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What is a coverlet?

Coverlets are made from a single piece of fabric. It is a type of decorative piece to beautify their beds. This extra bedding is available in different fabrics and designs. Some people use vibrant colors, while some use light aesthetic designs to add grace to their beds. 

Let us discuss how and when to use a coverlet in your homes.

What Is the Use of a Coverlet on a Bed?

The coverlets come from the world of luxury bedding and fine linen fabrics. A coverlet can be for two purposes.

what is a coverlet for a bed

To Beautify Your Bedroom

Coverlets are usually made with fine fabrics. Some famous fabrics like Peacock Alley’s Matelassé line of bedding are the finest quality coverlets. The French luxury selection uses Matelassé coverlets and matching pillows. They imitate the style of the hand-stitched Marseilles quilts that are quite popular in France.

To Use for Covering

Some hot sleepers do not feel comfortable sleeping with a comforter or quilt in summer (also check the top rated bed sheets for summer). They pair their sheet with the coverlet to get a flawless sleeping combination. 

How Do You Wash a Coverlet?

Washing and cleaning a coverlet is relatively low maintenance. The coverlets are thin, light bedding pieces that are easier to wash and dry. The coverlets come with washing instructions, which you can find on the tag. You must wash accordingly, as every fabric requires a specific washing procedure. 

The wash time depends upon the use of the coverlet. If your coverlet does not contact your skin, you can only wash it once a season. You must wash it monthly if you use a coverlet as a primary blanket to add warmth to your body.

Depending on the fabric of the coverlet, you can machine-wash, hand-wash, or dry-clean only. A matelassé coverlet is delicate and should clean professionally to avoid shrinkage. If you are air drying your coverlet, you can easily stretch it out in direct sunlight to dry within some hours or a day. 

Are Coverlets Good for Summer?

The answer would be yes, as some people find coverlets incredible for summertime. They are not heavy like your typical quilt or duvets. They are phenomenal to drape yourself in, especially if you are a hot sleeper (also check 10 great cooling mattresses for hot sleeper). You can pair a sheet with a coverlet on a typical summer day or night. 

How Do You Tuck in A Coverlet?

A coverlet is simply a bedcovering with sides. It just hangs a few inches past the bed frame or box spring. The coverlet is small in size and therefore never touches the floor. You can tuck your coverlet or leave it loose for a decorative twist. The Luxury coverlets mostly layer directly over your bedsheet, or you can place them over the blanket.

What’s The Difference Between a Coverlet and a Quilt?

The coverlet and a quilt are both luxury bedding pieces (also check the best selling luxury mattresses). They add a warm look to any bedroom and are very similar. If you differentiate between the two, some features make them each unique from the other. Most people are familiar with a quilt, but they confuse it with the purpose of coverlets.

  • Purpose: Coverlets add beauty and style to your bed, while the quilts only give warmth.
  • Fabric: The fabric for making coverlets is usually light from cotton or cotton blends. The quilts are thicker and made from fabrics with loose weaves by easy quilting. The distinguishing feature between the two is that a coverlet does not have a middle layer inside as comforters do. Instead, these coverlets are finished using a single section of fabric.
  • Size: The coverlets drape the sides of the bed. The large quilts touch the floor and cover quite a big area on your bed.
  • Decoration purpose: The modern quilts are used as table runners or wall hangings.

What’s The Difference Between a Coverlet and a Bedspread?

A bedspread is a decorative cover to wrap the bed when not in use. On the other hand, the coverlet is a smaller, more compact form of a bedspread.

Size

The coverlets are pretty much smaller than your typical bedspreads. They cover only the top of the bed while the bedspreads, on the other hand, cover the whole bed, including the pillows. The bedspreads are pretty long and touch the floor.

Style

The coverlets are usually suitable for modern bedrooms. Moreover, the bedspreads are appropriate for traditional bedrooms as they add elegance to your old-fashioned bedrooms.

When Should I Use a Coverlet?

what is a coverlet set

If you have a modern bedroom, you can opt for a coverlet. It looks fantastic in a contemporary bedroom as it adds elegance to your bedroom. As for bedrooms with older designs, you can add a coverlet with simple designs. 

The coverlets are a wonderful addition if you’re looking for versatile bedding with multiple options. It is something that you can use in different ways. It works as an extension to your bed that further adds design and gorgeousness. You can use them according to your taste and fold or drape them straight on your bed. 

How Do You Dress in A Bed with A Coverlet?

There are many ways you can dress a bed with your coverlet.

It mostly depends on how many bed accessories you have and how you want to mix and match them. Some simple ways to use a coverlet on your bed are as follows:

  • You can triple fold your coverlet, then neatly lay it across your duvet. Most people tuck the coverlet at the foot of their bed set.
  • If you plan to sleep under your coverlet, you can swap places. For example, place your duvet instead of the coverlet, and you can easily sleep while pairing your sheets with the bedspread.

You can get creative with your coverlet and design it anyway. However, it is mostly used to add grace or modern touch to your bedroom.

How Is It Different from Other Bedding?

Coverlets are usually smaller than bedspreads and other bedding materials. The beddings are typically large, covering the whole bed and touching the floor. A coverlet is small in size, and the primary purpose is to add color and design to the bedroom. It is usually on the top of your bed while bedspreads or beddings cover the whole bed.

Key Takeaways

Coverlet Defined

A coverlet is a decorative piece of bedding made from a single piece of fabric, designed to add aesthetic appeal to beds. Available in various fabrics and designs, coverlets serve both as a beautifying element and a light covering option, making them a versatile addition to any bedroom setting.

Utilitarian and Aesthetic Value

Coverlets find their origins in the realm of luxury bedding, with specific high-end fabrics like the Peacock Alley’s Matelassé line being popular choices. They can serve the dual purpose of beautifying a bedroom and providing a light cover for hot sleepers, especially during summer nights.

Easy Maintenance

One of the advantages of coverlets is their low maintenance. They are typically easy to wash and dry, with most being suitable for machine wash. The cleaning frequency can vary based on personal use and the contact it has with skin.

Summer Suitability

Coverlets are excellent for summer use due to their light and breathable fabric. They provide a comfortable covering option without the heaviness of traditional quilts or duvets, making them a favored choice among hot sleepers.

Styling Flexibility

The flexible nature of coverlets allows for various styling options. They can be tucked in or left loose, layered over sheets or blankets, and folded or draped to create a desired look. This versatility allows individuals to change the look of their bedroom effortlessly.

Distinguishing Factors from Quilts and Bedspreads

Unlike quilts, coverlets do not have a middle layer and are generally lighter. They are smaller in size compared to bedspreads and quilts, covering only the top of the bed, which differentiates them in terms of style and functionality.

Modern and Traditional Bedroom Suitability

Coverlets suit modern bedrooms well, adding a touch of elegance and contemporary style. They can also be incorporated into traditional bedroom designs with simple and classic patterns, showcasing their adaptability across different decor themes.

Conclusion

Many of us have not heard of using a coverlet before. A coverlet is beautiful bedding that gives a luxury touch to your bedroom. They are found in different fabrics. If you want a soft and drapey bedspread, you can opt for Matouk’s or Pacific coverlet. They are comfortable enough to sleep under and add warmth.

Coverlet FAQs

Is A Coverlet the Same as A Duvet?

No, a coverlet is utterly different from a duvet and has various purposes. A bedspread is a thin fabric to decorate the bed. A duvet, on the other hand, is of down feathers that are hemmed in the styled duvet covers. The purpose of a duvet is to keep its user warm.

Can You Use a Coverlet as A Quilt?

The quilt differs from a coverlet and cannot be used the same as a quilt. The coverlets are mostly used as a single layer. In comparison, the quilts can be layered down or stand alone on a bed. The quilt is made by sewing many pieces of fabric together.

Do You Sleep Under a Coverlet?

A coverlet is a single fabric that adds color and warmth to your room. You can sleep under a bedspread in both summers and winters. In summer, you can pair it up with a sheet if you think a quilt or comforter is too warm for you. On the other hand, you can use a coverlet in winter to add an extra layer of warmth from the chilly winds. It works both ways superbly, and you should get this luxurious piece of bedding.