Understanding the Basics of Bed Making

I was holding an Egyptian cotton flat sheet on one hand and a polyester on the other. Looking from side to side, I had difficulty in making a choice and picking their matching set. Of course, by the sound of polyester and price difference between the two, I could tell a lot more but It was more complicated than that.


The store attendant walked up to me. I guess, she saw the looks on my face and sensed my being overwhelmed.

She asked me the usually question, "How may I help you today?"

"Bed sheet and pillowcases, please", quickly replying. She led me to the other end of the shop and showed me a few pieces, some where a bit different from what I was steering at previously. Don't be half surprised, but I came out of the bedding store with nothing and more perplexed than confused.com.

You ask, Why?

It dawned on me that I did not have a clue on what I wanted. I knew about bed sheets, pillowcases, the little fly-overs called "throw pillows" and the warm blanket, duvet but didn't know about valance sheets and bolster pillows. Although, I saw these things and wanted them,I didn't know what they were called.

I landed on the Internet to find out what I failed to know before hand. I have decided to leave you a few pieces on my findings. Be my guest. Hope you find them useful but I am certain, if you love your bed as much as I do, these should get you started.

Understanding the Basics of Bed Making:

There are many different types of terms used to identify certain pieces of bedding.
Knowing the correct terms will help you shop and find the right item for your bed. Whether it's linens, bed coverings, pillows, or the stuffing you use for a duvet cover, this list will help you find the perfect fit, along with some tips you may not have known in regards to bedding.

1. Bottom Sheet, also known as a flat/fitted sheet,  is laid on top of the bed after a mattress cover. Flat sheet are usually longer and wider than the bed and would require you to tuck in the sides. Fitted sheets on the other hand are tailored to fit the bed and with elastic bands on the sides. Easier for a busy individual who like to wake up and be on the go.
2. Mattress cover also known as mattress protector, mattress topper, mattress pad, or under pad is an item of removable bedding that sits on top of or encases a mattress to provide protection to the mattress from stains, spills,  allergens and irritants such as dust mites, bed bugs, mold, and dead skin (like dandruff).
3. Top sheet, is laid on top of your bed, after the bottom sheet but before the duvet. It is usually made of soft crisp cotton for comfort.
4. Coverlet is a decorative fabric that does not touch the floor and does not reach the near end of the pillows.
5. Bedspread is similar to a coverlet--a thin, decorative covering--but it normally covers the entire bed and touches the floor.
6. Blanket or Throw is a small covering normally found at the foot of a bed used for extra warmth or decorative accents.
7. Comforter is a bed cover stuffed with fibers or down then sewed together at all four sides. This stuffing is added to create additional warmth and comfort on cold nights. A comforter can be decorative and come in many different colors, patterns, and designs.
8. Duvet is similar to a comforter except it requires the use of a duvet cover, where a comforter does not.
9. Duvet Cover is used over a comforter or duvet. It will have an opening where the comforter or duvet is inserted, once placed inside, it's opening is closed with buttons. The duvet cover is normally a decorative covering, which basic function is to add décor to your bedroom. Some duvet covers will have a sheet fabric sewn into one side so a top sheet is not required, which helps with making the bed since there's no need to tuck in any sheets.
10. Euro or Continental Pillow is a large square pillow--is a decorative pillow that sits back against the headboard.
11. Sleeping Pillow is the medium-sized rectangular pillow that you lay your head on when sleeping. This can vary in size: Standard, Queen, or King. 
12. Decorative Pillow also referred to as throw pillow, is a small pillow that comes in many shapes, sizes and colors to add decoration to a bed.
13. Bolster Pillow is a tubular pillow used to lean back against for lumbar support, but typically it’s used as a decorative pillow. 
14. Pillowcase is used to cover a sleeping pillow and sometimes decorative or bolster pillows. It’s normally a rectangular shape with an opening on one end where you insert the pillow.
15. Pillow Sham is similar to a pillowcase but it does not open on one side, instead it has a flange, which is an extra piece of fabric that extends from where the pillow sham is sewn on each edge. Pillow shams create a more finished look, which is why they are used over pillowcases. Pillow shams are often more decorative than pillowcases and more likely to have elaborate embellishes on them.
16. Bed Skirt, also known as valance sheet is decorative piece of bedding placed between the mattress and box springs. It extends to the floor and its main function is to hide the box spring as well as add decor. Bed skirts are commonly used with coverlets, duvets, and comforter sets.

So the next time you walk into a bedding store for window shopping or a buy, don't forget to apply these bedding knowledge. You can't be thrown off balance by a store attendant anymore. Knowledge is power.

By Oluwamitomisin