Quilts and coverlets are two items of bedding that are often used for layering and adding a bit of luxury. Both are good options for adding design and layering to your bedding, as well as for extra comfort. 

Because neither is filled with down or other alternatives, they are lightweight and ideal for use during the summer and shoulder seasons.

They are often used together and may look similar, but they are very different in many aspects. Quilts and coverlets have different functions and even vary in size. 

If you are unsure about the main points of difference between a quilt vs coverlet, you may wonder which is better: a coverlet or a quilt? Keep reading to find out. 

Often considered a bedspread, a coverlet is the topmost layer of the bedding. However, it is not as long as a bedspread and is lighter than comforters and duvets. 

It is a mid-size blanket. Mid-size means it does not reach the floor but is still large enough to cover the entire bed. So, a bed’s feet will be visible even after the bed is covered with a coverlet. For this reason, many people pair it with a dust ruffle or a bed skirt to hide the bed frame. 

A coverlet is best for bedrooms with casual settings and does not have to necessarily be a bed topper. In summer, you can use it as a light blanket, while in winter, you may use it as an extra layer beneath the duvet or comforter. 

While it is mostly used as a bedspread, you can also keep a coverlet folded at the foot of the bed. It is a versatile piece of bedding that comes in varied sizes and is great for layering. However, you can also use it as the only bedding option without any other layering if you want a simple bed aesthetic. 

You can redecorate with a coverlet, as it comes in various trendy designs and patterns. They are a great way to add pattern and color to a bedroom and also make switching styles quite easy. 

Modern coverlets can also be quilted

However, they are still different from a quilt because they are only made of a single layer and do not have any batting inside. Being lightweight, a coverlet is easy to care for and maintain. 

A quilt conjures images of homemade bed coverings, an heirloom passed down through generations. It evokes feelings of warmth, love, tradition, and happiness. It is an art form and represents true craftsmanship. 

It is a traditional bed covering dating back hundreds of years. The modern quilts are quite different from the traditional ones but still have a layered design. They are made of thick, durable material and are a classic bed covering. 

A quilt is made of three layers:

Decorative layer: It is the upper part of the bedding and is beautifully designed and patterned. It is decorative and can come in a variety of designs, like simple, understated ones and classic traditional looks. It can have decorative stitching, embroidery, or embellishment and be either of the two types:

whole cloth or patchwork

When it is made of a single complete length of fabric, it is a whole cloth quilt, but when it is made from multiple small fabric cuttings to create a pattern, it is a patchwork quilt. This layer is essentially for decoration and does not contribute to providing warmth.

Batting layer: The layer just below the outer decorative layer is the batting layer. It is padded and can be made from a variety of new and old fabrics and batting, like worn-out quilts, old blankets, synthetic fiber, or cotton. It is the layer that adds weight, thickness, and warmth.

Backing layer: The last solid bottom piece of a quilt is the backing layer. It is typically plain with no design or decoration. However, modern quilts also come with a decorative backing layer that makes the quilt reversible. 

Since the quilt is thick and layered, if you have been wondering which is heavier, a quilt or coverlet,

“the quilt” is your answer. 

Wondering what’s the difference between a quilt and a coverlet? How do you know which bedding is right for you? Is a coverlet the same as a quilt? Here are some key differences that you can compare to help you choose the right bedding.

What is a coverlet vs quilt?

Function: The biggest difference between a quilt and a coverlet is in terms of their functionality. While a coverlet is more for beauty and style, a quilt serves to provide warmth. Also, some modern quilts are specially designed to be used as table runners or wall hangings, but coverlets are strictly used as bedding. While you can also fold a quilt at the foot of the bed for decoration, it may be a tad too thick.

Design: Yet another major quilt vs coverlet difference is the design. While a coverlet comes in many beautiful styles, colors, and designs, quilts usually have no design unless it is meant for wall hanging.

Material: Coverlets are mostly made of cotton or other lighter material and are a single piece of fabric. Quilts on the other hand are much thicker and made in three layers. This is the biggest difference between quilt vs coverlet. Quilts have a middle bedding layer for warmth, while coverlets are only made of a single layer. The quilted fabric has a loose weave to facilitate easy quilting. 

Size: Size is another point of difference in the coverlet vs. quilt debate. Coverlets are smaller, reaching only halfway down the sides of the bed, while quilts touch the floor.

Care: Yet another difference between a quilt vs coverlet is that coverlets are easy to maintain as they are small and lightweight. Quilts, on the other hand, are thick and large blankets that make caring for them a task. Also, they are often hand-stitched, making them very fragile. As a result, quilts need more delicate care.

Your quilt vs coverlet research must have led you to realize that both are amazing bedding options that will help you bring personality and warmth to the room. If you like extra comfort and layering, after you’re done with sheets and mid-layers, both a coverlet and quilt will help add the finishing touches. 

Keep these points in mind when deciding between a quilt vs coverlet. 

• If you are looking for warmth, quilts are slightly warmer than coverlets.
• If you want something light, coverlets are very light, making them perfect for hot summer nights.
• You can use both of them either as a top layer or a mid layer.

Another important factor in the what is a coverlet vs a quilt discussion is the usage of the two bedding options.

A coverlet is mostly folded underneath a duvet for decorative purposes, as it adds texture. It is a good in-between for sheets and a duvet cover. You can also use it as a light blanket during the hot summer months and as a lightweight blanket for warm sleepers. 

Quilts are a versatile piece of bedding that can serve as:

• Throw blankets
• Bed coverings
• Framed artwork
• Wall decoration
• Family gifts and heirlooms
• Repurposed fabric for other projects

When I'm too exhausted to put the clean sheets on the bed, I just throw a quilt or coverlet over the mattress and sleep like a baby.

— nuns with guns – 🇺🇦 Slava Ukraini! (@mdfkb) May 27, 2018

There are multiple ways to style a coverlet and quilt. 

A coverlet helps add a stylish and clean look. You can use them to customize your bedroom decor or as a throw blanket across your chairs or couches. Here are some ways to style a coverlet:

• Fold it like a bed scarf and place it at the foot of the bed. 
• Spread it over the top sheet.
• Tuck it under the mattress for a modern look.
• Add a comforter/duvet over the coverlet.
• Lay it over a duvet-made bed.

A quilt helps create layers and gives a fresh look. Here are some styles that will help you freshen the look of your room.

• Layer it at the end of your bed.
• Spread it over your top sheet with the edges hanging on the side.
• Spread it over the bed, do not leave the edges free but tucked under the mattress.

Both quilts and coverlets are made from cotton and cotton blends. The only difference is that the coverlet is of a single layer, while the quilt is made up of multiple layers.

A quilt is made of three layers, a decorative layer, batting layer, and backing layer, while a coverlet is just a single fabric, and thus a quilt is heavier than a coverlet.

A coverlet can be used as a thin blanket during the summer and shoulder seasons. It can replace a quilt for hot sleepers as it is more comfortable.

No. A bedspread covers the bed entirely, including the pillows, and reaches down to the floor. On the other hand, a coverlet is smaller, reaching just past the box springs.

As a quilt is multilayered, it is warmer than a single-layer quilt.