We want you to fall madly in love with your bed! And that means helping you choose the perfect first layer: a coverlet or matelassé. Made to lay between your flat sheet and duvet cover, coverlets and matelassés are essential pieces of any luxury bedding ensemble. Consider them an important part of not just your bed, but also your overall bedroom decor.
Coverlets are typically more tightly woven than blankets and range from simple to ornate in style. They're decorative and functional bed coverings that lay on top of the bed, concealing the mattress and protecting the sheeting and blankets underneath. A well-chosen coverlet can enhance the sophistication of any bedding ensemble. Select one with a matte finish for a casual look; a sateen finish for a sleeker vibe and classic style; or a patterned cotton matelassé coverlet. In the world of luxury linens, coverlets are uniquely versatile; they can be used as a layer in a cozy winter bed or alone above the flat sheet for lightweight warmth. You can even choose a reversible coverlet with contrasting colors and patterns. Your coverlet can set the tone for the rest of your bedding, including duvet covers, pillow shams, and accent pieces such as a throw blanket or decorative pillow. While they are available in a variety of textiles, many coverlets are crafted from machine-washable cotton, which makes them easy to care for at home.
A matelassé sometimes referred to as a bedspread or blanket cover, is a specific type of bed coverlet. It features stitching in intricate designs and a raised pattern for a “quilted” look without the heavy weight. Cotton matelassé fabric is woven on a special machine known as a jacquard loom. Matelassé fabric is often woven from Egyptian cotton and provides texture pleasing to the eye and the touch. A matelassé quilt is a sophisticated choice that, like other coverlets, is made to lay between your flat sheet and duvet cover.
Quilted coverlets are another option. Heavier and designed for warmth and beauty, quilted coverlets feature insulated batting between two layers of fabric. They are most often made from cotton and sateen in finish, and woven in a variety of pleasing patterns to suit your style. Choose among dozens of options with varying weights and weaves from classic to modern. At one time, quilted coverlets were quite popular; in recent years, however, many luxury brands have reduced production of quilted coverlets to one or two styles. This is likely because quilted coverlets require dry cleaning due to the insulated filling. The exception to this trend is the Home Treasures brand, which has become the go-to source for custom quilted coverlets, with dozens of options for both weave and color.
Finishing the Look: Once you've settled on your bed topper, you can finish building your bed and customizing your look with a duvet cover or comforter, a bed skirt, and accessories such as shams, decorative pillows, and throw blankets.
Our collection of coverlets and matelassé bedding includes luxurious offerings from the finest manufacturers in the world, including Sferra, Matouk, and Peacock Alley. These can be purchased as part of a coverlet set, which includes coverlets and shams; however, most luxury brands sell quilts and coverlets individually to allow for maximum design freedom and the ability to build custom bedding sets for a look that's uniquely your own. At Fine Linen and Bath, we constantly strive to educate clients about the many beautiful and versatile bedding options available in the market. Whether you’re a new buyer or a seasoned customer of fine linens, we want you to have all the information you need to evaluate your choices and make the perfect purchase. This is particularly important when it comes to bed toppers—coverlets, matelassés, quilts, and duvet covers—which set the tone for your bedroom decor. Investing in fine linens should be done with help from the experts; we are here to offer advice, recommendation, and even fabric samples of bed linens to assist you in choosing the linens that make your dream bedroom a reality.