Printed Quilt Cover Sets

Cotton percale gives prints crisp colour reproduction and stays breathable through warm Australian summers, while cotton sateen produces a smoother, more lustrous finish that shows off large floral or watercolour designs. Microfibre is the budget pick - soft and machine-friendly, though less breathable. Our complete quilt cover buying guide compares fabric types alongside size, weight and care considerations.

A standard Australian quilt cover set includes the printed quilt cover plus matching pillowcases - typically one standard pillowcase for single and king single sets, and two for double, queen, king and super king sets. The quilt itself isn't included. Larger sets sometimes add two European pillowcases or a coordinating cushion. Our breakdown of what's in a quilt cover set covers the variations by size.

Turn the cover inside out, lay the quilt flat inside on top, then roll both together from the closed end like a sausage. Unroll, button the open end and shake. This "burrito method" keeps prints aligned and stops the quilt twisting overnight. Internal corner ties (built into most covers) also lock the fill in place. See step-by-step photos in our guide to putting on a doona cover.

Anchor the room with one statement print on the bed, then pull two or three colours from that print into your cushions, throw and curtains for cohesion. Layer a plain coverlet or quilt at the foot to break up busy patterns. Lighter florals suit Australian spring and summer styling; darker botanicals and geometrics carry through autumn and winter. For more ideas, see our bedroom styling tips with quilt covers.

Australian quilt covers come in six standard sizes - single (140 x 210 cm), king single, double, queen (210 x 210 cm), king (245 x 210 cm) and super king. Print scale also matters: large florals and bold motifs read best on queen and king covers, while smaller repeating prints suit single and king single beds without overwhelming the room. For exact measurements, see our bedlinen sizing guide.

Many printed quilt covers in Australia are reversible, featuring a different pattern or a coordinating plain on the underside, so you can flip the cover for a fresh look without buying a second set. Reversibility isn't universal, though, so check the product description before ordering. Reversible designs also pair well with patterned cushions; see our guide on mixing patterns in the bedroom for ideas.