Guide
Quilt, comforter or blanket: what's the difference?
Three kinds of bed covering that often get mixed up, and how to tell which one suits you.
The short answer
| What it is | How it feels | |
|---|---|---|
| Quilt | Three thin layers stitched together: a top, a thin filling and a backing | Flat, light to medium, drapes closely |
| Comforter | A fabric bag filled with thick, fluffy filling | Puffy and warm, sits high on the bed |
| Blanket | A single layer of woven or knitted fabric | Thin and simple, often used under something else |
What makes a quilt a quilt
A quilt is a sandwich of three layers. Lines of stitching run through all three and hold them together. That stitching is the “quilting”, and it is why a quilt lies flat rather than puffing up.
The top is where the pattern lives. It may be pieced from many patches, or it may be one piece of fabric with a design on it.
When a quilt suits you
- You like a bed that looks neat and flat.
- You sleep warm, or you live somewhere mild.
- You want one cover for the bed and another layer you can add on cold nights.
- You want something for a chair or sofa as well as a bed. A quilt folds small.
When a comforter suits you
- You sleep cold and want one thick, warm layer.
- You like a soft, cloud-like bed.
When a blanket suits you
- You want a light extra layer under a quilt or comforter.
- You want something simple for a lap or a car.
Using them together
Many people keep a quilt on the bed all year and add a blanket underneath in winter. A quilt folded across the foot of the bed is also easy to pull up in the night.
Before you buy any of them
- Check the size against your bed, not just the name. “Large” is not the same from one maker to the next.
- Read the care instructions before you order, so you know whether it can go in your washing machine.
- Check the returns policy, especially for a gift.