Bed covers come under four names, and shops use them loosely. Here is what each one actually is, so you buy the right thing.
Coverlet
A light, thin cover that lies over the bedsheet. It is smaller than a bedspread and larger than a regular blanket. It gives the bed a tidy, tailored look, and it suits summer because it is light.
Bedspread
A decorative cover that goes over the sheet and covers the whole bed, often down to the floor, pillow area included. It gives a more traditional look. Cotton, wool, chenille and polyester are the common fabrics.
Comforter
A fluffy, quilted cover that works as the top blanket. It is light for its warmth. Because it is thick, many people put a washable duvet cover over it.
Quilt
Quilts bring warmth in cool weather and come in embroidered, patchwork and printed designs, in cotton, velvet, satin or microfibre. Choose by how cold you get:
- AC quilt: light, two to three layers, for air-conditioned rooms.
- Cotton quilt: thin and kind to the skin. Good for AC rooms or mild winters.
- Winter quilt: extra warm, built to trap air.
Which should you buy?
Want the bed to look finished: a bedspread. Want something light for summer: a coverlet. Cold nights: a comforter or winter quilt. Often you want two, one for the season and one for the look.
Keeping bed covers fresh
Check the care label. Most cotton covers can go in the machine in cool water and dry quickly in shade.
Browse our bed spreads and quilts and dohars.
