How do you choose between a quilt and a comforter? Which item of bedding is the right one for you? What type of quilts and comforters are available and how do you know you're choosing the one that will keep you snug and happy at night?
If you need these questions on quilts and comforters answered, and more, then take full advantage of the information that follows. We’ve highlighted the major and more subtle differences between quilts and comforters to help you make the right choice. Do your research and buy right.
Let’s start with quilts
If we begin with the basics, a quilt is a type of bedding that’s designed to be thrown on top of all other bedding items. Quilts have three layers - a top layer, an inner batting, and a bottom layer.
The top layer is usually highly decorative, made from different pieces of fabric that are sewn together. The middle layer is best described as the quilt filling. The bottom layer is usually a single piece of fabric that’s far less “attractive” than the patterned layer on the surface.
Owing to their plush, flat quality, quilts can be much more easily combined with top sheets, special bedding, and other blankets.
What about comforters?
Before launching into the basic qualities of the comforter, it’s important to say that the term duvet and comforter are interchangeable. So, when we refer to a duvet cover or duvet inserts, we’re also referring to products made for comforters.
Unlike a quilt, a comforter is made from just two pieces of identical fabric. These two materials can be sewn together in a grid format, or joined using a sewn-through technique, which is when the stitching goes all the way through both pieces of material and gives the comforter a grid format look and feel.
Fluffy down, or a synthetic alternative, is used to fill each sewn-through square/box, giving the impression of a much fuller bed topper or bed cover. Most comforters tend to trap heat. If you sweat when you sleep, you might want to think twice about a very fluffy comforter.
Quick-glance comparison between quilts and comforters
Before we go into more detail about the differences between quilts and comforters, let’s review the basics…
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Quilts are thinner, comforters are thicker.
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Quilts are made from three layers of material and comforters are made from two.
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The center layer of a quilt is usually a thin layer of inner batting, sometimes wool batting.
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The material used to make a comforter inside is usually a lot fluffier than the filling used inside a quilt.
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Quilts are stitched and quilted, whereas most comforters are made using a baffle box construction (more on this later).
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The middle layer of a quilt is usually made from cotton, wool, or polyester, while the middle layer in a comforter tends to be down or a synthetic alternative.
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Quilts are sometimes more decorative than comforters, because they are made from different pieces of fabric that are stitched together and comforters are made from one solid stretch of material.
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Quilts are better suited to hot sleepers, warm climates, and summer sleeping, whereas comforters promote better sleep in colder weather or during colder nights.
Buying quilts
Despite being made from three layers of material, quilts are lighter than comforters. So, if you happen to be a hot sleeper, then a quilt is probably best for you.
If you love interior design, then you’ll definitely feel more inspired by the variety of quilts available than comforters. You can shop for patchwork quilts and modern quilts, or maybe go for something classic and search for a traditional quilt.
You can choose a quilt for its decorative elements, complex patterns, printed fabric, or general aesthetic appeal. You can also have fun with ornately patterned options or luxury bedding alternatives if your budget gives you the freedom to do so.
Most people who choose quilts over comforters tend to enjoy dressing their bed with lots of fun layers: sheets, blankets, throws, as a few examples. A patchwork quilt can be a particularly fun option to explore when dressing a guest bedroom.
What about something lighter than the quilt?
If you want to sleep cooler, you’ll be happy to know that some quilts are particularly suited to your sleeping needs. The thin quilt, or lightweight quilt, provides an even more comfortable solution for those who tend to sweat during the night.
The coverlet is another alternative to comforters and quilts - a kind of lighter weight quilt - that can add flair and fun to your bedroom. You can find more information on this type of bedding below.
Buying comforters
If you love to feel warm and snug at night, or if you suffer from the effects of cold weather during the winter, then choose a comforter. When it comes down to quilt vs comforter, most quilts tend to be thinner and lighter. Comforters are warmer owing to the extra insulation they carry.
If you enjoy the snug feeling of a thick bedding topper filled mattress, then you’ll love the plump feel of a down filled comforter. It’s a highly sensorial experience slipping into bed at night beneath a weighty and fluffy comforter. Sleeping beneath a comforter is like sleeping beneath a bed of clouds.
Owing to their added weight, material, and filling - usually made from down, a down alternative, or a synthetic substitute - comforters can be used on their own. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need extra blankets when you invest in a comforter, although you might want to continue using a top sheet. If you like the idea of a simpler, non-layered look on your bed, opt for a comforter. You’ll get all the warmth and comfort you need from this single piece of bedding.
Which materials are used in quilts and comforters?
When it comes to materials, there are two areas to consider: the fabric used to make the outer cover and then the material used as stuffing or filling inside. Both comforter covers and quilt covers can be made from cotton blends, percent cotton, or synthetic substitutes. Many quilts are made from differing materials on their top and bottom layers.
Comforters are stuffed with lots of filling. Quilts are not. The material used to fill comforters on the inside is what gives them their added thickness and sets them apart from quilts. Many comforters are stuffed with down feathers or a down alternative.
Both quilts and comforters are also available in a range of colors and patterns. Having said that, if it’s between a quilt and a comforter, there’s no doubt that there’s more fabric variety in the quilt range. Whether looking for something classic, chic, retro, or avant-garde, or something made from premium cotton blends, the options are always greater in the quilt department.
What about quilted coverlets?
Quilts and comforters aren’t the only options available when it comes to bed covers. The coverlet is another option that can be particularly fun to use in guest rooms and kids rooms. The differences between a quilt vs coverlet can be broken down into three main categories: thickness, care, and function.
Coverlet Thickness
All coverlets are made from just one single layer of fabric. Unlike a quilt, there’s no middle layer in a coverlet. This is why coverlets are thinner than quilts.
Coverlet Care
Coverlets are smaller and lighter than quilts, which makes them easier to machine wash; an important factor for anyone with a large household to keep under control. Quilts, on the other hand, tend to last longer when hand washed, which obviously requires a lot more work.
Coverlet Function
Coverlets don’t keep you as warm as a quilt and certainly far less warmer than a comforter. The main function of the coverlet is a decorative one. Coverlets come in a variety of truly trendy designs.In general, there’s more choice when it comes to coverlets, which makes the dressing of your bedroom a fun and artistic endeavor.
Quilted coverlets from Mellanni
There are two quilted coverlet products that we’d like to highlight. The first is the Velvet Pinsonic Bedspread Coverlet.
Why choose the Velvet Pinsonic Bedspread Coverlet?
This coverlet is crafted using a fabric stitched, pinsonic quilting method. It’s a technique that offers a smooth touch and long-lasting durability. If you love to feel soft and snug at night, this coverlet is a great option.
Size and design
Another attractive attribute of this particular coverlet is its size. Our oversized velvet coverlet hides both bed frames and box springs, which means there’s no need to invest in a bedskirt. It’s available in blush pink or teal and comes in three sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, and King/California King.
It’s an all-season bed cover, with a glamorous, velvet top and a double-brushed microfiber bottom. It’s fade, stain, and shrink resistant, which means it won’t unravel over time.
The second coverlet we’d like to highlight is the Microfiber Bedspread Coverlet.
Why choose the Microfiber Bedspread Coverlet?
Just like our Velvet Pinsonic Bedspread Coverlet, this microfiber option is a quilted coverlet and perfect for anyone looking to add a casual and comfortable renovation to their bedroom. It can be used as an additional top layer to your bed covers or a stand alone piece in the summer.
Materiality
It’s available in a wide range of colors and the following three sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, and King. It’s an exceptionally comfortable bed cover, made to last, and it’s ideal for family homes, because it’s fade, wrinkle, and stain-resistant. Just like the velvet pinsonic coverlet mentioned above, this microfiber, pinsonic quilted coverlet is made using sewing machines that employ a fabric sewn through technique that won’t unravel for years.
This coverlet is also made from hypoallergenic material, minimizing the spreading of unwanted allergens, moisture, and dust mites.
Bedroom extras related to quilts and comforters
When designing a guest room, or even your own bedroom, you might want to invest in a quilt stand. These wonderful accessories provide the perfect place to hang a quilt, coverlet, or any other type of removable cover, giving the people sleeping in the room the option to add an extra layer to the bed before snuggling down for the night.
Why do we love accessories?
Quilts bring an added layer of style and warmth to all bedrooms. Having the option to grab an extra layer when the temperature drops is never a bad idea.
Similar to a towel rack that you might find in a bath store, the quilt stand is an accessory that’s fixed to the wall and keeps your quilt beautifully preserved, pressed, and ready for use.
Quilt vs comforter: final thoughts
In summary, the right decision about your bedding and duvet covers - about quilt vs comforter - comes down to sleeping preferences and style.
If you want fewer layers on your bed, you’ll want to opt for a comforter and you can inject new life into your bedroom by investing in a new duvet cover from time to time.
If you like the idea of bedding with differing top and bottom layers, then quilts are the way forward, whereas the ideal bedding with two layers is the comforter.
If you want something even lighter than a quilt - something that offers plenty of options when it comes to style and design - then the coverlet is ideal. Coverlets are also great for people who love to sleep in a bed with multiple layers.
A quick review
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The Velvet Pinsonic Bedspread Coverlet is a smooth, long-lasting, and quilted coverlet. It’s a glamorous top layer for your bed, made from velvet and double-brushed microfiber, which is why it’s a particularly attractive choice for people who love luxurious bedding.
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The Microfiber Bedspread Coverlet, available in a range of solid color and patterned designs, is the perfect top layer product to buy when you want to implement a casual, quick, and comfortable renovation to your bedroom.
So, where are you on the quilt vs comforter thermometer? Have you found greater clarity on the best bedding type for you? If you need more guidance on making a decision between quilt vs comforter, just reach out and our team will be more than happy to help.
