A coverlet is a thin, woven top layer. A quilt is three layers stitched together, and a comforter is a thick, filled layer made to keep you warm on its own.

They all go on top of your sheets. The difference is how much warmth, texture and loft each one brings. Here is how to tell them apart, and how to pick the right one for your bed. Shop bedspreads and coverlets

Coverlet vs comforter vs quilt at a glance

• Coverlet: thin and woven, often with a raised pattern. Light warmth. Lies flat and neat.
• Quilt: a top fabric, a thin middle layer and a backing, stitched through. Medium warmth. Soft and flexible.
• Comforter: two fabric layers with fill sewn inside. The most warmth and the most loft. Puffy and cloud-like.

What is a coverlet?

A coverlet is a woven bed cover. It has no fill, so it drapes close to the bed and shows off texture. Many coverlets are matelassé, a weave that creates a raised, almost sculpted pattern.

The Solitaire Matelassé Bedspread Set is a 100% cotton matelassé coverlet with a raised diamond weave. It comes with two pillow shams (one for Twin). The Tanta Woven Coverlet is a medium-weight cotton blend with a raised circle pattern and a crinkle finish. It also comes in a Throw size for the sofa.

Coverlet vs bedspread

You will see both words used for the same thing, and we use them together too. Our Bedspread & Coverlet Set collection holds both. When you shop, go by the size and the photos on each product page rather than the name.

What is a quilt?

A quilt is made of layers stitched together. The stitching holds everything in place and creates the pattern you see on the surface.

Quilts feel soft and relaxed. They are warmer than a coverlet but lighter than a comforter. The Brandon Reversible Quilt Set is 100% cotton with channel quilting, bright colors on one side and grey on the other. The Corrington Fine Stitch Quilt Set has a finely stitched floral design and piped edges. Both sets include pillow shams. See them all in our quilt sets.

What is a comforter?

A comforter is a filled bed cover. Two layers of fabric hold a soft fill, stitched in a pattern so it stays in place. It is the warmest of the three and the fluffiest to look at.

Our Classic Reversible Down Alternative Comforter has a brushed microfiber shell, down alternative fill and box-stitch quilting that keeps the fill from bunching. It comes in Twin through California King, and it can also go inside a duvet cover as an insert. Browse all comforters and duvet inserts, or see our guide to the best comforter sets.

Coverlet, quilt or comforter by season

Each layer has a season where it shines.

• Summer: a coverlet on its own. It covers the bed and looks finished, without trapping heat. The Tanta coverlet is described as airy in warmer months.
• Spring and fall: a quilt, or a coverlet over a light blanket. Enough warmth for a cool evening, nothing heavy.
• Winter: a comforter, with a coverlet or quilt on top for texture. Fold the top layer down at night, pull it up in the morning, and the bed looks made in seconds.

Keeping one of each lets you change the bed with the weather instead of buying a new set.

Which one should you choose?

• You sleep warm, or you want a crisp, tailored bed: a coverlet.
• You want something in between, soft and easy to fold: a quilt.
• You get cold, or you want a plush, hotel-style look: a comforter.
• You want texture and pattern to show: a matelassé coverlet.
• You want one bed for every season: layer them.

How to layer them for colder nights and guests

November brings cooler nights and, often, guests. Layering lets one bed handle both.

Start with your sheets. Add a comforter, or a duvet, for warmth. Then lay a coverlet or quilt over the top, folded down a third of the way. The flat weave on top makes the bed look finished. The comforter underneath does the warming. On a mild night, guests can fold the comforter back and sleep under the coverlet alone.

Shams from your coverlet or quilt set finish the pillows. For a step-by-step version, read how to layer a duvet and coverlet together.

Ready to dress the bed? Shop coverlets and bedspreads, with free shipping across the US.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a coverlet and a comforter?

A coverlet is a thin woven layer with no fill. A comforter has a soft fill sewn between two fabric layers, so it is much warmer and puffier.

What is the difference between a coverlet and a duvet cover?

A coverlet is used on its own as a top layer. A duvet cover is a fabric case that you slip a comforter or duvet insert into.

Is a quilt warmer than a coverlet?

Usually, yes. A quilt has a thin middle layer stitched inside, while a coverlet is a single woven layer. A comforter is warmer than both.

Can you use a coverlet and a comforter together?

Yes. Put the comforter on first for warmth, then lay the coverlet over it for texture and a finished look.