After hours of thoroughly researching options and considering factors like material, weight, and care, we found the very best quilts to accommodate a variety of sleep preferences, budgets, and design styles. For tips on how to shop for quilts, we consulted Kiva Motnyk, Founder of Thompson Street Studio. “Think about the space your quilt will live in,” says Motnyk. “Is it a staple piece for your bed, a decoration that migrates around your home, or an addition to a collection? Look for a quality piece that you’ll want to keep around forever.” Our top pick, The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt, is made with lightweight fabric that can easily transition throughout different seasons, and remains comfortable for all kinds of sleepers. We also liked that it comes in an array of vibrant hues to complement any room. Below, find our recommendations for the best quilts depending on your sleeping habits and lifestyle. We’ve also included expert tips on how to shop for quilts and answers to your quilt-related questions. Who it isn’t for: People in search of warmer bedding. Soft to the touch and light as a feather, the Company Cotton Voile Quilt is the perfect complement to any bed. It’s made out of—you guessed it—cotton voile, which is an airy fabric that works perfectly as a coverlet in the summer or as a bed topper for extra warmth when it gets cold. The filling is also 100 percent cotton, which gives this quilt a weightless feel. Another strength of the Company Cotton Voile quilt is that it comes in 22 color options, ranging from neutrals to bold shades, so it can match any room or decor style. Each quilt is expertly hand stitched, giving each item a unique texture and ensuring that it can hold up to years of wear. Plus, this quilt is super convenient to clean. When you need to wash it, stick it in the washing machine and tumble dry on low. It’ll be back on your bed in no time, so you never have to spend a night without it.
Materials: Cotton voile with cotton fill Sizes: Twin, full/queen, kingCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on lowReturn Policy: 90 days
Price at time of publish: $189 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who sleep hot. High-quality quilts can be expensive due to the craftsmanship and materials used to make them, but thankfully there are some great budget options available. This microfiber quilt from Target stood out for using Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, meaning it has been tested for 400+ harmful chemicals and proven safe. We also like that it can be machine washed and dried, which is much more practical, especially for those who don’t have space to line dry their bed linens. This quilt is filled with cotton and uses box stitching to create a clean pattern on your bedding, which gives it a lightweight feel. The outer lining is microfiber, a soft and durable material that’s less prone to wrinkles but traps in more heat than cotton or linen. With this in mind, we recommend that hot sleepers consider other quilts, as they may find this one too warm, especially during the summer. One thing to point out: It only runs up to a queen size, so if you have a larger bed, you’re out of luck. But if you’re on a budget you can’t go wrong with this comfy quilt. It’s easy to clean, comfortable, and looks good on any bed.
Materials: Polyester with cotton fillSizes: Twin, full/queenCare: Machine wash, tumble dry Return Policy: 1 year
Price at time of publish: $45 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to spend a lot on a quilt. If you’re a hot sleeper who wants a quilt that will keep you cool, we recommend the West Elm Tencel Pick Stitch Quilt. Tencel lyocell fabric is renowned for its moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties that absorb water and humidity, which means it can regulate your body temperature to keep you cool all night. Tencel is a fabric made from strained tree pulp. While that might not sound super comfortable, we can assure you that West Elm’s Tencel quilt is supremely soft and silky to the touch, even more so than a sateen or silk bedspread. This hand-stitched quilt is made from sustainably sourced Tencel that is Fair Trade and Oeko-Tex 100 certified, so it’s free of 400+ harmful chemicals. West Elm’s Tencel quilt is best suited for hot sleepers or people living in warmer climates. You can pair it with a duvet or blanket for more warmth, but you may not like its cool touch if you run cold at night. Tencel also has a sheen, so you may want a cotton or linen quilt if you prefer matte bedding. But for those who like to be as cool as a cucumber in their sleep, this quilt will keep you at a perfect temperature throughout the night.
Materials: Tencel lyocell with polyester fillSizes: Twin, twin XL, full/queen, king/California kingCare: Machine wash warm, tumble dryReturn Policy: 30 days
Price at time of publish: $230 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who need bedding that can hold up to roughhousing from kids and pets. Out of all the lightweight quilts we looked at, this cotton quilt from Quince stood out for its weightless quality and use of cotton voile. Cotton voile, which is a lightweight and gauzy version of cotton, brings cloudlike comfort to any bed. This type of cotton is also more breathable, allowing air to circulate throughout your bedding so you won’t overheat in the middle of the night. Come winter it has a supremely soft touch that is amazing to curl up in. The lighter fabric is more prone to snags and tears though, so it’s not the best choice if you have pets or rowdy kids. Quince’s cotton quilt is GOTS-certified organic, so you can rest assured knowing that it’s made from the highest quality materials. It’s also machine-washable and can be tumbled dry, so cleaning your quilt is as breezy as your new bedding. If you eat in bed or are prone to spilling things, the white fabric of this option might suffer a stain or two. You may have to spend more time spot cleaning your quilt to keep it pristine, but given its quality and affordability compared to other organic quilts, it’s worth the extra care.
Material: Organic cotton with organic cotton fillSizes: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal kingCare: Machine wash cool, tumble dry lowReturn Policy: 1 year
Price at time of publish: $110 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want lightweight bedding. Parachute’s Cloud Cotton Quilt is the perfect companion for cooler evenings. Made entirely with long-staple Turkish cotton, it feels uber soft and snuggly against your skin—and, the longer cotton fibers mean that the fabric is less prone to pilling and breakage than shorter ones. It’s filled with polyester, which helps keep you toasty warm, and has a heavier weight that means it can totally replace your comforter. This quilt is machine-washable and features a crinkled texture that disguises the appearance of wrinkles. You can choose from five natural colors that are yarn dyed, meaning that the individual fabric fibers were dyed before they were woven into fabric. This technique helps to prevent fading, ensuring your quilt looks brand new even after several washes. While the price is a bit steep, a quilt that manages to be fluffy and lightweight makes for a good splurge and is sure to keep you warm and cozy at home.
Material: Cotton with polyester fillSizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal kingCare: Machine washReturn Policy: 60 days
Price at time of publish: $289 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want a warm, thick quilt. The right bedspread can create a luxurious sleeping experience, which is what Under The Canopy’s cotton quilt delivers. It’s made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, and its softness cannot be overstated—it’s like sleeping on a cloud. This quilt also uses a sateen weave, which brings a subtle shine to your bed. The fill, also made from organic cotton, gives it a bit of loft without being too hot or heavy, making it a good option for those looking for lightweight bedding to keep cool in the summer. The subtle stitching of this quilt gives it a slightly textured look, so it’s great if you’re looking for a sleek bedspread that doesn’t have a traditionally quilted look. It’s available in five neutral colors, which may be disappointing if you were hoping to bring some bright pops of color to space, but you can layer each quilt beautifully with a bright blanket or comforter to keep warm in the winter. Lastly, Under the Canopy’s quilt is washer and dryer friendly, so you don’t have to bother with line drying. Its hassle-free care instructions and supremely soft fabric make it a staple all year round.
Materials: Cotton with cotton and polyester fillSizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, kingCare: Machine wash warm, tumble dry lowReturn Policy: 60 days
Price at time of publish: $188 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to spend a lot on a quilt. The Citizenry makes their Stonewashed Linen Quilt from French flax of the highest caliber, so it arrives at your doorstep as soft as can be. Each quilt is Oeko-Tex and Fair Trade certified, and comes in an array of calming, earthy hues that bring a lived-in look to your bed. Linen is a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, so it’s ideal for hot sleepers or those who live in warm climates. The Citizenry’s linen quilts are lightweight, so they aren’t cumbersome to deal with, and are stitched with a square pattern which creates a plushier feel. This quilt can also be machine washed and dried, but keep in mind that linen does wrinkle more than other fabrics. For those who want to create a comfy vibe in their room, this would make a good pick, but bedding perfectionists may want to consider a stiffer fabric. The main downside here is price: Linen is more expensive than other fabrics, so this isn’t a budget-friendly option. However, The Citizenry offers free fabric swatches so you can get a feel for their linen before you take the plunge. We believe this quilt is worth the cost, given that it manages to be buttery soft, lightweight, well-crafted, and cozy all at once—what more could you want?
Material: Linen with polyester fillSizes: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal kingCare: Machine wash, tumble dry lowReturn Policy: 30 days
Price at time of publish: $275 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for a colorful quilt. Those who dread swapping out their bedding once the season changes should consider this medium-weight quilt. It’s airy enough to be used in the summer, and once winter rolls around, all you have to do is throw on a blanket for it to be ready for cold weather cuddling. The fill and outer layers are made entirely from Fair Trade and GOTS-certified organic cotton, so you can sleep soundly knowing that your quilt meets the strictest textile standards around. The fluffy cotton fill also allows for better air circulation, making it well-suited for hot sleepers who want the feel of medium-weight bedding without sacrificing their comfort at night. Pact’s Quilted Comforter features a sateen weave, which brings a lustrous finish to your bed. While it is machine-washable, it does wrinkle easily, so we recommend removing it from your dryer promptly to stave off creases.
Material: Organic cotton with organic cotton fillSizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal kingCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry lowReturn Policy: 60 days
Price at time of publish: $240 for queen Who it isn’t for: People who want a quilt that’s very easy to care for. If you’re looking for bedding with that classic quilted look, this heirloom-quality quilt from L.L. Bean is a great choice. The soft, warm colors of the patches were inspired by natural hues, bringing a shabby-chic vibe to your bed. If you ever get tired of the patches, you can flip it over and display the ticked reverse side instead. The fabric and batting of this quilt are both 100 percent cotton, so it’s super soft and cozy without being overly heavy. Most sleepers will find that it has a good weight for colder nights, but if you sleep hot, you may want to opt for a cooling comforter instead. This quilt is also large enough for proper snuggling—L.L. Bean does not skimp on fabric when it comes to their bedding. Blanket hoggers will have lots of fabric to curl up in at night without leaving their partners in the cold. While this quilt is machine-washable, L.L. Bean does recommend that you line dry it to keep it intact for years to come. If you don’t mind hanging up your quilt whenever it needs a wash, we think it’s a well-made option for those looking for traditional quilted bedding.
Materials: Cotton with cotton fillSizes: Twin, full/queen, kingCare: Machine wash, line dryReturn Policy: 1 year
Price at time of publish: $239 for queen Who it isn’t for: Those who don’t want to spend a lot on a quilt. While quilts might just be a type of bedding to some, a well-crafted one can also be a work of art worth investing in. Thompson Street Studio is known for their artistic quilts, and the neutral Day Quilt is no exception—the beautiful patchwork design could be displayed in a museum, and the faded, naturally-dyed hues create a calming color palette. If you’re searching for minimalist bedding, you can display the reverse side of your quilt instead which features a geometric design. Stitched together from cotton and linen remnants, the Day Quilt is soft and cool in the summer. The linen and cotton construction, as well as the tight hand stitching, allow the Day Quilt to be washer and dryer friendly too. The weight of this quilt clocks in at 150 GSM, or grams per square meter, so it can easily serve as a transitional bedding piece.
Materials: Linen with cotton fillSizes: Throw, queen, kingCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry lowReturn Policy: 7 days
Price at time of publish: $950 for queen
How to Shop for Quilts Like a Pro
Material
Quilts come in various fabrics, including cotton, wool, linen, and polyester, but Motnyk recommends that you “shop for natural fibers when possible.” The material of your quilt impacts its temperature, weight, and care instructions, so figure out what material will work best for you before shopping. Remember to also look at the batting material before making a purchase. Cotton is a light and breathable fabric, making it ideal for warmer nights. When looking at cotton varieties, note that long-staple cotton is typically softer and more durable than shorter cotton fibers. Cotton is also commonly used for quilt batting—aka filling—which creates the flat look that lightweight quilts have. Tencel, the brand name for a type of lyocell, is a type of rayon made out of tree pulp that gets pulverized and strained to create fibers. The resulting fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial, which makes it a favorite among hot sleepers and people with sensitive skin. For those who are eco-conscious, Tencel requires less water and energy to produce than traditional cotton and can be biodegradable. Linen is another fantastic fabric choice for hot sleepers, though it’s pricey compared to cotton. It’s renowned for its moisture-wicking and breathable properties, so it’s a great fabric to use during summer. Motnyk likes using linen for quilts because it’s “an incredibly durable fabric and softens with every wash without wearing out.” Polyester is a man-made, affordable fabric that’s easy to wash and care for. However, it traps in more heat, so it’s better suited for cold sleepers. Polyester is also commonly used for quilt batting as it drapes nicely, has a nice loft, and holds up over time for a long-lasting quilt.
Weight
Quilts are weighed in grams per square meter (GSM) and come in three weights: light, medium, and heavy. Motnyk says “the higher the GSM of filling in the quilt, the warmer it is.” According to her expertise, a lightweight quilt is around 200 GSM and is best suited for summer use. A medium-weight quilt will be around 300 GSM, which is perfect for autumn or spring weather. A heavy-weight quilt is typically 500 GSM and will keep you warm in the winter.
Care
Care instructions can range based on the materials and construction of your quilt, so always consult your manufacturer’s recommendations before washing your quilt. Motnyk advises to “[choose] washing machine-friendly pieces” if you know you’ll need to be laundering your quilt more frequently. Fortunately, most quilts can be machine washed and tumble-dried, but bedspreads that incorporate silk and wool typically need to be dry cleaned. When in doubt, you can always hand wash your quilt by soaking it in your tub with a mild detergent. To store your quilt, fold it and tuck it into a cool, dark place to prevent the color from fading. Avoid keeping it in your attic, basement, or other moist areas of your home to prevent mildew. Also, avoid sticking it in a plastic container as that can release vapors that will cause the fabric to deteriorate over time.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the difference between a quilt, coverlet, and a duvet?
“Coverlets are traditionally only one layer of fabric, whereas quilts are always three layers,” Motnyk explains. The layers of a quilt include a top layer, a middle layer with filling (or batting) that adds thickness and warmth, and a bottom layer. The amount of batting in each quilt determines its weight. A coverlet is thinner than a quilt and “serves as a layering piece through all seasons,” Motnyk tells us. While coverlets may feature ornate stitching, it’s only used for design, not to hold fabrics together. Additionally, coverlets lack the middle layer that quilts have, so they don’t provide much warmth. You can use them to enhance your decor, though they can be used as a cover when it gets hot. This is why Motnyk describes them as “the ultimate in-betweener.” Duvets are “made of two components, the duvet cover, and the duvet insert.” The insert is typically made from down, feathers, or synthetic materials and is known for being fluffy and warm. The insert is encased in a shell, which is made from fabric like cotton. Duvets “lay atop all bedding and offer the most warmth,” making them best suited for colder climates. Many retailers use these terms interchangeably, so keep an eye out when shopping online—you don’t want to order a thin coverlet when you want a thick, warm quilt.
Can a quilt be washed in a washing machine?
You can throw most quilts into your washing machine, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what temperature and speed you should wash them at. Larger quilts may not fit into your washing machine or get too heavy for your dryer. In those cases, it’s best to use a commercial washer instead. If you’re concerned about damaging your quilt—especially if it’s antique or handmade—you should hand wash it in your bathtub to ensure it stays in good condition.
How often should you wash your quilt?
How often you wash your quilt comes down to how much you use it. In general, a good rule of thumb is to wash every change of season. Again, check your manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that you’re taking proper care of your quilt.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Jen Woo, a design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. To write this article, she spent hours researching quilts, considering factors like material, weight, and care to choose the best quilts available. She also consulted Kiva Motnyk, founder of Thompson Street Studio, for expert insight into buying quilts for your bed.
