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Coverlet, Duvet, Quilt, Comforter: What's the Difference?
Learn the basics of great bedding options and how to use them for great comfort and style
Putting together a beautiful bed ensemble can be overwhelming — and expensive. But, a few choice purchases and/or thoughtful uses of pieces you already own can easily result in a gorgeously dressed bed. Of course, just getting through the definitions of all the options is the first hurdle: bedspread, coverlet, quilt, duvet, comforter, blanket — what do they all mean, what do you use with what and how? Let's find out!
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Bedspread. A bedspread is the general name given to basically all pre-filled bed covers intended for use as the top layer on a bed. Comforters, quilts and coverlets fall into that category. They can be both decorative and warming, thick or lighter weight, in a variety of fabric. They are generally used alone, with only a sheet and any blankets you need underneath, but also they can be layered for decorative purposes.
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Comforter. Thick and (sometimes) quilted, a comforter differs from a quilt in that colors are generally dyed and patterns are not embroidered. Comforters are filled with layers of material including polyester batting (a synthetic fiber), down feathers, wool or silk. The loft (thickness) of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation.
Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling and ensure that it is evenly distributed. They are intended to be the bedspread, sitting on top of sheets, but again, those who want to create a layered look should go ahead and do it. There are no cardinal rules to be broken in bedding!
Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling and ensure that it is evenly distributed. They are intended to be the bedspread, sitting on top of sheets, but again, those who want to create a layered look should go ahead and do it. There are no cardinal rules to be broken in bedding!
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| Quilt. Traditionally composed of three layers of fiber, quilts consist of a woven cloth top, a layer of batting and a woven back, all stitched together in decorative patterns. Different from other forms of bed covers because they are generally pieced together with many pieces of cloth, quilts are occasionally found with a single piece of fabric on the top (a whole-cloth quilt). There are numerous classic patterns and traditions regarding the design and characteristics of quilts. Many are made or given to mark important life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, a family member leaving home, and graduations. |
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Modern quilts are not always intended for use as bedding, and may be used as throws, wall hangings, table runners or tablecloths.
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Duvet and cover. A duvet is essentially a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers or a synthetic alternative. It is recommended that duvets are inserted into a removable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case. Duvets and duvet covers are designed to be used alone (with no sheets) because the insert can be removed and the outer "bag" can be laundered, but many people use them with sheets anyway.
Many people like duvets because they reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.
Many people like duvets because they reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.
by Rough Linen
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Linen duvet covers like these made and sold by Houzz member Tricia Rose are especially dreamy, creating a wrinkled "messiness" that looks romantic and carefree.
Duvet covers often come with the option of matching shams, but mixing it up is an easy way to create a gorgeous bed that looks like it was effortlessly tossed together.
Duvet covers often come with the option of matching shams, but mixing it up is an easy way to create a gorgeous bed that looks like it was effortlessly tossed together.
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Restoration Hardware has luxurious linen bedding at more approachable prices than some of the higher-end companies. Washing and drying linen bedding makes this breathable textile even softer and more supple.
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Coverlet. A coverlet is a lightweight, non-reversible bedspread that is usually either quilted or woven. Classically designed as a decorative layer to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets often have a thin layer of batting, making them appropriate for use as a stand-alone bed covering, depending on the weight. They can also be used as throws on a bed or sofa.
Due to their size and decorative quality, they are not designed to achieve a pillow tuck, as some bedspreads are. A coverlet often has coordinating shams, but again, it is most certainly not necessary to match. The design in this photo shows how a simple setup with several textures can be absolutely stunning and fuss-free.
Due to their size and decorative quality, they are not designed to achieve a pillow tuck, as some bedspreads are. A coverlet often has coordinating shams, but again, it is most certainly not necessary to match. The design in this photo shows how a simple setup with several textures can be absolutely stunning and fuss-free.
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| One of my all-time favorite coverlets is Othello, from Peacock Alley. It comes in three colors and the matelasse design is super versatile, looking great on both formal, tailored beds as well as more laid-back looks, either as a standalone textile or among a more layered composition. And, it's machine washable, to boot. |
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Throw blankets and bed scarves. These add color, texture (or both) in addition to casual coziness when tossed haphazardly (but beautifully) on the bed.
| In this design, a coverlet is wrapped over a duvet and duvet cover to tame the inevitable puffiness. A throw at the end of the bed adds just enough texture and an additional layer to make the composition interesting and inviting. |
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If your duvet cover is the showstopper, reverse the norm and use it on top of your coverlet.
Next: More great bedroom design guides
Next: More great bedroom design guides
Ideabook updated on Jan. 4, 2012.
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http://pigtown-design.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-seventh-day-of-christmas.html
A quilt is (surprise) quilted. The quality of stitching, pieced pattern or embroidery effects are not part of the definition. There are plenty of whole cloth quilts out there e.g. your comforter picture.
A comforter is tied, not quilted. Can be whole cloth, pieced or patterned fabric.
A bedspread can be a quilt or a comforter & visa versa, but not always. It is any textile used as the outside layer on a bed (except for a small throw). They typically cover more of the bed than a typical blanket, quilt or comforter.
"Duvet" & "duvet cover" definitions are fine.
Also - the Restoration Hardware linens depicted are nice, but I checked their site and (though they are now on sale), sure enough, $59 is the price for A SINGLE PILLOW SHAM. I understand that when THEY advertise, they say "starting at $59" to make it sound better, but this ideabook doesn't even say "starting at," and I assume that houzz.com is not doing an ad campaign for Restoration Hardware. Why not just say it will be over $300 for a set of linens? Concededly, I am generally not a fan of Restoration Hardware, because they try SO HARD to pretend they're selling exotic findings and antiques. (As was covered masterfully in She's Just Not That Into You, even if a thing's objective qualities are nice, it's unattractive if it's just trying to masquerade as something it's not.)
@TriciaRose: Lovely products!
@kitter: I could go on for days about each piece and the various sub-definitions, but alas, there's only so much space to write :) The very definition of quilting is joining layers together in pieces, which I believe I pointed out. I think we are actually saying the same thing with regard to the definitions of bedspreads and comforters, although I agree that comforters are not necessarily quilted in the traditional sense of the word - I've edited that.
@storklady and the_misfit: If you click on the links for the various products (Restoration Hardware and/or Peacock Alley, there is a sentence stating the true price range. I was unable to show a price range in the heading, so my apologies. I certainly wasn't trying to mislead anyone, as I don't work for RH or Peacock Alley! I took the pricing from the respective websites, which give a range, since some people might only be interested in shams, not a full duvet cover.
It seems to be good for those who like to be fully tucked in, but a nuisance if not.