Bought this for fall temperatures. Heavier than lightweight quilts. Velvet side has the shine, nice cream solid color reverse. Shams are not reversible, only velvet front, back has opening seam. Actually washed the King in my washer and dried it on low - turned out fine. Will add that I bought a King for my Queen mattress bed -- other Kings on my Queen drape nicely down on the sides enough to cross past the box spring meeting point, allowing for the bed skirt to do its job and look right. This King Robyn Lyndon does not drape more than 12-15 inches...despite being a King it acts like a normal Queen quilt would. After all that description, the quilt is still a nice piece for a layered look. Gave it 4 stars because of the sizing.