Skip to main content

Coverlet vs. quilt: What a coverlet is and if you need one

Every person has their own way of making their bed. Whether it’s piled up with pillows or simply tucked with a duvet cover, there is no wrong way to do it. So, when it comes to blankets, there are a lot of options to consider. With the most common types being a bedspread or quilt, you may not have heard of the term coverlet. Thanks to its extra layer of warmth, however, it may be the addition that your bed is missing.

What is a coverlet?

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

With the design originating in the late 19th century, the coverlet was frequently used during the Colonial era as a source of warmth. Although originally made with wool yarn, a modern day coverlet can be found in a variety of fabric types like linen or cotton.

The idea behind a coverlet is to provide warmth with a lightweight blanket. Unlike quilts or bedspreads, coverlets act as an addition rather than the main attraction. Made with lightweight fabric and a smaller design, coverlets are often sandwiched between the sheets and the duvet or folded up at the end of the bed.

Although they were created centuries ago, a coverlet can actually add quite the modern touch to your bed. When folded carefully and placed at the end of the bed, the coverlet acts as a decorative feature and as a way to stay warm without messing up the perfectly made sheets. You can find coverlets in a variety of beautiful designs, colors, and materials, allowing you to match it seamlessly with your existing set of sheets and bedspreads.

What is a quilt/bedspread?

GillianVann/Shutterstock.com

Unlike a coverlet, a quilt or bedspread is what covers the bed. It is the main blanket that you get under when it’s time for bed. You can think of bedspreads or quilts as a more permanent fixture. They typically hang over the edges of the bed, covering it entirely. Bedspreads can be found in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, and are typically made with heavier fabrics. The term bedspread also encompasses a few types such as:

  • Quilt
  • Duvet
  • Comforter

What’s the difference?

When it comes to differentiating between a bedspread and a coverlet, there are a few defining characteristics that set them apart. The importance of understanding the difference can come into play when you are trying to find the best sets for your own bed:

  • A coverlet is made with lightweight material and is smaller in size, usually only reaching the edges of the bed. A bedspread is made with thicker, heavier materials that reach well over the edge of the bed with ample overhang.
  • A coverlet is typically folded up and left on the end of the bed for both decoration and quick comfort. A bedspread rests over the entire bed, covering it completely for permanent comfort.

When is a coverlet the better choice?

All in all, there is no wrong time for a coverlet. Available in a bunch of lightweight options, a coverlet can be the perfect addition to any existing bedspread. You can find the right mix of colors and patterns to pair with your existing bed setup or buy all news ones for a completely different design.

When using a coverlet, it works best as a folded addition to the end of the bed or on a nearby couch or chair. It can be a quick fix for sudden chills in the middle of the day or a quick power nap. When choosing a coverlet for your room, consider some of the most common material types for the ideal comfort:

  • Cotton
  • Linen
  • Velvet
  • Silk

Coverlets allow you to create depth and design through layering. You can layer a coverlet between your sheets and bedspread or lay it right on top for contrast. There is really no wrong way to use a coverlet. They make great additions to existing bedding. Since they are available in all kinds of materials, textures, patterns, and colors, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect coverlet you love for your bedroom design.

Editors' Recommendations

Crown molding can offer huge visual impact to your kitchen cabinets
Kitchen with blue frame fronted cabinets

If you're looking to scale up your kitchen cabinets or give them a more polished look, consider adding crown molding to them. It's relatively cheap and easy to do yourself, and it adds more character than traditional, squared-off cabinet tops. It can also add height to your cabinets if they are shorter. If you're not super handy and are wondering how to add crown molding to cabinets yourself, we've provided a list of everything you'll need, along with some frequently asked questions to get you started.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, installing crown molding can be done in a day, as long as you have everything measured and all the tools in place to begin.

Read more
This is the easiest way to make your own chalk paint
how to make chalked paint shutterstock 1742397383

When your wood furniture starts to go out of style or you're just tired of it, you don't always need to spend a fortune replacing the pieces. There are a lot of ways to restore old furniture, upcycle dated pieces, or give your wood furniture a stylish distressed look. One method people are raving about is using chalk paint to revitalize wood furniture. While chalk paint is available to purchase at paint stores, we're going to walk you through making your own with four different methods.

What's so great about chalk paint?
If you're looking to paint a wood furniture piece, you may be considering different types of paints for your project. Chalk paint is a great choice for several reasons:

Read more
How to restore your old wooden door to its former glory for some vintage charm
how to refurbish doors shutterstock 62614618

You want all of the elements of your home, including exterior and interior doors, to reflect your personal style. However, if your home is an old one, chances are it still has some charming elements from its original construction. Crown molding, doors, and other original wood accents on old homes are sometimes weathered and worn, but often they can be beautifully restored to their former glory. Here's how you can restore an old wooden door without losing that vintage charm.

Benefits of refurbishing instead of replacing
One question homeowners ask themselves when planning renovation projects is whether it's better to restore or replace older home features. While replacing antique elements of your home may be faster and easier, there are a ton of benefits to restoring those features instead.
Adds character and charm
That vintage look will never go out of style, which is why many homeowners try to keep the original character of their home while giving it a facelift. With many DIY methods, you can both make your home more modern and keep its original charm.
Adds value to the home
If you ever sell your home, buyers will love that you kept those gorgeous old wood elements. Since home buyers tend to be more interested in homes that have historic character and antique moldings, restoring these features will add value to your home.
More sustainable
Removing old wooden items in your home requires new features to replace them. This uses finite resources up, which isn't very environmentally friendly. It's a more sustainable practice to work with the materials and features you already have since it promotes conservation.
Preserves history
Particularly if you have a historic home, replacing old wooden features will break the hearts of historians everywhere. Keep history and the memory of the original owners alive by restoring that wood instead of getting rid of it.

Read more