After Moving from Miami to New York, I Finally Found Quilts That Feel Breezy and Cozy

Growing up in Miami, where it’s essentially summer year-round, I grew accustomed to cozying up under my thick comforter with the (central) AC cranked to a cool 68 degrees. Needless to say, I had to drastically change my approach to bedding when I relocated to New York City, where central AC is scant, summers are sweltering, and winters call for more than just a thick comforter. Besides, no one wants to be sweating profusely under a heavy comforter once the warm weather starts up — that’s why I set out to find the best quilt. 

Ideally, the best quilt would be one I could layer as needed or use on its own for soft, airy comfort. It also had to be stylish (bedding is an extension of your decor after all!). To find it, I tested 12 different quilts and coverlets in various styles and fabrications, from cotton and linen to velvet and lyocell. Keep reading for my findings. 

Before you get carried away adding quilts to your cart, take the following into consideration — this will help you find the best quilt or coverlet for your specific needs, so you can sleep soundly knowing you made the best choice. 

Like most bedding, quilts and coverlets are sold in various sizes to accommodate the most popular bed sizes, so the size of your bed should stay top of mind. Pick a quilt that’s the actual size of your bed, or opt for something larger for a relaxed, oversized feel.

Quilts are sold in a variety of different materials, but some are more breathable than others. Generally speaking, cotton, linen, and lyocell fabrics are the most breathable, while velvet, for example, feels heavier, making it better suited for fall-winter weather. 

While most quilts and coverlets tend to be quite durable, those made with finer materials like velvet, linen, and/or matelasse tend to require more in terms of care (not all are machine washable, for example). Ultimately, the best quilt or coverlet is the one that you can feasibly take proper care of, so I’d recommend reading through the shopper reviews to determine what you’re in for and how durable a design is. 

Bedding and other home textiles are subject to certifications that let consumers know about the materials and processes used in making them. Here’s a list of programs to look out for:

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
• Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for and are free from harmful substances.
• GOTS certified: Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
• Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
• Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
• Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.
• Global Cotton Initiative partner: The production process uses fewer synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, increases cotton yields, reduces water usage, improves soil health, and applies decent work principles.
• Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) partner: A community committed to producing cotton in ways that improve “everyone and everything” connected to it.

I tested a range of quilts and coverlets with the following in mind:

• Texture: How does the quilt or coverlet feel? In what season(s) would the quilt or coverlet be good to use?
• Durability: How easy is it to clean your quilt or coverlet? How well did your quilt or coverlet hold up after being washed? How much did the quilt or coverlet shed after being washed for the first time?
• Breathability: What is the thickness of your quilt or coverlet? Which season would it work best for?

L.L. Bean’s North Star Quilt was my favorite of the bunch for a few reasons. I’m wary of quilts that feel too heavy, but this one is the perfect middle ground — it’s light for spring and summer use, yet warm enough to cozy up under on chilly winter nights. It’s also made of 100% cotton, so it gives me the breathable comfort and softness I want at bedtime. I’ve even brought it to the couch for movie nights (and, let’s face it, mid-day naps) on the weekends. 

I also love the star design, which reminds me of traditional patchwork quilts of yore and lends a cute, cottagecore charm to my bedroom. The color palette, with its mustards, pinks, browns, and blues, is easy to pair with my surrounding decor, too. And there are even navy stripes printed on the reverse side, so I can mix it up whenever the feeling strikes. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone who wants a lightweight cotton quilt with a traditional patchwork, cottagecore-inspired vibe and easy-to-style color palette. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton 
• Available in 3 sizes
• Machine wash; line dry  

When I think of a patchwork quilt, I picture Greenrow’s Willow style. It has that heirloom look that’s commonly associated with a classic, patchwork quilt, except this one somehow feels made for today, with its diamond-square design, stylish combination of patterns, and the printed stripes on the reverse side. It’s also made by hand (which explains the higher price) and has the Nest Seal of Ethical Handcraft, a certification that ensures artisans are paid a fair wage and have healthy working conditions. It gives my admittedly bland-looking bedroom a stylish, rustic charm. 

It’s not all good looks, either: The super-soft cotton quilt has a cozy texture and is a solid mid-weight. I layered it with my lighter-weight comforter in the lingering winter cold, and could see myself using it solo once the summer heat kicks in. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for a classic patchwork style with a farmhouse vibe and soft, all-season texture. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton
• Available in 3 sizes
• Hand or machine-wash in warm water on a gentle cycle; line or tumble-dry on low 

Bed Thread’s Two-Tone Quilt has a breathable, lightweight texture that helps keep me — a notoriously hot sleeper — cool on balmy nights, which is why I’ve named it the best linen pick on this list. It’s made using a 165GSM flax linen shell and a 140GSM bamboo filling, which means it’s perfectly airy for solo use during spring/summer weather, but easily layers with a comforter to keep you cozy when temperatures drop. It does have that slubby texture that’s typical of most linen bed coverings, but it felt softer after a couple of rounds in the wash. 

Aside from its breezy feel, the quilt’s depth of color is the main focus. Featuring an earthy rose-pink shade on one side and a warm mustard on the other, it brings a cool, color-blocked effect to my bedroom — and I love being able to switch up my bedscape with a flip. 

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a breezy, lightweight option that comes in a bunch of stylish colors. 

Specifications:

• 100% flax linen shell; bamboo filling 
• Available in 2 sizes
• Machine-wash on a cold gentle cycle; tumble-dry on low 

If you want something with a little more drama, this Lulu & Georgia quilt has it in spades. It’s thick and soft, with a luxurious sheen that, combined with its careful stitching and bold color, bring so much richness to my bedroom. I tested it in the Deep Sage color (which honestly looks a little more gray in person), and it ended up being a grounding element in my room. Next to my cotton sheets and shams, it creates a beautiful contrast of textures, too. 

The quilt is on the heavier side, however, so I only see myself using it during the colder months, possibly in place of my comforter — it’s that cozy. The only bummer is that it’s dry clean only, which can be expensive for a quilt this heavy and large (I have the king size). 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone willing to invest in a heavyweight winter-y quilt that’s exceedingly stylish and plush. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton shell; 100% polyester fill
• Available in 2 sizes
• Dry clean only 

My colleagues rave about Brooklinen’s Weekend Wash Quilt, so my expectations were high — thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. It has a 100% cotton shell that’s garment-dyed for truly delectable softness. I couldn’t cuddle up in it fast enough. It’s surprisingly cozy for something so lightweight, though you might be left wanting in the wintertime if you live in a really cold climate. Nothing another layer can’t fix! 

Brooklinen makes the quilt in a slew of stylish colors, from classic neutrals to cool- and warm-toned options, too. I was immediately drawn to the new Pistachio color, a cute green shade that leans more chartreuse IRL. What’s more, its irregular grid pattern is hand-stitched, so it has that premium, artisanal feel. Whether it’s folded at the foot of my bed or used as an all-over bed covering, it adds a swath of effortlessly stylish, homey color to my room. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for a comfy, everyday quilt that’s made of super-soft cotton and comes in 11 colors. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton shell; Polypropylene fill
• Available in 3 sizes
• Machine wash on a cold cycle, tumble dry low.  

If a comforter and a quilt had a baby, it’d feel something like the Sonya Matelasse Coverlet. The puffy, matelasse weave has a cushiony softness that’s snuggly and substantial — but not overwhelming for a hot sleeper like me. The cotton-polyester blend fabric somehow feels plush and breathable at the same time, so it’s one I’d feel comfortable sleeping with as the weather warms up. 

Plus, the checkered design is seriously stunning. It features a calming palette of soft neutrals, greens, and ochres. It’s like a “grown-up” take on the checkerboard trend, and one I could see complementing bedrooms of all styles, from cottagecore to contemporary. As gorgeous as its matelasse weave looks, though, I imagine that it’d be tricky to clean (I’d be cautious of machine-washing it too often because of its delicate design!). 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for a design-forward quilt that’s exceptionally plush, yet breathable enough to use for all seasons. 

Specifications:

• Cotton-polyester shell; Poly fill
• Available in 2 sizes
• Machine wash on a cold cycle, tumble dry low.  

Parachute claims that this quilt is as cozy as your most-loved sweater… which is a statement I can proudly co-sign. It’s made of a cotton, tencel, and linen blend, which gives it a “pre-loved,” temperature-regulating softness, and has 150 GSM recycled polyester fill, which makes it the perfect medium weight for chilly nights. It kept me toasty through the tail-end of a brutal New York winter (the ultimate test, in my opinion) and made it doubly hard to get out of my bed in the morning, be warned. 

It even looks like a plush pair of sweats, with its heathered color and relaxed look. That being said, if you’re looking for something a bit more design-forward, this quilt might not be it. It only comes in the one neutral oatmeal color, so it can live alongside all sorts of decor, but doesn’t really bring any extra style flourishes to a room. Rest assured, though, what it lacks in ornamentation it more than makes up for in coziness. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone who wants a super warm, mid-weight quilt that’s exceptionally toasty with a relaxed, no-frills look. 

Specifications:

• Cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, linen shell; Recycled polyester fill 
• Available in 2 sizes
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low 
• OEKO-TEX® Class 1 certified
• GRS-certified fill

Another thing I learned on my quilt-testing journey? They can get pricey. But that’s part of what makes this Bedsure set even more impressive; it feels like it costs triple the price. The brushed microfiber material is silky-soft and cool to the touch, and despite being on the lighter side, it’s cozy enough to layer during the fall and winter for extra warmth. It is also the only quilt on this list that includes two matching shams, so it gets extra points for value. What’s more, its thin, lightweight design makes it easy to toss in the washing machine for a constant clean. 

As a lover of all things striped, I adore the quilt’s channel-stitched design, which delivers a similar effect. The printed stripe trim is a stylish detail, too, and adds to the quilt’s high-end look. Another bonus is that the set comes in ten colors, including neutrals and cool tones — many of which are currently sold out, sadly, so clearly it’s in demand.  

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for an affordable, lightweight quilt that doesn’t skimp on softness and comes in various colors. 

Specifications:

• 100% polyester
• Available in 4 sizes
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low 
• OEKO-STANDARD 100 certified 

It’s easy to see why this quilt from The Company Store is an editor-favorite. It’s completely hand-quilted, which gives it a unique texture and vintage character. I chose the Goldenstraw color, a rich mustard-y shade that highlights the quilt’s antique-inspired style while bringing a burst of amber to my bedroom. What’s more, it comes in 14 other colors, so you’re bound to find a shade that suits your interior style. 

It’s comfier than it looks, too! The cotton voile material is soft and cool, so it’s well-suited to spring and summer weather (and hot sleepers) if used on its own. And the 100% cotton filling is plenty breathable and ready to layer with comforters during the fall and winter season, thus living up to its year-round claims. It’s lightweight but not flimsy, warm but not stifling, soft but not slippy — it’s the perfect boost of style and warmth. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for a lightweight, year-round quilt with a subtle vintage flair that comes in a range of easy-to-style colors. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton voile shell; cotton fill 
• Available in 3 sizes
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low 

I was immediately drawn to the graphic design on Quince’s Organic Jacquard Floral Coverlet. In the burgundy color I tested, it has a bold, high-contrast look that still looks like a Scandinavian, vintage find. It’s also reversible, so you get the floral pattern on both sides. And with the six color ways offered, I’m convinced that it’d complement any design aesthetic. It’s an extension of my bedroom’s decor! 

Made of 100% organic cotton, the quilt is thinner with a surprising heft, so I really could see it living on my bed all year-round. The only issue is that it’s not the softest quilt I tried, but it’s certainly one of the more stylish — no small feat given its relatively reasonable $150 price tag. I’ve taken to using it with a top sheet underneath, and I can sleep comfortably without overheating. Besides the cotton has softened slightly with each wash, and combined with its stellar craftsmanship and machine-washable ease, I do not doubt that it’ll keep getting better. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone who wants an accessibly-priced, design-forward floral quilt that looks decorative, but can actually be used any season (and gets softer with time!). 

Specifications:

• 100% organic cotton 
• Available in 3 sizes
• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low 
• OEKO-TEX® certified

Want to turn your bedroom into the set of a period drama? Pottery Barn’s Juliette Toile quilt helps you do it. Featuring a romantic floral toile design, it looks straight off the Bridgerton set; and it has a coordinating toile print on the reverse side for double the antique elegance. I tested it in the steel blue color, which has a gray-toned navy appearance that would look just as chic in a neutral space as it would in a fully color-drenched room. 

It’s also way comfier than I was expecting, with a soft cotton shell and a lightweight polyester fill that’s the ideal level of cozy. In other words, this isn’t a quilt I’d just leave folded at the end of my bed. It’s a snuggly, channel-stitched layer I look forward to curling up in at the end of the day. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone looking for a quilt with unique, antique charm with a cozy, lightweight texture to match. 

Specifications:

• 100% cotton shell; polyester fill  
• Available in 2 sizes
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry low 

West Elm’s Brushed Tencel Twill Quilt is almost more like a comforter than a traditional quilt, it’s that plush and breathable. The lyocell shell is brushed for extra buttery-softness, then filled with polyester to give it a pillowy, mid-weight feel. Not too warm or too cool, but just right — it’s a dreamy-soft layer that’ll take you through the year in comfort. 

In a slate of soft, muted neutrals, it’s essentially the “quiet luxury” trend in quilt form. Its otherwise simple, gridded design is finished with a stylish trim for a tailored look. And while it isn’t exactly cheap, I think it’s well worth the splurge. Especially if you’d rather invest in a single piece of bedding, you don’t have to switch out with each passing season. 

Who It’s Best For: Anyone who wants to invest in a plush, all-season quilt that can replace their usual comforter, or someone who lives in a small space with limited room to store separate seasonal bedding. 

Specifications:

• 100% lyocell shell; polyester fill  
• Available in 3 sizes
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry low
• OEKO-STANDARD 100 certified 

The Shopping Team at Apartment Therapy Media has one mission: to help you make smart and informed purchases. We know how hard online shopping can be — it’s literally our job! From trying to decipher confusing marketing lingo to sorting through scores of fake paid reviews in search of some truth, online shopping can be overwhelming. We’re dedicated to doing the hard work for you by reviewing these products firsthand and delivering all the information you need, both good and bad.

Our team is made up of a group of writers and editors who have years of experience in the home, kitchen, and consumer product space, and who are always testing for new tried-and-true staples. Consider us your trusted source on everything home, whether it’s what to consider before buying a sofa or a mattress, the best places to shop for affordable rugs, or which cookware pieces are really worth the cabinet space.

Every quilt and coverlet on this list was tested by me, Alexa Casanova. As Apartment Therapy’s shopping writer, it’s essentially my job to test, review, and recommend products, whether it’s bath towels, bed sheets, easy-to-assemble bed frames, or anything else you may be looking for. I’ve covered them all, so I know what makes a piece of furniture worth buying. I was previously the commerce editor at Design Milk and Well+Good. 

I spent months testing the above quilts and coverlets on my own bed, and evaluated them all on their texture, durability, and design to find the best quilts and coverlets for every need. 

Click here for more on our team and how we shop for you.

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