At Red Land Cotton, we believe that the best bedding tells a story. It reflects heritage, craftsmanship, and the comfort that comes from surrounding yourself with well-made pieces. Matelassé is one of those rare fabrics that carries history and beauty in every thread. Its unique texture, soft feel, and long-lasting strength have made it a favorite in homes that appreciate timeless design.
If you have ever wondered what makes Matelassé so special in bedspreads, throws, and shams, this is the perfect place to begin.
What Is Matelassé?
Matelassé is a woven fabric created to mimic the look of hand-stitched quilting. The raised pattern appears padded, yet there is no actual filling inside. Instead, the texture comes from a unique weaving technique that creates gentle dimension and softness.
The effect feels both classic and elevated. Matelassé works beautifully as bedding because it delivers structure, comfort, and a smooth, refined finish.
A Fabric Rooted in History
Matelassé originated in eighteenth-century France. Weavers were inspired by the traditional Marseilles quilts that were handmade in the southern part of the country. These early artisans wanted to recreate the same quilt-like look on a loom. The result became Matelassé, a fabric that captured the feel of handcrafted bedding with impressive durability.
Over the centuries, Matelassé found its place in homes around the world. It became synonymous with beautiful, heritage-inspired bedding. Today, it remains a favorite because its texture and longevity never fall out of style. This history speaks directly to our own values at Red Land Cotton, where craftsmanship and tradition guide everything we make.
What Makes Matelassé Special
Dimensional Texture with Lasting Beauty
Matelassé fabric features raised patterns that create visual depth. This subtle texture brings elegance to any bedspread or sham. The look stays crisp and beautiful through years of use because the pattern is woven into the fabric itself. That makes Matelassé a wonderful choice for anyone who wants bedding that feels refined without being fussy.
Soft, Cozy, and Lightweight
Even with its rich texture, Matelassé stays lightweight and breathable. It feels soft from the beginning and becomes even more inviting with time. A Matelassé blanket or throw offers the perfect amount of warmth without heaviness. It works well on warm summer nights or as a layer during colder months.
Durable and Made to Last
Matelassé is known for remarkable longevity. The tight weave holds its shape and resists wear. When made with Alabama-grown cotton from our family farm, the result is a fabric that feels premium and stays strong through years of washing and daily use. At Red Land Cotton, we take special pride in creating bedding that can be enjoyed for generations.
Bedspreads and Shams
Matelassé bedspreads create a clean and timeless presentation. They drape beautifully and offer a tailored look that makes your bedroom feel serene and inviting.
Classic Matelassé Bedspread and Shams Bundle - this bundle includes a beautifully woven bedspread and matching shams that showcase the signature raised texture of Matelassé. It creates a cohesive and elegant look for any bedroom.
Throws
Matelassé throws offer texture, warmth, and versatility. They look beautiful at the foot of a bed or casually folded on a sofa. They are lightweight enough for everyday use and cozy enough for relaxing evenings.
Powder Blue Matelassé Throw - this throw features a soft powder blue hue that adds a calming touch to your home. The raised texture gives it a classic and comfortable feel.
The Federalist Throw - this design draws inspiration from early American textiles. We took a clipping from a piece of wallpaper found at the Williamsburg archives and used it as inspiration to create this one-of-a-kind throw. It adds a living piece of history with American-made quality to your home in a bold gold colorway.
Coverlets
Matelassé coverlets offer a refined layer that blends seamlessly with quilts, blankets, or sheets. They provide interest and texture without overwhelming the bed.
The Governor's Matelassé Coverlet and Shams Bundle - this bundle showcases a beautifully structured coverlet with matching shams. It is a direct replica of a coverlet we found in the Williamsburg archives — a woven white cotton coverlet, hand-crafted in 1819 by Mrs. George Lunsford of Kentucky. The record notes:
“My grandmother Lunsford was born August 31, 1799, and she raised the cotton and carded it, and spun it into thread that made that counterpane in 1819. At that time, she would be 20 years old.”
Working in partnership with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and our weaving partners in Maine, we re-created this remarkable textile for our new collection.
Why Choose Red Land Cotton Matelassé
Our Matelassé collection is created with a commitment to quality and tradition. We use American-grown cotton, timeless weaving techniques, and thoughtful finishing. Every bedspread, throw, and sham reflects our dedication to comfort, durability, and the artistry of American textiles.
These are pieces made to be lived with and loved for years.
Conclusion
Matelassé has remained a favorite for centuries because it balances beauty, comfort, and long-lasting craftsmanship. At Red Land Cotton, we are proud to honor this tradition and offer bedding that brings warmth and heritage into your home.
Explore our full Matelassé Collection here:
https://www.redlandcotton.com/collections/matelasse-collection