The doona — or quilt, or duvet, all terms used interchangeably in Australian households — is the primary insulation layer of the bed for most of the year. Getting the fill type, weight and warmth rating right determines whether sleep through autumn, winter and spring is comfortable or disrupted by temperature. Australian conditions vary enormously by region: Melbourne's 6°C winter minimums require a significantly warmer quilt than Brisbane's 15°C winter lows, and a single weight won't serve a south-facing bedroom in winter and the same room in January.

Warmth ratings — typically expressed as GSM (grams per square metre of fill) or a one-to-five star warmth scale — provide guidance for matching the quilt to the season and bedroom conditions. A summer quilt in the 150-250GSM range suits warm sleepers and tropical climates year-round. An all-seasons quilt at 300-350GSM suits Melbourne and Sydney across autumn and spring. A winter quilt at 450-600GSM provides genuine warmth for Melbourne winters, alpine cottages and cold-sleeping individuals.

Quilt fill type is the main quality differentiator. Down quilts — filled with duck or goose down clusters — offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio available. High fill power down (600FP and above) compresses into less volume and recovers its loft fully, producing a light, cloud-like feel. Down is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating. It requires dry cleaning or professional laundering and is unsuitable for those with duck or goose down allergies.

Down alternative fills — typically polyester microfibre — provide similar loft and warmth to down at a lower price point and with machine-washable care requirements. Quality microfibre fills have improved substantially and are a practical choice for families with children, households with pets on the bed, and those who prefer home laundering. The warmth-to-weight ratio is slightly less efficient than down, so alternative-fill winter quilts are somewhat heavier.

Wool and cotton quilts suit allergy-sensitive Australians and those who prefer natural, breathable fills. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking — it absorbs perspiration without feeling damp and releases it overnight, making it a good choice for warm sleepers who still need some insulation. Cotton quilts are lighter and less insulating, suited to warmer climates and hot sleepers.

Boxed or channel construction retains fill distribution evenly; baffle box construction — with internal fabric walls separating the fill compartments — prevents fill shifting and maintains consistent loft across the quilt surface.

Yarra Supply delivers quilts and duvets in all sizes and warmth ratings with fast dispatch across Melbourne and nationally.