by Regarding bedding accessories, one of the most popular questions when setting up your new bedroom is whether to go for bedspreads or comforters.
Both these terms are used interchangeably quite often. However, they are two entirely different bedding accessories, with some noteworthy differences. And you need to be well aware of these differences before shopping.
Based on why you are looking for bedding accessories, one might suit you more than the other. To help you reach a decision, we have developed this guide.
Comparison Table
| Bedspread | Comforter | |
| Usage | It can be used throughout the year and for decorative purposes | Suitable for colder months only to provide warmth |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Looks | A wide variety of designs and colors are available | Various colors and designs are available. |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Easier to clean and maintain | Slightly difficult to clean and maintain |
| Size | Larger than a bed, going all the way down and touching the floor | Smaller and usually extend up to your mattress or the top end of your bed frame |
| Shape | Sleeker profile | Bulkier profile |
What’s a Bedspread?
Lightweight in design, bedspreads are frequently used as decorative bed covers. You can use them alone during those warmer months and pair them with your comforter during the colder seasons (also check the top rated bed sheets for winter).
They are highly versatile, and you can use them throughout the year. They are designed to provide comfort and enough warmth without making you uncomfortable.
Bedspreads are available in various designs and patterns that you can use to complement your bedroom decor according to your likes and dislikes.
Bedspread being more generous in style options, you can find bedspreads with different types of stitches and can go with the ones that come with scalloped hems. Some have tassels on their edges. So, you will conveniently find the right style and design option according to your taste.
Who Should Use a Bedspread?
If the primary goal that you are looking to achieve is decorating your bedroom, then you should consider buying a bedspread. It will provide your sleep area with a comforting look, and you can go with any style according to your preferences.
The best thing about these bedspreads is that they are meant to be used as an additional bedding accessory and are versatile enough to be used standalone.
A bedspread will work well if you are looking for a bedding accessory that you can use throughout the year.
Pros of a Bedspread
- They are highly versatile, and you can use them throughout the year.
- Bedspreads are cheaper than comforters.
- They are pretty lightweight.
- Bedspreads are available in a wide range of colors and designs.
- They are excellent for hot sleepers (also check 10 great cooling mattresses for hot sleeper).
Cons of a Bedspread
- You cannot use them alone during colder months.
What’s a Comforter?
Being thick, a comforter has several layers. The top and the bottom layer of fabric are stitched, and there is filling in the pocket. The filling can be anything from down to down alternatives or various blends of silk fibers, cotton, and wool.
The primary objective of a comforter is to provide you with warmth. It insulates the sleeper and is ideally suitable for the colder months.
These comforters are available in different designs and patterns, and you can use them for decoration. Providing warmth during winter is their primary objective. The cover of the comforter can be anything from cotton to polyester. You can even go for bamboo or silk.
Who Should Use a Comforter?
Comforters are a good option if you are looking for a bedding accessory that provides warmth. They are available in various options when we talk about their filling.
It means that you can decide how much warm a comforter you need. You can use them in place of your blanket if it gets too cold. And the best thing is that you can take off their cover and clean it pretty conveniently. Comforters are available in different designs and colors.
Pros of a Comforter
- Comforters are meant to provide you with warmth during the colder part of the year.
- There are different colors and design options available.
- You can go for a different type of filling based on how warm you need it to be.
- Some of them come with quilted designs.
- You can use them independently without pairing them with any other bedding accessory.
Cons of a Comforter
- They are heavier than bedspreads due to their filing.
- Not the best option for hot sleepers.
- You can’t use them throughout the year.
- They are more expensive than bedspreads.
What’s the Difference Between Bedspread & Comforter?
Usage
Bedspreads are excellent for decoration. However, their main purpose in your bedroom is to provide a fresh and mint look. That is why it is available in different designs and color options.
You can use it as a cover during your sleep in the summertime (also check the best selling bed sheets for summer). It is an individual layer, so it won’t be very effective during the colder months. You can always pair it with your blanket or comforter to increase that profile in your bedroom.
On the contrary, comforters are useful during the colder months. It is because they are meanest to provide the sleeper with much-needed warmth during this time. As they are thicker and heavier, these comforters are not meant to be used during the warmer months.
Bedspreads don’t have the same warmth and insulation level as comforters. But they can be somewhat insulating depending upon the fabric used in their construction. If you are looking for warm bedspreads, you need to go for those made of wool.
Similarly, you can find all-season comforters. And they will be much thinner designing on what filling they have in them. Cotton and polyester blend comforters are usually the lightest in this category.
Weight
Due to their construction, bedspreads are pretty lightweight and convenient to use. They might have multiple layers but are still lightweight because they don’t feature any filling.
That is why if you are looking for a cover during the warmer days of the year that doesn’t make you feel boiling and still provides you with some warmth, these bedspreads are ideal.
Contrarily, comforters are much heavier. They have multiple layers but feature filling that might be down- or down-alternative. This extra layer of falling fabric makes them heavier than bedspreads, which is exactly why they are warmer than bedspreads.
Looks
Bedspreads are meant for decoration. That is why they are available in various colors and design options. You can go for a design that matches the decor in your bedroom, or you can go for any other contrast. The possibilities are endless.
Comforters are available in various designs and color patterns. And you can use them for decorating your bedroom too. Bed bedspreads are specifically meant to achieve this purpose. So, the variety available in comforters might not match the options available.
Cleaning & maintenance
Bedspreads are much easier to clean and maintain if you compare them with comforters. You can hand wash them or use a machine to clean them.
The good thing is that both of them can be cleaned once or twice a month, depending upon how much you use them and whether you have kids or pets in your home or not. You need to make sure that you strictly follow the instructions that come on their labels.
Size
Bedspreads are much larger than comforters when it comes to size. They are meant to be spread from the bed and extend down to your floor, giving that luxurious look.
Comforters are much smaller and often only spread to your bed frame or higher. They indeed do not spread as far as bedspreads.
Shape
Bedspreads are much thinner, and that is why they are suitable for a sleeker bed profile. However, comforters are thicker and add more bulk and heath to your bed. Choosing the right option will allow you to make an impact on the overall look and feel of your bedroom.
Thinner and sleeker profiles are suitable for summertime as they indicate the sleep surface encourages more airflow. While thicker and bulkier feel is better for the colder months as it indicates warmth.
Price
There might be plenty of options available in bedspreads, but they won’t drain you of your money. These bedspreads come at a lower price, and so much variety is available.
However, comforters are more expensive. And this is due to the filling that is there inside them. These comforters might be filled with different types of fillings. These can range from down to down alternatives.
Of course, down filling is the most expensive, and these comforters will cost you a fortune. They provide you with the warmth you need during extreme cold.
Key Takeaways: Bedspread Vs Comforter
Primary Differences
Bedspreads and comforters, while sometimes used interchangeably in conversation, have distinct characteristics. Bedspreads, lightweight and often more decorative, are versatile for year-round use. In contrast, comforters, with their thicker construction, primarily serve the purpose of providing warmth during colder months.
Design & Use
Bedspreads are more generous in style options and designs, aligning more with decorative intent. They can be used alone in warmer months and coupled with a comforter for colder seasons. Comforters, while also available in different designs, primarily focus on insulation and warmth.
Size, Shape, & Weight
Bedspreads are larger in size, typically extending to the floor, creating a sleeker bed profile. They are lightweight and versatile. Comforters are bulkier, given their filling, and are designed to extend just to the edge of the bed or bed frame, presenting a thicker bed profile.
Price & Maintenance
Bedspreads tend to be more affordable and easier to clean. Comforters, especially those with premium fillings like down, can be pricier and might require more intricate care.
Conclusion:
Bedspreads are ideal for giving your room a luxurious and neat feel, and you can use them throughout the year. They aren’t that great when it comes to providing you with warmth during colder months. You can always use them with your blanket as an additional layer.
Comforters are thicker, and they have filling in them, so they are meant to provide you with warmth. You cannot use them during the warmer part of the year.
If you need an option solely for decoration purposes, then a bedspread is a better choice, and for warmth, you should consider a comforter.
Bedspread vs comforter FAQs
Are bedspreads out of style?
It might seem that bedspreads are out of fashion because, in most cases, you will find them in hotels for decorative purposes. And, of course, there is a wide range of other bedding accessories you can choose from when decorating your bedroom. They are still widely available on the market, and you can find various designs and color options.
How do you put a bedspread on a bed?
Bedspreads are meant to fall down your bed and extend to the floor depending on the length. It's important that you keep the edges of the bedspread below your mattress and even your bed frame and over the edges along with the footboard. If you have a bed that has a tall footboard, then you need to tuck it into the gap between the mattress and your footboard. It will display the footboard and will keep the bedspread visible as well. For a short footboard, you can either tuck the bedspread right behind the footboard or cover it.