The main difference between quilt and comforter is that quilts are thinner and cooler, whereas comforters are thicker and warmer.
Both quilts and comforters can act as the top cover of your bed. Both these covers typically have three layers with a filling in the middle. Most people use these two names interchangeably, but they are not synonyms. There are differences between the two based on their thickness and appearance.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Quilt
– Definition, Features, Use
2. What is a Comforter
– Definition, Features, Use
3. Difference Between Quilt and Comforter
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Quilt, Comforter
What is a Quilt
A quilt is a bed cover with two to three layers. The number of layers in a quilt would actually depend on the climate during which you are going to use it. Traditionally, quilts have three layers: the top layer, the batting layer, and the bottom layer. In a classic quilt, the top layer has different pieces of fabric sewn together in a complex design. However, most modern quilts are made by machines and contain simple, monochromatic designs. Quilts with three layers have a batting laying, which serves as the insulation part of the quilt. This batting layer makes the body feel warm. This inner batting typically uses materials like down, wool, polyester, and cotton fibers. The bottom layer of quilts is usually a single piece of fabric and does not look like the top layer. All of these layers are stitched or quilted together.
Quilts with only two layers are for use during ordinary or hot summer days, while quilts with three layers are ideal for cold weather. We mainly use quilts as bed toppers as well as decorative elements. They tend to be thinner and cooler and are ideal for warm weather.
What is a Comforter
A comforter is a thick and fluffy piece of bedding you can use as the top covering on your bed. It’s a one-piece of bedding that can be used right out of the packaging, even without any cover. It is usually covered in fashion fabric and filled with feathers, down or synthetic fibers.
Comforters usually come as bedding sets or bed-in-a-bag sets with other coordinating pieces such as pillow shams and sheets, all of them in the same bed size. Comforters are usually larger than the bed and hang down the sides of the bed. You can use sheets or additional thin blankets under them, but you shouldn’t use anything to cover it or any additional accessories.
Comforters are usually not difficult to clean or wash. You can either hang them dry or use a machine dryer on a low and gentle setting.
Difference Between Quilt and Comforter
Definition
A quilt is a decorative bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding and stitched together, while a comforter is a fluffy, thick, decorative coverlet used as the top covering on the bed.
Function
A quilt can act as a bed topper and a decorative element, whereas a comforter usually acts as a comforter.
Thickness
Quilts are thinner and cooler whereas comforters are thicker and fluffier.
Appearance of the Top Layer
The top layer of a classic quilt is stitched together to form a complex design, while the top layer of a comforter is usually a one-piece fabric.
Climate
Quilts are better for warmer weather whereas comforters are better for cooler weather.
Filling
The filling of quilts may contain materials like cotton, wool, and polyester, whereas the filling of comforters may contain down, cotton fibers, etc.
Conclusion
The main difference between quilt and comforter is that quilts are thinner and cooler, whereas comforters are thicker and warmer. Classic quilts tend to have colorful and complex designs, while comforters are usually plain and have solid-color designs.
Reference:
1. Ullman, Michelle. “Quilt, Comforter, Duvet, or Bedspread: What’s the Difference?” The Spruce.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Quilt” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Comforter” By Deron Bauman (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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