Skip to Main Content
Sign In
Sign In

What Is a Coverlet?

Learn all about this versatile bedding option.

Farmhouse-style bedroom with a dark wood bed, pink bed pillows, white bedding, and a blue coverlet draped across the bed.

From duvet covers to quilts to coverlets, there are plenty of bedding options to choose from. Our guide covers all you need to know about coverlets, including why they're necessary along with frequently asked questions.


What Is a Coverlet?

Coverlet illustration

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 – just remove, fold, or display however you desire.

Shop Coverlets, Quilts, & Sets

Frequently Asked Questions About Coverlets

Bedroom with light blue walls, a wood bed, white and blue sheets, and a dark gray coverlet across the bottom third of the bed.

(Shop this image: wood beds, gray coverlets, white bedding, and blue euro pillows.)


This section highlights some common questions about coverlets and how to use them.


What’s the Difference With Coverlets vs. Comforters & Duvets?

Coverlets are a smaller and lighter alternative to other bedding options, like a comforter or duvet. While they can be used as an additional layer, they are visibly lighter and shorter (never extending past the bed skirt). They are most similar to quilted blankets, featuring a similar woven or matelasse stitching. However, quilts often feature a layer of batting between two sheets of fabric, which the coverlet lacks. This makes coverlets a lightweight option for the warmer months of the year or a stylish supplement to other types of bedding.

Shop Comforters

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 bedspread.
Shop Bedding

How Should You Style a Coverlet?

(Shop this image: ivory throw blankets, white coverlets, gray bedding, jute rugs, and farmhouse decor.)


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. In the picture above, the coverlet is draped at an angle and paired with a cozy throw, giving the 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 Do You 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.
Shop Machine-Washable Coverlets

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.


Ready to Shop? Check These Out!

ServerT:1.8457171916962