The different duvet cover finishes
Bottle, flap, envelope... None of these terms sound familiar? They refer to the different finishes available for duvet covers! Embrin, specialist in linen bed and home textiles, is here to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Did you know? At Embrin, we offer beautiful linen duvet covers, made in France in our Normandy workshops.
There are several types of duvet cover finishes: the “bottle” shape, zip closure, flap, double flap, envelope closure, button fastening, or the simple bag shape. What are their respective features and which should you choose?
The “bottle” shape duvet cover
The “bottle” shape duvet cover, also known as the "chimney" finish, is a classic among duvet cover finishes. As its name suggests, it resembles an upturned bottle, with the neck acting as an opening to insert the duvet.
This is the most popular finish, partly because it allows you to tuck the duvet in at the foot of the bed and prevents it from slipping out during the night, even if you move around a lot. It is also the finish preferred by the Embrin workshop for the making of its 100% French-made linen duvet covers.

Did you know? This is also called a duvet cover with chimney.
Duvet cover with zip closure
The duvet cover with zip closure is quite rare for adults, but very popular for children's beds. The zip runs along the foot and sides of the duvet cover, helping children not to fall out of bed during the night, much like a sleeping bag.
Duvet cover with flap finish
The duvet cover with flap has an extra piece of fabric attached at the foot. This allows the inserted duvet to be fully covered and tucked in at the foot of the bed. It is very similar to the “bottle” finish, except that the opening is wider and it features a single flap rather than a neck that envelops the duvet.
Duvet cover with envelope closure
The duvet cover with envelope closure has an opening near the foot for inserting the duvet. This is the same closure system as for pillowcases.
This type of duvet cover has neither a neck nor a flap, so you cannot tuck in the duvet.

Duvet cover with double flap finish
The duvet cover with double flap has flaps at the foot as well as on the right and left sides of the duvet. Now somewhat out of fashion, this finish allows you to tuck in the duvet and also to hide the mattress and bed base.
Duvet cover with button finish
The duvet cover with buttons has an opening at the foot and fastens with buttons to keep the duvet securely in place. Some duvet covers even feature press studs.
Bag shape duvet cover
This is the simplest form of duvet cover: the side at the foot is left open for easy insertion of the duvet. However, the duvet is more likely to slip out during the night.
Advantages and disadvantages of the finishes
Struggling to decide which finish is right for your next duvet cover? Here is a table outlining their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Good to know: To make life easier for hosts and owners of holiday cottages and accommodation, we offer the addition of hand holes to our duvet covers. This small detail is available on request.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
|
“Bottle” or "chimney" duvet cover |
Easy to insert. Can be tucked in. | - |
|
Duvet cover with zip closure |
Helps children feel secure and prevents them from falling out of bed. | - |
|
Duvet cover with flap |
Attractive and can be tucked in at the foot. |
The duvet may slip out quite easily if not tucked in. |
|
Envelope closure duvet cover |
Minimalist, attractive look. |
The duvet can slip out easily and feet may be exposed during the night for taller people. |
|
Duvet cover with double flap |
Allows you to tuck in the duvet at the foot and sides. |
Style has fallen out of favour. |
|
Duvet cover with buttons |
Keeps the duvet in place and allows you to personalise your bedding. |
Be careful not to lose a button during washing or drying. |
|
Bag shape duvet cover |
- |
The duvet can slip out easily. |
Need a hand understanding the different duvet cover finishes? Feel free to contact our team of experts!
