Types of Bedding Sets & What They Do
Pick the best one to dress your bed.
While a bedding set allows you to purchase all your essentials at once, some of the contents can vary depending on which type of bedding set you choose. Take a closer look at the different components to see which will work best for your sleeping needs.
Types of Bedding Sets
The standard bedding set contains the primary bed basics, which typically include a fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases, and a blanket. Bedding sets often include additional pieces, such as matching shams, to create a cohesive look. There are four types of bedding sets to select from: comforter, coverlet, quilt, and duvet cover. Take a closer look to see what each set is best used for.
1. Comforter Bedding Set
(Shop this image: green comforter bedding sets, upholstered beds, white nightstands, ivory area rugs, and white vases)
A comforter is a plush, quilted blanket that goes over the top of your sheets. It comprises two fabric pieces that are filled with down or synthetic fibers in order to add fullness and warmth. It's slightly larger than the bed and hangs down over the sides of the mattress. Most comforters are machine-washable for easy maintenance and come in a large variety of colors, patterns, and designs. It's even possible to find reversible options to give you two looks in one.
Fill Material: A comforter can be filled with cotton, which is lightweight and breathable; down for a heavier, warmer feel; or microfiber that is is durable and machine-washable.
Warmth Level: Comforters provide substantial warmth, making them great for colder climates and winter months. You can also go for a more lightweight, all-season comforter that you can use year round.
(Shop this image: coverlets and bedspreads, wood-and-upholstered beds, wood nightstands, white throw pillows, and white bedside lamps)
A coverlet is a lightweight, single-layer bedspread that covers the top of the bed and hangs just past the box spring. It is often used as a decorative layer placed over thicker bedding or on its own during the warmer months of the year. Coverlet sets are available in an array of textures and patterns to add style to any bedroom aesthetic.
Fill Material: Since it's just a single layer, a coverlet has no fill material.
Warmth Level: Because a coverlet consists of only one layer, it's more commonly used as an additional blanket over a thicker bedspread in colder weather. It's also possible to use a coverlet as a standalone bed covering in much warmer climates.
(Shop this image: quilt bedding sets, upholstered beds, white bedside lamps, white nightstands, and ivory area rugs)
A quilt is a lightweight top cover that is typically thicker than a coverlet. It's made from three layers: the decorative top layer, the thin inner batting, and the bottom layer. They are all stitched together, often using intricate patterns or patchwork designs. It's placed over your other bedding to add both style and an extra layer of warmth.
Fill Material: Quilts use batting as an inner filling, which gives them a little fullness and helps provide warmth.
Warmth Level: Quilts are good for layering since they aren't overly thick, but they can also be used as the primary bed cover in warmer seasons. Because quilts are often made from soft, breathable materials like cotton, you can also use a quilt as a decorative layer over heavier bedding like a comforter or duvet.
Tip!
Read Coverlet vs. Quilt: Which Bedding Choice Is Right for You? for a closer look at the differences between these two types of bedding.
4. Duvet Cover
(Shop this image: brown duvet cover bedding sets, ivory area rugs, white throw pillows, ceramic bedside lamps, and blue throw blankets)
A duvet cover isn't a blanket but rather a thin decorative casing that fits over a duvet insert or down comforter (similar to a pillowcase and pillow). The removable design helps keep the duvet insert clean and makes cleaning simple – especially if you opt for a machine-washable duvet cover. Plus, duvet covers come in plenty of different materials and styles, so you can easily swap your duvet cover to change the look and feel of your space without too much effort or cost.
Fill Material: Since a duvet cover is just a fabric casing, it's used to house either a duvet insert or down comforter. These plush inserts are filled with anything from duck or goose down to down alternatives, such as cotton or polyester.
Warmth Level: On its own, the duvet cover doesn't add much warmth. It's the duvet insert filling that will provide warmth. Down is often ideal for cold weather, while down alternative is more lightweight and better for summer months. It’s best to check the “fill power” of a duvet insert to determine the warmth level. Read our Duvet Buying Guide for a more in-depth view.
Tip!
Read our guide What Is a Bedding Set? to learn more about these useful sets and how to choose one that’s just right.
