Bedspreads and quilts are both types of bed coverlets designed to protect and decorate a bed, but they feature different construction techniques.
A bedspread is a lightweight to medium-weight covering that is designed to drape across a bed and dust the floor. Its main purpose is decorative and to provide a polished, finished look to a bed. Bedspreads can be sourced in a wide array of fabrics and patterns, including chenille and matelasse or embossed cotton. Bedspreads are generally a popular choice for mild climates that don’t require thick insulated bedding in the winter.
Unlike a bedspread, which is generally fashioned from a single piece of fabric, a quilt is a multi-layered covering composed of three distinct layers: a decorative top layer, a middle layer of batting (usually made of cotton, wool, or synthetic material), and a backing fabric. Quilts are traditionally stitched together using intricately patterned threadwork, adding to their visual appeal. Quilts can be used as decorative bed coverings or as utilitarian blankets. Because they’re crafted of multiple layers, quilts are often selected for colder climates that require warm, insulated bedding.
