How to Choose the Perfect Quilt for Every Season

Quilts are equally lovely whether used alone or layered with other bedding, making them a versatile choice to transition your bed from season to season. A wealth of design and fabric combinations make choosing a seasonal quilt more complicated than you might anticipate, but the decision has implications for the quality of your overnight comfort—and your rest. From which factors to consider to our expert recommendations, our tips for choosing quilts for every season will help you discover the best option for your bed. 

What to Look for in a Quilt for Any Season

When choosing a quilt, there are a variety of factors to consider—take into consideration the season when you intend to use your quilt most to decide what is most important to you:  

  1. Shell Material: One of the biggest indicators of a quilt’s warmth is the fabric used for its shell—the two layers stitched together over batting. We offer quilts in a range of fabrics, from lightweight linen and cotton voile to cozy, snuggly flannel. 
  2. Weight: Quilt weight is measured in grams per square meter (or GSM), which is determined by combining the heaviness of the shell and fill materials. Most quilts have a GSM between 200 and 300—the lower the GSM, the lighter the quilt.  
  3. Quilt vs. Coverlet: Thin, lightweight quilts and coverlets may look similar, but they are actually two distinct pieces of bedding. A quilt is made with two pieces of fabric stitched around an inner core of batting, but coverlets feature just a single layer of fabric—no batting necessary. Which you choose will impact the warmth it brings to your bed. 
  4. Style: Quilts can range from traditional, intricate patchworks to printed wholecloth designs to modern, sparsely tufted solid colors, with a range of palettes meaning you can find any quilt in any style to suit the season; you just need to know what you want. 
image of floral quilt in blues, pinks and greens

The Best Quilts for Every Season

Now that you know what to look for, let’s go through each season to explore the contenders for the title of “best quilt.” Our expert insight will help you select the ideal quilt to suit your preferences any time of year.  

Snuggle Beneath a Warm Winter Quilt

The best quilts for winter look and feel irresistibly cozy—perfect for snuggling up underneath. Opt for festive, winter-ready fabrics like cotton flannel or velvet; synonymous with cold weather, these fabrics feature a brushed surface that traps warm air, keeping it closer to your body so you stay comfortable when it’s cold. If you sleep hot, opt for sateen or jersey knit, which keep you cozy without getting so warm. Layer the bed with your choice of winter quilt then add cotton flannel sheets, a lofty comforter or duvet, and plush, fuzzy fleece or Sherpa blankets.  

Herald Spring with Airy Fabrics and Pastel Hues

Choosing a seasons-spanning spring quilt to bridge the gap between winter and summer requires that you consider both style and weight: You want a quilt that keeps you warm when nights are still cool, in springtime hues and designs to suit the warmer days to come. Swap cozy flannel or velvet for a cotton quilt in a patchwork, tufted, or whole-cloth design in colors that scream “spring”—pastel hues, bright whites, creamy ivories—or floral designs blooming with signs of the season. 

Keep Things Light and Breezy with a Summer Quilt

Many people—especially hot sleepers—prefer a quilt rather than a comforter for summer sleep. A lightweight quilt can look just as lovely and sophisticated as a duvet-and-insert combination, with much less warmth so you stay cooler on hot nights. Start your search for the perfect summer quilt with these shell fabrics. 

  • Light and airy cotton voile is silky-soft, semi-sheer, and breathable for all-night comfort even when the weather is warm. 
  • Known for its incredible cooling properties and elegantly laid back style, linen is a quintessential summer quilt fabric. 
  • Classic cotton quilts are breathable, soft and comfortable against the skin, and durable enough to last for years—the perfect heirloom option. 

Pair your chosen quilt with soft, cooling sheets in linen, TENCEL™ Lyocell, or rayon made from bamboo, and voila! Your bed is made with everything you need for comfortable sleep all summer long. 

Welcome Autumn with Quilt Colors and Fabrics

Deep or muted colors, foliage-filled patchwork designs, and classic plaids bring seasonal style to the best quilts for autumn. Just as when you’re choosing a spring quilt, look for fabrics versatile enough to be comfortable on nights that are unseasonably warm or cold. A basic cotton quilt is often the best option for autumn, but if you live in a colder climate or are a cool sleeper, opt for warm, cozy flannel that effortlessly complements the shortening days, changing leaves, and falling temperatures. 

image of blue velvet quilt

When it is time to update your decor for the changing seasons, wash and store your quilt properly to protect your investment—then wash it again after removing it from storage and before putting it back on your bed. For more on choosing the best bedding for any season, style, or sleep preference, explore our other Guides.