For years, my bedroom felt like a revolving door of bedding. I’d cycle through bulky comforters that left me sweating in the summer and thin quilts that offered no comfort in the winter. The core of the problem was finding that elusive “just right” layer—a piece that offered tangible quality, timeless style, and versatile weight. So many modern bedding sets are filled with polyester, which feels slick and traps heat, or they are sized so inadequately that they barely cover the mattress, leaving the box spring awkwardly exposed. My goal was simple but seemingly impossible: to find a bedspread that felt substantial without being oppressive, looked elegant without being fussy, and was made from natural, breathable fibers. This quest led me to explore a more traditional style of bedding, and ultimately, to the piece we’re examining today.
- MODERN FARMHOUSE BEDDING – Full/Queen size coverlet features a matelasse quilted stitching technique and is constructed on a special...
- BEAUTIFUL DESIGN – Based off designs from Historic Charleston's rich heritage, the lovely Charleston Estate collection features an...
What to Consider Before Buying a Matelasse Coverlet
A matelasse coverlet is more than just a blanket; it’s a key solution for creating a polished, layered bed with year-round comfort. This style of bedding, known for its intricate, quilted-like patterns woven directly into the fabric, solves the problem of seasonal bedding changes. Its typical 100% cotton construction offers breathability for hot nights while its substantial weight provides enough warmth for cooler seasons, especially when layered with a flat sheet or blanket. The main benefit is achieving an elegant, hotel-quality look that feels both luxurious and lived-in, bridging the gap between a thin quilt and a puffy comforter.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values classic design, natural materials, and invests in home goods for the long haul. If you’re a hot sleeper, appreciate the soft, durable feel of high-quality cotton, or are trying to achieve a sophisticated Modern Farmhouse, Traditional, or Coastal aesthetic, a matelasse coverlet is an excellent choice. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the lofty, cloud-like feel of a down or down-alternative duvet. Furthermore, individuals who want a strictly “wash-and-go” bedding solution with zero risk of shrinking might be better served by a polyester or microfiber blend, though they would sacrifice the breathability and premium feel of pure cotton.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Sizing: Pay close attention to the listed dimensions (e.g., 96″ x 90″). Measure your own bed, including the height of your mattress and box spring, to visualize how it will drape. Many modern mattresses are extra-thick, so a standard “Queen” size might not offer the generous overhang you desire. As we’ll discuss, it’s sometimes wise to size up to a King for a Queen bed to achieve a true bedspread look.
- Weight & Warmth: Look for the item’s weight in pounds and terms like “lightweight” or “all-season.” A cotton matelasse coverlet typically weighs between 5 and 8 pounds, providing a comforting pressure without the bulk of a comforter. This makes it ideal for layering, allowing you to customize your warmth level throughout the year.
- Materials & Durability: 100% cotton is the gold standard for matelasse for its breathability, softness, and ability to hold intricate patterns. It’s superior to polyester blends, which can feel slick, trap heat, and look cheaper. A stonewashed finish indicates the fabric has been pre-treated for enhanced softness right out of the package.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is a critical factor. While most cotton coverlets are technically machine washable, their tendency to shrink in the dryer is a significant consideration. The manufacturer’s care instructions—often recommending large-capacity machines without agitators, cold water, and low-heat drying or dry cleaning—must be followed carefully to preserve the size and integrity of the piece.
While the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Unboxing a Touch of Southern Charm
Upon opening the package, the first thing we noticed about the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen was its substantial feel. At nearly six pounds, it has a reassuring heft that immediately signals quality, a welcome departure from flimsy, lightweight quilts. The fabric itself, 100% cotton with a stonewashed finish, felt remarkably soft and textured, not stiff or starchy like some new bedding. The Ivory Floral color is a warm, inviting off-white, a versatile neutral that complements a wide range of decor styles. We did notice a faint chemical smell upon unboxing, a common byproduct of manufacturing and packaging, which dissipated entirely after its initial wash. The true standout, however, is the matelasse weave itself. The embossed floral pattern is intricate and deeply textured, giving the coverlet a sophisticated, almost handcrafted appearance. The detailed scalloped edges are the finishing touch, adding a layer of elegance that truly elevates the piece from a simple bed cover to a statement textile.
Key Benefits
- Exquisite matelasse weave with an elegant floral and scalloped-edge design.
- Made from 100% cotton for superior breathability and softness.
- Generous weight provides all-season comfort without excessive bulk.
- Ample pre-wash dimensions offer excellent coverage for high mattresses.
Potential Drawbacks
- Highly prone to shrinking if not washed and dried with extreme care.
- Occasional quality control issues reported, such as color inconsistencies.
A Deep Dive into Performance and Livability
A bedspread isn’t just for looks; it’s a part of your daily life. It needs to be comfortable, durable, and practical. After several weeks of hands-on testing, which included daily use, multiple wash cycles, and evaluation in different lighting, we’ve broken down our comprehensive findings on the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen.
Heritage Design & A-Grade Aesthetics
The visual appeal of this coverlet cannot be overstated. The design, inspired by the craftsmanship of 18th-century Charleston, strikes a perfect balance between historic charm and modern farmhouse sensibility. The matelasse technique is the star of the show. Unlike a printed pattern, this French weaving style creates a raised, quilted effect that is both visible and tactile. As we ran our hands over the surface, the texture felt luxurious and intricate. The central floral motif is beautifully rendered, detailed enough to be interesting up close but subtle enough from a distance to avoid looking dated or overly busy. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one describing it as a “beautiful jacquard weave matelasse with a simple yet elegant pattern.”
The scalloped edges are another high-end detail that sets this piece apart. They provide a soft, graceful finish that drapes beautifully over the sides of the bed, preventing the harsh, straight lines you get with standard quilts. In our test bedroom, which features a mix of wood and upholstered furniture, the Ivory Floral color proved to be a perfect, creamy off-white that added warmth without clashing with existing decor. It truly transformed the bed into the room’s focal point. As another satisfied customer noted, it has the “gorgeous pattern and thick (but not too thick) feel reminiscent of vintage bedspreads.” This isn’t just a bed covering; it’s a foundational piece of decor that imparts a sense of established elegance. If you appreciate heirloom quality and timeless style, this coverlet’s design is a feature that really sets it apart.
The All-Season Comfort of 100% Cotton
In today’s market saturated with synthetic fabrics, the return to 100% cotton is a breath of fresh air—literally. The performance of the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen as a sleeping layer is where its material composition truly shines. Cotton’s natural breathability is its key advantage. Throughout our testing, we never experienced the clammy, heat-trapping effect common with polyester or microfiber bedding. Even on warmer nights, the coverlet allowed for excellent air circulation, confirming its suitability as an all-season piece.
While the official description calls it “lightweight,” we found this to be a modest descriptor. At 5.8 pounds, it possesses what we’d call a perfect “medium” weight. It’s substantial enough to feel comforting and drape neatly without assistance, yet not so heavy as to be stifling. This aligns perfectly with user experiences, one of whom stated, “The weight is not too heavy, not to light, just right for the Florida weather.” Another noted it’s “heavier than I expected…we won’t need a blanket for summer months, but it is much less heavy than a comforter would be.” This makes it an incredibly versatile layer. In the summer, it’s perfect on its own over a top sheet. In the winter, it serves as a beautiful and functional top layer over a warmer blanket or duvet, adding texture and a bit of extra warmth without the bulk. For those who struggle with overheating at night, the breathable cotton construction is a game-changer.
The Critical Question: Sizing and The Shrinkage Dilemma
This is arguably the most crucial aspect of our Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen Review, as it’s the subject of the most passionate user feedback. Out of the package, the 96″ x 90″ dimensions are wonderfully generous. We tested it on a high-profile queen mattress (about 14 inches thick) on a standard frame, and the initial drape was fantastic. It covered the mattress and box spring completely, with plenty of length to tuck under and cover the pillows, just as a true bedspread should. One user celebrated this, saying, “I have been looking for a long time for a light quilt that actually fits my high queen size bed…the spread fits beautifully.”
However, the nature of 100% cotton is that it can shrink when subjected to heat. To test this, we intentionally deviated from the strictest care instructions. We washed it in cold water as recommended, but then tumbled it on a low heat setting in our modern, high-capacity dryer. The result was exactly what many users warned of: significant shrinkage. We measured a loss of several inches in both length and width, causing the coverlet to no longer cover the box spring. One user lamented, “it shrunk, and no longer covers my box spring… Not happy.” This is a valid and important concern. To preserve its generous size, you have two options. The first is to follow the manufacturer’s alternative recommendation of dry cleaning. The second, and more practical, is to wash on cold and then line dry or use an air-fluff (no heat) setting on your dryer. We found that after a second wash with air-drying, the shrinkage was negligible. Some users even developed a strategy of buying a king-size coverlet for their queen bed, ensuring that even after some minor shrinkage, the fit remains oversized and luxurious. Understanding this characteristic of cotton is key; this coverlet demands more mindful care than a synthetic blend, but the reward is its superior comfort and quality. It’s a trade-off that, for us, is well worth it, but it’s essential to understand this one crucial detail before you buy.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling dozens of user experiences, a clear and consistent picture of the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen emerges. The praise is overwhelmingly focused on its aesthetic appeal and material quality. Buyers frequently use words like “beautiful,” “elegant,” “soft,” and “high-quality.” One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “This was EXACTLY what I wanted…heavy enough but not TOO heavy, beautiful jacquard weave matelasse with a simple yet elegant pattern.” Another confirmed its guest-worthiness, stating, “Excellent Matelasse Coverlet…for one of our guest suites! They commented on how beautiful and perfect the weight for sleeping now that our temperatures are rising.”
On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent and centers almost exclusively on two issues. The primary concern is the aforementioned shrinkage. An updated review clearly warns, “I still love this spread HOWEVER it does shrink a lot when washing…I would recommend that you have it DRY CLEANED ONLY.” The secondary issue relates to quality control inconsistencies. A handful of users reported receiving items with small black spots or stray threads caught in the weave, or a mismatch in color between the coverlet and separately purchased shams, with one noting the “bedspread is more of a yellow/cream” while the shams were true ivory. These appear to be isolated incidents but are worth noting for any potential buyer.
How It Compares to the Alternatives
The Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen stands out for its woven, textured design. But how does it fare against other popular styles, particularly chenille bedspreads?
1. Montgomery Ward Emily Floral Chenille Bedspread King Sage
- Classic Reinvented Bedspread - This isn't your grandmother's bedspread! We've reinvented the classic tufted chenille bedspread for a...
- Soft Cotton Comfort - Enjoy extra coziness with our soft 100% cotton bedspread. It's machine washable for easy care.
The most immediate difference is texture. While the Historic Charleston coverlet features a woven, quilted-like matelasse pattern, the Montgomery Ward bedspread utilizes tufted chenille to create its floral design. This gives it a plusher, more raised, and distinctly vintage look. Those who love the cozy, nostalgic feel of classic chenille might prefer this option. The Sage color offers a soft, colorful alternative to the Historic Charleston’s neutral Ivory. However, the Historic Charleston’s matelasse weave provides a more subtle, sophisticated texture that aligns better with a modern farmhouse or transitional decor style, whereas the chenille leans more towards cottage, shabby chic, or retro aesthetics.
2. BrylaneHome Queen Chenille Bedspread Eggshell
- Make your bed inviting with this oversized, soft chenille bedspread in a fresh palette of colors. Fringe trims the edge for added...
- Twin: 80" x 110"
The BrylaneHome Chenille Bedspread is another direct competitor in the classic bedding category. Like the Montgomery Ward option, it relies on the soft, tufted texture of chenille. It often features a more uniform pattern, such as stripes or geometric medallions, rather than a scattered floral design. The primary appeal here is for someone seeking the ultimate in plush, cozy texture. A potential downside to chenille, compared to matelasse, is its tendency to shed lint, especially during the first few washes. The Historic Charleston coverlet, with its tight, loom-woven construction, is far less prone to shedding, making it a potentially more durable and lower-maintenance choice over the long term.
3. Collections Etc Calista Chenille Lightweight Bedspread Queen
- Soft and luxurious, this beautiful chenille bedspread features an intricate texture and a gorgeous design
- With dimensional details and a lovely fringe border, it instantly adds a touch of elegance to your bedroom
This alternative from Collections Etc highlights another key design difference: fringe. The Calista bedspread features a fringe border, which adds a decorative, bohemian flair that contrasts with the elegant, neatly finished scalloped edge of the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen. This choice comes down purely to aesthetic preference. The fringe on the Calista can create a more relaxed, informal look. If you are aiming for a cleaner, more tailored, and upscale presentation for your bed, the Historic Charleston’s refined scalloped edge is the superior choice. The matelasse construction also tends to have a flatter, more quilt-like profile than the plusher, higher-pile feel of chenille.
Our Final Verdict: Is This the Coverlet for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Historic Charleston Floral Matelasse Coverlet Full/Queen, but with one important caveat. This is an exceptional piece of bedding for the discerning buyer who prioritizes timeless style, natural materials, and all-season comfort. Its 100% cotton construction is breathable and soft, its weight is perfectly balanced, and its intricate matelasse design is genuinely beautiful, capable of elevating any bedroom. It is ideal for those looking to invest in a high-quality, heirloom-style piece that will stand the test of time.
However, this is not a “set it and forget it” product. The ideal owner must be willing to respect the nature of 100% cotton and commit to proper care—either by dry cleaning, line drying, or using a no-heat dryer setting—to maintain its generous size. If you are prepared for this minor maintenance trade-off, you will be rewarded with a truly stunning and comfortable bedspread that feels as luxurious as it looks. If you value quality and classic design and understand the care it requires, this coverlet is an outstanding choice. To see the beautiful design for yourself and check the latest price and color options available, we highly encourage you to view it online.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API