Bed Covers
Duvet Covers, Quilts, Coverlets and Throws Explained
"Bed covers" is a broad term that can describe several types of bedding used to cover, protect, decorate, or add warmth to a bed. Depending on where you live and how the bedding is constructed, you might hear terms such as duvet cover, quilt, coverlet, bedspread, or throw blanket.
Understanding the differences can make it much easier to choose the right layer for your bed.
What Is a Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover is a removable fabric shell designed to hold a duvet insert. Unlike a quilt or bedspread, the cover itself isn't intended to provide most of the warmth. Instead, it protects the insert while allowing you to change the appearance of your bedding without replacing the entire duvet.
The best duvet covers combine practical features with a design you enjoy living with. At Handful of Prints, our duvet covers feature a zipper closure and include two matching pillowcases.
Size is particularly important when shopping. Our US duvet cover range includes Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King, so whether you're looking for a duvet cover queen size or browsing duvet covers king size, check your mattress and duvet insert measurements rather than relying on the size name alone.
Quilts, Coverlets and Bedspreads
The terminology becomes a little less precise when comparing bedspreads and quilts. A quilt is typically a layered, quilted piece that can provide warmth while also serving as the visible top layer of a bed.
A coverlet is generally a lighter decorative bed covering. The terminology can also vary between retailers and markets. At Handful of Prints, we market the products we call quilts in the US as coverlets in Australia and New Zealand.
Bedspreads are another related category. They are generally designed to cover a large portion of the bed and often extend farther down the sides than quilts or coverlets. If you're comparing bedspreads king size with king quilts, it's worth checking the actual dimensions because the amount of overhang can vary considerably.
Can Throw Blankets Be Used as Bed Covers?
Yes, although usually in a different way.
A throw blanket is smaller than a typical duvet cover, quilt, or bedspread, so it generally won't cover the entire bed. Instead, throws can be folded or casually draped across the foot or side of the bed.
They add an extra layer for cooler evenings while also introducing color, texture, or artwork. This makes throws especially useful when you want to refresh existing bedding without changing the main bed cover.
Which Bed Cover Should You Choose?
Think first about what you need your bed cover to do. A duvet cover is a practical choice if you already use a duvet insert and want an easily changeable outer layer. A quilt or coverlet can serve as both a decorative top layer and extra bedding, while a throw is ideal for adding a smaller accent and an extra layer.
Handful of Prints offers artistic duvet covers, quilts, and coverlets, and throw blankets across a wide variety of themes. You can choose one statement design or coordinate different pieces through similar colors and artwork to create a bedroom that feels distinctly your own.
