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Though quilts are undoubtedly useful for helping ease a chill, they’re also an underappreciated decorative accessory. There’s something about this kind of bedding that invites you to wrap yourself in it with a warm cup of tea and a good book.
Quilts are also often cherished heirlooms that are handed down over the years. If you’re lucky, you will have a quilter in your life. I own quilts handed down from aunts and grandmothers, and I bet some of you readers do as well. My husband’s extremely talented cousin quilts gorgeous, colorful creations for her loved ones, and her high-quality quilts are beautiful (and useful) works of art.
If quilts don't play a role in your family tree, it’s okay—most don’t. Finding the right quilt will really depend on your style, your budget, or your family. I’ve rounded up some shopping suggestions to help you find the perfect one for yourself or others. Note: These make fantastic gifts!
This affordable plain quilt comes in six neutral colors and will likely appeal to shoppers with a minimalistic style. The microfiber is extremely soft and will keep sleepers warm all night. Because it is sold as a set, the queen and king quilts come with two matching pillow shams.
If you are looking for an affordable quilt and don’t mind polyester microfiber, this is an extremely soft quilt in a modern minimalistic style (no patchwork here)!
Pottery Barn Kids sells lovely mid-weight cotton quilts with details and designs to appeal to both young and young at heart. This quilt won our “best kids’ quilt category for its whimsical yet not-too-childish aquatic design, made from 100% cotton. It’s also reversible with a navy blue backing if you want to switch up the bedding. It would be perfect in a nautical-style bedroom or for an ocean-loving child. If your child gets cold, easily pair this with a down comforter.
If your child loves the ocean and all the sea life teeming within it, this is the quilt for them.
This upcycled organic-cotton quilt is a wonderful jumble of block patterns from solids to stripes. Made from remnants of organic cotton percale bedding, this repurposed cozy quilt has hand-quilting along the seams. Traditional handmade quilts typically use upcycled materials, and Siesta has done a great job of creating a similar type of seemingly “homespun” quilt on a broader scale. But rest easy because you can still throw this hand-crafted quilt in the wash.
Durable organic cotton, recycled remnants, and a pretty block pattern come together to create what may become a family heirloom over time.
Brooklinen bedding never disappoints (they made our list for the best luxury sheets, among other bedding products), and this reversible linen quilt is a great addition to your bed or guest room. It is great for easily overheated sleepers because linen is a lightweight fabric. The quilt is pre-washed (super soft), reversible (so it’s like getting two quilts for the price of one), and made from European flax with long-staple fibers. Pair this with some breathable percale bed sheets for a cool yet cozy night’s sleep.
Brooklinen’s linen quilt is a good alternative to cotton and comes in modern colors and designs.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, no-fuss all-cotton quilt, this makes a great choice for the warmer months (or layered during the cooler ones) with all-cotton fill. It comes in 22 color choices and hand-quilted stitches, so you can mix and match.
This affordable quilt is great for layering or as a stand-alone option for warmer months and it comes in 22 colors.
This 300 thread count quilt earns five stars for its comfort, warmth, and design. Made from 100% viscose from organic bamboo, it’s a nice alternative to a polyester tufted material. Fluffy, breathable, soft, and with a mid-weight heft to it, Quince’s quilt will keep you cozy and warm. If you are looking for a tufted-style quilt, this one is an environmentally sound and good-looking option.
This light and airy organic cotton quilt is a great choice for easily overheated sleepers.
This quilt reminds me of homes in New England, which isn’t a surprise because this cotton quilt comes from Maine-based L.L. Bean. This no-nonsense quilt is made from cotton fabric and batting and is designed in a traditional flying geese pattern. It is warm, comfortable, and an instant classic. LL Bean sells all kinds of quality bedding and this paired with a neutral duvet cover will look good in any bedroom.
LL Bean makes a no-fuss, pretty, all-cotton quilt that is mid-weight and cozy.
Rivulet quilts are textured bedding made from a stream of tucked and tufted ruffles and textured embellishments. Anthropologie made this quilt out of extremely soft cotton jersey material. While a textured quilt may not be for everyone, if you are searching for a rivulet quilt, this is an affordable and well-made choice. This beautiful drapey bedding will add a little romantic style to your boudoir. You will need to dry clean it, so consider carefully how much ruffles mean to you.
If you love textured bedding with a dramatic flair (and don’t mind paying for dry cleaning) this Rivulet Quilt is all that but also extremely soft thanks to its jersey fabric.
If you want to buy a quilt that is decorative and functional, Etsy is a great one-stop shop to find both unusual and classic patterns and a wide range of quilt designs. I’ve chosen this custom-made, hand-embroidered quilt of animals because of its beautiful fabric, design, and ochre gold color. But a search in Etsy's quilt and bedding section can help you find the best quilt for your style and budget. And because there are so many artisans in one online location, you may be able to find a champion quilter who will create a custom one just for you.
If you are looking for a decorative quilt, this one is made by Otomi artisans in Mexico who create works of art you can sleep on.
If you need a lightweight (and extremely affordable) quilt set and want to choose from 39 colors, this is a great option and an “Amazon’s Choice” winner. These quilts are machine washable and affordable, so they’re ideal if you want a durable, modern quilt with shams. The twin bedding would be a good choice to brighten up a teen or college student’s dorm room, while providing an extra layer of warmth. It may be too lightweight to keep you warm during cold seasons, but it would be preferred as a stand-alone blanket in warm months. Because it is available in so many colors, it is an easy addition to bedding you already own.
Simple, affordable, and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, this simple, modern quilt comes in a wide range of colors.
Quilts have been around for a very long time and they’ve evolved over the centuries. This type of bedding is traditionally made from two layers of fabric with insulation in between and tends to be thinner than comforters. So if you’re looking for warmth, you might want a colorful comforter instead. (You can find suggestions for some of the best comforters here.)
Don’t confuse quilts with a coverlet, which is similar to a quilt but only has one layer. These are similar to a blanket for decorative bedding or simply an extra layer.
Quilts are known for their decorative patterns, but you can also buy simple or plain quilts in one color or with discreet stitching. You can find traditional patterns in quilts, such as timeless quilting stitching patterns like the “Lover’s Knot” and “Sunburst,” along with more modern takes. Consider your personal style and whether you prefer a decorative pattern, or something simpler.
The good news is you can find quilts at practically every price point and if you don’t mind buying a second-hand one, scouring garage and yard sales is a good place to save. Otherwise, you can find beautiful items on eBay or Etsy and a few options from major retailers, but take note that some cheaper quilts may not be as durable over time as high-quality ones. The best places to buy bedding will often sell quilts too, along with blankets.
As someone who was lucky to grow up with several quilters in the family, it was important that the options that made this list were high-quality. While it’s impossible for a mass-produced quilt to compare to a hand-made one, the upside is that mass-produced quilts are a bit more accessible and easier to care for. To find the quilts that gave the decorative appeal but also could withstand daily use, I looked at a few factors to guide my recommendations: The overall stitching (especially if it contributed to the pattern/design), the material (cotton gave more of a classic quilt feel, though I also considered poly/synthetics as they were extremely durable), and the overall style (as some products labeled quilts look more like duvets or comforters). In addition, I wrapped myself up in a few, asked colleagues and friends to weigh in on what they like, researched what makes a high-quality quilt, plus took a deep dive into customer reviews. I compared price points and manufacturing processes for the most durable and decorative quilts.
Estate sales, yard and garage sales are the best places to buy authentic vintage quilts. (In addition, specialty artisan fairs, Etsy, and eBay are also great options.) However, if you’re looking for a good quilt from a major retailer, L.L. Bean, Quince, and Anthropologie were my favorite choices for their overall style, stitching, and quality.
Wrap quilts, especially fragile heirlooms, away from damp or humid areas in the home, like attics, basements, or garages. It is recommended that you wrap your quilts in clean cotton sheets or pillowcases. Some people, myself included, also keep quilts in a cedar chest, which are water, fire, and decay resistant, and repel insects. Fold the quilt carefully so that you don’t disturb the folds or pleats, if, say, it is made from blocks. Always store with the backside facing out if your quilt only has a decorative front.
Most high-quality quilts have a few things in common: durability, the quality of the fabric, and how it is pieced together—by hand or machine. Most quilting experts like traditional cotton best, and if you're looking for an heirloom or antique quilt, this is likely the fabric you will find. Quilts need to be stitched evenly, and the quilting itself should be evenly distributed, with precise sewing and pressing of the materials.
It depends on the quilt and your budget. You may be able to find a bargain for under $50, but likely you will pay upwards of $100 or more. Decorative quilts (art versus bedding) could run thousands and thousands of dollars.
Although there are other kinds of quilts, especially in the current mass-market, there are three traditional types of quilts: Patchwork (made from different blocks of fabric), applique quilts, and embroidered quilts.
A quality quilt could last for years, decades, or even generations, depending on how well you care for it.
I own two beautiful quilts and I swap them every two seasons. There is a sunny yellow and white one for warmer months and a deep red and blue one for the colder ones. However, if you want to purchase just one, you should look for a lighter weight cotton quilt. You can use it on its own (in spring and summer) and with a comforter or other blankets (in fall and winter).
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