How to Choose a Bedspread?

How to Choose the Right Bedspread for Your Bedding

To personalize a bedroom, there’s nothing better than accessorizing it with a bedspread. Draped over the bed, the bedspread complements the room’s decor and adds an extra touch of warmth in the winter. With this bedding, the bedroom can reveal its full character and create a truly personalized, cozy atmosphere.

But how do you choose a bedspread? There are, in fact, several factors to consider in order to find the perfect one. Specifically, you should pay attention to its material, size, and color. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to go about it.

What is a bedspread?

Let's take a look at what a bedspread is and how to avoid confusing it with other bedding items (duvet, quilt, etc.).

Definition of a bedspread

A bedspread is part of what is known as household linens. Also called a bed cover, bed runner, or bedspread, it is similar to a throw that covers the lower part of the sheets and duvet cover. It is primarily a decorative accessory that adds warmth to the bedroom. This cozy piece creates a soft, inviting atmosphere in the sleeping area. Modern and versatile, it also adds character to the room.

But the bedspread serves another purpose: keeping sleepers’ feet warm . That’s right! You can keep the bedspread on during long, cold winter nights to enjoy some extra warmth around your legs. Of course, you can also unfold the bedspread so your whole body can enjoy that soothing feeling of warmth.

The Differences Between a Bedspread, a Quilt, a Comforter, and a Boutis

Many people confuse bedspreads, comforters, quilts, and boutis. However, these items do not serve the same purposes.

Boutis is first and foremost an embroidery technique originating in Provence. Using this technique, it is possible to create luxurious quilted bedspreads with original designs. Boutis serves a purely decorative purpose, and it is not recommended to sleep with it still on the bed to avoid damaging it. Furthermore, the boutis covers the entire bed.

A quilt, on the other hand, is a type of decorative blanket filled with cotton or down and then quilted. Like boutis, a quilt requires specific quilting and embroidery techniques. It is also used primarily for its aesthetic appeal, to completely cover the bed. A duvet, on the other hand, is a foot-cover. It is a small comforter that covers only the surface of the mattress.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Bedspread

Choosing a bedspread isn't easy. With so many styles available on the market today, it's not always easy to know where to start. Here are the criteria to consider when looking for the bedspread that's best suited for your bedroom.

Analyze the materials

Bedspreads come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages. These include:

• cotton, which is lightweight and very easy to care for;
• satin, a refined and luxurious fabric that offers unparalleled softness;
• wool, which provides plenty of warmth and is particularly well-suited for cold weather;
• cotton gauze, which is very cool;
• down, which is soft and pleasant to the touch.

To make a choice, you need to consider your preferences and your skin's sensitivity.

Determine the appropriate colors

Ideally, the bedspread should complement the existing decor in the bedroom (such as the curtains, rugs, furniture, and other decorative elements). Before moving forward, it’s important to take stock of the dominant colors. This makes it easier to find the right color for the bedspread. In addition, you can buy bedspreads in different colors to match any bedding set. Finally, mixing textures is the ideal way to add more depth to the bedroom.

Generally speaking, colors like white, gray, or blue are easy to pair with black or pastel shades. If the bedroom features more soft colors, these shades are also ideal. Conversely, for a more whimsical look, you can opt for yellow or turquoise blue. However, be careful never to use more than three dominant colors in a bedroom.

Select the appropriate size

It’s important to choose the right size bedspread, since it’s often placed at the foot of the bed. It’s the bedspread that adds the finishing touch to the bedroom’s decor. However, depending on your preference, you can also choose one that completely covers the sheets and pillows.

The ideal size for a bedspread therefore depends on the bed and the desired effect. The more of the bed you want to cover, the wider the bedspread should be. Thus:

• For a standard double bed measuring 140 x 190 cm, a bedspread measuring 230 x 250 cm is suitable;
• For a 90 x 190 cm bed, it's best to choose a bedspread that measures 180 x 250 cm;
• For a queen-size bed measuring 160 x 200 cm or a king-size bed measuring 200 x 200 cm, you can choose a bedspread measuring 250 x 250 cm.

Generally speaking, the bedspread should reach the edges of the bed, although you should always leave 20 to 30 cm of fabric hanging over each side of the bed. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can add a few extra centimeters, or even let it drape all the way to the foot of the bed.

Finding the Right Style for Your Bedroom

Finally, you should choose a bedspread that matches the desired style of your bedroom. For a romantic look, consider a quilted bedspread. For a natural look, a bedspread made of natural materials like linen or cotton is an excellent option.

For a bohemian-style interior, consider an embroidered or knitted bedspread with floral patterns. For a cozy, homey style, wool is a good option. Finally, for a modern style, a simple, lightweight bedspread in a solid color is the ideal choice.

In addition to its decorative appeal, a bedspread provides extra warmth on cold days. It’s also an ideal piece of bedding for protecting the bed from dust, especially in bedrooms that aren’t used very often.

We recommend these other pages:

• How do you choose bedding for a baby?
• How to Choose Linen Bedding?
• How to Choose Cotton Gauze Bedding?
• How to Choose Percale Bedding?
• How do you choose cotton satin bedding?
• How do you choose flannel bedding?
• What makes high-quality bed linens?
• How to Choose a Pillowcase
• How do you choose a duvet set?
• How to Choose a Fitted Sheet?
• How to Choose a Duvet Cover?
• What kind of bedding should you choose for a hotel or bed-and-breakfast?
• What size should you choose for your bedspread?
• What is a boutis used for?
• How do you choose a quilted boutis?