How To Use A Coverlet

If yous've always been unclear about the difference between a bedspread and a coverlet, you're not lonely. They may sound similar, only believe it or not, there are stark differences to consider before yous plan to upgrade your bedding. Your bedroom's blueprint, the type of bed, and fifty-fifty the climate you lot live in take an upshot on which of these bed coverings is best for you.

We invited Annie Selke, founder and designer behind interior furnishings companies including Pine Cone Colina, Nuance & Albert and Annie Selke Luxe, Caitlin Murray, master designer at Los Angeles-based design firm Black Lacquer, and Chicago-based interior designer Donna Mondi, to provide some clarity. Read on for their expert tips for deciding between the two bedding options.

What Is a Bedspread?

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Pine Cone Hill

This elegant white bedspread by Pino Cone Colina sweeps the floor of an equally sophisticated bedchamber, lending a touch of traditional charm to the space.

When it comes to bedspreads, call back traditional. "A bedspread is an all-encompassing piece that extends all the way to the ground," says Selke. "Bedspreads tend to be more than onetime-fashioned than coverlets."

Because bedspreads are typically intended for an elegant, traditional sleeping accommodation, y'all may be more probable to come across prints when you're shopping for a bedspread than a coverlet. "Since bedspreads are a petty more traditional, and mayhap even more shabby chichi, they often come with some sort of pattern or print on them," says Murray. "In that case, yous need to consider the rest of the room. Another pattern or print may compete."

Even though a bedspread reaches all the way to the ground, don't presume that ways yous tin skip a bedskirt."If you pull the bed spread back, you're still going to encounter that ugly part of the bed," says Selke. "It's e'er a more finished wait to address your underpinnings with a bed skirt."

What Is a Coverlet?

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Pine Cone Colina

A neutral coverlet past Annie Selke Luxe graces the top of a matching bedskirt, echoing the simple elegance found throughout the balance of the room.

For a more than modern chamber, opt for a coverlet. "A coverlet only goes to the height of your bed skirt," says Selke. "It's a meliorate selection for a modern space. And while a more than traditional bedroom might have a dust ruffle to match, in a mod bedroom with a coverlet, yous might find a flat tailored bedskirt that doesn't depict the eye."

Coverlets are also an ideal choice if you're looking for versatile bedding. "A coverlet is something you tin use in a lot of unlike ways as an extension to your bed," says Murray. "They can be folded upwardly and look groovy at the cease of the bed as an accent, whereas a bedspread is a niggling bigger and you can't switch upwards the design that much."

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Nick Novelli, Courtesy of Donna Mondi Interior Design

A simulated fur coverlet in an eclectic room blueprint by Donna Mondi.

Coverlets are typically fabricated of cotton, linen, velvet or silk, simply that doesn't mean that you're non allowed to experiment with other materials. "For a sexy surprise, I love to use imitation fur with a satin lining," says Donna Mondi.

Coverlets work especially well with platform beds, says Selke. "With a platform bed, you can tuck sheets, a coating, and a coverlet for a actually sleek, contemporary look," says Selke.

In improver to platform beds, they're ideal for bed designs that avowal statement legs. "Show off those legs with a uncomplicated coverlet tucked into a statement bed frame," says Mondi.

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Courtesy of Donna Mondi Interior Design

An understated coverlet keeps the focus on a statement bed frame.

They're also the perfect layering slice that can easily be tucked for an elegant look. "Layer on the decadence past using the coverlet as a lighter base that's easier to keep tucked," says Mondi. "Save the duvet for the cease of the bed where information technology has less chance of looking like a mess."

A coverlet can be paired with a blanket during colder months if you alive in a seasonal climate. Accommodate a sheet, blanket and coverlet when information technology's chilly, and in warmer months, wearing apparel the bed with just sheets and a coverlet.

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the make's home decorating coverage beyond print and digital.