Duvet covers and bedspreads explained
what bed linens go with each bedding type 

Start your bedding decor selection on top of the bed with duvet covers are simply giant pillowcases for a duvets or comforters. In Europe often people prefer not to use a top sheet at all, so the cover needs to be easy to take off and wash. If you don't use a top sheet, a quilted heavy cover won't work very well, select a lighter easy to wash and dry cover. This will affect the bed linens you need too, A duvet or comforter is not long enough to make a pillow turn like most bedspreads, so you will need some pillow shams and decorative pillows to cover up your sleeping pillows.

A duvet cover with a quality duvet or comforter will provide great warmth, but it is sort of an all or nothing deal.  You may get too warm, so duvets covers with a couple of duvets with different amounts of down would allow you to change with the season.  Bedspreads on the other hand usually go on top of blankets which give you the option of adding and taking away blanket as the seasons change. Handmade quilts are another colorful decorating option with your bed linens their insulation value will depend on the type of batting used.  A quilt used with the right combination of blankets or an electric blanket will help you sleep just right.
Quality of your duvet covers, bedspeads and bed linen are determined by the thread count and fiber used.

The thread count is the number of threads per square inch, with 180 on the low end and 500 to 600 being used in the luxury sheets. Bed linens like bed sheets and a duvet cover are all cotton or may use polyester mixed with cotton, this adds durability but cuts back on that breath ability that I personally like. Bedspreads come in all types of fabric and styles from light cotton to heavy drapery fabric and come in sets with coordinated bed sheets, pillows, and bed skirts or dust ruffles.