What is comfort?
To some, it’s having their nana’s special soup, the one she makes just for you when you’re ill. A best friend’s hug, warm towels, hair stoked, hearing rain splattering on the window pane when you’re wrapped up inside. For me, nothing makes me feel calm, cosy and looked-after like being ensconced in an oversized quilt.
The word itself conjures images of being tucked in under a layer ideally homemade by a long line of ancestors. Patchwork quilts are a tried and tested family project with each generation adding their square to the piece, so you end up with a rich tapestry of your own family history.
Problem is, not everyone has such a quilt to call on or add to. Luckily, the market is awash with vintage-inspired designs that can easily pass as heirloom pieces.
If you’re hoping to happen across such a piece, look for artisan craftsmanship like embroidery, block- and screen-printing. Patchwork options look like the real deal while a floral print offers an easy route into cottagecore, a trend that is endlessly wholesome and comforting.
A good quilt or bedspread will add warmth to your winter bed and can be used as a solo layer to kip under when summer hits, meaning it’s an investment you can enjoy the whole year around. They also make lovely gifts for all ages and most occasions.
We’ve rounded up the best options to buy right now below.
Shop the best quilts below
Oliver Bonas Frill Yellow Cotton Bedspread
If you get your thrills from frills, you’ll adore this cute bedspread from Oliver Bonas. In contrasting mustard and salmon pink tones, the quilt is perfect for burrowing under when frightful weather rages outside your window. The cotton chambray cover is endlessly strokable, while the 100 per cent polyester filling offers warmth without clumping.
Buy now £165.00, Oliver Bonas
John Lewis Aria Reversible Quilted Bedspread, Blue
In an endlessly charming floral print, there are myriad styling opportunities for this reversible bedspread, which was featured on Channel 4 Homes. We like it best with cottagecore complementary trends: think gingham, stripes, scalloped edges and natural textiles like jute, bamboo and wicker. If you’re channelling coastal grandma this season, this pretty little quilt is a great jumping-off point.
Buy now £180.00, John Lewis
Anthropologie Theodora Embroidered Quilted Bedspread
Featuring authentic Indian screen and block-printing craftsmanship, this premium quilt is full of rich, pretty floral details. The reversible artisan quilt is available in three bed sizes - medium, king and super king - with matching pillowcases and other bedding available if you're after a seamless look.
Buy now £142.00, Anthropologie
M&S Collection Velvet Patchwork Bedspread
Snuggle down and feel like the proverbial bug with M&S's cotton velvet bedspread quilt over you. Sporting a geometric design in sunrise colours, the quilting detail adds to the homemade vibe. It comes in medium, large and extra-large sizes.
Buy now £189.00, M&S
La Redoute Interiors Georgette Gingham 100% Washed Cotton Quilted Bedspread
Made from washed cotton resulting in a comforting crumpled feel, you'll find this quilt within our arm's reach all season. The timeless gingham print plays into the timelessness of the piece - this will stay looking good for years to come - while the frilled edges add twee and playfulness. Best of all, it's designed to become softer and softer with use and after every wash. One to love and adore.
Available in two sizes: 90 x 190cm and 150 x 150cm.
Buy now £95.00, La Redoute
AM.PM Lasya Exotic 100% Cotton Velvet Quilt
Inspired by the majesty and craftsmanship of India, this cotton velvet quilt is an easy way to raise your interiors game. Tuck it around your sofa to create a global eclectic look or layer it over crisp white bedsheets to add mystique and warmth in one. Light yet cosy, it negates the need for an electric blanket altogether.
Maintenance is easy - it can be machine washed at 30°C on a delicate cycle, but allow to air dry once clean. The terracotta and navy blue design comes in three sizes to best suit your bed.
Buy now £220.00, La Redoute
Urban Outfitters Clara Marshmallow Puff Quilt
With outrageously squishy puff padding, this quilt screams cosiness before you go anywhere near it. The plush cotton filling holds heat well - no need to turn on the central heating with this thing on you - and it's machine washable, so wear it as long as you like knowing all it takes is one quick spin cycle to have it feeling like new again.
Buy now £109.00, Urban Outfitters
Dunelm Dorma Tove Patchwork Bedspread
Looking for something with heirloom quality? Dunelm nails the brief with this patchwork bedspread quilt, which looks like something your grandmother might hand down one day. Beautifully crafted and richly patterned, the piece comes in sizes to fit double king and super king size beds although we think it’d look pretty inviting draped on the couch too.
Buy now £250.00, Dunelm
Oliver Bonas Love Quilted Patchwork Bedspread
Offering a departure from grandma cottagecore goodness comes this statement quilt from Oliver Bonas. With bold colours and precision topstitching, it's a midway point between old and new.
Buy now £165.00, Oliver Bonas
Ian Snow Pistachio Blossom Reversible Floral Quilt
Made in Jaipur, one of India’s most important cities for artisan craftsmanship, this reversible quilt features a bold screenprint on both sides. We like the eclectic feel it offers when paired with luxury bedding or styled over the back of a reading nook armchair. It’s made from 100 per cent cotton - including the filling - meaning it’s easy to care for and nicely warming. However, you may need to give it a good airing after delivery - hence the discount.
Buy now £139.00, Ian Snow
Oliver Bonas Patchwork Multicolour Velvet Bedspread
Whether it's for adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed or you plan to wander around the house under it all weekend, this bedspread is a thing of beauty. The 220 x 220cm square is cased in cotton and can be machine washed, making it easy to care for.
Find more cosy blankets to curl up under here.
Buy now £165.00, Oliver Bonas
Morris & Co. Scallop Embroidered and Quilted Throw
For those who prefer a traditional, quilted approach to winter comfort, look no further than this beautiful scalloped-edge throw by Morris & Co. The perfect piece to transfer any cosy human from bed to the sofa, then back to bed again, this 100 per cent cotton quilt is as good-looking as it is practical.
Buy now £220.00, John Lewis
Toast Hand Quilted Velvet Throw
Available in an array of neutral, autumnal hues, this hand-quilted velvet throw blanket has a weighty, luxuriously soft finish. Ideal for those who thrive in cosy environments, an opulent throw blanket is sure to help them relax and unwind as the mercury begins to drop.
Buy now £260.00, Toast
