Best Quilts

A quilt can be a fitting addition to your bed if you need more than just a top sheet but don’t prefer the heaviness that duvets, comforters, or weighted blankets can add. Many of the best quilts are lightweight and made from flexible materials, like cotton or linen, allowing them to drape nicely over the bed. Because they’re thinner than duvets and comforters, you can also layer them over other blankets to regulate your temperature on chilly nights. 

To help you find the right quilt for you, we selected the best quilts for different preferences, whether you need an all-season quilt or want a high-quality layer to splurge on. Our picks are based on our evaluation of a variety of qualities including materials, durability, feel, and price.

Product Details

Best Overall

Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt

Price:

$295

Material:

GOTS-certified organic cotton

Sizes:

74″ x 90″ 96″ x 96″ 106″ x 96″

• Who it’s best for

  1. Shoppers who prefer neutral tones and minimalist decor
  2. Hot sleepers
  3. People who enjoy textured bedding

• Highlights

  1. Cotton cover and batting promotes breathability
  2. Lighter weight is ideal for layering with heavier blankets in cold months
  3. Channeled design adds a stylish touch to bedroom

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Saatva products

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The Saatva Organic Cotton Channel Quilt is made from breathable cotton filled with cotton batting. The lightweight design is ideal for hot sleepers or people who don’t like to feel weighed down when sleeping. That said, it’s easy to take the quilt from warmer months to colder seasons easily by pairing with a throw or heavier quilt. The minimalist design plays well with layered textures, patterns, and colors.

Known for its softness and breathability, cotton is an airy fabric ideal for quilts. The sateen weave has a silky feel and the channeled pattern adds a subtle stylish touch. The cotton in the cover has GOTS certification to guarantee eco-friendly sourcing. The quilt comes in three neutral color options — white, ivory, and grey — so you can seamlessly match it to your bedroom decor. Saatva recommends spot cleaning the quilt, but if necessary you can machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle and machine dry on low. 

Saatva offers a 45-day sleep trial, so you can try the quilt and decide if it’s right for you. The quilt is further backed by a one-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

Best Value

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Quilt

Price:

$110

Material:

100% organic cotton voile

Sizes:

70″ x 92″ 90″ x 92″ 108″ x 92″

• Who it’s best for:

  1. Shoppers looking for affordable organic bedding
  2. People seeking a quilt that’s easy to care for
  3. Sleepers who don’t cuddle up with pets

• Highlights:

  1. Organic cotton at an affordable price
  2. Cotton voile is soft to the touch
  3. Fits well in standard washers and dryers

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Quince products

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It’s common for 100% organic cotton quilts and other bedding pieces to cost more than regular cotton ones. Because of Quince’s direct-to-consumer model, the 100% Organic Cotton Quilt is brought straight from the manufacturer to you, allowing it to be priced much lower than similar quilts on the market. So, you can experience the softness of an organic cotton quilt at a budget-friendly price.

The quilt has a simple, classic design and is available in white, making it fit right into almost any bedroom decor. One caveat is that white is the only color option, and white bedding doesn’t always mix well with pets or kids who share the bed. It launders well and can be washed in cool water and dried on low or hung to dry.

Made from soft, airy organic cotton voile with organic cotton fill, this quilt is breathable enough for people who tend to sleep hot. You can also use it as an extra layer during cold, wintery months without adding uncomfortable bulk to your bed.

Get a full 365 days to try the 100% Organic Cotton Quilt on your bed with Quince’s generous free return policy. 

Best Luxury

Boll & Branch Signature Basketweave Quilt Set

Price:

$399

Material:

100% organic cotton

Sizes:

74″ x 91″ 96″ x 96″ 112″ x 96″

• Who it’s best for

  1. Consumers who don’t mind spending more for exceptional softness
  2. Eco-conscious shoppers
  3. Sleepers who prefer matching bedding pieces

• Highlights

  1. Materials certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX
  2. Soft sheen finish creates a smooth, cooling effect for hot sleepers
  3. Five neutral color options fit most bedroom color schemes

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Save 15% on your first Boll & Branch purchase

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The Boll & Branch Signature Basketweave Quilt Set features a cover made from 100% organic cotton of the long-staple variety, which is softer and stronger than short-staple cotton. The cover is filled with cotton batting. A basketweave pattern adds a stylish touch and is finished by hand to ensure top quality. Dense stitching promotes durability through each wash, so this is a quilt designed to last.

This set includes a quilt and one sham with twin sets or two shams with full/queen and king/California king sets. Available in white and four shades of gray, the quilt set works equally well for neutral bedrooms and spaces with pops of color. The cotton has GOTS certification to ensure organic sourcing.

The quilt and shams may shrink during the first few washes, a natural occurrence for untreated cotton. Note that the quilt is intentionally larger than typical quilts to account for any shrinkage. You may machine wash the quilt in cold water with similar colors and tumble dry on a medium heat setting.

Boll & Branch provides a 30-day sleep trial for sleepers who want to try the set before committing, though the quilt must be in original condition with tags attached. Shipping is free in the contiguous U.S.

Softest

Brooklinen Linen Quilt

Price:

$279

Material:

100% linen

Sizes:

92″ x 96″ 112″ x 96″

• Who it’s best for:

  1. Anyone looking for a summer-friendly quilt
  2. Sleepers seeking an ultra-soft layer
  3. Shoppers who want to try bedding for an extended period

• Highlights:

  1. Stonewashed for added softness
  2. Simple diamond stitching creates a subtle, classic design
  3. 365-day return policy

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

20% off sitewide

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There is no better feeling than curling up in bed after a long day. Wrapping up in a super soft quilt like the Brooklinen Linen Quilt could make these moments even more worthwhile. The quilt is made from 100% linen that’s been pre-washed and stonewashed, a finishing process that uses abrasives to enhance softness. The fill is 100% polyester for a lightweight feel suitable for warm months. It’s also thin enough to use on top of another blanket on chilly nights without adding weight or bulk. 

Stonewashed linen has a natural, slightly rumpled look with a nice drape, and this quilt comes in three neutral color options with diamond-pattern stitching.  The smaller size fits full and queen mattresses, while the larger size suits king and California king mattresses. 

Although this quilt is machine-washable, linen can be relatively delicate compared to other fabrics. Brooklinen suggests washing it using a gentle cycle and drying it on low to prevent snagging. 

Brooklinen’s generous return policy gives you a full 365 nights to try the quilt and gauge whether it’s right for you. The company’s guarantee also backs the quilt against quality defects.

Best All-Season

Parachute Organic Air Cotton Quilt

Price:

$259

Material:

100% cotton

Sizes:

96″ x 96″ 114″ x 96″

• Who it’s best for:

  1. Anyone wanting a lightweight quilt that works all year
  2. Sleepers who prefer organic bedding
  3. Shoppers who appreciate carbon-neutral shipping

• Highlights:

  1. Pre-washed for added softness
  2. Triple-ply construction makes it fluffy and lightweight
  3. Certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and GOTS

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Parachute products

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The Parachute Organic Air Cotton Quilt is the brand’s lighter version of its popular Cloud Cotton Quilt. It’s an excellent choice for using alone on warm nights or layering with a warmer blanket when the temperature drops. Rather than using cotton or polyester fill, the Cloud Cotton Quilt relies on three layers of airy, cotton gauze fabric. This gives the quilt a fluffy quality without adding weight. 

All three layers are made with 100% organic cotton. The pre-dyed yarn provides eye-catching, all-over color in three options: midnight, white, and pebble. The quilt is pre-washed to prevent shrinkage and enhance its softness. You can conveniently wash it in your home washing machine using the delicate cycle and mild detergent and toss it in the dryer on low. Because of this quilt’s thinness, you might be able to wash your sheets simultaneously.

As a Climate Neutral Certified company, Parachute works to shrink its footprint and offset its emissions through programs like carbon neutral shipping. 

You can also return this quilt for free within 60 days, either by mail or at your nearest Parachute store.

What Is a Quilt?

A quilt is a bed covering composed of multiple layers, including a fabric top, batting for insulation, and fabric backing. The top and backing layers usually contain cotton, while the fill may consist of cotton, wool, down, or synthetic fibers. 

Quilts are known as much for aesthetics as performance, with some displayed as artwork in homes and museums. The top layer is usually the decorative component, and the design possibilities for quilts are nearly endless. 

Quilt vs. Blanket

While both blankets and quilts are designed to keep sleepers warm, they differ in construction. A blanket traditionally consists of one layer of woven or knit fabric, while a quilt typically contains at least three layers. The difference in construction means quilts are generally heavier and warmer than blankets, though the materials can alter these characteristics. People who like a heavier cover or want more design possibilities often prefer quilts. Blankets may appeal to those who want a simpler, lighter covering. 

Quilt vs. Comforter vs. Duvet

Comforters and duvets are both constructed with a thick, fabric shell filled with an insulating material, such as down, down alternative, cotton, or wool. There are subtle differences between duvets and comforters, but the main distinction is that duvets are designed to be used with a thin, washable cover, while comforters function as-is. 

In general, quilts are lighter, thinner, and more breathable than comforters or duvets, with less insulating fill. This makes quilts well suited for warmer climates or layering with blankets in cold weather. 

Benefits of Using a Quilt

Quilts have a rich history dating back to at least the Middle Ages, and the demand for them continues today thanks to their versatility, efficiency, and artistic value. We’ll break down the practical and aesthetic benefits of quilts that have ensured their continued popularity.

Good For All Seasons

Many sleepers use their quilts year round. The breathable construction and minimal fill make quilts suitable for warmer seasons, like spring and summer. Their insulating properties also make them a popular choice as a top layer during cold winters. 

Comes in Many Styles

The method of constructing quilts allows for nearly limitless design possibilities. Popular options include patchwork quilts, appliqué quilts, and embroidered quilts. Each uses a different technique to create a distinct pattern, so there’s a quilt for nearly any design aesthetic. 

Cost Effective

While quilts vary widely in price based on their materials, construction, and design, they’re often less expensive than comforters and duvets because they use less fill. Therefore, they can be a budget-friendly way to stay warm.

Saves Space

Compared to duvets and comforters, quilts are compact. This characteristic can be useful for those who live in climates where a simple sheet or light blanket suffices during the summer. While folded duvets and comforters are bulky and require significant storage space, folded quilts are much more compact for easy storage. 

Types of Quilts

The type of material affects a quilt’s quality, breathability, and insulation. While each of the three layers may contain any common bedding material, the majority fall into four categories. 

Cotton

This natural, lightweight material is often used for the outer layers of quilts to enhance the breathability and softness. When used as a fill, cotton makes for a lighter quilt suited to spring and summer. Cotton quilts are ideal for those who sleep hot or who live in warm climates. 

Wool

Though quilts that use wool are generally heavier than the alternatives, they insulate well without sacrificing breathability. The natural material helps regulate temperatures, making it a good choice for sleepers who want to use the quilt year-round. While wool is most commonly used for fill, quilts with a wool backing layer take advantage of the material’s moisture-wicking ability, which can be helpful for sleepers prone to sweating. 

Down

Down quilts are filled with the fluffy clusters of feathers often found in comforters and pillows. The result is a lightweight, insulating bed cover that keeps sleepers warm in colder temperatures while retaining the compact design of a quilt. 

Polyester

These synthetic fibers offer insulation that rivals natural materials, and they usually come at a lower price-point. Polyester is simple to care for, but it’s not biodegradable, making it less sustainable than natural fibers. It’s also more likely to clump or lose its form when used as fill. 

How to Choose a Quilt

While the basics of quilt construction are simple, there are many variations to take into account. We’ll explain the top features to look at when purchasing a quilt. To find the ideal quilt for you, consider how each aspect relates to your needs and taste. 

Quality Materials

Every material has potential pros and cons, and sleeper preferences determine which material best suits them. That said, high-quality options often last longer. Some manufacturers detail thread count, material sourcing, or other construction information that can help buyers make a more informed decision about the quality of the material. 

Design

One reason quilts are popular is that they allow so many pattern and color options. There are countless design options, but patchwork, appliqué, and embroidered quilts are particularly common. Patchwork quilts consist of fabric pieces sewn together. Appliqué quilts feature small fabric pieces sewn onto a larger background to create a pattern. Embroidered quilts have designs stitched onto the fabric.

Feel

Feel refers to the texture and weight of the quilt. If you intend to use the quilt without a top sheet, the material on the backing layer of the quilt determines the feel against your skin. The top fabric may also make a difference if you like to have an arm or leg out at night. For example, cotton is soft and light, which may appeal to sleepers with sensitive skin or those who sleep hot. 

The type and amount of fill play a role in the quilt’s weight and warmth. Wool tends to be thicker, heavier, and more insulating, making it a top choice for cool sleepers. Down and polyester fill tend to be light but insulating for warmth without a lot of weight. Cotton batting is traditionally light and breathable, facilitating year-round use. 

Price

A quilt’s price depends on its construction and the quality of the materials. Hand-stitched quilts generally cost more than those made by machine. Similarly, natural and organic materials, such as cotton and wool, usually come at a higher price-point than synthetic. 

Size

Quilts are available in a variety of sizes to fit nearly any bed. Some people prefer a quilt that corresponds to their mattress size, but many opt for one size larger so that it drapes over the edges. Those looking for a quilt for a sofa or easy chair may consider a throw size.

Weight

The weight of a quilt depends on its fill and the thickness of the fabric. Quilts with feather or wool fill are generally heavier, while cotton, down, or polyester fill makes for a more lightweight covering. The amount of fill also affects the weight of the quilt. The fill’s weight is measured in grams per square meter or GSM. 

Durability

The quality of materials and stitching determines how long a quilt lasts. While synthetic materials can last a long time, they are more likely to clump or lose their shape when used as fill. Natural materials, like cotton and wool, are usually more durable. 

Temperature Regulation

A quilt’s materials determine its ability to regulate body temperature. In general, cotton and wool control temperature well because they allow air to circulate. Wool also insulates during colder weather for year-round usability. Synthetic fabrics can be designed to regulate temperature almost as well as cotton and wool. On the other hand, while down provides excellent insulation, it can get too warm for many hot sleepers. 

Ease of Care

Quilts generally don’t need to be washed as frequently as other bedding since the process subjects them to wear and tear. Cleaning recommendations vary depending on how you use the quilt, whether you have allergies, and its care instructions. Some owners wash their quilts once a year, while others aim for more frequent laundering. The ease of washing depends on the materials. Check the care instructions before purchasing any quilt to make sure that they meet your needs. 

To help narrow down which quilt is best for you, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when shopping for a new quilt.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.