counterpane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counterpane" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a bedspread or coverlet, often decorative, that covers a bed. Example: "The guest room was beautifully arranged, with a floral counterpane draped over the neatly made bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The kind of bedspread called counterpane, from the old French word contrepoinct, meaning "stitched quilt," was probably made of patched or applied pieces, quilted together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An English account of 1472 makes reference to a "counterpane cloth of gold furred with ermine," and there are many similar descriptions of bed coverings in medieval inventories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like when you were sick with pneumonia in 1915, and played with armies on the counterpane?" He smiled faintly, not remembering, and I noticed something unimaginable before: a patch of silvery stubble on his chin.

The New Yorker

She knew immediately — it was the sympathy in his gestures, toward the girl on the bed, toward the apartment above — that it was the short police officer who had come back, after the body had been removed, to smooth and straighten the counterpane.

The New Yorker

On the brink of the New Year, we called on a tall, nervous friend of ours & found him apprehensively fingering the counterpane that shrouds the future.

The New Yorker

They had spent money like it didn't matter, living often in extreme discomfort (Vita had woken up one winter morning to find on her bed a perfect counterpane of snow; it had come in through the roof during the night) but never without a cook, kitchen maid, butler, chauffeur and four or five gardeners.

The New York Times

A cupid with feathery wings rises on his knees from the heaped folds of a gold counterpane, arms raised in delight at the miraculous golden downpour.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

One of two beds spread with blue counterpanes doubles as a place to lounge by day with the help of a few cushions.

Independent

That said, they are Art Deco in spirit and design, with the original latticed windows, heavy, deep-red counterpanes and matching curtains, coloured wall lamps and roll-top glass lights in the bathrooms, which are fitted with moody dark tiles.

Independent

The women foraged the city, and by nightfall they had seized, through patriotic appeal, 729 coverlets, among them "delicate rose blankets, chintz quilts, thick counterpanes".

The New York Times

Not just Mapperley Park, Nottingham (where I lived), but a glorious global mish-mash of autumn bonfires, cricket balls, haylofts, suns rising and setting in far-off lands, ticking grandfather clocks and candles sputtering, summers fading into winters, children asleep while troops of soldiers and fairies and elephant caravans moved over their safe and homely counterpanes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counterpane" to evoke a sense of traditional or historical bedding. It adds a touch of elegance and specificity compared to general terms like "bedspread".

Common error

Avoid using "counterpane" interchangeably with terms like "duvet" or "comforter". A "counterpane" is typically a single-layer decorative cover, while duvets and comforters are thicker, insulated bedding items.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "counterpane" is as a noun, typically referring to a decorative bed covering. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is often used in descriptive contexts within literature and historical accounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

44%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counterpane" is a noun referring to a decorative bed covering, often used to describe traditional or historical settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news, media, and encyclopedic sources. While "counterpane" can be used interchangeably with terms like "bedspread" or "coverlet", it's best to avoid confusing it with thicker bedding items like duvets or "comforter". Using "counterpane" adds a touch of elegance and specificity to your writing, making it ideal for settings where you want to evoke a sense of history or traditional charm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bedspread

Refers to a general term for a decorative bed covering.

coverlet

Describes a lightweight, decorative bed covering, often quilted or woven.

bed cover

A broad term for any covering placed on a bed.

bed covering

General term indicating any material used to cover a bed.

duvet

A quilted bag filled with feathers, down, or synthetic fibers used as a bed covering.

quilt

A bed covering made of layers of fabric stitched together.

comforter

A thick, quilted bed covering filled with synthetic fibers.

bed throw

A smaller, decorative covering often used for accent.

blanket

A general term for a soft, woven bed covering used for warmth.

bed linen

Generic phrase to refer to any type of fabric used to cover a bed.

FAQs

What is a counterpane?

A "counterpane" is a type of bedspread, often decorative, used as the topmost covering of a bed, functioning similarly to a blanket or "coverlet".

How do I use "counterpane" in a sentence?

You can use "counterpane" in a sentence like, "The antique bedroom featured a delicate lace "counterpane" draped over the four-poster bed."

What's the difference between a "counterpane" and a "quilt"?

While both are bed coverings, a "counterpane" is generally a single-layer decorative spread, whereas a "quilt" is made of multiple layers of fabric stitched together for warmth and decoration.

What can I say instead of "counterpane"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "bedspread", "coverlet", or "bed covering".