Quilts vs. Comforters: Which Bedding Is Right for You?

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With so many bedding options on offer, deciding which is best for you and your bedroom can be tricky. We’ve tackled comforters vs. duvets and linen vs. cooling sheets, but what about quilts vs. comforters? It’s our personal opinion that the outermost layer is crucial in regulating your temperature (keeping you cool on warm nights and toasty on freezing ones), so getting to the bottom of this debate is essential for anyone who wants to be comfortable while they snooze. So, we tapped bedding expert Christina Heiser, Saatva’s very own content director, for her thoughts on the matter.

Ahead, she addresses the differences, similarities, and general benefits of both a quilt and a comforter. Not to mention, she offers a few additional bedding options if you want to maximize your sleep sanctuary. Whether you go with a quilt or comforter—or both—there is no wrong answer here as your pick will depend on your style and level of warmth required.

What Is a Quilt?

Quilts are a type of bedding that, unlike blankets, are made of multiple layers of fabric (blankets comprise just one), which tends to make quilts a bit warmer. "A quilt is a thin, quilted blanket typically made from three layers: a top patchwork layer, a bottom fabric layer, and a thin layer of batting in between for insulation. It's a traditional and artistic form of bedding, often lighter and less warm than other options," explains Heiser. Perhaps more so than blankets, comforters, and duvets, quilts are a bit more traditional in both style and feel. There's a certain old-school look about them that makes them unique. "Quilts are praised for their lightweight design, making them perfect for those who prefer a breathable, cooler sleep environment. They also offer a traditional, artistic look with their patchwork designs and are perfect for layering," Heiser adds.

European Linen Quilt

Emerson Reversible Quilt

Cottage Quilt

What Is a Comforter?

Leave it to the expert to explain what a comforter is in the most matter-of-fact way possible. Heiser says, "A comforter is a large fabric bag filled with down, wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It's known for being fluffy, warm, and ideal for colder nights due to its heat-trapping properties." Don't let the word "bag" trip you up, though, as comforters tend to be warmer and more expensive than quilts, but more on the differences between the two types of bedding in a mere moment. "When choosing a comforter, remember there are two main types: sewn-through and baffle-box," Heiser notes.

Sewn-Through Comforter

This type of comforter has fabric sewn together to create fill pockets.

Baffle-Box Comforter

This type of comforter enlists a thin strip of fabric to form three-dimensional boxes, distributing the fill more evenly for added warmth and comfort.

Cloud Comforter

Comforter

Queen Comforter Duvet Insert

What Are the Differences Between Quilts and Comforters?

The main differences are most obvious when it comes to three elements: price, level of warmth, and care required.

Price: Of course, either can be more expensive than the other depending on how they're made and what they're made with. A hand-made quilt will be more expensive than a comforter filled with synthetic materials. On the other hand, a down-filled comforter will likely be more costly than a mass-produced quilt. "Comforters and quilts can vary widely in price, but hand-made quilts, especially patchwork ones, are often more expensive due to the labor involved," Heiser says. She's not wrong: Anything hand-made by a skilled artisan will likely cost more than the factory-made counterpart. That said, if you're buying the most luxurious comforter that's filled with premium goose down, be prepared to pay up to $500.

Level of Warmth: Generally speaking, comforters are often warmer than quilts because of both the layers and the fill. Even if the bag is stuffed with synthetic fibers, it's still going to hold onto more heat than a quilt will, so if you live in a place with severe or harsh winters, definitely opt for a comforter. On that note, down will be the warmest of all the fill options because it's a natural insulator that traps heat without being suffocatingly hot. "Comforters are the go-to choice for anyone seeking maximum warmth and softness. Their thick, insulating filling makes them ideal for cold climates or chilly nights, and they provide a plush, cozy look to your bedroom." Heiser says. Quilts, on the other hand, are great for warmer months when you don't need so much weight on you.

Care Required: "When it comes to maintenance, comforters generally have the edge, as most are machine washable and relatively low-maintenance," Heiser notes. "Quilts, particularly those that are hand-made or have delicate stitching, may require more careful handling, including occasional spot cleaning or professional care." Before attempting to launder either option yourself, be sure to check the instructions tag to ensure you don't damage it.

Can You Use Both at the Same Time?

You may be warm, but yes, plenty of people sleep with both a comforter (albeit an all-season or lightweight one) and a quilt. "Quilts and comforters can be used together, particularly in cold weather. A quilt can add an extra layer of warmth and a touch of classic style on top of a comforter," Heiser explains. If you live in a place with four distinct seasons, having a quilt and a comforter in your home is a surefire way to make sure you'll sleep comfortably no matter the temperature.

Additional Bedding Options

Though quilts and comforters are highly popular, they're definitely not the only bedding options on offer. You can also score beautiful and cozy blankets and duvets. Though the differences between quilts and blankets are quite clear (it's all in the layers), they may not be so obvious when you compare duvets and comforters because they look staggeringly similar. That said, there is one key difference: While both fluffy and warm, a duvet is an insert typically placed within a decorative and protective cover (known as a duvet cover), and a comforter is a flatter, stand-alone option with the decorative cover built right in.

Waffle Weave Blanket

Chelsea Liquid Cotton Blanket

Snug Bed Blanket

Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Down Duvet Insert

Premium Feather Down Duvet Insert

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