Quilts vs. Blankets

Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

Your bedding affects the look and feel of your entire bedroom. It can also determine whether you’re cool or cozy under the sheets. Quilts and blankets are popular bedding options, but which one is right for you? We’re here to help you choose.

Quilts 101

People all over the world have been quilting for hundreds of years. It’s a sewing technique that typically uses three layers of fabric with several rows of stitching. The three layers of a quilt are: 

  1. Quilt top
  2. Batting
  3. Backing

The first step in making a quilt involves assembling fabric patches and stitching them together into the quilt top. Then, you can use any of the following materials for the middle layer:

  • Cotton
  • Polyester
  • Wool
  • Flannel

The three fabric layers are pinned together and sewn. This creates one bedspread.

Pros

Quilts offer several advantages.

  • Versatile. Quilts are more than just covers. They are artistic and lightweight. People often use quilts in home decor because they’re aesthetically pleasing. 
  • Cooler. A quilt might feel more cooling than a comforter in the summer since it’s typically thinner. 
  • Durable. A well-made quilt can last for decades. Their elaborate stitching patterns make them more durable than other types of blankets.

Cons

  • Thin. A quilt isn’t always the best option to keep warm on a cold night. They’re typically thinner and less insulating. 
  • Hard to clean. The intricate threadwork of a quilt may make it unsafe for standard washers and dryers. Many are dry-clean only. 

Blankets 101

A blanket is a covering made of cloth. It’s a broad term used for many covers, including:

A blanket is a single layer of fabric to help keep you warm for comfort or sleep. Like quilts, you can find blankets made of different materials, like:

  • Polyester
  • Fleece
  • Wool
  • Cotton
  • Flannel

You can find blankets as colorful as quilts but without elaborate quilt stitching. 

Pros

  • Warm. Blankets tend to be thicker to keep your body temperature warmer than a quilt might.
  • Light. Quilts are thin but tend to feel heavier. A blanket may feel lighter.
  • Fluffy. Blankets are typically more fluffy and soft than quilts. 

Cons

  • Not ideal for hot sleepers. A blanket may feel too warm if you sleep hotter at night. 
  • May be less decorative. Blankets are available in a broad range of styles, but quilts tend to offer a more artistic and unique look. 

Which One’s Right for You?

It’s natural to prefer one type of cover over another. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind if you’re unsure which is your favorite.

When to Choose a Quilt

Research shows that temperature significantly affects sleep calmness, quality, and duration. Feeling too hot at night may negatively impact your rest. So, a quilt is ideal for hot environments. 

Durability is also a consideration. Quilts might hold special meaning to families – they may even want to pass them down to the next generation. In those instances, quilts can last a lifetime while also holding a sentimental meaning.

Finally, handmade quilts are one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful decorative piece for your home, they offer a great sense of style unlike any other. 

When to Choose a Blanket

Many crave softness and warmth in their covers. So, you might prefer blankets that may feel warmer and fluffier. A quality blanket will likely bring you more comfort than a quilt. 

Also, blankets offer more versatility. For example, weighted blankets are trendy. A recent study suggests weighted blankets improve your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and relax during the day.

Finally, a blanket will work best when you live in places impacted by all four seasons. Although the temperature around you changes throughout the year, a blanket is a cost-efficient way to get the warmth you need on colder days.

Brooklinen Lightweight Quilt

This lightweight quilt is not only soft but also handmade. The quilt is 100% cotton and is available in multiple colors, patterns, and sizes. 

SunStyle Home Quilt Set

Amazon boasts thousands of ratings for this quilt, with an average of four and a half stars awarded by reviewers. In addition, its microfiber material offers a modern style to keep you comfortable and stylish at home at an affordable price. 

Boll & Branch Waffle Bed Blanket

The 100% organic cotton blanket comes in several color options, like white, navy, or stone. The company states the feel is plush and springy with exceptional softness. 

Amazon Basics Fuzzy Faux Fur Sherpa Throw Blanket

Thousands of reviewers love this blanket, offered in many different patterns to fit your style needs. The more affordable throw is available in full, queen, and king mattress sizes. Also, its polyester material creates a lush and cozy feel. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a quilt and a blanket?

Quilts are a crafting tradition with a rich history. They’re composed of three layers of fabric and are often hand-stitched to enhance their durability and comfort. A blanket is often one to two layers of cloth made primarily by manufacturers designed to keep you warm. 

Which is warmer, a blanket or a quilt?

A blanket is typically warmer than a quilt since they tend to be fluffier. However, modern quilts offer a decent layer of warmth and a lighter feel than traditional quilts. 

Can I use a quilt as a blanket?

Quilts are versatile. You can hang them on a wall as a decoration or cozy up to them as a cover at night.

Takeaway

Bedding isn’t just for a good night’s sleep. You can also use it to reflect your personal style. Remember, both quilts and blankets are stylish in their own ways. So, if you’re unsure, try out a quilt and a blanket to see which feels and looks best. 

Source List

7 types of blankets for your comfort and style. (2023). https://www.nectarsleep.com/posts/types-of-blankets

Baric V, et al. (2021). The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11038128.2021.1939414

Blanket. (2023). https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/blanket

Brick, C. (2023). Quilting.https://www.britannica.com/art/quilting

What is a quilt? (2021). https://casper.com/blog/what-is-a-quilt/

Zheng G, et al. (2019). The effects of high-temperatue weather on human sleep quality and appetite. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/2/270

Related Articles

_wp_attachment_image_alt
Mattress Accessories & Bedding

Best Comforters

Are you in search of the right comforter for your lifestyle and environment? Our list of the best comforters range in price, and materials, and have been personally tested by our team.

Person making bed
Mattress Accessories & Bedding

Blanket vs. Throw: What’s the Difference?

Like other types of bedding, a throw is technically a type of blanket. But here’s how to decipher the difference between a blanket and a throw.
Casper Weighted Blanket Hero 2
Mattress Accessories & Bedding

Casper Weighted Blanket Review

The Casper Weighted Blanket applies light pressure to your entire body so you can experience deep touch pressure therapy. The benefits and materials of this blanket will work best for hot sleepers, those who experience Anxiety or ADHD, and those who have trouble falling asleep.