Matelassé Bedding Guide

With a rich history and myriad of contemporary interpretations, matelassé bedding is a lightweight, beautiful way to elevate your bedding aesthetic. Its intricate, quilted design adds depth and dimension, making matelassé coverlets and shams the perfect finish for a layered look or a standalone statement. Discover how to use this timeless material in any bedroom in our guide to buying and styling matelassé bedding. 

What Is Matelassé?

Matelassé means “quilted” in French and refers to a type of single-ply fabric that is stitched or woven to create the appearance of being quilted. Though it looks padded, matelassé is just one layer of fabric and is most often used for coverlets or bedspreads, matching shams, and sometimes bed skirts or other accent pieces. 

Popular matelassé motifs range from traditional floral, leaf, or paisley designs to modern geometric or pebbled textures. 

When looking for high-quality matelassé bedding, pay attention to the three following characteristics: 

  1. Fiber: The finest matelassé is made from cotton, a natural fiber known for its softness, strength, and breathability. 
  2. Fabric: The defining characteristic of matelassé is its single-ply fabric. True matelassé will only have one layer.  
  3. Construction: Matelassé bedding should be jacquard woven or stitched in such a way that it looks as if it is quilted. If your floral motif or other design is featured on padded fabric, you’re looking at a quilt, not a matelassé. 

What Is the Difference Between a Quilt and a Matelassé?

While they look similar at first glance, there are significant differences between a quilt and a matelassé. A quilt is thicker, with two layers of fabric stitched around an inner layer of padding or batting. In contrast, a matelassé is made with just a single layer of fabric that’s decoratively woven to create a quilted appearance. Therefore, a matelassé is more accurately a type of coverlet, rather than a quilt. 

Image comparing quilt with matelassé

Tips for Styling Matelassé Bedding

One of the biggest benefits of matelassé is its versatility in styling: A matelassé coverlet can be sophisticated and elegant, streamlined and modern, or something in between, making it equally perfect for the primary bedroom, a guest suite, or a kid’s room. This lightweight layer imparts texture and dimension to any bedding aesthetic without adding unneeded warmth. Consider these tips for styling a matelassé coverlet in your home. 

Style for the Season or Sleeping Preference

Balance is key to styling matelassé bedding, no matter which overall look you’d like to achieve. From traditional to bold, these are our top tips for styling matelassé bedding.  

Image of bed made with neutral matelassé
  • Traditional: It doesn’t get more traditional than a handcrafted patchwork quilt layered over a solid-color matelassé in a hue pulled from the pattern. 
  • Classic: The beauty of a matelassé lies in its simplicity, so avoid overwhelming it with too many patterns or colors. Use your matelassé alone or layer it over coordinating solid-color bedding to create a classic, understated look. 
  • Dramatic: Add extra dimension to a textured matelassé coverlet by layering with contrasting bedding layers: A white or ivory matelassé over a dark charcoal duvet, or a deeply colored matelassé with a light, airy comforter. 
Image of bed made with blue matelassé
  • Ecclectic: Pair a charcoal, navy, or other richly toned matelassé with bold colors, natural textures, and plenty of plants to bring a bit of individuality to your space.  
  • Chic: Layer a white matelassé coverlet over a fluffy white duvet and white percale sheets to capture the feel of a chic, modern hotel room. 
  • Unexpected: Most matelassé features solid colors and lets the texture do the talking, but some come with unexpected colorful patterns incorporated into the design, perfect for getting the look of a quilt with the lighter weight and allure of a matelassé.  

Style Matelassé for Kids' Rooms

Although matelassé bedding is undeniably elegant, it can be the perfect bedding option for a kid’s room. Pastel hues are a pretty choice for a room that feels fit for a princess, especially when paired with the elegant texture of a matelassé coverlet. Or, choose a matelassé coverlet printed or appliqued with colorful floral motifs to bring more excitement to your bedding design. Pebbled and geometric patterns and natural hues are perfect for a kid’s bedroom with a wilderness or modern theme. 

How to Care for Matelassé

To protect your high-quality bedding, always check the care label and follow manufacturer’s instructions, but in general, you can follow our quilt care recommendations to wash matelassé coverlets, bedspreads, and shams  

  1. Machine wash matelassé bedding in cold water on a gentle cycle. 
  2. Use only non-chlorine bleach as needed, and avoid fabric softeners, which can damage the fabric’s fibers and cause premature wear and tear. 
  3. Tumble-dry on a low temperature, then remove immediately from the dryer and place it back on the bed or fold and store. 

Bring texture and style to your bedroom or guest room when you choose a matelassé coverlet and coordinating shams. Then, layer in other high-quality linens to suit your sleeping preferences and your personal tastes. Find more tips and advice for creating comfortable, luxurious spaces throughout your home in our Guides.