Coverlets and Quilts are commonly used terms when referring to the materials used in covering beds, which include duvets and bedspreads among others. People use the terms coverlet and quilt interchangeably not in the knowledge that they are referring to two different objects, which play different roles and are used for different purposes in our homes.

This article is geared towards elaborating the differences between the two terms for clear understanding.

What is a Coverlet?

Coverlet is a term used to refer to a type of bedspread that is lightweight that is highly woven. Coverlets are highly decorated with the purpose of placing them over other bedspreads to provide a decorative and attractive appearance to the bedroom. Coverlets can as well be used in sofas where the create an attractive living room.

What is a Quilt?

A quilt is a type of bedspread that is made up of three layers and used to provide warmth in our beds. The object has several layers of fiber and a woven cloth on top. It is important to highlight that quilts are preferred in cold regions because they provide enough warmth.

Difference Between Coverlet and Quilt

1) Purpose/Function of Coverlet and Quilt

One of the main differences between coverlets and quilts occurs on their purposes or the functions that each provides. Coverlets are thin with decoration on the top part of them. They are therefore used I covering the mattress and thus providing warmth. Coverlets can also be used in covering sofas. On the other hand, quilts are thick and with several layers are used to make them, which makes them useful in the provision of warmth. This explains why people in cold regions prefer to purchase quilts rather than buying any other type of bedcovers.

2) Size of Coverlet vs. Quilt

The size of coverlets and quilt significantly differ from one another because each bedspread has been made to suit its functions. Coverlets have to cover the entire size of the mattress and hand down.  This means that they are significantly larger. However, quilts are larger than coverlets because they have to cover the entire size of the bed, hand down, and still cover at least two people sleeping in a certain bed. Additionally, it is important to highlight that the two bedspreads are likely to be available in different sizes some of which are used to cover small beds used by young children.

3) Materials of Coverlet vs. Quilt

Like their sizes, coverlets and quilts are made of materials, which are made to meet the function of each object. Coverlets are usually made from light chenille fabrics and can sometimes be made from suede-like cotton, which is not heavy. For quilts, heavy cotton materials and silk materials are used to form some of the layers. These materials are used to ensure that the object is heavy enough to provide warmth to any person using them. Their primary purpose is to provide warmth, which explains why they have several layers of wool and thick cotton materials. Other materials like old clothes can be used to make quilts so that they can fit their purpose of providing warmth to the user

4) Thickness of Coverlet vs. Quilt

The thickness of coverlets and quilts matches on how each material will be used. Coverlets are used for decoration, which means that they are not supposed to be thick and heavy. It is important to highlight that coverlets are technically used for bed covering, and they are therefore lighter and thinner with a single layer of materials used in making them. In addition, quilts are used with the sole purpose of providing warmth to the users. They are therefore required to be thicker and heavy so that they can conserve enough warmth and protect and individual from cold at night and during the cold seasons. This explains why quilts have several numbers of fabric layers and filling. Moreover, quilts have more heft and less flexibility than a coverlet.

5) Design of Coverlet and Quilt

The primary purpose of the coverlet is a decoration of the bed and the sofas. They are therefore made with an eye to design with the purpose of ensuring that they are attractive to the individuals using the bed and those using the sofa. Moreover, coverlets are used in hanging against the wall for decoration purposes, which means that they must be well designed with different colors. This is not the same for quilts which are specifically made to provide warmth. Although quilts are made with different colors and shapes, they usually do not have a distinctive design.

6) Number of Layers in Coverlet and Quilt

Due to the difference in purpose and function of the two bedspreads, coverlets and quilts have a different number of layers. A coverlet is used for decoration purposes, and it is made to be light, which makes it not to accommodate many layers. Therefore, coverlets have only one layer. Quilts are made to provide warmth, and they are supposed to be thick and heavy. This makes them have several numbers of fabric layers with the standard number of layers being three.

Differences Between Coverlets and Quilts: Chart

Summary of Coverlet and Quilt

• Coverlets and Quilts are becoming essential bedspreads in our bedrooms today, which explain why one should understand the difference between the two.
• Understanding the differences between coverlets, quilts, duvets, and bedcovers is an important aspect because it helps an individual to select a bedspread that suits his or her purpose.
• Every bedspread is tailor-made for a specific purpose, and only few can work on behalf of the other one emphasizing the need to understand the differences.

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