Eiderdown is celebrated as the finest, warmest and most luxurious filling material in the world. Owning one is more than an investment in comfort - it’s a connection to a centuries-old tradition of sustainability and craftsmanship. If you’re thinking about bringing this exclusive addition into your home, here’s everything you need to know what eiderdown is, how it’s carefully sourced and why it is so highly prized.
For anyone who loves a beautifully made bed that feels as good as it looks, an eiderdown bedcover is a perfect choice. It provides exceptional warmth without unnecessary bulk, gives the bed a crisp, polished finish and allows you to effortlessly introduce colour and pattern into your bedroom.
What is Eiderdown?
Known for its exceptional insulation and softness, it is more than just bedding - it is an investment in comfort, quality and a centuries-old tradition of sustainable craftsmanship.
Eiderdown comes from the female Common Eider duck (Somateria mollissima), native to Arctic regions including Iceland, Canada and Northern Europe. These ducks shed clusters of down feathers to line their nests, creating a rare, self-clinging material that provides maximum warmth in the harshest climates. Unlike standard goose or duck down, eiderdown is not a by-product of the meat industry, making it an exclusive and ethically sourced luxury.
In British homes, an eiderdown is a quilted bedcover designed to sit over sheets or a duvet. Reversible, plump and perfect for layering, it keeps the bed neat while providing extra warmth during cooler months. It adds texture, depth and a touch of elegance, making your bedroom feel carefully styled and exceptionally cosy.
Historically, “eiderdown” referred to pure eider duck down. Today, many decorative eiderdowns combine down and feathers to maintain that soft, lofty feel, ensuring the classic comfort and warmth people love.
How The Dormy House Eiderdowns Are Made
At The Dormy House, eiderdowns are handmade in England and filled with a natural feather and down blend for breathable warmth and lasting plumpness. The quilted construction keeps the fill evenly distributed and the design is reversible for easy styling. You can choose a fabric from our collection or send your own for a fully bespoke finish.
Available sizes:
- Single: 110 × 160 cm
- Double: 145 × 160 cm
- King: 160 × 170 cm
- Super-King: 190 × 170 cm
The Unmatched Benefits
1. Superior Insulation
The down clusters have a unique, hooked structure that causes the fibres to cling together, creating a denser, more effective network of air pockets than any other down. This results in unparalleled warmth.
2. Exceptional Lightness
Eiderdown offers more warmth for its weight than any other down. It creates an enveloping warmth without the heavy, oppressive feeling of a traditional thick blanket.
3. Natural Temperature Regulation
The down has magical thermo-regulating properties. Its fibres naturally compress when the ambient temperature rises and expand when it cools. This keeps you perfectly comfortable, adapting to your body's micro-climate for year-round use and reducing night-time overheating.
4. Durability and Longevity
Due to its resilience and unique structure, a properly cared for eiderdown duvet can retain its loft and insulating properties for 40 to 50 years, often being passed down as a family heirloom.
5. Hypoallergenic
The rigorous cleaning and sorting process removes impurities. The tightly woven casings used to hold the fine down also help prevent irritants, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Eiderdown vs Duvet vs Throw
|
Bedding Item |
Role |
Placement |
Primary Function |
|
Duvet |
Primary Insulation Layer |
Under a duvet cover, directly over the user. |
Night-time warmth (rated by Tog/Fill Power). |
|
Throw |
Light Layering Piece |
Over the foot of the bed or draped over furniture. |
Light style update or quick, light cover. |
|
Eiderdown (Dormy House) |
Quilted, Decorative Bedcover |
On top of the duvet/sheets. |
Layered warmth and a polished, tailored aesthetic. |
How To Choose The Right Eiderdown
-
Pick your size
Match the eiderdown to your bed size for a neat drop on the sides. Use Single for a standard single bed, Double for a full or small double, King and Super-King for larger beds. See The Dormy House size guide above for exact dimensions. -
Choose your fabric
Select from The Dormy House fabric library for an easy win or send your own fabric for a bespoke finish. Consider using a coordinating or contrasting fabric on the reverse to change the look with a quick flip. -
Plan your palette
Anchor the scheme with your headboard or curtains, then use the eiderdown to introduce pattern or texture. If you prefer calm, go tonal. If you like impact, choose a bold print for the top and a quieter fabric on the reverse.
Care And Upkeep
On arrival, give the eiderdown a gentle plump by dropping it onto the bed so it regains its fullness. Rotate it occasionally to keep the fill even. Due to the fine natural fill and bespoke fabrics, we recommend Professional Dry-Clean Only. This is typically needed only every 3-5 years with regular use and proper care. Store your eiderdown in a breathable bag in a cool, dry place.
Why Buy Your Eiderdown from The Dormy House
- Handmade in England with attention to detail from fill to stitching
- Natural feather and down for breathable warmth and lasting loft
- Fully bespoke: choose The Dormy House fabrics or send your own for a perfect match
- Reversible design for two looks in one
- Friendly advice from a team who can help you pull a whole scheme together.
Ready to make your bed look and feel amazing?
Explore Eiderdowns and Children’s Eiderdowns, order fabric samples or speak to us about using your own fabric. We can help you choose the right size, fabric and finish for your space.
