When the temperature rises, a heavy doona can quickly become too much. But sleeping under just a sheet can leave the bed looking — and feeling — a little unfinished.
A lightweight summer quilt sits somewhere in between: enough weight to feel comfortable, but breathable enough for warmer nights. And unlike a plain quilt insert, a printed cotton quilt can also be the finished layer of the bed, so there’s no need for a separate quilt cover.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a summer quilt, particularly for the Australian climate.
What makes a good summer quilt?
The best summer quilt isn’t simply the thinnest one you can find. Fabric, filling and construction all affect how warm it feels and how well it breathes.
For warmer weather, look for a quilt that is:
- lightweight rather than heavily padded
- made predominantly from breathable materials such as cotton
- comfortable against the skin
- easy to layer when the temperature changes
- substantial enough to give the bed shape without the bulk of a winter doona
For hot sleepers, breathability becomes particularly important. A quilt that allows air to move through its layers can be far more comfortable than a thick synthetic option.
Why cotton works so well in summer
Cotton is a particularly good choice for Australian bedrooms because it is breathable, soft and comfortable across a wide range of temperatures.
A cotton summer quilt can provide that slight weight many of us still like to sleep under without trapping the same amount of warmth as a heavy winter quilt.
It also makes layering easier. Use the quilt on its own during hotter weather, then add a blanket or throw when the temperature drops rather than changing the entire bed with the seasons.
Quilt, doona or quilt cover?
This is where the terminology can become confusing.
A traditional doona or quilt insert is generally designed to go inside a separate quilt cover. Its primary purpose is warmth.
A decorative quilt is different.
It can be both the layer you sleep beneath and the finished design you see on the bed.
That makes a lightweight printed quilt particularly useful in summer. Instead of a bulky doona plus cover, one layer can provide comfort, colour and pattern.
It also makes changing the look of the bedroom considerably easier — especially if the quilt is reversible.
Look at the construction, not just the fabric
“100% cotton” on the outside doesn't necessarily mean the entire quilt is cotton.
If staying cool is important to you, look at both the outer fabric and the filling.
At Agasti, our quilts are made from three layers of cotton, including hand-fluffed cotton filling, rather than synthetic polyester fill. The result is a softer, lighter style of quilt designed to work particularly well in warmer Australian bedrooms.
They're also hand block printed on both sides, so the quilt itself becomes part of the room rather than something that needs to be hidden inside a cover.
How to style a bed for summer
A summer bed doesn't need as many layers as a winter one, but removing everything can make the room feel surprisingly bare.
Instead, keep the layers lighter.
Start with crisp sheets, add a lightweight quilt as the main decorative layer, then introduce texture through two or three cushions rather than piling on heavy blankets and throws.
You can fold the quilt back to expose the reverse print, or fold it across the lower third of the bed on particularly warm nights.
The aim is a bed that still feels considered, just less dressed.
For a more collected look, don't worry about matching every pattern exactly. Pick up one or two colours from the quilt in your cushions, then mix the scale of the prints.
What is the best summer quilt for Australia?
There isn't one answer for every sleeper.
If you run particularly hot, you may want the lightest possible covering. If you sleep with air conditioning, you may prefer slightly more weight. And in many parts of Australia, the temperature can change considerably from one night to the next.
For versatility, we'd look for a lightweight cotton quilt that can be used alone through summer and layered when needed.
And if you're investing in something that will sit on your bed for months at a time, it should do more than regulate temperature. It should make the room look good too.
Our hand block printed cotton quilts are designed with both in mind — lightweight enough for warmer nights, but with the colour, pattern and texture to become the finishing layer of the room.
Each is produced in a small run and hand block printed in Jaipur, with a different print on each side so you can change the look simply by turning it over.
Shop lightweight cotton quilts designed for warmer Australian nights — with free Australia-wide shipping over $150.
