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What is a coverlet: definition, tips and examples

What is a coverlet: definition, tips and examples

One of the most important rooms in any home is the bedroom and design and function must be considered when it comes to comfort and relaxation.

Linens are very important here, and a good quality comforter will keep you comfortable all night and throughout the day.

Lots of comforters add moods and styles to the bedroom.

City-Serenity-by-Kendall-Wilkinson-Design What is a comforter: definition, tips and examples
Image source: Kendall Wilkinson Design

But what is a duvet? The basic definition of the comforter differs from a quilt because it is lightweight and part of a complete quilting set. It hangs on three sides of the bed, usually halfway up the floor. They have different colors than the other sheets or bedspreads and stand out like a decorative calm.

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A duvet is smaller than a bedspread but larger than a blanket. If you live in a warmer climate or if you make changes regularly, a comforter is much better because it is much easier to peel it off, then change it and store it.

Rafe-Churchill's New Farmhouse What is a comforter: definition, tips and examples
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As for the options, you can get anything from a king size duvet, a double duvet, a quilt or a satin comforter and a linen comforter for materials, and a gray comforter and white comforter for colors. There are even duvet sets available, so you really have a wide choice.

Contemporary-bedroom-by-GARY-FINLEY-ASID-2 What is a duvet: definition, tips and examples
Image source: GARY FINLEY, ASID

What’s the purpose of one?

You will find that they usually serve as a decorative piece. Their main use is to showcase visual warmth and beauty and give your bedroom a classic finish.

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Image source: Sealy Design Inc.

Which size should i choose?

Duvets come in different dimensions. Choosing the right mattress is actually a matter of preference, but you should have it proportional to the size of your mattress. Popular sizes are king duvet and double duvet sizes, but let’s split them up:

  • Twin size duvet: 70 “x 92”
  • Full Size Duvet (Queen Size): 92 “x 96”
  • King size duvet: 108 “x 96”
  • California size duvet: 104 “x 100”

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Image source: Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.

You don’t really have to stick to these sizes, however. You should know how much you want the comforter to drape over the sides of your beds. And if you have a shorter comforter, you can benefit from a bed skirt that ensures the underside of your bed is not visible.

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Image source: Period Architecture Ltd.

What about materials and styles?

You can find many different styles and fabrics and you can choose any one you want. Cotton blankets are the most common, and you can also find quilted comforters, crocheted comforters, matelassé comforters, and satin, silk and velvet comforters.

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The styles that you can get them with range from traditional to modern designs and you can usually find neatly designed embroidery too.

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Image source: JMA INTERIOR DESIGN

When buying one, there are other factors you should consider as well, such as: For example, whether your house is carpeted or wooden floors, and how individuals feel when they sleep at night or share a bed or sleep alone. This will allow you to choose the appropriate comforter based on the material.

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Image source: Sarah Greenman

How do you care

Care for a comforter usually varies depending on the type of comforter. Most of them are machine washable. However, it would be wisest to read the manufacturer’s instructions before doing anything that could damage them.

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How to decorate with a duvet?

Duvets come in different colors, materials and prints. You can find everything from modern to traditional designs. Therefore, you can use your imagination. If you don’t want to worry, you can purchase duvet sets with matching pillowcases, bed aprons and sheets.

Beach-style-bedroom-by-Kelly-Mcguill-Home What is a comforter: definition, tips, and examples
Image source: Kelly mcguill home

The difference between a quilt and a duvet: a deeper look

The materials and size

A bedspread is usually a small, woven version of a bedspread. A quilt, on the other hand, consists of pieces of fabric sewn together. These terms may not apply exclusively to woven or patchwork beds and are often applied loosely. A duvet is usually thin and is used like a bedspread on the bed.

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Image source: K2 Design Group, Inc.

Instead of covering the pillows and walking on the floor, the duvet only covers your mattress. It is not necessarily used for warmth and is more commonly used as a decorative item. A more substantial quilt would be a comforter that has a sewing pattern on top.

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Image source: Tobi Fairley interior design

A quilt is about the size of a bedspread, maybe a little bigger, but usually thicker and warmer. You may also find comforters with an embroidery design on top, but that doesn’t really make them a quilt.

Fontana-Interior-by-Mark-English-Architects-AIA What is a coverlet: definition, tips and examples
Image source: Mark English Architects, AIA

The side flaps of a comforter are sewn together so that they fit pretty well over the mattress like a cap. It’s not really made for easy bed-making or bowing, but it looks stunning in an underutilized guest room. Make sure, however, that you have them in stock in varying degrees of warmth so that your guests are comfortable.

Summary

A bedspread is a quilted or woven, non-reversible bedspread. It is light and designed as a decorative layer and not for heat. It goes over thicker bedspreads and comes with a thin layer of cotton wool, which, depending on its weight, is sometimes suitable for a stand-alone bedspread.