Coverlet vs quilt, what is the difference?

Quilts and coverlets are pretty standard as people use them to accessorize their bedrooms. They both work exceptionally well to add comfort and style to your bedrooms. 

They are both similar in design, but there are some differences in how they function and differ in size. This guide will sort things out if you are unsure about the difference between coverlets and quilts. 

Just learning a bit about both of them will make you understand which one of them you should opt for. So, continue reading till the end to find everything about the difference between coverlets and quilts. 

What’s a Coverlet?

Coverlets go right on top of your bedding and are designed to be more lightweight than comforters and duvets. They are certainly not as long as those old-fashioned bedspreads.

They are commonly referred to as bedspreads or quilts due to their similar design. Coverlets are great for different climates because they are suitable for warm weather. 

And you can use them paired with heavy bedding sets, including the down or down alternative products during the coldest months. So, coverlets are massively versatile, and you can conveniently use them throughout the year.

Who Should Use a Coverlet?

Coverlets are lightweight blankets, and this design makes them pretty versatile. You can go for these coverlets if you are a hot sleeper and find those heavier bedding sets like duvets and quilts a bit too much (also check the top rated cooling mattresses for hot sleepers). You can use these coverlets over your sheets directly. 

The best thing about these coverlets is that you can do the same if you want to use them with heavier bedding sets. You can pair coverlets with your comforters or duvets during winters (also check the best selling bed sheets for winter). They can serve as an additional layer of warmth. 

And to add, you can use them to decorate your bedroom. All color schemes and patterns are available in these coverlets, and you can use them for decorative purposes. 

Pros & Cons of a Coverlet

Pros

• Coverlets are highly versatile, and you can use them throughout the year. 
• They are a single piece of fabric, so they are lightweight. 
• You can use them for decorative purposes as they are available in different colors and patterns. 
• They are best for people who tend to sleep hot. 
• You can use them individually or attach them with another bedding set. 
• They are much easier to clean and maintain. 

Cons

• Coverlets are not designed for warmth. 

What’s a Quilt?

Quilts are a kind of bedding that is very traditional, dating back several hundred years. Though modern-day quilts have come a long way, they are still using the same techniques offering added warmth for those chilly nights. 

By design, quilts have three different layers. These include a decorative layer right at the top, a padded layer right in the middle, and a solid bottom layer. All these three layers are stitched together fashionably with decorative patterns. 

Who Should Use a Quilt?

Quilts are suitable for colder climates. They have a thicker layer, so you can use them to acquire warmth. They are ideal for those who tend to sleep cold. If you are looking for that extra warmth for various purposes, you should consider using quilts. 

They are certainly not for people who tend to sleep hot. Instead, you can use these quilts to decorate your bedroom as they are available in various designs and patterns. 

As quilts pride you with warmth, they can be of entirely different materials than coverlets. Instead, they have a middle layer of batting or filling that keeps you warm.

Pros & Cons of a Quilt

Pros

• Excellent when it comes to providing warmth. 
• They are suitable for colder climates. 
• Available in various colors and designs.
• You can use them for decorating your bedroom. 
• They are great if you want to give your bed that extra layered or quilted look. 

Cons

• Not great for people who tend to sleep hot. 
• They are relatively not that easy to clean and maintain. 

What’s the Difference Between Coverlet & Quilt?

Quilts and coverlets might look pretty similar, yet they serve different purposes. So let’s have a look at some f the differences that both these bedding accessories have. 

Decoration and style

Regarding decoration and styling, both comforters and styling, coverlets and quilts are great to give your bedroom a new look.

Plus, various colors and design patterns are available to choose from. They work as the top layers, and you can use them on your current bedding accessories effectively. 

Warmth

Coverlets are not that great when it comes to warmth on their own. However, by paring them, you can make them work with any heavy bedding sets you already have. 

Coverlets are ineffective if you are thinking about using them on their own for warmth. It is because they are a single layer of fabric that has no means to retain your body heat. 

On the other hand, quilts are excellent for warmth because they are meant for it. They are of two layers of fabric that sandwich a layer of batting. This filling can be of materials ranging from cotton to down and alternatives. 

It means that they can work pretty well if you are looking to use these quilts for staying. If you tend to sleep hot, a quilt will be enough for you even during the colder months.

But if you are looking for an additional layer to keep you warm during winters, you can pair quilts with another blanket or other heavier bedding set. 

Fabric

Quilts are made of quilted fabric. They have three layers, while coverlets are made of a single layer. Coverlets are made using fine fabrics, including cotton or other fabrics like matelasse. 

Quilts may have a layer of batting made of down or other alternative products. That is why quilts are a better choice for warmth, while coverlets are only suitable for decoration, or you can use them as an additional layer of fabric. 

Size

Coverlets tend to be much smaller than quilts. This is because quilts are designed to drape down your bed halfway. However, some quilts drape down to the floor, just like bedspreads. 

Coverlets are only made to cover the mattress on your bed. Some coverlets can be larger, still relatively smaller than quilts. 

Usage

Coverlets are specifically designed to be used on your beds. So, you can pair them with other bedding sets if you need an additional layer. 

Ideally, quilts are for bedding purposes. However, some modern quilts are used as table runners and wall hangings. So, it all depends upon what purpose you are looking to serve. 

Construction 

Coverlets are developed using a single layer of decorative fabric. And this is precisely why they are suitable for layering purposes. You can pair them with lighter or heavier bedding sets, which will work fine. 

On the other hand, quilts have three different layers attached. Some quilts have an additional layer of fabric on top. This is known as a whole-cloth quilt. You will always have that quilted design on them that you won’t find in coverlets. 

With multiple layers of fabric, these quilts are ideally suitable to provide warmth with multiple layers, and that is why they are not ideal for hot sleepers unless it is cold. 

Price

Coverlets are made of a single layer of fabric, which is why they are much cheaper than quilts. 

On the other hand, quilts are made of multiple layers of fabric, and they have a quilted design that is developed using various methods. That is why quilts tend to be more expensive than coverlets. 

Conclusion:

Coverlets and quilts might seem similar, but they are up to some extent. But coverlets are better if you are looking for a lighter bedding set. 

Quilts, on the hand, are suitable for warmth. That is why they are not ideal for those who sleep hot (also check 10 great cooling mattress toppers). Both coverlets and quilts can be used for decorative purposes and to accessorize your bedroom.