Best Bedspreads

Bedspreads provide an extra layer of warmth to a bed, and they also add some decorative flair. Typically featuring patterned stitching or textured fabric, bedspreads are often oversized. This allows them to drape well over a bed, creating a finished look. Their lighter weight and thin construction make them an excellent choice for summer and warmer climates.

Bed coverings add comfort and warmth to a bed. A bedspread is one type of covering that’s thinner than a comforter or duvet and typically wider and longer than other types of blankets. Bedspreads are designed to drape over a bed, extending several inches over the sides of a mattress. 

While they’re certainly functional, they’re also meant to be decorative, and many are adorned with intricate stitching or other details. Most bedspreads are lightweight and breathable, making them popular with sleepers who get hot during the night and those who want a thin bedding layer for warmer months.

We’ll cover our favorite picks to help you find the best bedspread for your needs. We’ll also discuss each bedspread’s features and materials as well as what sleeper types they suit.

In-Depth Reviews

What Is a Bedspread?

A bedspread is a long, lightweight layer of fabric that covers your entire bed. While it’s often used solely as a decoration, a bedspread also works well as a breathable alternative to heavier blankets in warmer months or as an extra layer of warmth when it’s cold outside. 

Bedspreads can contain one type of material or a combination of several. Common options include cotton, polyester, and wool. Regardless of the variety of fabric, bedspreads often feature decorative patterns or weaves to serve as a design accent. While bedspreads aren’t as common as they once were, they’re still popular with sleepers who want light but comprehensive coverage for their beds.

Bedspread vs. Blanket

The main difference between a bedspread and a blanket is size. While blanket sizes vary, most don’t reach beyond the sleeping surface of the bed. Bedspreads are traditionally much longer, covering the entire bed and usually draping down to the floor. This makes a bedspread a good choice if you want to maintain a tidy look and protect your bed from dust and dirt. 

Bedspread vs. Quilt vs. Comforter

The most distinguishing feature between bedspreads, quilts, and comforters is thickness. Bedspreads are the thinnest of the three, most often consisting of one layer of fabric in an intricate design. Quilts usually have three layers: an outer layer with a decorative pattern, an internal layer of fill, and a backing layer. Comforters are traditionally the thickest, warmest, and least decorative option, containing an outer shell around a layer of insulation. 

A bedspread’s thinness makes it a flexible bed covering. It is well suited to hotter months since it doesn’t add much warmth. In colder weather, a bedspread can also be paired with blankets for warmth. 

Benefits of Using a Bedspread

There’s no shortage of high-quality bedding on the market, and each product carries distinct benefits and drawbacks. Bedspreads have several potential advantages over other types of bed coverings, like comforters, coverlets, and quilts.

Traditional Accent to Bedroom Decor 

Bedspreads come in a wide variety of decorative patterns, colors, and textures, making them a common statement piece for a bedroom. Because of their traditional look, the right bedspread can add a classic touch to your existing decor.

Can Be Used Year-Round

One of the biggest benefits of a bedspread is its versatility. In hotter months or climates, bedspreads are thin enough to use like a light blanket. When it’s colder, they can provide an additional layer alongside a comforter, duvet, or blanket. This makes them a good option for year-round use. 

Provides Plenty of Cover

Length is a defining feature of most bedspreads. They typically cover the entire bed, including the pillows and the sides of the mattress. Therefore, they’re especially helpful for those who want an easier way to make their beds. Sleepers who share their bed with a partner may also appreciate that the extra length allows more complete coverage.

What Are Bedspreads Made Of?

Bedspreads come in a wide variety of materials and blends, each with unique characteristics. By knowing the attributes of the most common fabrics used in bedspreads, you can find an option that fits your needs and goals.

Cotton

Cotton is a breathable, natural material. This makes cotton bedspreads ideal for hot sleepers and anyone else looking to add a layer of bedding without significantly increasing the warmth. That said, sleepers who want extra insulation may find a cotton bedspread too breathable.

Wool

Wool bedspreads offer year-round temperature regulation. In winter, their insulating properties can keep sleepers warm. In summer, their exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking help sleepers stay cool and dry. However, wool bedspreads often have a higher price-point, so they may not be ideal for shoppers on a budget. They can also be heavier, which might not appeal to sleepers seeking an exclusively decorative element.

Chenille

Shoppers looking for a bedspread with a distinct texture might consider chenille. Chenille is a tufted fabric with a fuzzy feel. It can be made of many different fibers. Chenille bedspreads are usually thicker and warmer than average, making them popular for winter use. Since the fabric is prone to stretching or showing other signs of wear, maintenance can be challenging. 

Polyester

Polyester bedspreads often retain heat while wicking moisture, which may be beneficial for sleepers looking for cozy bedding. Since the material is usually affordable, polyester bedspreads also frequently appeal to shoppers on a budget. Many bedspreads use a polyester blend to combine some of the benefits of multiple materials while cutting costs.

Velvet

Velvet bedspreads are soft and warm, making them ideal for cold nights. With its distinctively shiny appearance, velvet is a strong design accent for those aiming for a luxurious aesthetic. However, velvet tends to attract dust and pet hair, so sleepers with allergies may want to choose a bedspread made of other materials.

How to Choose a Bedspread

The ideal bedspread depends on your needs and preferences. Certain elements differentiate bedspreads from each other and from other types of bedding. Understanding these aspects makes it easier to determine what’s best for you. 

Quality Materials

High-quality materials often perform better than lower-quality alternatives. While bedspreads made from these fabrics tend to be more expensive, they’re also typically more durable, meaning you may end up saving money on replacements. No single bedspread material stands out as the highest quality, and variations occur even within the same type of material. Researching the material and manufacturer can help you assess the overall quality. 

Design

Bedspreads are available in a wide array of textures, patterns, and colors. When shopping for a bedspread, consider the look of your existing bedroom decor. Finding a bedspread that matches or enhances your current aesthetic can pull together the design of your room.

Size

A typical bedspread covers the entire bed down to the floor, making it the longest bed covering on the market. If you don’t like this look or you prefer something smaller, a coverlet, quilt, or comforter may be a better option. Alternatively, you can opt for a bedspread designed to fit a smaller mattress. 

Feel

The texture or feel of a bedspread can affect the overall comfort, particularly if you plan to use it without a flat sheet. Certain fabrics, like cotton and velvet, tend to be softer. Wool is often scratchier, though high-quality wool bedspreads can also be quite soft. 

Price

The cost of a bedspread varies based on several factors, like material and design. Higher-quality materials with more intricate designs generally cost more upfront. Synthetic fabrics are usually the most affordable, while organic materials typically carry higher price tags. That said, quality options are available at most price-points.

Weight

Unlike quilts or comforters, bedspreads tend to consist of a single layer of fabric. While weight varies depending on the material, most bedspreads are relatively lightweight. This makes them better suited to hot sleepers than those who need extra warmth.

Durability

A bedspread’s durability varies based on its materials and construction. Higher-quality materials and careful construction often contribute to a longer-lasting bedspread. How you use a bedspread also affects its lifespan. If you use a bedspread as decor, remove it before you go to sleep, and wash it carefully and infrequently, a bedspread could last for over 10 years. However, regular use and laundering increase wear and tear.

Temperature Regulation

Bedspreads are generally more lightweight and cooler than comforters and quilts. However, the material can make a significant difference. Hot sleepers may prefer a bedspread made out of breathable fabric, such as cotton or wool, so that their body heat can dissipate.

Ease of Care

Many bedspreads are machine-washable, but others can only be hand-washed or dry cleaned. Care instructions vary depending on the materials and construction, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations before making a purchase. If you plan to wash your bedspread frequently, a model that’s easy to launder can save you time and energy. If you’re just looking for a decorative element, the ease of care may not be a high priority.