Doonas, Quilts and Comforters: Which One's Which?
Do you know the difference between a doona and a quilt? We do. Read on, and you will too
Putting together a beautiful bed ensemble can be overwhelming – and expensive. But a few choice purchases and thoughtfully using pieces you already own can easily result in a well-dressed bed. Of course, just getting through the definitions of all the options is the first hurdle: bedspread, coverlet, quilt, doona, comforter, blanket – what do they all mean, what do you use with what, and how? Let’s find out.
Comforter
Thick and (sometimes) quilted, a comforter differs from a quilt in that its colours are generally dyed and patterns are not embroidered. Comforters are filled with layers of material including polyester batting (a synthetic fibre), down feathers, wool or silk. The loft (thickness) of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation. Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling and to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
They are intended to be the bedspread, sitting on top of sheets, but again, those who want to create a layered look should go ahead and do it. There are no cardinal rules to be broken in bedding.
Thick and (sometimes) quilted, a comforter differs from a quilt in that its colours are generally dyed and patterns are not embroidered. Comforters are filled with layers of material including polyester batting (a synthetic fibre), down feathers, wool or silk. The loft (thickness) of the filling determines the weight as well as the level of insulation. Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling and to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
They are intended to be the bedspread, sitting on top of sheets, but again, those who want to create a layered look should go ahead and do it. There are no cardinal rules to be broken in bedding.
Quilt
Traditionally composed of three layers of fibre, quilts consist of a woven cloth top, a layer of batting and a woven back, all stitched together in decorative patterns. Different from other forms of bed covers because they are generally pieced together with many pieces of cloth, quilts are occasionally found with a single piece of fabric on the top (a whole-cloth quilt).
Browse more colourful sleeping spaces
Traditionally composed of three layers of fibre, quilts consist of a woven cloth top, a layer of batting and a woven back, all stitched together in decorative patterns. Different from other forms of bed covers because they are generally pieced together with many pieces of cloth, quilts are occasionally found with a single piece of fabric on the top (a whole-cloth quilt).
Browse more colourful sleeping spaces
There are numerous classic patterns and traditions regarding the design and characteristics of quilts. Many are made or given to mark important life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, a family member leaving home, and graduations.
Modern quilts are not always intended for use as bedding and may be used as throws, wall hangings, table runners or tablecloths.
Modern quilts are not always intended for use as bedding and may be used as throws, wall hangings, table runners or tablecloths.
Doona and cover
A doona is essentially a soft, flat bag filled with down, feathers or a synthetic alternative. It is recommended that doonas are inserted into a removable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case.
Doonas and covers are designed to be used alone (with no sheets) because the insert can be removed and the outer ‘bag’ can be laundered, but many people use them with sheets anyway. Many people like doonas because they reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.
How to choose a cool-weather doona
A doona is essentially a soft, flat bag filled with down, feathers or a synthetic alternative. It is recommended that doonas are inserted into a removable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case.
Doonas and covers are designed to be used alone (with no sheets) because the insert can be removed and the outer ‘bag’ can be laundered, but many people use them with sheets anyway. Many people like doonas because they reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.
How to choose a cool-weather doona
Linen doona covers like these from Rough Linen are especially dreamy, creating a wrinkled ‘messiness’ that looks romantic and carefree.
Doona covers often come with the option of matching pillowcases, but mixing it up is an easy way to create a gorgeous bed that looks like it was effortlessly tossed together.
Mismatched Bedding: How Does it Work?
Doona covers often come with the option of matching pillowcases, but mixing it up is an easy way to create a gorgeous bed that looks like it was effortlessly tossed together.
Mismatched Bedding: How Does it Work?
Coverlet
A coverlet is a lightweight, non-reversible bedspread that is usually either quilted or woven. Classically designed as a decorative layer to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets often have a thin layer of batting, making them appropriate for use as a stand-alone bed covering, depending on the weight. They can also be used as throws on a bed, armchair or sofa.
Due to their size and decorative quality, they are not designed to achieve a pillow tuck, as some bedspreads are. A coverlet often has coordinating pillowcases, but again, it is not necessary to match. The design in this photo shows how a simple set-up with several textures can be absolutely stunning and fuss-free.
A coverlet is a lightweight, non-reversible bedspread that is usually either quilted or woven. Classically designed as a decorative layer to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets often have a thin layer of batting, making them appropriate for use as a stand-alone bed covering, depending on the weight. They can also be used as throws on a bed, armchair or sofa.
Due to their size and decorative quality, they are not designed to achieve a pillow tuck, as some bedspreads are. A coverlet often has coordinating pillowcases, but again, it is not necessary to match. The design in this photo shows how a simple set-up with several textures can be absolutely stunning and fuss-free.
Throw blankets and bed scarves
These add colour, texture or both in addition to casual cosiness when laid on the bed. A throw blanket at the end of this bed adds just enough texture and an additional layer to make the composition of white bedding interesting and inviting.
These add colour, texture or both in addition to casual cosiness when laid on the bed. A throw blanket at the end of this bed adds just enough texture and an additional layer to make the composition of white bedding interesting and inviting.
If your doona cover is the showstopper, reverse the norm and use it on top of your coverlet.
Your turn
What foolproof tips have you discovered to style your bed? Share you secrets in the Comments below, like this story and save the images. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories about bedrooms for inspiration
Your turn
What foolproof tips have you discovered to style your bed? Share you secrets in the Comments below, like this story and save the images. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories about bedrooms for inspiration
A bedspread is the general name given to most pre-filled bed covers intended for use as the top layer on a bed. Comforters, quilts and coverlets fall into that category. They can be both decorative and warming, thick or lighter weight, in a variety of fabrics.
They are generally used alone, with only a sheet and any blankets you need underneath, but they can also be layered for decorative purposes.
Find bedding retailers on Houzz near you to refresh your bedroom