What are the differences between a quilt, a comforter, a duvet and a
bedspread? Which of these can be used to cover onself when sleeping?

Hi curiousgal,

Thank you for an interesting question.

Quilts, comforters, duvets, and bedspreads all can be used to cover
yourself when sleeping.  Most people prefer to sleep on a fitted
sheet, then have a top sheet covering the body with either the quilt,
comforter, duvet or bedspread over the sheet.
 
A quilt is a bed cover of two layers of cloth filled with padding (as
down or batting) held in place by ties or stitched designs.

Here are pictures of quilts:
http://www.thecompanystore.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=1150

*****

A comforter is a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth
containing a filling (as down) or other fibers. Comforters are big and
fluffy and come in many different sizes - some covering just slightly
over the the sides of the bed, and some going close to the floor. 
They also come in different weights... from summer to winter weight.

Here are pictures of comforters:
http://www.thecompanystore.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=1210

*****

A bedspread is a cloth decorative cover for a bed.  They also can be
referred to as a bedcover, bed cover, bed covering, or spread.

Here are pictures of bedspreads at:
http://www.domestications.com/dept.asp?MSCSProfile=Ticket%3D45544302-5540-4F8F-B9E2-B11555FFB3DF%2538124.227638889%200%3B&dept%5Fid=10605

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/prdSell.asp?ProdGroupID=21483&DeptID=1298&CatID=1299

*****

A duvet cover, also known as a comforter cover protects your
comforter. Duvets normally have an opening at one end with button
closures.  It's like a giant pillow case (with buttons) for your
comforter.

Here are pictures of a duvet cover:
http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1348696&cp=1331605.1331630.1787242&parentPage=family

http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1348854&cp=1331605.1331630.1787242&parentPage=family

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Sometimes if I'm tired and want a quick nap, I'll lay down on top of
my comforter and cover myself with a nice soft quilt.  When I sleep, I
have a quilt on top of my comforter for extra warmth.

Here is a website that has the History of Quilts:
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/tbarcalow/Quilt/History/history.htm


Best regards,
tlspiegel

Hey, thanks for complete and informative answer!

Hi curiousgal,

Thank you for the 5 star rating and comments!

Best regards,
tlspiegel