Couette vs. édredon
In the French language, terms like 'couette' and 'édredon' are often used to describe bedding accessories that provide warmth and comfort. Although they may seem similar, these words refer to different items with their own characteristics.
Couette
A duvet or comforter, usually filled with down, feathers, or synthetic fibers, enclosed in a fabric casing. It's designed to lie on top of the bed as a single covering for warmth.
Je viens d'acheter une couette en duvet d'oie pour l'hiver.
(I just bought a goose down duvet for the winter.)
Ma couette est trop chaude pour l'été ; il me faut une version plus légère.
(My comforter is too warm for summer; I need a lighter version.)
Elle préfère utiliser une couette plutôt qu'une pile de couvertures.
(She prefers to use a duvet instead of a stack of blankets.)
Édredon
A type of quilt or padded comforter that is traditionally thicker and sometimes used as an extra layer on top of a duvet for additional warmth. It can also be purely decorative.
L'édredon de ma grand-mère est très ancien et orné de broderies faites à la main.
(My grandmother's quilt is very old and adorned with handmade embroidery.)
Par les nuits froides d'hiver, nous ajoutons un édredon sur notre lit pour plus de chaleur.
(On cold winter nights, we add a quilt to our bed for extra warmth.)
J'ai posé un bel édredon sur le canapé pour le rendre plus accueillant.
(I put a beautiful quilt on the sofa to make it more welcoming.)
Summary
While both 'couette' and 'édredon' refer to bedding items favored for their warmth, they differ in use and form. A 'couette' is similar to the modern duvet or comforter, which is primarily used as the main bed covering, while an 'édredon' refers to an older fashioned quilt or pillow, often used as an extra layer of warmth or decoration.