style guide to see the latest seasonal bedroom trends and colours for styling your new bedding. If you're wondering what else you need to build the perfect warm winter bed, check out our Hub for an extensive range of home styling tips and buying guides to suit every season and type of sleeper.