14 Best Quilts and Coverlets, Tested and Reviewed by Clever | Architectural Digest

Here’s a hot take: I think quilts and coverlets are superior to duvets and comforters. Having grown up in Georgia (where it’s perpetually hot, with the exception of maybe four months of the year) and now living in New York City (where it gets unbearably hot for about four months of the year), I’m very familiar with the uncomfortable pool of sweat you wake up drenched in most summer mornings. That said, I don’t want to sacrifice the sublime feeling of being cocooned in a bedding set as I gradually taper off into dreamland, and a flimsy top sheet just doesn’t cut it. Quilts, in my personal experience, are the best mid-weight solution to this Goldilocks sleeping conundrum.

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 recent “American People” exhibition at the New Museum, or document American history quite like the legendary quilters of Gee’s Bend?

Regardless if you’re looking for a work of art to function as a home decor element or something to make you feel cozy even during the sweltering summer months, the Clever team tested and reviewed the best quilts and coverlets on the market worth keeping on your radar. 

After a lifetime of duvets and comforters, West Elm’s European Flax Linen Box Stitch Quilt is what made me convert to 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 plushness 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 variety of 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. —Megan Wahn, associate commerce editor

If you’re a duvet type of person (like myself) a coverlet might feel like a curious type of product. Not quite quilt, not quite blanket, it’s presumably what many sleepers opt to use during the warmer months of the year. For those tried-and-true fans of this type of home good, Parachute’s Linea Cotton Coverlet makes for a solid option. Its oatmeal-y color is a nice, natural neutral, but its stitched details are the true hero attribute. While the stitching looks like it could snag overtime, mine so far has not. The cotton fabric covering, which was made in Portugal, is even machine washable—meaning those hooked on the duvet-cover life should rid themselves of any potential cleaning fears. Still, as appealing as this product may be, it would likely be most appreciated by preexisting coverlet fans, as opposed to those looking to make a change for the sake of change. —Madeleine Luckel, design editor

Most people who know me are fully aware that I am not a fan of New York summers, particularly for the hot and sticky nights that make sleeping in the city impossible. I’ve always rotated between a light duvet (still too heavy) or just sticking to a top sheet (not substantial enough) for trying to find a decent sleep setup in the warm months. That is until I tried the Riley textured cotton coverlet. Made in Portugal, it’s 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton and delightfully soft—light as air, but still provides enough of a weight that I feel cradled. It almost feels like a nice vintage T-shirt, but it also looks lovely laid across the bed. I’ve also used it in winter for doubling up in bed or curling up on the couch, though I’ll admit that it’s best used as a layer, since the style is fairly understated for a throw. —Rachel Fletcher, senior 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 seafoam 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. —Audrey Lee, commerce writer

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. —Melissa Studach, associate editor

This quilt is quite literally fit for a queen, and I do declare that your house guests will enjoy it! Though bedding is still new to the Dôen fold, the brand is off to a solid start with these heirloom-inspired bed quilts available in three of the prettiest prints. Each quilt is made out of 100% organic Indian cotton poplin and features an embroidered lace trim and inside lining for that extra-special touch of sophisticated high-end comfort. I prefer for my quilts to be on the heavier side, but breathability is another important factor that shouldn’t be compromised for the most optimal snoozing. When a friend recently visited, I offered up this quilt to enhance her overnight experience and was surprised to find her looking refreshed, recharged, and raving about how comfortably she slept on the floor the next day. (I should also mention that her bed for the evening was a sleeping bag because my air mattress was unavailable, don’t @ me for my hospitality.) Dôen’s quilt isn’t just a dreamy vision for your daily slumbers: It’s the ideal staple for that seasonal period when your body can’t distinguish the transition from winter’s frigid chill to the sweltering heat of hot girl summer. I’ll definitely continue putting it to good use all year-round. —Sydney Gore, digital design editor

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. —Rebecca Grambone, associate social media manager

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. —Lizzie Soufleris, associate visuals editor

This reversible quilt from Toast is truly lovely to look at—and equally well-made for a pleasant slumber. But first, the look. The white cross-stitching on the oatmeal-colored linen is a beauty to behold. Made in India, it definitely has a handmade touch but also feels incredibly durable. The reverse side of the quilt is made of some of the softest cotton I have ever experienced; the luxe layers combined make it a great blanket option for cooler climates during the summer (I’m thinking Maine or Northern California summer nights) or as a seasonal layer, but I wouldn’t recommend it for someone craving a super lightweight quilt. It also makes a great-looking throw or guest room quilt. The only downside to this piece is that it is recommended dry-clean only, which, for someone with a dog and a fairly dry-cleaning-averse lifestyle, can be a bit of a pain. —R.F.

This coverlet is what I have been searching for the past five years while living in New York. Made in Portugal, the Pacific Coverlet from Matouk is crafted using 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton and has a pebbled texture that brings a casual refinery to the bedroom. It is the perfect weight, and the charcoal color is rich but still soft and not too dark with the incorporation of white yarn. —Kelsey Borovinsky, audience development manager 

Looking at this king-size coverlet draped across my bed, I can’t help thinking that this is what we all had in mind when we collectively declared we were having a “coastal grandma” summer. The cooly colored Bolé Road Afar coverlet looks like it belongs in a Cape Cod or Nantucket summer home—resting on a bed in front of a floor-to-ceiling window framed by diaphanous white linen curtains. The fabric swaths around my body each night like a butterfly’s cocoon, instantly transporting me from my childhood bedroom to the guest room in that New England cottage. If you’re someone who runs a bit colder at night or likes to feel just a bit too hot, this coverlet might not be substantial enough for you (it feels a bit more like another sheet than a bedspread). But if you’re looking for a new beach-house blanket or planning on spending the summer sans A.C. and just with your windows open, keep this coverlet on your list. —M.W.

This coverlet couldn’t have come to me at a better time. I’m a hot sleeper 365 days a year, but when summer comes, I’m just miserable under a quilt. So, when I had my first night under the Allswell coverlet, I was astonished. It’s got the perfect sort of weight for that “covered” feeling, but it’s so light and cool, it’s like a dream (even when I’m awake). Not to mention it’s ridiculously soft (much like their sheets I’m also in love with). I particularly love the subtle texture of the (very handsome!) embroidered stripes, which, having had a cat for many years, I feel would actually stand up to some clawing quite well. If you like soft, cool bedding in the summer, I’m telling you, this is a great choice. —Elise Portale, social media manager

This is not your grandma’s quilt. 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 (not that I have ever been there, just that this quilt has a certain luxurious je ne sais quoi). The texture is silky-soft like your favorite fancy pajamas, but that also means it’s a little shinier than I would have expected (which kind of ups the hotel factor). Given that the decor in my apartment is very neutral, this quilt unfortunately will not be displayed as a top layer but rather will be tucked under a duvet during the cold winter season, so I can still enjoy it without it throwing off the vibe of the room. —K.B.