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Best Quilts
- A quilt is a type of bed cover typically made from sheets of fabric with a thin layer of batting in between. The best quilts are woven with durability and comfort in mind. Material, softness, breathability, and price are important considerations to make when choosing a quilt. Many companies offer several color options for sleepers to select a quilt that matches their decor and unique style preferences.
A quilt can be a fitting addition to your bed if you need more than just a top sheet but don’t prefer the heaviness that duvets, comforters, or weighted blankets can add. Many of the best quilts are lightweight and made from flexible materials, like cotton or linen, allowing them to drape nicely over the bed. Because they’re thinner than duvets and comforters, you can also layer them over other blankets to regulate your temperature on chilly nights.
To help you find the right quilt for you, we selected the best quilts for different preferences, whether you need an all-season quilt or want a high-quality layer to splurge on. Our picks are based on our evaluation of a variety of qualities including materials, durability, feel, and price.
The Best Quilts
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Best Overall
Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt
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Best Value
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Quilt
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Best All-Season
Brooklinen Linen Quilt
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Best Luxury
Snowe Quilt
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Best Lightweight
The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt
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Warmest
Parachute Organic Cotton Puff Comforter
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt
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With its textured design and muted color options, the Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt is a versatile and classy bedroom addition. We recommend it for sleepers who enjoy the comfort of lightweight, airy bedding.
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Pros
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Cotton cover and batting promotes breathability
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Lighter weight is ideal for layering with heavier blankets in cold months
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Channeled design adds a stylish touch to bedroom
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Cons
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Textured shell may not appeal to those who prefer smooth bed coverings
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Expensive pricing compared to the average quilt
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Price
$295
Material
GOTS-certified organic cotton
Sizes
74″ x 90″ 96″ x 96″ 106″ x 96″
The Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt is made from breathable cotton filled with cotton batting. The lightweight design is ideal for hot sleepers or people who don’t like to feel weighed down when sleeping. That said, it’s easy to take the quilt from warmer months to colder seasons easily by pairing with a throw or heavier quilt. The minimalist design plays well with layered textures, patterns, and colors.
Known for its softness and breathability, cotton is an airy fabric ideal for quilts. The sateen weave has a silky feel and the channeled pattern adds a subtle stylish touch. The cotton in the cover has GOTS certification to guarantee eco-friendly sourcing. The quilt comes in three neutral color options — white, ivory, and grey — so you can seamlessly match it to your bedroom decor. Saatva recommends spot cleaning the quilt, but if necessary you can machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle and machine dry on low.
Saatva offers a 45-day sleep trial, so you can try the quilt and decide if it’s right for you. The quilt is further backed by a one-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Value
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Quilt
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For a 100% organic cotton quilt, the Quince quilt is a high-quality, affordable option. We recommend this quilt for sleepers who are interested in organic cotton bedding but usually skip it because of its higher price-point.
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Pros
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Organic cotton at an affordable price
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Cotton voile is soft to the touch
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Fits well in standard washers and dryers
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Cons
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Color limited to one option
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Lightweight design may not feel warm enough during colder times of the year
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Price
$110
Material
100% organic cotton voile
Sizes
70″ x 92″ 90″ x 92″ 108″ x 92″
It’s common for 100% organic cotton quilts and other bedding pieces to cost more than regular cotton ones. Because of Quince’s direct-to-consumer model, the 100% Organic Cotton Quilt is brought straight from the manufacturer to you, allowing it to be priced much lower than similar quilts on the market. So, you can experience the softness of an organic cotton quilt at a budget-friendly price.
The quilt has a simple, classic design and is available in white, making it fit right into almost any bedroom decor. One caveat is that white is the only color option, and white bedding doesn’t always mix well with pets or kids who share the bed. It launders well and can be washed in cool water and dried on low or hung to dry.
Made from soft, airy organic cotton voile with organic cotton fill, this quilt is breathable enough for people who tend to sleep hot. You can also use it as an extra layer during cold, wintery months without adding uncomfortable bulk to your bed.
Get a full 365 days to try the 100% Organic Cotton Quilt on your bed with Quince’s generous free return policy.
Made from 100% linen that’s been stonewashed, Brooklinen’s Linen Quilt is one of the softest to feel against your skin. This quilt is a good match for sleepers who want to top their beds with a cozy layer that isn’t overly warm.
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Pros
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Stonewashed for added softness
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Simple diamond stitching creates a subtle, classic design
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365-night trial and return period
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Cons
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Linen may feel too coarse for people who prefer silky-smooth bedding
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Above-average pricing and limited size selection
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Price
$279
Material
100% linen
Sizes
92″ x 96″ 112″ x 96″
There is no better feeling than curling up in bed after a long day. Wrapping up in a super soft quilt like the Brooklinen Linen Quilt could make these moments even more worthwhile. The quilt is made from 100% linen that’s been pre-washed and stonewashed, a finishing process that uses abrasives to enhance softness. The fill is 100% polyester for a lightweight feel suitable for warm months. It’s also thin enough to use on top of another blanket on chilly nights without adding weight or bulk.
Stonewashed linen has a natural, slightly rumpled look with a nice drape, and this quilt comes in three neutral color options with diamond-pattern stitching. The smaller size fits full and queen mattresses, while the larger size suits king and California king mattresses.
Although this quilt is machine-washable, linen can be relatively delicate compared to other fabrics. Brooklinen suggests washing it using a gentle cycle and drying it on low to prevent snagging.
Brooklinen’s generous return policy gives you a full 365 nights to try the quilt and gauge whether it’s right for you. The company’s guarantee also backs the quilt against quality defects.
Best Luxury
Snowe Quilt
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The luxurious Snowe Quilt pairs lush down alternative fibers with a lightly textured cotton shell. Offering a nice balance of breathability and coziness, the quilt is comfortable for year-round use.
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Pros
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Down alternative clusters ensure a plush, cozy feel
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All-season design sleeps comfortably throughout the year
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Shell composed of premium natural cotton
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Cons
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Much more expensive than average
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All returns incur a processing fee
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Price
$345
Material
100% cotton
Sizes
92″ x 90″ 106″ x 92″
If your shopping budget allows for high-end sleep products, the Snowe Quilt is a splurge-worthy purchase that will keep you comfortable all year long. Down alternative fill nicely mimics the plushness and loftiness of real down without triggering allergy symptoms, retaining too much heat, or using animal-based materials. While the fill is luxuriously cozy, the breathable cotton shell helps ensure a reasonable sleep temperature during warmer times of the year.
Light texturing gives the surface an invitingly gentle feel. You can choose between white, off-white, and grey colorways for the cover. The quilt is also available in full/queen and king sizes. Snowe advises against dry cleaning or machine drying the quilt. Instead, wash in cold water with neutral soap, then hang it to dry and avoid wringing it out.
While the sticker price is somewhat high compared to the competition, Snowe offers free ground shipping for all U.S. orders. You may test out the quilt for up to two weeks. If you aren’t satisfied during this time frame, you may return it for a full refund minus a $10 processing fee.
Best Lightweight
The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt
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The Company Store Cotton Voile Quilt is lighter and more breathable than the average quilt, making it more comparable to a summer blanket and ideal for warm or humid conditions. The textural, handmade design is available in a wide range of colors to accent your bedroom’s decor.
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Pros
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Textured cotton voile is soft and breathable
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Lightweight design is ideal for hot and humid conditions
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Extensive color selection includes more than 20 different options
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Cons
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May not provide enough insulation on chilly nights
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Not ideal for people who prefer smooth, non-textured bedding
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Price
$189
Material
100% cotton voile
Sizes
66″ x 86″ 90″ x 92″ 104″ x 92″
When most people think of the term “quilt,” hefty bed coverings come to mind, but a lightweight quilt can be a practical investment if you’re a hot sleeper or your local climate is prone to excessively warm or humid conditions. The Company Store’s Cotton Voile Quilt boasts a breathable design with a textured outer shell and plush batting fill. A thin profile ensures minimal heat retention, but the quilt is still cozy enough to provide a bit of insulation to help you sleep comfortably.
Color selection is one of the quilt’s major selling points. A total of 21 palettes are available ranging from classic neutrals, earth tones, and more vivid tones such as flame, aqua, coral, and buttercream. You can also choose from four sizes that cover all standard mattress dimensions. The quilt is fully machine-washable, allowing you to launder it in your household appliances. Simply wash in cold water with like colors on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. Non-chlorine bleach is recommended.
The Cotton Voile Quilt is competitively priced and The Company Store offers free ground shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. You may try out the quilt at home and return it within 30 nights if you aren’t satisfied. Those who do so receive a full refund minus a small processing fee.
Warmest
Parachute Organic Cotton Puff Comforter
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The Parachute Organic Cotton Puff Comforter is a luxuriously soft and cozy option for people who need extra warmth while they sleep. Pintuck stitches add eye-catching flourish to this winter-weather staple.
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Pros
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Baffles accented with pintuck stitch detailing
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Exceptionally cozy design is ideal for chilly weather
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Available in five colors and two sizes
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Cons
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High-capacity washer needed for home cleaning
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Expensive pricing is a barrier for shoppers with limited budgets
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Price
$289
Material
100% organic cotton
Sizes
96″ x 96″ 114″ x 96″
The Parachute Organic Cotton Puff Comforter checks all the important boxes if you’re in the market for a cozy quilt, and adds a few extra perks for good measure. Down alternative fill encased in a smooth organic cotton shell creates a luxurious plush and lofty feel ideal for snuggling in bed or curling up on the sofa. Since vegan fill is used, you don’t need to worry about the comforter triggering down allergy symptoms or using animal-based materials.
One detail our team loves is the pintuck stitching used to join the baffles for a stylishly pleated look. This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional — binding the baffles in this fashion helps ensure even distribution and less clumping. You can also choose from five soothing colors, as well as full/queen and king/California king sizes. You’ll need a large-capacity washing machine to launder the comforter, so investing in a cover may be the cheapest and most convenient way to keep it clean.
Parachute offers free standard shipping for U.S. customers, as well as expedited delivery for a reasonable flat rate. A 60-night trial is included with all orders. If you aren’t satisfied with the Organic Cotton Puff Comforter, you can mail it back to Parachute in the mail or return it at your nearest Happy Returns Bar.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team includes product testers, researchers, and experts with years of experience in the sleep industry. To select and compare quilts, our team follows a strict reviewing methodology that considers quality, comfort, price, and other important factors. And, as users of the products we write about, we use our firsthand experiences to guide us to the top picks in each category.
What Is a Quilt?
A quilt is a bed covering composed of multiple layers, including a fabric top, batting for insulation, and fabric backing. The top and backing layers usually contain cotton, while the fill may consist of cotton, wool, down, or synthetic fibers.
Quilts are known as much for aesthetics as performance, with some displayed as artwork in homes and museums. The top layer is usually the decorative component, and the design possibilities for quilts are nearly endless.
Quilt vs. Blanket
While both blankets and quilts are designed to keep sleepers warm, they differ in construction. A blanket traditionally consists of one layer of woven or knit fabric, while a quilt typically contains at least three layers. The difference in construction means quilts are generally heavier and warmer than blankets, though the materials can alter these characteristics. People who like a heavier cover or want more design possibilities often prefer quilts. Blankets may appeal to those who want a simpler, lighter covering.
Quilt vs. Comforter vs. Duvet
Comforters and duvets are both constructed with a thick, fabric shell filled with an insulating material, such as down, down alternative, cotton, or wool. There are subtle differences between duvets and comforters, but the main distinction is that duvets are designed to be used with a thin, washable cover, while comforters function as-is.
In general, quilts are lighter, thinner, and more breathable than comforters or duvets, with less insulating fill. This makes quilts well suited for warmer climates or layering with blankets in cold weather.
Benefits of Using a Quilt
Quilts have a rich history dating back to at least the Middle Ages, and the demand for them continues today thanks to their versatility, efficiency, and artistic value. We’ll break down the practical and aesthetic benefits of quilts that have ensured their continued popularity.
Good For All Seasons
Many sleepers use their quilts year round. The breathable construction and minimal fill make quilts suitable for warmer seasons, like spring and summer. Their insulating properties also make them a popular choice as a top layer during cold winters.
Comes in Many Styles
The method of constructing quilts allows for nearly limitless design possibilities. Popular options include patchwork quilts, appliqué quilts, and embroidered quilts. Each uses a different technique to create a distinct pattern, so there’s a quilt for nearly any design aesthetic.
Cost Effective
While quilts vary widely in price based on their materials, construction, and design, they’re often less expensive than comforters and duvets because they use less fill. Therefore, they can be a budget-friendly way to stay warm.
Saves Space
Compared to duvets and comforters, quilts are compact. This characteristic can be useful for those who live in climates where a simple sheet or light blanket suffices during the summer. While folded duvets and comforters are bulky and require significant storage space, folded quilts are much more compact for easy storage.
Types of Quilts
The type of material affects a quilt’s quality, breathability, and insulation. While each of the three layers may contain any common bedding material, the majority fall into four categories.
Cotton
This natural, lightweight material is often used for the outer layers of quilts to enhance the breathability and softness. When used as a fill, cotton makes for a lighter quilt suited to spring and summer. Cotton quilts are ideal for those who sleep hot or who live in warm climates.
Wool
Though quilts that use wool are generally heavier than the alternatives, they insulate well without sacrificing breathability. The natural material helps regulate temperatures, making it a good choice for sleepers who want to use the quilt year-round. While wool is most commonly used for fill, quilts with a wool backing layer take advantage of the material’s moisture-wicking ability, which can be helpful for sleepers prone to sweating.
Down
Down quilts are filled with the fluffy clusters of feathers often found in comforters and pillows. The result is a lightweight, insulating bed cover that keeps sleepers warm in colder temperatures while retaining the compact design of a quilt.
Polyester
These synthetic fibers offer insulation that rivals natural materials, and they usually come at a lower price-point. Polyester is simple to care for, but it’s not biodegradable, making it less sustainable than natural fibers. It’s also more likely to clump or lose its form when used as fill.
How to Choose a Quilt
While the basics of quilt construction are simple, there are many variations to take into account. We’ll explain the top features to look at when purchasing a quilt. To find the ideal quilt for you, consider how each aspect relates to your needs and taste.
Quality Materials
Every material has potential pros and cons, and sleeper preferences determine which material best suits them. That said, high-quality options often last longer. Some manufacturers detail thread count, material sourcing, or other construction information that can help buyers make a more informed decision about the quality of the material.
Design
One reason quilts are popular is that they allow so many pattern and color options. There are countless design options, but patchwork, appliqué, and embroidered quilts are particularly common. Patchwork quilts consist of fabric pieces sewn together. Appliqué quilts feature small fabric pieces sewn onto a larger background to create a pattern. Embroidered quilts have designs stitched onto the fabric.
Feel
Feel refers to the texture and weight of the quilt. If you intend to use the quilt without a top sheet, the material on the backing layer of the quilt determines the feel against your skin. The top fabric may also make a difference if you like to have an arm or leg out at night. For example, cotton is soft and light, which may appeal to sleepers with sensitive skin or those who sleep hot.
The type and amount of fill play a role in the quilt’s weight and warmth. Wool tends to be thicker, heavier, and more insulating, making it a top choice for cool sleepers. Down and polyester fill tend to be light but insulating for warmth without a lot of weight. Cotton batting is traditionally light and breathable, facilitating year-round use.
Price
A quilt’s price depends on its construction and the quality of the materials. Hand-stitched quilts generally cost more than those made by machine. Similarly, natural and organic materials, such as cotton and wool, usually come at a higher price-point than synthetic.
Size
Quilts are available in a variety of sizes to fit nearly any bed. Some people prefer a quilt that corresponds to their mattress size, but many opt for one size larger so that it drapes over the edges. Those looking for a quilt for a sofa or easy chair may consider a throw size.
Weight
The weight of a quilt depends on its fill and the thickness of the fabric. Quilts with feather or wool fill are generally heavier, while cotton, down, or polyester fill makes for a more lightweight covering. The amount of fill also affects the weight of the quilt. The fill’s weight is measured in grams per square meter or GSM.
Durability
The quality of materials and stitching determines how long a quilt lasts. While synthetic materials can last a long time, they are more likely to clump or lose their shape when used as fill. Natural materials, like cotton and wool, are usually more durable.
Temperature Regulation
A quilt’s materials determine its ability to regulate body temperature. In general, cotton and wool control temperature well because they allow air to circulate. Wool also insulates during colder weather for year-round usability. Synthetic fabrics can be designed to regulate temperature almost as well as cotton and wool. On the other hand, while down provides excellent insulation, it can get too warm for many hot sleepers.
Ease of Care
Quilts generally don’t need to be washed as frequently as other bedding since the process subjects them to wear and tear. Cleaning recommendations vary depending on how you use the quilt, whether you have allergies, and its care instructions. Some owners wash their quilts once a year, while others aim for more frequent laundering. The ease of washing depends on the materials. Check the care instructions before purchasing any quilt to make sure that they meet your needs.
To help narrow down which quilt is best for you, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when shopping for a new quilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quilt that balances breathability and insulation is generally best for year-round use.
While you can always add layers in the winter, a quilt that’s too hot is often unusable in summer. Materials that allow airflow, like wool or cotton, can help prevent overheating during warmer months.
As a general rule, the higher the GSM, the warmer the quilt. While summer quilts typically have around 200 GSM, winter quilts usually start around 400 GSM. Sleepers planning to use their quilt throughout the year usually prefer an option at the lower end of the weight range. However, if you live in a cold climate or tend to air condition your bedroom during warmer months, a heavier option may be appropriate.
The primary differences between quilts and comforters are their thickness, warmth, and aesthetics. Quilts tend to be flatter with less fill, so they usually trap less body heat. They are available in a wide variety of patterns, designs, and colors, which makes them popular for decorative purposes. Comforters are traditionally thicker and warmer, and they’re designed to be used in colder weather. While bold colors and prints are available, many comforters are monochromatic.
While coverlets are often called quilts, they are thinner and smaller. Coverlets are a single piece of fabric with no insulating fill, and they usually don’t drape as far as quilts. Because of these traits, coverlets are often used as decorative coverings, while quilts provide warmth as well as style.
Quilts carry varying price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. The price-point for machine-stitched quilts usually starts around $100 and increases based on the weight, materials, and construction. Some high-end quilts reach over $1,000. Hand-stitched or one-of-a-kind quilts by independent quiltmakers generally fall in the mid to high end of this price range.
That said, a quality quilt can last many years with proper care, so it may be worth the splurge. At the same time, affordable used quilts are sometimes available through vintage and second-hand retailers.
Quilt type may refer to the material, design, or even season.
Common material types include cotton, wool, down, and polyester.
Cotton: This natural fiber tends to be light and breathable, making it ideal for summer.
Wool: Thanks to its combination of breathability, insulation, and moisture wicking, wool quilts are popular for year-round use.
Down: Made from the inner feathers of waterfowl, down fill is known for its plushness and insulation.
Polyester: This synthetic fiber is usually affordable and warm.
Quilts are also grouped based on the method of constructing their top layer. While there are countless variations, three types are most common.
Patchwork: This is the most traditional type of quilt. Pieces of fabric are sewn together to create the top layer. There are many variations on this style, ranging from T-shirt quilts, which use exclusively fabric from old T-shirts, to crazy quilts, which patch together fabric scraps of irregular shapes and sizes.
Appliqué: The design consists of pieces of fabric stitched onto a basic top layer of fabric. Since the sewn-on design does not serve as a layer of the quilt, this method often allows for more specific pictorial quilts and more elaborate patterns and shapes.
Embroidered: Like appliqué quilts, this style begins with a blank, one-piece top layer. However, rather than sewing fabric on to create the design, the quilter embroiders it using different colors of threads. The result is an elegant, handmade aesthetic.
Some manufacturers also label quilts according to what season or climate they are best for. For example, winter quilts tend to be heavier and contain an insulating fill for cold weather. Summer quilts are usually lightweight and breathable.
New quilts can usually be machine-washed, but it’s best to do so infrequently. Many owners wash their quilts once or twice a year. We also suggest brushing off, shaking out, or carefully vacuuming the quilt from time to time, especially before and after storing it. The manufacturer should provide detailed care directions, which are helpful to read before making a purchase.
Quality stitching is generally tight, consistent, and evenly spaced. However, hand-stitched quilts may have less consistent stitching. Good stitching can make the difference between a quilt that lasts for many years and one that falls apart quickly.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.