What Is a Bedspread Actually Used For?

Bedspreads have been dressing beds for generations, but plenty of people aren’t quite sure what they’re actually for. Are they for warmth? For show? Do you even need one?

The short answer is that a bedspread dresses your bed, adds a light layer of warmth and keeps your bedding protected. Here’s the fuller picture and how to get the most from one.

What is a bedspread?

A bedspread is a large, lightweight cover that goes over the whole bed, on top of your duvet, hanging down the sides and over the foot. It’s the finishing layer that pulls the whole bed together.

Ours are lightly quilted, so they add a bit of soft, cosy weight without the bulk of a second duvet. You’ll find them across our full range of bedspreads in all sorts of colours and designs. Wondering how that differs from a coverlet? Our coverlets vs bedspreads guide clears it up.

So what’s it actually used for?

A bedspread earns its keep in more ways than one. Here’s what it’s really doing:

• Dressing the bed. This is the main job. A bedspread gives you that neat, finished, properly made look in seconds.
• A light layer of warmth. A quilted bedspread adds a bit of cosy weight on chilly evenings without you reaching for a second duvet.
• Protecting your bedding. It shields your duvet from dust, daytime lounging and muddy paws, which keeps the good stuff underneath fresher for longer.
• A cool cover for summer. On warm nights you can ditch the duvet altogether and sleep under just the bedspread.
• A quick style change. Swapping your bedspread is the fastest way to give a room a whole new look, season to season.

Bedspread or duvet?

It’s not one or the other. A bedspread sits on top of your duvet rather than replacing it, so think of it as the finishing touch rather than your main source of warmth.

The one thing that matters is the fit. A bedspread should be big enough to cover the bed and hang down the sides, so check the size against your mattress before you buy. Our double bedspreads and the rest of the range list the exact dimensions on every product.

How to use one

Using a bedspread couldn’t be simpler. Make the bed as normal, then lay the bedspread over the top and smooth it down so it hangs evenly on both sides.

From there it’s up to you. Fold the top back to show off your pillows or pull it right up and over them for a more traditional look. Finish with a throw across the foot and a couple of cushions.

Making the most of yours

Half the fun is picking a design you love. A floral bedspread brings pattern and character, while something plainer keeps things calm. Our Blossom and Spring sets show just how different two beds can look.

And if you want the whole room to match, our bedspreads and matching curtains pair the bed and the windows for you, so everything ties together in one go.