By Arabella Peterson Bedding 21.05.2024

This One Layer Will Make Your Bed A Whole Lot Cosier

The easiest bedding upgrade for chilly nights.

When the nights draw in and temperatures dip, many of us instinctively reach for heavier duvets or crank up the heating. But there’s another way to make your bed feel warmer, more inviting, and infinitely more stylish: the humble quilt.

Quilts are considered a cold weather staple, and for good reason. Stitched from layers of fabric with a soft filling, they were once the warmest bedding available before duvets and central heating became commonplace. Today, they’re just as practical, but with a modern update that makes them one of the most versatile and beautiful pieces you can own.

1. Layer Over Your Duvet

A quilt is the perfect finishing touch for a winter bedscape. Spread it across your all-season, natural fill duvet for added insulation, then fold it back during the day to create a styled, hotel-like look. It’s functional warmth and instant polish in one. For a luxe finish, let the quilt hang slightly over the sides of the bed for a draped effect, or fold it neatly for a more tailored aesthetic. Either way, it adds dimension, texture, and a sense of intention to your bedding – while ensuring you stay cosy when the temperature drops.

2. Play with colour and pattern

Another cliché about quilts is that they’re a bit old-fashioned, or of the funky multicoloured patchwork ilk – but modern designs tell a different story. Simple square-stitched details and classic colour contrasts instantly heighten a room. In cooler months, you might like to opt for hues that add warmth – think Rust, Terracotta or Hazelnut. Or, lean into deep, organic shades like Olive and Lagoon which are rich and grounding. Otherwise, a simple classic like Oatmeal or Charcoal is timeless and versatile. For something truly transeasonal, a two-tone quilt allows you to change the focal hue with the season.

3. Mix and match textures

Winter interiors are all about cosiness and comfort. Pair your quilt with breathable-yet-insulating linen sheets for a cocooning base, then layer on muslin throws or cushions for added richness. The contrast between the stitched softness of a quilt and the plushness of these materials creates a bed that feels indulgent and inviting. Play with tonal shades and tactile accents, and you’ll have a bedroom that’s both elevated and perfect for the season.

4. Keep It close at hand

A quilt folded at the end of the bed isn’t just decorative – it’s also practical. On especially cold nights, pull it up for an extra layer of warmth without fussing with multiple blankets. By day, it gives your bedroom a finished, intentional look, adding texture and a sense of elegance to the overall scheme. You can drape it loosely for a relaxed, lived-in feel or fold it with crisp edges for a more tailored, hotel-style finish. Either way, keeping a quilt within easy reach means your bed is always prepared for those inevitable frosty nights.

5. Take It beyond the bedroom

Quilts aren’t confined to sleeping. In winter, they’re ideal for curling up on the sofa during movie nights, adding an extra layer of warmth to an armchair, or keeping on hand in the guest room to make visitors feel at home. They also double as a cosy wrap for evenings spent by the fire or as a stylish throw draped across a bench or window seat. Their versatility means they’re just as functional as they are charming, bringing a touch of character to every corner of the home.

6. Choose Natural Materials

When it comes to autumn and winter bedding, fabric choice makes all the difference. Opting for a 100% French Flax Linen quilt means you’re getting the same moisture-wicking qualities that make linen sheets so beloved in warm weather. Linen naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool when it’s hot and cosy when it’s chilly, so it’s an ideal material for a quilt you’ll use year-round. A bamboo fill enhances durability while offering breathable insulation. Together, they make for a bedding layer that’s not only comfortable year-round, but also a more sustainable choice.