Deciding between a bedspread and a quilt can feel confusing, but it’s simpler than it sounds. At the end of the day, it comes down to a choice between style and warmth.
A bedspread is a lightweight, decorative top layer that’s all about creating a polished look. In contrast, a quilt is a thicker, insulated layer designed to keep you warm and cosy. The real question is: are you focused on your bedroom’s overall aesthetic, or is snuggling up in comfort your top priority?
What’s the Difference Between a Bedspread and a Quilt?
If you need the TL;DR, the main distinction is in their construction and how they’re used. Bedspreads are designed to provide that classic, floor-length drape you see in hotels—a single layer that looks effortlessly put-together. Quilts, on the other hand, are all about providing essential warmth with their plush inner filling.
Here's a comparison table for instant clarity:
| Feature | Bedspread | Quilt |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Decorative top layer | Warm, insulated layer |
| Weight | Light to medium | Medium to heavy |
| Material | Usually cotton/poly blend | Filled with down, feather, or fibre |
| Use | Mostly for layering or warmer climates | Core bedding for warmth |
| Style | Covers the entire bed | Usually with a cover (doona cover) |
| Care | Easier to wash | Requires cover washing or dry cleaning |
In short — quilts keep you warm, while bedspreads make your bed look effortlessly put-together. If you're exploring other modern bedding options, you can also check out the differences between quilts and coverlets in our detailed guide.
What Is a Bedspread?
A bedspread is a timeless finishing touch in bedroom styling, often seen as a classic hotel or traditional layering piece. Think of it as a single, lightweight layer of fabric designed to cover the entire bed, draping gracefully all the way to the floor. Unlike a quilt, its main job isn't warmth but creating a polished, cohesive look.
A good bedspread feels crisp and smooth, like freshly pressed linen on a sunny afternoon — lightweight but perfectly polished. This texture is often achieved through woven patterns like jacquard or matelassé, which add character without bulk.
Materials and Key Features
Bedspreads are usually made from fabrics that hold their shape well and offer visual interest. Common materials include:
- Cotton: Breathable, soft, and easy to care for.
- Polyester Blends: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and often more affordable.
- Jacquard: Features intricate, woven-in patterns for a luxurious feel.
- Matelassé: A French technique that creates a padded, quilted look without an internal filling.
The key feature of a bedspread is its generous size, designed to drape to the floor and cover the pillows for a seamless, tailored finish.
Best For & How to Style
A bedspread is an excellent choice for:
- Warmer climates: Paired with a simple flat sheet, it provides just enough coverage.
- Decorative bedrooms: It instantly creates a formal, styled aesthetic.
- Layered looks: It works perfectly as the top layer over blankets or a quilt.
For styling, you can tuck it in for a sleek, tailored feel or fold it back to reveal your sheets and pillows for a layered look. Explore our Manchester Factory’s Coverlets & Bedspreads Collection to find the perfect style.
What Is a Quilt?
Where a bedspread is about the final look, a quilt is engineered for warmth and comfort. A quilt is a multi-layered blanket with an inner fill—like down, feather, bamboo, or microfibre—sandwiched between two layers of fabric. It’s designed to be used with a quilt cover (doona cover) that adds style and protects the insert, making cleaning easier.
A quilt feels like a gentle hug — plush, cocooning, and weighty enough to make you exhale as you sink in.
Quilt Fillings and Their Benefits
The filling defines a quilt's warmth and feel. Each material offers unique benefits:
- Down and Feather: Luxuriously soft and provides exceptional warmth without the heavy bulk. Explore the Sienna Living Down & Feather Collection for a cloud-like feel.
- Wool: A natural insulator that’s also breathable, helping to regulate body temperature.
- Bamboo: Known for its fantastic moisture-wicking and cooling properties, it's a lifesaver for hot sleepers. Check out our Cooling & Bamboo Quilts Collection.
- Microfibre: A synthetic, hypoallergenic alternative that mimics the softness of down at an accessible price.
A quilt is best for colder months, all-season comfort, and families who prefer warmth without excessive layering. Our guide on how to choose the perfect quilt for every season offers even more practical advice.
Comforters & Coverlets: The Modern Alternatives
Beyond traditional bedspreads and quilts, comforters and coverlets have become the "best of both worlds" for modern homes, blending style with convenience.
What Is a Comforter?
A comforter is a pre-filled, stitched blanket that doesn’t require a separate cover—it’s ready to go straight onto your bed. It’s similar in weight to a quilt but more casual and decorative, often reversible to offer two looks in one. Think of a comforter as your instant “made bed” moment — fluffy, cosy, and picture-perfect in seconds. It's best for those who love plush, hotel-like comfort without the hassle of layers. Browse the Morgan & Reid Snuggle Fleece Comforter Collection.
What Is a Coverlet?
A coverlet is a lightweight, decorative layer similar to a bedspread but with a more contemporary, tailored design. It usually sits mid-length on the bed (not floor-length) and works beautifully layered over a quilt or used alone in warmer months. A coverlet feels like that perfect middle ground — soft, breathable, and effortlessly elegant, no matter the season. It’s best for hot sleepers, minimalists, or those wanting a refined, modern look. See options like the Morgan & Reid Luxe Coverlet Collection.
Why They’re Great Alternatives
Comforters and coverlets deliver the aesthetic of a well-dressed bed with less effort and offer easy cleaning and seasonal versatility.
| Feature | Bedspread | Comforter | Coverlet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | Traditional decorative layer | Warm, all-in-one bedding | Lightweight decorative layer |
| Ease of Use | Requires multiple layers | Ready-made comfort | Simple, easy to style |
| Weight | Light | Medium-heavy | Light-medium |
| Look | Classic, draped | Plush, layered | Modern, tailored |
| Best For | Cooler décor styles | Everyday luxury | Warm climates, summer styling |
Bedspread vs Quilt vs Comforter vs Coverlet: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right bedding comes down to your personal needs and lifestyle. This guide helps you self-identify which option is your perfect match.
If You Live in a Warmer Climate (e.g., QLD, NSW Coast)
Bedspreads are ideal. They are light, breathable, and easy to wash. For a more modern take, a coverlet offers similar benefits with a tailored look.
Style tip: Pair with a cooling sheet set for the ultimate summer comfort.
If You Live in a Cooler Climate (e.g., VIC, TAS)
Quilts provide essential warmth. Choose a 500–700 GSM quilt for winter and layer it with throws for extra cosiness. A plush comforter is another great choice for instant, all-in-one warmth.
If You Love a Styled, Hotel-Like Bedroom
Bedspreads win for creating that "finished" look instantly with their floor-length drape. For a more contemporary feel, coverlets and comforters add an instant, polished look that feels effortlessly chic.
If You’re All About Comfort and Warmth
Quilts (especially down-filled) are the clear choice for functional warmth. Comforters are a close second, offering grab-and-go cosiness.
If You're a Minimalist or Busy Family
Comforters are the ultimate grab-and-go solution—no doona covers required. They are easy to style and often machine washable, making them perfect for low-fuss households.
Think of the quilt as your Sunday-morning hug, and the bedspread as your weekday outfit — polished and ready to impress. If a bedspread is your “Sunday best,” a comforter is your cosy hoodie — still stylish, but made for everyday ease.
Layering 101: How to Combine a Bedspread and Quilt
Mastering the art of layering transforms your bed into an inviting centrepiece. It's a thoughtful process of balancing texture, style, and comfort.
Creating the Perfect Layered Look
Follow these simple steps for a professionally styled finish:
- Start with the Basics: Begin with a fitted sheet and a crisp flat sheet.
- Add Your Warmth Layer: Add your quilt as the primary source of warmth.
- Drape the Decorative Layer: Drape your bedspread or a coverlet over the top for texture and style.
- Fold for Depth: Fold the top third of the layers back for an inviting look that reveals your sheets.
- Finish with Accents: Add cushions, throws, or euro pillows for dimension.
Layering gives that boutique-hotel finish — neat, textured, and effortlessly coordinated. For more inspiration, explore our Coverlets, Throws, and Cushions Collection.
Design & Texture Differences
Visualising how each piece looks and feels helps in making the right choice.
- Bedspreads: Often defined by woven, embossed, or quilted patterns like matelassé or seersucker. They are typically smooth and traditional.
- Quilts: Defined by their lofty, puffy filling and are used with a removable cover that dictates the style. They feel plush and filled.
- Comforters: Known for their fluffy, all-in-one construction, offering instant plushness.
- Coverlets: Valued for their textured, modern, and light feel, often featuring quilted cottons or woven finishes.
Modern trends include reversible bedspreads, neutral layering, and textured cotton quilts. While quilts bring warmth, bedspreads bring personality. Together, they turn your bedroom into the retreat you’ve always dreamed of.
Practical Considerations
Proper care ensures your bedding lasts for years. Think of your bedding like your wardrobe — rotate with the seasons, care for it well, and it’ll last.
Care & Maintenance
- Bedspreads & Coverlets: Generally machine-washable and air dry quickly.
- Quilts: The cover should be washed regularly, while heavier fills may need professional cleaning.
- Comforters: Many are machine washable, making them a low-maintenance favorite for renters and busy households.
Storage & Durability
Bedspreads and coverlets fold neatly, while quilts and comforters take more space. For durability, invest in high-quality materials like cotton, bamboo, or premium microfiber. Seasonally rotate your bedding to keep it fresh.
Common Misconceptions
Let's debunk a few common bedding myths to boost your confidence.
- “A bedspread is the same as a quilt.” → Not quite. They differ in function, weight, and fill. Quilts are for warmth; bedspreads are for style.
- “Quilts are too hot for Australian summers.” → Not if you choose a lightweight bamboo or microfibre quilt designed for breathability.
- “Bedspreads are old-fashioned.” → Modern styles in chic textures and neutral tones make them timeless and elegant.
- “Comforters are too heavy for summer.” → Many modern comforters are designed with lightweight, breathable fills suitable for year-round use.
- “Coverlets are just decorative.” → They are perfectly practical and comfortable enough to sleep under, especially in warmer weather.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
Use this easy decision framework to find your perfect match.
- Step 1: Consider your climate. Hot or cold? This will guide your need for warmth.
- Step 2: Think about your sleep temperature. Do you sleep hot or cold?
- Step 3: Decide if you prioritise looks or warmth. Are you styling a guest room or seeking daily comfort?
- Step 4: Match your home’s aesthetic. Is your style modern, coastal, traditional, or minimalist?
If you love coastal neutrals, opt for a textured white bedspread like the Morgan & Reid Luxe Coverlet. For year-round comfort, try the Sienna Living 500GSM Bamboo Quilt. If you want something easy, modern, and cosy, a comforter might be your match. And if you love minimalist layers, try a coverlet.
FAQ Section
What’s the difference between a bedspread and a quilt?
A bedspread is a lightweight, decorative top layer designed to cover the entire bed for a polished look. A quilt is a thicker, insulated layer with an inner filling, designed primarily for warmth.
Which is warmer—a bedspread or a quilt?
A quilt is significantly warmer due to its insulated inner filling (down, wool, microfibre). A bedspread offers minimal warmth and is mostly for style.
Can I use a bedspread instead of a quilt?
Yes, in warmer climates or during summer, a bedspread with a flat sheet is often sufficient. In colder months, it works best as a decorative layer over a warmer quilt.
Are bedspreads still in style?
Absolutely. Modern bedspreads and coverlets in contemporary textures and neutral colours are a timeless and chic choice for creating a polished, layered bed.
What’s the best bedding for summer/winter?
For summer, lightweight and breathable options like bedspreads, coverlets, or bamboo quilts are best. For winter, warmer quilts (500+ GSM) or plush comforters provide essential insulation.
How do I wash a bedspread vs a quilt?
Most bedspreads are machine-washable. For a quilt, you regularly wash the removable cover, while the quilt insert itself is cleaned less often and may require professional cleaning depending on the fill.
What’s the difference between a quilt and a comforter?
A quilt is an insert that goes inside a separate quilt cover. A comforter is a single, all-in-one piece with the filling stitched into the outer fabric. Check out our quilt versus comforter debate for more details.
Can you layer a bedspread over a quilt?
Yes, this is a popular styling technique. A quilt provides the warmth, while a bedspread adds a decorative, textured top layer for a finished look.
At Manchester Factory, we believe the right bedding does more than just keep you warm; it transforms a house into a home. Whether you need the decorative finish of a bedspread or the cosy warmth of a quilt, our collections are designed to deliver comfort and style. Explore our full range at Manchester Factory and find your perfect match today.