There is nothing more comfortable than slipping under a warm quilt on a chilly night. The weight, the softness of the fabric, and the warmth that wraps around you create a little sanctuary from the cold. But this pleasure comes with a not-so-cosy reality – washing the quilt.
Quilts can be bulky and heavy, making them challenging to wash on regular washers. Plus, they can take a long time to dry thoroughly. That’s where quilt covers come in. In addition to adding a layer of style to your bedding, quilt covers also make it a lot easier to keep your sleeping space fresh, clean, and inviting.
What Is a Quilt Cover?
Also known as a duvet or doona cover, it’s a removable fabric case that fits over a quilt or duvet, much like a pillowcase fits over a pillow. It usually features buttons, snaps, ties, or a zipper to close the case and keep the quilt securely inside.
Quilt covers are available in a range of sizes to suit everything from single to super king beds, and they come in a variety of materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, or polyester blends. This allows you to choose a cover that suits your personal comfort preferences, the season, and your bedroom style.
You can buy a single piece, but quilt cover sets are also available. Typically, quilt cover sets include the quilt cover plus matching pillowcases, often two for a standard double or queen set, and sometimes more for larger sizes. Opting for a set takes the guesswork out of styling your bed. It’s an easy way to create a cohesive, polished aesthetic without having to mix and match individual pieces. Plus, they often offer better value than purchasing each item separately.
Benefits of Using a Quilt Cover
Protection for Your Quilt
A quilt cover acts as a protective layer that helps keep your quilt clean and in good condition. It prevents everyday dirt, dust, body oils, sweat, and spills from reaching the quilt itself. Over time, these factors can build up, causing the quilt to lose its freshness and appearance.
Using this protective layer means you won’t need to wash the quilt frequently, which helps extend the quilt’s lifespan as well. The cover can simply be removed and washed on its own, making upkeep much easier. This convenience makes quilt covers especially useful in busy households, particularly those with children or pets. They offer a simple, hygienic way to keep your bedding looking and feeling clean with minimal effort.
Change the Look of Your Bedroom
Another great thing about a quilt cover is how easily and affordably it makes it to update your bedroom. Since the bed is often the focal point of a bedroom, changing its appearance can instantly transform the overall look and feel of the entire room.
Simply switching to a different quilt cover, whether in a new colour, pattern, or texture, can refresh your décor, reflect your personal style, or bring in a seasonal touch. For example, you might choose light, breathable fabrics in soft, airy colours for summer to create a cool and relaxed atmosphere, while in winter, you could opt for richer tones and warmer materials like flannel or velvet to add a sense of warmth and comfort. Bold prints can make a statement and energise the space, while neutral tones can create a calming, minimalist feel.
Enhance the Comfort and Cosiness of Your Bed
Quilt covers are typically made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo or microfibre. These materials feel gentle against the skin, adding a smooth and welcoming layer of comfort that can make your bed feel more inviting.
Depending on the material, quilt covers can help regulate body temperature. For example, cotton and linen are naturally breathable and wick away moisture, helping keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. This makes for a more comfortable sleep environment year-round.
What to Consider When Buying a Quilt Cover?
Material
Before you pick a cover design that suits your taste and room decor, you must check the material it’s made from. That is because the right fabric makes all the difference in how restful and cosy you sleep.
Cotton, for example, is a soft, breathable and naturally moisture-wicking material that helps regulate body temperature. This makes a cotton cover a great option for year-round use and suitable for most sleepers.
If you tend to get warm at night, you might prefer a linen cover. Incredibly breathable and lightweight, these covers excel at temperature regulation. This means it will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Bamboo fabric is silky-smooth and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for sensitive skin. It’s also moisture-wicking and breathable, helping to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night.
For cold inter nights, a flannel cover will offer both softness and warmth. Flannel has the ability to retain heat and offer a snuggly, cosy feel, great for those who love bundling up in bed.
Colour and Design Options
The colour and design you choose for your duvet cover can have a big impact on the look and feel of your room. Soft neutrals like white, grey, or beige, for example, are great colours to create a soothing space perfect for unwinding.
Want something with a bit more personality? Pastel tones have the ability to add a subtle pop of colour with a hint of elegance. For a bold, luxurious feel, deep shades like navy blue, forest green, or brick red will bring warmth and richness to your space.
Closure Type
The closure type on a quilt cover may seem like a small detail, but it plays an important role in keeping your quilt secure and your bed looking neat.
Button closures add a classic touch, while zippers are quick and secure, ideal if you want no-fuss bed-making. Envelope-style (flap) closures offer a clean, minimal look with no hardware, and tie closures bring a charming, rustic feel, though they take a little longer to fasten. Which closure to choose will depend on your style and how easy you want your bedding routine to be.