Buying a quilt is certainly easier than making your own, but with a $250 price tag, we wanted to see if Brooklinen’s lightweight option was worth the extra dough. The company, which is based in—you guessed it—Brooklyn, New York, was founded by Rich and Vicki Fulop, a Millennial couple who wanted to produce luxury sheets at an affordable price with a direct-to-consumer sales approach. Now, Brooklinen offers a variety of soft goods, from pillows and towels to comforters and loungewear. While Brooklinen has amassed a cult following for their trendy, minimalist designs and approachable price tags (for luxury products), we set out to see if the Lightweight Quilt lived up to the hype. Keep reading for our assessment of the quilt’s quality, texture, washability, and more.
Material: 100 percent cotton with hand-stitched accents
This soft quilt is made of 100 percent cotton inside and out, so it’s highly breathable and suitable for use in warmer months and climates. According to Brooklinen, each quilt takes six days to make as it’s hand-stitched by artisans in India. It’s currently available in four minimalist patterns: black lorimer, black graham, navy blue graham, and navy and white graham. Those who try to keep a toxin-free home will also be happy to know that the Lightweight Quilt is certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. That means that experts at OEKO-Tex have conducted laboratory tests (with more than 100 parameters) on Brooklinen’s quilt and found no harmful chemicals, dyes, or environmentally damaging substances.
Texture: Soft with Stitching Texture
Unsurprisingly, this quilt has a smooth, soft feel and the stitched rows and patterned detailing add some subtle texture. Though it’s designed to be lightweight, the quilt—which is heavier than a bedspread, but thinner than a comforter—still has a bit of heft, which is indicative of its quality. We found that it was a bit too warm for humid New England evenings, but if you’re sleeping in cooler fall temperatures (or if you have the AC on), it’s a cozy, breathable addition to your bed. That said, it probably would be too light for frigid winter evenings if placed atop a sheet; but add a blanket or two in between, and you could definitely get away with this quilt all year round.
Care: Washer and dryer friendly
Even though the instructions say to machine wash on cold (with natural laundry detergent) and tumble dry on low, we were admittedly apprehensive to throw our quilt in the laundry. We chose the navy blue graham pattern which features a white cotton base and blue stitching, so we were nervous about the dye running or fading. After following Brooklinen’s recommendations, though, we’re happy to report that the quilt emerged from the wash unscathed and with its original colors just as bright. That said, it did take several runs in the dryer—five or six, to be exact—as it’s still quite thick for a lightweight quilt. It was still a little damp when we finally deemed it done, but it did air dry nicely overnight. Despite the extra time and care that goes into washing it, it’s nice to know that this blanket is machine washable, especially if you have pets that shed a lot or little ones who make a mess with snacks in bed.
Price: On the High Side (But You’ll Get What You Pay For)
At nearly $270 for a King or $250 for a Queen, this quilt is on the pricier side when compared to others on the market. Though it’s received rave customer reviews (including from us) you can definitely find something comparable—though in style, not quality—for a fraction of the cost. That said, buyers do need to take into consideration that the quilt is hand-stitched by artisans, made of 100 percent cotton, and it’s been certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX Standard.
Competition: Plenty of options depending on your budget
LinenSpa All-Season Reversible Down Alternative Comforter: LinenSpa’s All-Season Quilted Down Alternative Comforter scores major points for affordability at $65 for a King. It comes in seven reversible colors (including some with stripes) and eight sizes that range from Twin XL to California King. Like the Brooklinen quilt, it’s machine washable and many of the color options are neutral so they’ll go with almost any decor. Unlike its competitor, it is not hand-stitched or OEKO-TEX certified. Further, it’s made of microfiber (not cotton), and as it’s advertised for all seasons, it may be heavier, so it’s not an ideal option for those searching out lightweight comforters. Parachute Quilt: Parachute’s Quilt is perhaps Brooklinen’s number one competitor. The price point is comparable at $250 to $270, it’s made of lightweight linen and Egyptian cotton, and it’s certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. Now for the differences. Because the top of this quilt is linen, it tends to hold wrinkles, which may bother those who prefer crisp bedding (although, it works great for a rustic-chic aesthetic). However, it doesn’t feature any stitch detailing, so those worried about the durability of the Brooklinen quilt’s hand-stitched threads may prefer this option, as frequent washes or daily wear can pull these threads loose. Although Parachute’s version is basic—just a solid color without any pattern detailing—it comes in six neutral shades, as opposed to Brooklinen’s two. Brooklinen’s Lightweight Quilt isn’t cheap, but its high-quality material and construction will stand up to years of use. Plus, it’s machine washable—so you won’t have to lug it to the dry cleaner.
