The comfort of a silk duvet depends not only on the fabric itself, but also on the weight of the silk filling inside. Some people prefer a light, airy covering, while others enjoy a fuller duvet that feels more substantial. Because sleeping habits and personal preferences differ, the ideal filling weight is different for everyone.
At ElleSilk, we offer four standard filling options — 150, 250, 300 and 400 GSM — while also welcoming requests for custom filling weights. You are not limited to our standard options, nor do you need to convert your requirements into a particular unit before contacting us. Whether you already know your preferred GSM or simply have a target silk filling weight in grams, you can tell us directly.
Which GSM Should You Choose?
GSM stands for grams per square metre and describes the weight of silk filling distributed across each square metre of the duvet. A higher GSM means more silk filling per unit of area, generally resulting in a fuller duvet. However, the warmth you experience also depends on the duvet’s construction, outer fabric, bedroom temperature and other bedding layers.
Your sleeping environment is a useful place to start.
For hot summers and naturally warm bedrooms
If you live in a region with hot summers, such as parts of southern Europe or the southern United States, and tend to feel warm at night, 100–150 GSM may be a useful starting point. This range is worth considering if you prefer a particularly light duvet with minimal covering weight.
For warm climates with air-conditioned bedrooms
If you live in a warm climate but sleep with the air conditioning on, your bedroom may be considerably cooler than the outdoor temperature. If you prefer a light duvet but want a little more coverage against the cool air, consider starting around 150–200 GSM, then adjusting according to your sleeping environment and personal comfort.
For year-round use in a temperature-controlled home
If you want a duvet for regular use throughout the year and your bedroom temperature remains relatively stable, 250–300 GSM may be a useful reference range. These options provide more filling than a lightweight summer duvet and may suit those who prefer a fuller covering.
For cold winters and cooler bedrooms
If you live in a colder climate, keep your bedroom cool at night, or tend to feel cold while sleeping, consider 300–400 GSM or higher. More silk filling generally creates a fuller duvet and may contribute to greater warmth, although actual thermal performance also depends on the duvet’s construction and sleeping environment.
These ranges are intended as general guidance, not fixed warmth ratings. The same GSM can feel different depending on bedroom temperature, duvet construction and individual preferences. If none of the standard options meets your needs, you can also request a custom filling weight.
Understanding GSM and Total Silk Filling Weight
GSM and total silk filling weight are closely related, but they describe different measurements.
GSM refers to the weight of silk filling per square metre. The total amount of silk required for a duvet depends on both its GSM and its surface area. Therefore, two duvets with the same GSM but different dimensions will require different total filling weights.
The calculation is:
Total silk filling weight (g) = Duvet area (m²) × GSM (g/m²)
If you already know how much silk filling you want in grams, you can also calculate the corresponding GSM:
GSM = Desired silk filling weight (g) ÷ Duvet area (m²)
For example, suppose you would like a US Queen-size duvet measuring 231 × 231 cm, with 1,500 g of silk filling.
First, calculate the duvet area:2.31 × 2.31 = 5.3361 m²
Then divide the desired filling weight by the area: 1,500 ÷ 5.3361 ≈ 281 GSM
The corresponding specification would therefore be approximately 281 GSM.
The same calculation works with measurements in inches. For a duvet measuring 100 × 110 inches, the area is approximately 7.0968 m². If you want 1,500 g of silk filling, the corresponding GSM would be approximately 211 GSM.
These examples illustrate the relationship between GSM and total filling weight. You do not need to perform the conversion yourself before making an enquiry. Simply share the dimensions and filling specification you already know, and we can help calculate and confirm the details.
All calculations refer to the silk filling alone, excluding the outer shell fabric and other components.
How to Customise Your Silk Duvet
At ElleSilk, customisation does not need to begin with complicated calculations. Simply email support@ellesilk.com with your requirements, and our team will help determine the specifications and provide a quotation with ordering instructions.
Please include the following details in your enquiry:
- Duvet dimensions: Specify your required measurements in centimetres or inches.
- Filling specification: Provide either your desired GSM or your target total silk filling weight in grams. You only need to supply one.
- Shell fabric: Choose between a Mulberry silk shell and a cotton shell for the outer fabric of your duvet.
We will review the information you provide, calculate the required specifications where necessary, confirm feasibility and prepare a quotation. Custom filling specifications will be confirmed before production.
If you would also like to customise the dimensions of your duvet, you are welcome to mention this in your enquiry. We can discuss options for custom duvet sizing separately from filling weight.
A Duvet Made to Your Specifications
Everyone has a different idea of what makes a duvet feel right. We believe those preferences should not be limited by a fixed filling weight.
Whether you prefer a particularly lightweight filling or require a much higher silk filling weight, ElleSilk is committed to accommodating individual requirements wherever possible. Through thoughtful consultation and attentive service, we aim to turn your preferences into a duvet specification that feels personal to you.