A coverlet is a decorative bed covering that can be used in a multitude of ways when making a bed. They can be used as a blanket layer under a bedspread duvet, used as a lightweight bedspread in the summer months, or folded at the foot of a bead to provide extra warmth during the winter months. Historically, coverlets were fashioned from matelassé fabric, a weaving technique used to create texture and mimic quilting. Since they weren’t technically quilted, they came to be called coverlets as opposed to quilts.
Quilts are generally thicker than coverlets. Quilts are padded blankets made of multiple layers of fabric and filling material, such as down or cotton batting, that has been stitched together. They’re used to provide extra warmth as a top blanket, but they can also be used solo as a bedspread. Quilts are often quite rustic in appearance as opposed to coverlets. They often showcase colorful patchwork designs that make them good choices for casual design schemes.