What is a Bed Cover?

Here’s everything you need to know about using this simple, stylish piece on your bed set.

Bed covers are large bedding pieces designed to cover the entire surface and drape over the sides of your bed.

They’re lightweight and usually made from a single layer of fabric, making them warm enough to layer up in winter and cool enough to use alone in summer.

Bed covers are made using a variety of natural materials, including cotton, linen, wool, as well as synthetic blends. They can also come in different styles, from simple, elegant woven designs to quilted designs for a plush, textured look.

Bed Threads bed covers are made from 100% French flax linen and are the same weight as the snug linen throws in our range. Made from a naturally strong, soft material, linen bed covers combine cozy warmth and sturdy construction.

While there's as much variety between bed covers as you'd expect from blankets or throws, they’re always convenient to use, easy to look after and make a cozy addition to just about any bed.

How is a Bed Cover Different from a Duvet Cover?

Bed covers differ from duvet covers in that they’re a standalone bedding item. Usually, they consist of a single layer of fabric.

While they serve similar needs as duvet covers, they don't pair with a duvet insert or have openings, zips or buttons.

Functionally, bed covers and duvets are quite similar. They are both usually the topmost layer of your bedding, and both provide extra weight, warmth and coziness. Not only do they elevate your bedding set, but duvets and bed covers alike also protect your sheets from dust, stains and wear.

Bed covers generally provide much less insulation than duvet sets, as they’re substantially lighter. However, this makes bed covers better suited for use during warm weather than duvet sets. When the cool weather comes around, bed covers can also easily be layered on top of your blankets and sheets for a touch of extra warmth.

Just like duvet covers, bed covers can also be low maintenance and usually don’t need to be washed as often as fitted sheets, flat sheets or pillowcases.

What are the Benefits of a Bed Cover?

You can think of bed covers as a cross between a quilt and a throw blanket.

In addition to covering you up while you're sleeping and keeping your bed dust-free while you're not, they can also add a nice design element to your overall bedding set.

Styling your bed

One of the main reasons for using a bed cover is the aesthetic it brings to your bedroom. Bed covers come in a range of colors, so you can easily change the vibe of your whole room by simply swapping the bed cover.

Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a more traditional layered look, a bed cover is a great way to curate a bedding collection that suits your personal style.

Protecting your sheets and blankets

Bed covers provide an extra layer of protection for your bedding. As the topmost layer of your bedding set, they can protect your duvet covers and sheets from dust and dirt when you drop your bag or work clothes onto your bed at the end of the day.

Bed covers also protect bedding from stains, which is great for when you want to lounge around in bed watching Netflix with a glass of wine or ice cream in hand.

Easy maintenance

Bed covers are easy to look after, making them a convenient way to style your bed. They’re generally light enough to be machine washable unlike heavy blankets or large duvets which oftentimes can only be washed by hand.

Bed covers are also quicker to dry than thicker blankets and duvet covers given their relative thinness. With proper care, your bed cover can help to keep your bedding fresher and cleaner for longer.

Versatility

Best of all, bed covers are incredibly versatile. They can be used alone as a lightweight blanket in warmer weather or layered with other bedding elements like duvets, blankets, and throws during cooler months. This flexibility allows you to adjust the warmth and coziness of your bed throughout the year, helping you stay comfortable regardless of the season.

How to Style a Bed Cover

Bed covers can be styled in many ways, giving this versatile bedding item a wide-ranging aesthetic appeal. With some careful thought and an eye for detail, your bed covers can tie your bedroom color scheme together or stand out as the highlight of your sleeping space.

Mix and match styling

Who doesn’t love an eye-catching power clash every now and then?

With a bed cover, you can turn your bedding set into a tasteful contrast of colors, with your pillowcases in one color, your sheets and duvet cover another, and a striking bed cover to top it all off. You can also match the color of your bed cover with the rest of your bedding for an elegant, monochrome look.

Using layers

Modern bedding styles often use layers of bedding to create texture, color contrast and an overall cozy look. Artfully layer your bed by dressing your bed with the traditional combo of a fitted sheet, top sheet, duvet set and two sets of pillows. You can then fold the top of your flat sheet over the top of your duvet cover, adding the bed cover on top.

Finally, fold the top of your bed cover over itself and allow the sides to drape to the floor, showing off your bed cover, duvet cover, flat sheet and pillowcases in gorgeously inviting layers.

Updating your bed with the seasons

Thanks to the impact that bed covers have on the overall feel of a room, they can easily bring a touch of seasonality to your bedding.

Opt for neutral-colored sheets in the summer with a cool-toned bed cover for a breezy effect. When temperatures drop and winter sets in, you might opt for darker sheets and a warmer-toned bed cover atop your duvet for the ultimate cozy look.

Getting the details right

Bed covers can be used in a wide variety of ways, which means there are endless options for how they can play a decorative role.

You might prefer a drapey bed cover that rumples down the sides of your bed, or you might prefer tucked-in edges for an elegant, hotel-style look. Love a lived-in look? Fold your bed cover in half at the foot of the bed and let it sit slightly wrinkled and rumpled. The possibilities are endless!