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Put simply, a bedspread is a large, lightweight decorative fabric covering that sits on top of a duvet or quilt, and can be used to accentuate the bedroom, as well as to add an extra layer of warmth for the winter months. As a finishing touch, it can cover the whole bed plus your pillows, or be folded back across the bottom of the bed. It can be made of cotton, satin, bamboo or a blend of materials.
Your bedroom should be your very own wellbeing retreat. A sanctuary, easing you into a state of relaxation before you drift off to sleep. It’s the place you withdraw into to heal, switch off, or escape the stresses of everyday life, and it’s where you spend up to a third of your lifetime sleeping. Which is why dressing your bed to both look and feel great is so important. This article will look at the different types of bed coverings, answering key questions, such as what is a bedspread? Is it for sleeping under, or is it simply used for decoration? What is a quilt? What is bed linen? And, what is a throw used for?
If you’re wondering exactly what a bedspread is, it is a lightweight covering for your bed that can be used in all seasons and provides a finishing, decorative touch to your bedroom. Bedspreads differ from other bed toppers in that they are usually thinner than duvets and quilts, and they are designed to flow over the pillows to the foot of the bed frame, providing full coverage of your mattress, covers and bed linen.
Duvets are generally the thickest bed covers, as they provide a deep-filled interior of down, bamboo or synthetic fibres, to retain heat and keep you warm. Quilts tend to be more slimline than duvets and are usually constructed with three cotton or synthetic fabric layers to add extra warmth. Traditionally, these would have been used alongside blankets and a top sheet – placed between the quilt and the sleeper – and have a more classic feel. Comforters, in comparison, may be more decorative and are thicker than bedspreads, but thinner than duvets and quilts, and aim to provide a cosy, comforting addition to your other covers. Comforters can be weighted, or lighter for layering purposes, and can be used with just a sheet underneath on warmer nights. Some people choose their comforters purely for aesthetics rather than function.
Bedspreads are an attractive and functional way of enhancing the look and feel of your bedroom. They can sit on top of your existing duvet or quilt, like a comforter, but as they cover the entire bed, they offer a handy barrier to protect it from dust or pet hair. Bedspreads can also add a layer of warmth in the chillier months, or be used instead of a duvet on top of fresh sheets in the summer.
So, what is a bedspread used for in our homes? As well as rustic and vintage styles, bedspreads also come in minimalist designs and neutral tones. You can switch up your bedroom style, or create a welcoming environment for a guest room, without having to invest in multiple bed-linen sets each time you fancy a change.
Many people enjoy the ability to instantly update the aesthetic of their bedroom, create a focal point and cover up crinkled quilts or quickly made beds in moments. If you have pets or young children, bedspreads offer some added protection from mucky marks, keeping the bed linen underneath clean and dust-free, while your bed stays neat and tidy.
Although bedspreads vary in thickness and material, they can add some extra warmth and comfort on chillier nights. If you look forward to cosying up in bed with a good book, a bedspread can offer an ‘in-between’ layer when it’s mild, and some much-needed extra layer of insulation on top of your duvet or quilt in the winter.
A quilt traditionally has several layers, which makes it thicker, warmer and more functional as a bed cover to sleep under as opposed to a decorative bedspread or comforter. To answer the question of what a quilt is, and how it differs from a bedspread or duvet, a quilt is defined by having three layers of fabric with a small amount of filler material inside. For example, think of a classic patchwork quilt design, in celebration of marriage or a new baby. Bedspreads, on the other hand, are larger, designed more for decoration, and don’t generally have as many layers, offering less warmth.
A well-made bed requires multiple layers, which each having its own purpose. If you have a bedspread on your bed in summer, you’ll usually want a flat sheet underneath it to add an extra layer of protection, as well as comfort and warmth. However, if you also have a duvet on your bed, you may simply add the bedspread on top. Bed linen serves an important function of adding extra comfort, as well as warmth for you and protection for your bedding. A vital piece of bed linen for any bed is the bottom sheet, in either a fitted-sheet or flat-sheet style, which protects your mattress and helps to wick away moisture as you sleep. Your choice of bed-linen material and style comes down to personal preference, as well as the overall effect you want to create.
A throw is generally smaller than a blanket or bedspread, and can be made from cotton, faux fur, fleece, crocheted wool or other materials. Whereas blankets and quilts are primarily designed for warmth, throws are more of a finishing touch to your room. So, what is a throw for? Versatile enough to accessorise beds, sofas or armchairs, it acts as a cover, as well as providing added comfort and style.
Bedspreads enjoy continued popularity, simply because they are so versatile and come in a wide choice of styles and shades. A firm interior-design staple, some people love them just for creating a decorative focal point in the room, whereas others find their weight and extra-large size ideal for sleeping under. They’re perfect for layering fabrics and textures for warmth and elegance, with the added benefit of hiding crinkled sheets and protecting your duvet from dust and pet hairs.
Bedspreads, quilts and throws all have their place in any bed-linen collection, and are ideal when deciding how to make your bed look its best during each season. Quilts have a classic three-layer design for extra warmth, while bedspreads are a larger overall cover for your bed and pillows. Throws can be smaller, more decorative and thinner, and can be used to cover chairs and furniture, as well as the end of your bed. All types of bed covers can be used for added warmth, so personal preference in appearance and finish will determine which is ideal for your room, the look you’re aiming to achieve and the time of year.
A bedspread provides the perfect finishing touch to your bedroom. The extra-large size is designed to encompass both the pillows and covers, protecting to your bed linen from dust, dirt and pet hair. It finishes off the aesthetic of the bedroom, as well as offering an extra layer of warmth during cold nights.
You can either use a bedspread on its own in warmer weather, with a flat sheet underneath for comfort, or you can use a bedspread on top of your duvet for added warmth in the winter. A bedspread can be purely decorative, too, so it’s down to personal preference as to how you use it in your space.
A bedspread is a type of bed cover and is generally larger in size than other bed covers (which include duvets, quilts and blankets). Bedspreads offer a practical and pleasing finishing touch to your bedroom or guest room and are an interior design favourite, as well as offering added cosiness when you sleep.
A duvet is usually thicker than a quilt and has a natural or synthetic filling inside to provide year-round warmth as you sleep. Duvets come in a variety of togs, tailored to different seasons and sleeping preferences. Quilts are traditionally thinner, with three layers and a light filling for extra warmth.
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