These Are the Best Quilts and Coverlets to Keep You Cozy

What to Look for in a Quilt

Materials

Quilts can be made out of all kinds of materials, from cotton and polyester to linen and plant-based rayon. What to choose depends mostly on preference and sleep style, as well as budget. For instance, a polyester quilt is going to cost a lot less than an organic cotton one, while cotton, linen, and plant-based fibers are better for hot sleepers.

Also important to understand? The three layers that make up a quilt: the top, the fill (also called batting), and the bottom/base layer. The top layer is the one you’ll be looking at the most, so you should find something that balances quality feel with visual appeal. “Consider how things like fabric color, the stitch design, and the edging style play into your space,” says design expert Cara Newhart. Meanwhile, the bottom is what you’ll be feeling the most, so find something that’s equal parts durable and comfortable. As for the fill, it’s usually made up of wool, down, cotton, or polyester, and provides a little bit of fluff and weight. These three layers are then all held together by the decorative stitching.

Weight

Just like any blanket, some quilts are going to weigh more than others. The weight will depend on the fabric and stitching—the tighter the stitching, the heavier the quilt tends to be. In general, however, quilts are a lot lighter than your average duvet and comforter. Consider how you'll use your quilt and choose your weight from there.

Use

Quilts can be used in a lot of different ways, from a summer comforter to an extra piece of décor. When shopping for your quilt, you’ll want to nail down what exactly it will be used for before investing.

“If the quilt will be used as part of your primary bedding, I recommend investing in a higher quality piece that is more durable to frequent washes,” Newhart explains.

However, if it’s just going to be an accent piece that’s simply draped over the foot of the bed or hung on a ladder in your den, then you can lean towards a more delicate piece featuring a decorative design. “With accent quilts you can often prioritize aesthetics, choosing a quilt that’s visually appealing for the space since these pieces might not need to be washed as often,” says Newhart.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a quilt and a comforter?

There are a variety of things that differentiate a quilt from a comforter, the first being usage. While a comforter is always used as the top bedding layer, a quilt can be used in the living room as a seasonal blanket or even solely as a decorative piece. “Drape them across the bed, a quilt rack, or a couch to add color, texture, and visual warmth,” Newhart says.

Experts are quick to point out that the beauty and quality of a quilt are what separates it from a comforter. “I consider a huge difference being the handmade quality of a quilt and the imperfections that make them each unique with size and patterns,” interior designer Kiyonda Powell tells us.

“Quilts have a rich tradition as a piece that is both used and treasured,” Newhart says. “Whether a handmade quilt offering a bespoke feel or even a machine made quilt displayed at the foot of the bed, quilts add both actual and visual warmth to a space.”

But when it comes to using a quilt on your bed, comforters and quilts serve similar purposes in their own unique way. “A quilt is thinner and has less fill than a comforter, so it's less fluffy,” design expert Amanda Lauren explains. “It gives you a different feel than a comforter does because it has a true texture.”

How do you wash a quilt?

“Quilts are made to be used, but washing can be one of the biggest causes of damage or wear and tear,” Newhart says. When it comes to washing your quilt, she recommends doing it as infrequently as possible to minimize damage. “Most modern quilts are machine washable, but for handmade or family heirloom quilts, you might want to opt for spot cleaning or dry cleaning.”

As Newhart says, a lot of modern quilts on the market today are okay to machine wash with cold water on a gentle cycle and low-tumble dry. But before you do, just make sure to read the instructions carefully.

How should you layer a quilt on a bed?

“Quilts are perfect for layering and giving your bedding that little something extra by adding some dimension and even a color or pattern,” Newhart says. “It’s one of those pieces that almost perfectly balances beauty and functionality, which is the secret to a well-designed space.”

If your nights are especially cold, the quilt can be a part of your bedding set on top of or underneath a comforter or duvet. For a stylish touch, Lauren recommends leaving a little bit of the quilt sticking out to give off casually cool vibes.

You can also treat the quilt like an extra blanket, folding it horizontally at the end of your bed so it’s all set to pull over when you get a little chilly.

If the weather is warmer, though, you may want to use the quilt solely as the top of your bedding, layered over your sheets. “Style a quilt like a comforter but elevate the look by folding your top sheet over the edge of your quilt,” Lauren says. “Sheets and shams with scalloped or eyelet edges coordinate particularly well with quilts in general. Then add decorative pillows.”

Why Trust MyDomaine?

This article was written by Emily Rekstis, a writer and editor. She researched a variety of quilts from classic best-sellers to up-and-coming cult favorites, considering weight, style, and materials. Not only did she speak to multiple experts to get their professional opinions, but she also scoured through hundreds of customer reviews to ensure that every product is made with quality materials and comes highly recommended.