What Is a Coverlet?

From comforters and duvets to quilts and coverlets, there are plenty of bedding options to choose from. Our guide covers all you need to know about coverlets, including their uses, benefits, and styling and care tips to help you find the right bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep.

What Is a Coverlet?

A coverlet is an extra layer of bedding used for decoration or warmth. Coverlets are commonly folded and laid across the bottom portion of the bed (see illustration above). During colder months, a coverlet works as an additional layer atop your comforter or duvet. In warmer months, a coverlet is light enough to be used as a main bedding layer on top of your bed sheets. Adding a coverlet is also an easy way to change up the look of your bedding – fold and display it however you like, or swap out your coverlet for seasonal styles.

What’s the Difference Between Coverlets vs. Comforters?

Coverlets are a smaller and lighter alternative to other bedding options like a comforter or duvet. Comforters feature a layer of batting between two sheets of fabric for extra insulation – making them a bulkier and warmer bedding option – while coverlets are typically a thin piece of fabric with no filling. While other forms of bedding can stand alone, coverlets are more often used as an additional layer or for decoration. Whether you live in a warm climate or want a more sophisticated look, a coverlet could be a great addition to your bedding setup.

Tip!

Coverlets are more similar to quilts but there are some important distinctions. Check out our guide Coverlet vs. Quilt: Which Bedding Choice Is Right for You? for an in-depth comparison.

When Should You Use a Coverlet?

Here are some instances when a coverlet is necessary:

• When it's too warm to use a heavy quilt or duvet
• When you want another layer of warmth on top of your bedding during the colder months
• When you want to spruce up your bedding style without buying a whole new bedding set.

How to Style a Coverlet

You can style coverlets in two popular ways: tucked neatly with the other layers of bedding, or placed on top of the bedding at the foot of the bed (the latter being the most common).

• The thinly padded cover is especially stylish when laid across the bed, with corners tucked around the mattress. The result is a neat, modern look.
• A coverlet can also be folded in half and placed neatly at the bottom of the bed for a layered look. Or drape it at an angle and pair with a cozy throw to give your bed a warm, comforting feel.
• In addition to how you display them, you can also use the color, texture, or design pattern of a coverlet to enhance the look of your bedding.

Tip!

Review How to Style a Bed for more tips on how to display bedding and bed pillows.

How to Wash a Coverlet

Taking care of a coverlet is relatively low maintenance. Since they are thin and light, they are easier to wash than a thick quilt or fluffy comforter.

• If you simply fold your coverlet at the end of the bed as a throw, or if it does not make regular contact with your skin, you can wash it once a season.
• If you use a coverlet as your primary blanket (along with bedding sheets), try to wash it once per month.
• Your coverlet will come with specific washing instructions listed on the tag, indicating machine-wash, hand-wash, or dry-clean only.
• A matelasse coverlet should be professionally cleaned to avoid shrinkage.
• If you choose to air dry your coverlet, you can stretch it out flat in the sun to dry within a day. Indoors, it may take up to two days to dry.
• For machine-drying coverlets, be sure to reference the care tag. When in doubt, use a low-heat, delicate cycle or an "air dry/fluff" setting if your dryer has one.

Tip!

To get a full breakdown of your bedding options such as duvets and duvet covers, down comforters, pillow shams, decorative pillows, and more, check out our guide Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know.

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