Why Do Scandinavians Have Separate Duvets?

The Scandinavian sleep method embraces individual duvets—yes, really! See how sleeping with your own duvet can make for a more restful night's sleep.

How Does It Work?

In Nordic countries, it’s normal to sleep with two single duvets (slightly smaller than a US twin duvet) on one bed. This has become known as the Scandinavian sleep method—and as people wake up to the benefits of quality sleep, it’s been catching on worldwide.

As well as using separate duvets, we also lose the top sheet. Our duvets are already protected by duvet covers, rendering a top sheet an unnecessary add-on—it’s just one more thing to get tangled up in at night. For Scandinavians, simplicity is the key to comfort; as well as top sheets, you’ll rarely see decorative pillows, throws, runners, or other embellishments on our beds.

(Note: if you prefer to keep the top sheet, we’re here to support you—check out our collection of organic linen sheets, which includes both fitted and top sheets).

What Are the Advantages of the Scandinavian Sleep Method?

If you’ve ever argued with your partner over the “right” time to change to a winter or summer duvet, this method could be for you. The main advantage of separate duvets is customization. Temperature perception varies significantly from one person to another—particularly between women and men. Due to hormonal differences and a lower metabolic rate, women feel the cold more than men, so generally prefer a thicker duvet.

You can also select your own duvet fill. The options are endless: down, feathers, microfiber, hollowfiber… and there’s no need to consult anyone else. This is your sleep we’re talking about—why compromise?

When it comes to your duvet cover fabric, however, there’s one clear winner (in our opinion). Our organic linen duvet covers are made from certified European Flax grown in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Due to tiny pores along the flax stem, linen made from flax is naturally thermoregulating, meaning that it keeps you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. This makes it suitable for both hot and cold sleepers. Our duvet covers come in a range of solid colors and beautiful, Scandinavian-inspired patterns, so you and your partner can pick the one you prefer. If you're worried about clashing patterns, opt for solid colors or cover your bed with a blanket during the day for a more cohesive look.

Even when you have your perfect bedding, one or both partners may experience temperature fluctuations through the night, needing to pull the duvet on or off or sticking a leg out from under the covers (though again, organic linen duvet covers can help with this). With separate duvets, this is all doable without ever needing to consult or disturb your partner.

Perhaps the most compelling argument for separate duvets, however, is this: it offers a permanent truce in the lifelong battle for the duvet. Studies have shown that relationship conflicts are more likely when one or both partners is sleep-deprived—it’s even worse when one partner considers the other directly responsible for this sleep deprivation! With separate duvets, wrestling for covers is a thing of the past. You’ll never again wake up cold in the night, realizing your partner has stolen the duvet from you—instead, you’ll wake every morning feeling well rested and wrapped in your very own duvet, customized exactly as you like it.

Prevent a “Sleep Divorce:” Why Separate Duvets is the Perfect Compromise

You might look at the Scandinavian sleep method and think it extreme—yet across the United States, an even more extreme version is taking hold. In 2023, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine ran a survey and found that 35% of American couples sleep in separate rooms “occasionally” or “consistently.” Millennials had the highest rate of separate rooms at 43%, suggesting that this trend is becoming more popular with younger couples.

However, many couples lack the desire—or the means—to set up completely separate bedrooms for each partner. Before you resort to a “sleep divorce,” try compromising with separate duvets first. You’ll enjoy many of the benefits of sleeping separately without the expense of maintaining separate beds or separate rooms.

Better Sleep Hygiene with Separate Duvet Covers

Another often-overlooked advantage of separate duvets is improved sleep hygiene. Sharing a duvet means sharing sweat, skin cells, and allergens, which can accumulate over time and affect your sleep quality. This buildup can contribute to allergies, irritation, and even disrupted sleep patterns. With individual duvets, you can wash your bedding as often as you like without waiting for your partner’s schedule, ensuring a fresher, cleaner sleep environment tailored to your personal hygiene preferences. The smaller Scandinavian duvet size also makes it far easier to work with than the typical US covers, making it a snap to remove, wash, and reattach your covers. That in turn means you’re likely to wash your duvet covers more often and enjoy the sensation and benefits of your freshly washed linens more frequently.

Selecting organic linen as your bedding textile is already a plus in terms of sleep hygiene. Linen is naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate temperature and reduce the buildup of bacteria and dust mites. Its breathable structure ensures that excess moisture evaporates quickly, keeping your bedding fresh for longer. Organic linen is also free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it a healthier choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

To complete your bedding setup, select some fitted Scandinavian-style sheets from our online shop. They come in lots of different colors and are designed to perfectly complement our European duvet covers.

Where to Find European-Sized Duvets and Duvet Covers

The duvets Scandinavians use are smaller (55” x 79”) than the US twin size (68” x 86”). You can, of course, practice Scandinavian sleeping with twin duvets—but if you want the compactness of a genuine, European-sized duvet, we’ve got you covered! Just look for the “Euro-Single” size option when shopping our selection of organic linen duvet covers. Pair it with a duvet or comforter from The Down Comforter Store, which produces duvets in European sizes. We love that their products are OEKO-TEX certified, just like our own products.

Would you consider separate duvets? Or have you already made the switch? Let us know on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter!