What Is a Coverlet?

Easy-Breezy Bedding

Updated August 29, 2024

Table of Contents

Coverlets: Explained
Coverlets vs. Other Bedding: What’s the Difference?
Is a Coverlet Right For Your Bed?
How to Wash a Coverlet

A coverlet is a thin, lightweight bed cover that offers visual appeal without being overly hot or heavy. Many people prize coverlets for their versatility, as there are several ways to use and style them. They also come in an array of materials, textures, and patterns, so if you want a coverlet, you should be able to find one that suits your taste.

Coverlets: Explained

Coverlets typically are made from a single layer of fabric, though they sometimes have two layers. Traditionally, coverlets were made using a French weaving technique called matelassé, which creates patterns and textures that mimic quilting but produce lighter, airier bedding. Coverlets are usually smaller than bedspreads but larger than throw blankets.

Depending on the season and your needs as a sleeper, there are a few ways to work a coverlet into your bedding. In warmer months, or if you sleep hot, you can use a coverlet instead of a quilt or comforter. In cooler months, or if you sleep cold, you can layer your coverlet between your top sheet and heavier bedding. You can also fold and drape it across the foot of your bed like a throw blanket for warmth and style.

Types of Coverlets

Generally, coverlets are made from natural fibers known for their cooling properties. Cotton, the most common coverlet material, is soft, durable, and breathable. Cotton coverlets come in a variety of styles, from classic waffle weaves to intricately stitched sateen fabric.

Another common coverlet fabric is linen, which has a loose weave that promotes airflow. Made from the fibers of the flax plant, linen wrinkles easily and has a distinct texture that has a rustic look. While linen can feel rough against skin at first, it softens with every wash.

Coverlets vs. Other Bedding: What’s the Difference?

With so many bedding options available, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. Knowing how to distinguish coverlets from other common bed covers can help you decide which bedding will meet your needs.

	What It Is	Pros	Cons
Coverlets	A thin, lightweight bed cover that can be used alone or combined with other bedding	Can be used as primary bedding, an extra layer of insulation, or a foot-of-bed throw Helps keep hot sleepers cool Can be used to enhance a bed or a room’s appearance	May be too narrow to completely cover the sides of the bed May not be warm enough for cold sleepers or as primary bedding in the winter
Quilts	A three-layer bed cover, made by stitching a thin layer of batting between two layers of fabric	Offers warmth and coziness without significant thickness or heaviness Completely covers the sides of the bed Often available in reversible designs	May require a large washing machine to clean May have special care instructions if handmade May be too much bedding for hot sleepers or in warm climates
Duvets	Primary bedding consisting of an insert, often filled with real or synthetic down, enclosed by a cover	Offers luxurious warmth Facilitates easy cleaning, as cover can be removed and washed Can quickly change the look of a bed with its easily swappable cover	May be challenging to put insert inside cover, especially for large duvets Often comes at a higher price point than other bed covers May be too hot for some sleepers or during warmer months
Comforters	A thick bed cover, made from two layers of fabric stuffed with a fluffy material, such as synthetic batting, cotton, down, or wool	Simplifies bed making Sometimes available as part of a coordinated bedding set Provides plenty of warmth to cold sleepers, even in winter months	May require a large capacity washing machine or dry cleaning May be overly warm outside of the coolest months of the year Can lose loft over time

Is a Coverlet Right For Your Bed?

Anyone can enjoy a coverlet for both its appearance and function at any time, but this type of bed cover makes especially good summer bedding. And for people who sleep hot or live in tropical climates, coverlets can be a great bedding choice throughout the year. Additionally, coverlets are an inexpensive way to add aesthetic appeal or to change the look of a bedroom.

While coverlets are very versatile, they do not offer much warmth when used as primary bedding. Consider pairing your coverlet with a duvet or quilt if you’re a cold sleeper or need additional warmth when it’s cold outside.

How to Wash a Coverlet

How you use your coverlet will determine how often you need to wash it. If you are using it as your primary bed cover, you should clean it every one to four weeks, as you would a duvet cover. If you are using it as a blanket between layers of bedding or at the foot of your bed, wash it once or twice each month.

Before laundering your coverlet, read the tag for instructions. Many coverlets can be machine-washed like a blanket. Using the gentle cycle and cold water may help extend the life of your coverlet and preserve its colors.

Some coverlets can be machine-dried on low heat, while others should be line dried to avoid shrinking or pilling.

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Written By

Logan Foley, Editorial Director

Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.

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