This post about how to choose a quilt contains a paid collaboration with Serena & Lily.

With perfect, cloud-like layers that just invite you to slow down, nothing enhances that feeling quite like quilts for beds that work well for your bedroom.

More than simply a seasonally-appropriate layer of warmth, a quilt adds dimension, life, and breathability all year round.

Whether you’re stocking your apartment for college, moving into your first apartment, or putting together the perfect guest room, here’s what to look for.

#1: Fabric First: Cotton Rules

When talking about fabrics in bedding, breathability is the name of the game. Natural fibers like cotton and linen allow for superior air flow, making you warm in cold weather and giving you a little extra chill in the summer.

Quilts made with 100% cotton in the inside lining and the exterior cover feel softer to the touch and regulate temperature better than synthetics.

For everyday use, go with cotton and a percale or voile finish. It’s crisp and smooth against your skin. For something a little softer, try brushed cotton or stonewashed linen.

#2: Consider the Weight and Loft

While beauty is subjective, weight is a scientific fact. Of course, you want your quilt to be warm, but if it’s simply too thick and puffy, it may not breathe the way you need it to.

Hot sleepers and warm climate dwellers should be aware of this. Find a quilt with medium weight to lend itself to versatile use. It should be warm enough to be used without a duvet in the winter, but light enough to be used in the summer on its own.

It shouldn’t be so heavy that you’re trying to kick it off at night, but not too light that it won’t provide heat when layered.

Reversible is also a great option, as you get double the fun in one beautiful piece. If you like a bulkier top layer, consider going a little lighter, so you can play with layering different pieces underneath.

#3: Think Texture, Not Just Color

A good quilt will rarely just be a solid color for a minimalist effect. Beautiful and intricate stitching or a puckered matelassé weave can provide a surprising amount of visual depth without overwhelming a space.

Additionally, a little touch of texture ensures your bed always looks polished and put-together, even when you’re not in the mood to make it.

Subtle pastels and near-neutrals, like a pale dune or any of the whites, make for beautiful staples as the backdrop to a more grounded collection, but rich earth tones and surprising colors or textures can also provide a real conversation piece.

Choose tones and textiles that fit your personality, and make your bed inviting, not a responsibility.

#4: Choose What Fits Your Lifestyle

If you’re shopping for a college dorm room or shared house, a low-maintenance bed quilt is your best friend. Look for machine-washable options made of preshrunk fabrics.

If it’s a guest bedroom or wedding registry bed quilt you’re after, opt for a handmade quilt or a family heirloom-in-the-making, one with intricate details.

Have pets or children? Consider a darker or printed quilt that keeps imperfections under wraps. Allergies? Opt for one with breathability and hypoallergenic properties, like organic cotton that’s comfortable and easy on the skin.

#5: Sizing Matters More Than You Think

We’ve all been there: that beautiful quilt looks just right until it’s an inch too short. Always double-check measurements before buying.

Queen and king sizes may vary by brand, and even two quilts made by the same company can be cut differently, with one being substantially more generous in its proportions than the other.

If you like that draped-in-all-the-right-places look, you may be happiest with a quilt that’s slightly oversized.

If you lean more toward the casual chic look with a bed quilt that just touches the bed frame, a quilt that’s made exactly to the size of the bed is likely the better choice.

Whichever you choose, do your research and measure your mattress, especially if you sleep on a plush topper. An ill-fitting quilt is worse than no quilt at all.

#6: A Quilt Can Anchor the Room

You wouldn’t think a single piece of bedding could shape the energy of your bedroom, but it could. A laid-back, crinkly, beach-house-style, sand-colored quilt transforms your room into a sanctuary.

A navy or forest green quilt anchors your room in sophisticated drama. A hand-block printed, exotic quilt sets you apart as someone stylish. The best bed quilts tick the form and function boxes.

They should be relaxed and beachy, earthy and romantic. A brand like Serena & Lily is a great place to start when it comes to look, feel, and ethos.

They pay attention to detail with an emphasis on natural materials, eco-friendly finishing processes, and design that will withstand the test of time in substance and style.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for reading “6 Things To Look For When Choosing Beautiful And Breathable Quilts For Your Bed.” I hope this helped guide you in choosing the perfect quilt for your space!

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6 Things To Look For When Choosing Beautiful And Breathable Quilts For Your Bed