Bedding Terms
Bedding Terms
Bath Towel: Likely the most popular towel size. Dimensions range from 22" x 42" to 30" x 54".
Bed-in-a-Bag: A pre-assembled set that typically includes a comforter, bed ruffle, sham, sheets and pillowcases.
Bedskirt: A flat piece of fabric with a ruffle or tailored attached skirt on three sides, designed to hide a bed's boxspring and give a finished look to your bed.
Blouson or Balloon Valance: Window coverings with deep inverted pleats that fall into airy, rounded poufs at the bottom for a distinctive look.
Breakfast Pillow: Rectangular-shaped decorative bed pillow.
California King/Western King: A mattress size which is 6" narrower and 4" longer than a regular king mattress.
Comforter: Two pieces of fabric stitched along all four sides and filled with synthetic or natural filling. A comforter covers the top and sides of a mattress but does not cover the bed pillows or entire box spring.
Comforter Set: Pre-assembled bedding set consisting of a comforter, bedskirt and two shams. Standard shams for Full or Queen set, and King shams for King or Cal-King. Twin set includes one standard sham.
Duvet Cover: A decorative and functional covering that fits over a comforter. Open-ended, it is typically closed by buttons, ties or a zipper.
European Sham: A decorative pillowcase measuring 26" x 26".
Fitted Sheet: Fits tightly around the mattress (also known as a "bottom sheet").
Flat Sheet: Usually dubbed the "top sheet," this sheet is placed atop a fitted sheet and then tucked under the sides and bottoms of the mattress.
Hand Towel: These standard towels usually range in size from 16" x 26" to 16" x 30". Cotton terry is the most common fabric.
Pillowcase: A removable covering for a pillow.
Pillow Sham: A decorative pillow covering.
Quilt: A bedcovering made by stitching together a top fabric, batting and a backing fabric.
Rod Pocket: The most common window treatment, featuring a horizontal opening at the top into which a curtain rod is threaded.
Sheet Set: A typical sheet set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases. A twin set comes with one pillowcase.
Shower Curtain: Usually made of vinyl, shower curtains can occasionally consist of linen or more exotic fabrics.
Tab Top Panel Curtains: Distinctive fabric loops allow these window treatments to slip over curtain rods. Drapery-style material or lightweight sheers usually form the body of the curtain.
Thread Count: The number of threads woven lengthwise and crosswise into a square inch of fabric. Tighter weaves improve comfort and durability. For example, thread count in luxury sheets often tops 300.
Valance: A window treatment that covers the top of the window and the drapery hardware. A valance is made of matching or contrasting fabric, often with a casing at the top, and gathered onto a curtain rod.
Washcloth: These usually range in size from 12" x 12" to 13" x 13". Cotton terry is the most common fabric.
