Find anything you save across the site in your account
Find anything you save across the site in your account Brushed Cotton Bedding
By Megan Wahn and Erika Owen
All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s a hot take: I think the best quilts and coverlets are wayyy better than duvets or comforters. As a Georgia native (where it’s mostly unbearably hot) who moved to New York (where it gets insanely cold for four months then unbearably hot for another four), I’m pretty familiar with extreme temperatures. To make matters worse, I can’t stand needing to switch out my bedding. The idea of storing a hefty comforter for fall and winter and something light for summer irritates me to no end.
That said, I don’t ever want to sacrifice the sublime feeling of being cocooned in a bedding set as I gradually taper off into dreamland. Quilts, in my personal experience, are the best mid-weight solution to this Goldilocks sleeping conundrum. They’re the ideal weight for summer and won’t leave you in a pool of sweat every morning; and, in the winter, you can just throw one on top so you don’t wake up shivering.
Unlike other types of bedding, quilting and patchwork quilts are also a revered and historical art form used for expression, documenting important events, and communicating. What other bedding can show up in a museum—like the multidisciplinary artist Faith Ringgold’s narrative quilts in her past “American People” exhibition at the New Museum—or document American history quite like the legendary quilters of Gee’s Bend?
Whether you’re looking for a work of art to function as a home decor element or something to make you feel cozy for all 12 months of the year, the Clever team tested and reviewed the best quilts and coverlets from retailers on the market worth keeping on your radar, including best budget and a few microfiber coverlet options.
Tester: Rebecca Grambone, associate social media manager
If you happen to be on the lookout for your favorite “coastal grandma” button-down linen top in the quilt form, Brooklinen’s Linen Quilt in White Diamond is for you. As someone who is very sensitive to certain fabric textures, I found this 100% linen quilt to be softer to the touch than most linen products I’ve come across. One of my biggest pet peeves is falling asleep feeling warm, especially in the summer months, and I was hesitant to use this product, thinking it might be on the heavier side. To my surprise, the quilt was very lightweight, super cooling, and breathable. And the high-quality elements don’t end there. The stitching showed no signs of pulling on the threads, which is always a green flag. Since the crisp white color of this simple yet stylish quilt is very neutral, I can definitely imagine it being versatile when fitting into a specific decor aesthetic. From a French country farmhouse to a prewar city apartment, this quilt is bound to look good in any space.
Tester: Rachel Fletcher, senior commerce editor
It’s been smooth sailing with this quilt since day one. I washed it straight out of the box and felt it soften immediately. I had intended to layer it over my duvet but have ended up favoring the quilt on its own. Its softness and breathability from the hemp fibers are really pleasant, and I still feel sufficiently bundled up. This quilt has a neat box-quilted pattern that feels visually interesting and almost veers into checkerboard territory. It’s available in white or oat (I chose the latter, which feels sophisticated and not too flashy if your bedroom leans more minimal, as mine does). It’s also a pretty thin layer, which I appreciate, and doesn’t feel overly heavy or suffocating. If you’re looking for a visually striking quilt, there are definitely bolder options on this list, but this is perfect for a serene setup. Looks and functionality aside, I love that hemp linen specifically has outstanding sustainability cred. I think it’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their bedding without sacrificing the planet.
Tester: Megan Wahn, associate commerce editor
After a lifetime of duvets and comforters, West Elm’s European Flax Linen Box Stitch Quilt convert ed me into a quilt purist. Needless to say, I haven’t looked back since. I bought this when I moved to New York about a year ago and, like your favorite pair of jeans, it’s only gotten more comfortable in that well-loved kind of way. It’s the optimal softness and weight for all seasons—warm enough when paired with a throw blanket during the winter, but also light enough to keep me pleasantly cool in the summer—that I’ve never had to dedicate any space or time to the arduous bedding-change process whenever the weather turns. Though it’s shown very little wear over the last year, it does seem to have a few small pulls in the fabric (although, in my opinion, it kind of adds to the overall “lived-in” feel and look of the quilt). The quilt comes in a few earth-toned color options, and you can also purchase a bedding set that comes with matching shams. To me, this quilt isn’t just some big glorified blanket—it’s the safe haven I look forward to hugging around me at the end of every night, 365 days of the year.
Tester: Melissa Studach, associate editor
There’s something about a channeled quilt that brings to mind swinging open the linen closet door come fall and picking through the stacks of collected blankets for one more layer. Despite the style’s longevity, it still feels incredibly classic to this day. There’s just one difference with Schoolhouse’s iteration: It’s far too pretty—with its wide channeling and subtly ruched texture—to ever want to hide it away in the closet. Luckily, it’s light enough to cover the bed year-round and reversible, should you want to flip the pigment-rich side for a quieter heather-gray option as seasons change. Made of 100% cotton, the layer is nicely breathable (great news for those who sleep at a warm body temperature but still desire a quilted topper) and machine washable. Both sides are also wonderfully soft—so much so that it could double as a cozy layer on the sofa for movie nights.
Tester: Megan Wahn, associate commerce editor
I do not ever want to leave the embrace of this quilt. As mentioned above, I absolutely love my West Elm flax quilt. I’ve had it for three years now and don’t ever want to part with it, but I’ve started entertaining back-up options in the event I need to retire the West Elm and any replacements are out of stock. This Quince quilt has officially solidified its place on the bench. It looks and feels almost exactly the same, just with a smaller box weave. Quince describes this as a mid-weight linen, which means it feels a little heavier. This initially made me anxious because I thought it’d make me feel overheated, but that was truly the opposite problem. It’s filled with polyester to give it a loft that’s reminiscent of a comforter, making it a great happy medium to those committed to the duvet or comforter life. The weight combined with the smooth linen makes the quilt feel like a sigh of comfort I never want to leave.
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
I would gladly have Ellen Van Dusen design my entire world—so it should come as no surprise that Dusen Dusen’s green check coverlet takes a top spot among my favorite bedding I’ve tried (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot!). Since this coverlet set makes a statement on its own, I’ve been outfitting it with some simple and elegant linen sheets (though the brand has plenty of patterned sets that would also match beautifully). The coverlet has a lightweight design and an airy quality that’s been perfect for spring-to-summer weather, but it’s also super cozy on chillier nights when paired with a nice fuzzy throw (like this one from Kassatex). As for the textile pattern, I’ve never been more eager for bedtime. The cream-and-sea-foam palette provides just the right pop of color, while the checkerboard itself feels like a chic update on a classic motif (not to mention the delightful matching shams really tie the whole look together). The cotton material was already supremely soft straight out of the bag, but since tossing it into the laundry for a wash (just make sure you follow the care instructions!), it’s even softer and gauzier than before, making me excited to sleep with this bedding for years to come.
Tester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor
After seeing her incredible cover story come together, it came as no surprise that interior designer Justina Blakeney knocked it out of the park with this quilt from her brand, Jungalow. It’s light, breathable and, of course, looks adorable in my plant-filled bedroom. The faded dusty-salmon hue is the optimal neutral-without-being-boring solid color and paired up perfectly with a set of my favorite sage green linen sheets. Inspired by tiles from all over the world, the gauzy fabric is laced with intricate stitching. Upon closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the details, especially for such an affordable price. As a die-hard duvet user (and clumsy bedside coffee drinker), I must admit that I was a little concerned about cleaning a quilt. But my trepidation turned out to be unnecessary because this one is machine washable, and you can even throw it in the dryer.
As someone who runs cold, I typically sleep with a comforter and duvet cover combo. In the transitional months between summer and winter, I’ve always wanted to switch to a quilt but never committed. With a 100% cotton velvet front and cotton sateen back that’s filled with a down alternative, this quilt has a beautiful tufted look— giving it a more elevated feel than some of the more traditional options you can find on the market. The velvet material adds a softness both visually and in texture, tying my whole bed together so nicely and making me never want to leave in the morning. The first night that I slept with the quilt on my bed, I was surprised at how warm it kept me while being pretty lightweight at the same time. I’m used to heavier goose down duvet inserts for the majority of the winter season, but swapping that with this quilt proved to keep me just as warm and made my bed as a whole look ten times chicer, which is always a plus. The tufted appearance was something fun and different, and every time I walk by my bedroom I’m now all the more tempted to dive right in and take a nap… or two.
Tester: Madeleine Luckel, design editor
This coverlet from Clever-favorite retailer Parachute features a ribbed stitch pattern that mimics a traditional French weave—but subdued hue gives it a minimalist spin. “Its oatmeal-y color is a nice, natural neutral, but its stitched details are the true hero attribute,” says reviewer Madeleine Luckel. The cotton fabric is totally machine-washable, so anyone hooked on the duvet-cover life can rest easy without any cleaning fears. Since it’s a lightweight coverlet, this would probably fit better for the warmer months or as a neutral “throw quilt” rather than a year-round bedding option.
Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King
Colors: White, dune, pebble grey
According to Kelsey Borovinsky, “this is not your grandma’s quilt.” Rather, it’s something far more luxe thanks to a shiny, silky-soft patina and intricate basket-weave pattern. “The dense quilting stitch, that is said to take eight times longer to embroider, transforms your bed into one that is fit for the Plaza Hotel,” Kelsey says. It’s ultra elegant, and would look best in a chic and glamorous bedroom filled with gold accents and an upholstered bed frame.
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king/California king
Colors: Shore, stone, pewter, mineral, white
This Matouk Pacific coverlet was an answer to Kelsey’s prayers. Not only does the 100% pebbled cotton—with its contrasting charcoal and white accents—bring a “casual refinery” to the bedroom, it’s also the ideal weight to bundle up in, regardless of the weather. It’s the perfect oversized blanket for layering or if you want something light in the warm months.
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Audrey describes this quilt as “the perfect answer to chilly nights when you want an extra layer of cozy.” The quilted stitched ensures it doesn’t feel too flimsy, while the ethically sourced Turkish cotton material brings a bit of lightness to balance it out. Still, it might not be the bedding you use year-round. “This quilt is extremely warm, meaning I’ll definitely only be reaching for it in the fall and winter,” Audrey says. Nevertheless, if you’re in need of a warm layer, Audrey says this “fits the bill.”
Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King
Colors: stone grey, tan, white, charcoal, olive
Tester: Melissa Studach, AD Pro editor
Another option from Brooklinen, the brand’s organic cotton quilt has become a bedding staple for AD Pro editor Mel Studach. It’s become a “mainstay for every season.” She’ll layer it over her sheets during the summer or add it to her duvet when the temperature drops. “It’s snuggly soft and breathable, while offering a nicely weighted layer—light enough to move freely, but dense enough to make you want to linger in bed just a bit longer,” Mel says. It’s also got a nice visual appeal with a subtle striped quilt pattern.
Sizes: Full/Queen or King/Cali King
Colors: Vanilla or blue marina
Tester: Rachel Fletcher, senior commerce editor
Hot sleepers will love this textured 100% cotton coverlet (that’s got its Oeko-Tex certification) that Rachel Fletcher describes as “light as air.” Rachel’s long been dissatisfied with her bedding rotation, which typically includes a light-but-still-too-heavy duvet and flimsy top sheet. The Riley Home coverlet solves all of those problems. The gauzy material doesn’t leave her feeling overheated, while still offering enough weight to cradle her at night. “It almost feels like a nice vintage T-shirt, but it also looks lovely laid across the bed,” Rachel says. The high-quality bedding is made in Portugal and comes in eight different colors.
Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
Colors: White, oatmeal, silver, cloud, sand, true navy, olive, spice, slate, coal
Need a coverlet that can double as a cozy blanket for winter movie nights? Abid Haque says the Sunday Citizen Herringbone coverlet—which also helped him finally end his relationship with duvets—can do just that. It’s double-sided, with a cotton and viscose top and soft, snuggly microfiber underside. Abid says this helps it “seamlessly transition from warmer months to colder ones,” and its minimalist color and design blends perfectly with his room.
Colors: Off white, cloud gray, taupe
Tester: Emily Farris, senior food commerce writer
Emily honestly bought this coverlet-like blanket as an afterthought when the “all seasons” down comforter she previously had left her feeling way too hot. She wanted something that could conceal the small army of blankets assembled at the foot of her bed. But it turned out to be the perfect solution. “When paired with crisp cotton sheets, the three thin layers feel cozy yet breathable, and the warm gray color is incredibly versatile,” Emily says. The blanket features a subtle and small box weave pattern that Emily says adds a bit of texture and visual interest, and the array of color it’s available in make a stylish and functional addition to any bed-scape.
Colors: White, gray, maize, plum, thyme, shoreline, mineral teal
According to Terri Williams, “this coverlet feels as good as it looks.” She bought the midnight blue color—what can she say, she was in a “blue phase”—and loved how luxurious the dark color’s soft sheen looked on her bed. When it came to feel, it’s super soft to touch without feeling oppressive. “The material is not weighty enough to be heavy, so I don’t get hot when I’m sleeping underneath it,” Terri said.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King
Colors: White, ivory, light birch, light gray, midnight blue, steel blue, burnt sienna
Design-aficionados will especially appreciate this bed quilt. The drape-y, box-stitched linen is actually two-toned—the quilt top features one color, and there’s a contrasting hue on the other side. “Folded over, [it] feels like a design choice without the weight of multiple blankets on one bed,” says reviewer Erika Veurink. “Talk about the best of both worlds.”
Sizes: Full/Queen, California/California King
Colors: Pink clay and turmeric, terracotta and rust, oatmeal, sage and olive, mineral and lilac, charcoal
Tester: DaVonne Onassis Bacchus, contributor
While cotton and linen are tried and true options for a quality coverlet, if you’re looking for a softer, more substantial coverlet, this option made from 100% baby alpaca fur might just be for you. The materials makes this feel a bit more like a log cabin quilt, ideal for layering on your bed during colder months—which was exactly what tester DaVonne did. “It added a sense of warmth with the earthy mushroom tone. The stitched edge detail caught my eye, as it draped perfectly to the floor, giving my bed a luxe look and feel,” he says. It also doubled as a blanket for him to curl up with in his reading chair. And, believe it or not, the soft material doesn’t make the coverlet overbearingly hot. DaVonne actually found it was pretty light and didn’t impact his body temperature. It’s the perfect touch of elegance and warmth.
Sizes: Full/Queen, King/California King
Saatva makes a lot of our favorite bed products—mattresses, bed frames, comforters, and now quilts. Though contributor Terri Williams prefers the weight of a comforter or duvet, she wanted to see how this bedding from the brand compared. The channel quilt is 100% organic cotton and also uses cotton batting to give the quilt a bit of extra fluff, while keeping it light. This results in a breathable quilt that Terri reported left her feeling cool as she slept under it. She often uses it in the colder months when lounging on the couch (though it doesn’t get plenty of time on her bed) and she recommends getting the matching shams to really complete the look.
Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
Colors: White, ivory, and grey
Tester: Megan Wahn, associate commerce editor
The Piglet in Bed gingham quilt is another great option for design-lovers looking to quickly inject a bit of style into their room. Like the Bed Threads quilt, it’s reversible—but instead of solid colors, it has a whimsical gingham print on one side. Associate commerce editor Megan Wahn personally liked to fold down the top part of her quilt to give a little peak to the checked pattern that lay underneath. She also found the quilt a little heavier than other coverlets or buttery soft linen quilts, but still felt like the added touch of pattern put the bedding in a “league of its own.”
Waffle Towels © 2024 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Architectural Digest may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices