Editors’ Guide to Bedspreads

PHOTO: KMID
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The blanket term for all top-layer bedding, bedspreads are a sneaky-great registry item: You can instantly upgrade the coziness of your bed, and your guests will be more than happy to contribute to better night’s sleep. Our editors break down the four main options—duvets, comforters, quilts, and coverlets—so you can find your oh-so-snuggly ideal.

Tip! Live in a place with proper seasons? Make your bed seasonal, just like your wardrobe, and register for both summer and winter weight layers.

Duvet & Duvet Cover

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/down-inc-filled-fall-midweight-down-duvet-insert-dwc1010.html
Down Filled Fall Weight Duvet Insert

Truesdell 3 Piece Duvet Cover Set

Think of this option—which is composed of two key elements—as comfort and customization. While some interchange it with comforter, a duvet is different: This soft, fluffy top layer is plain white and requires a separate cover (unlike a comforter), so the quilting that keeps everything in place isn’t visible. For optimal warmth and coziness, invest in a duvet that’s filled with natural fibers, especially down, and pay attention to the scale of weights for warmth (light, medium, and heavy).

Duvet covers are sold separately in a plethora of styles, and fit snugly over the duvet—often outfitted with ways to attach the two pieces at the corners, like ties or clips. Nothing is set in stone with duvet, as you can change up covers to fit your mood or style evolution, and in warmer months, simply remove the duvet for a lighter layer. Top sheets and blankets are optional with duvets, thanks to the easy-to-wash cover.

Comforter

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/eastern-accents-filly-button-tufted-comforter-ncx1557.html
Filly Button-Tufted Comforter

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/eastern-accents-gavin-wicklow-heather-button-tufted-single-reversible-comforter-ncx1518.html
Wicklow Heather Button-Tufted Comforter

This one-and-done top layer merges style and substance, with decorative fabric and filler quilted or stitched together to keep everything evenly distributed. Comforters are meant to be placed atop sheets and are easy to care for—simply throw in the washer with other bedding. Thickness and warmth are dictated by the filling material, but comforters in generally fall on the warmer end of the temperature spectrum.

Tip! Want effortless expert style? Opt for a duvet cover or comforter bedding set, which will also include coordinating shams and decorative pillows.

Quilt

Mercer Smoke Quilt

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/pine-cone-hill-seychelles-single-quilt-peh2203.html
Seychelles Cotton Quilt

While the word may immediately conjure images of multicolored patchwork, don’t be misled—these traditional gifts to mark special moments (like marriage) are more understated and chic than ever. Quilts are a lighter option made up of three layers stitched together: a woven cloth top and bottom encasing a single layer of batting.

Quilts often feature stitching in decorative patterns, and can be found in simple monotone styles that are heavy on texture, as well as the more traditional takes that blend multiple fabrics, colors, and patterns together. Ideal for warmer climates and seasons, or as an extra layer for frosty nights, quilts should be washed with care to maintain any lace or applique work.

Coverlet

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/pine-cone-hill-resist-coverlet-peh2177.html
Resist Kantha Cotton Coverlet

https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdp/pine-cone-hill-hardwood-matelasse-coverlet-peh1898.html
Hardwood Matelassé Coverlet

Another light-layer option, coverlets are normally thought of as a mostly decorative topper. This style can stand alone (especially ones featuring a a bit of batting), top a thicker bedspread, or double as a throw blanket.

Coverlets are often adorned with matelassé—a centuries-old stitching technique that creates ornate quilted patterns, such as diamond, floral, and herringbone—and paired with coordinating shams. Given their lightweight nature and detailing, coverlets should be washed with care, much like quilts.

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