Glossary of Bedding Terms
COMMON BED SIZES
Before you purchase items and accessories for your bed, the first thing you need
to determine is the type of mattress you have. From there you can choose
everything that will properly fit your bed. Check the reference chart below to
help determine your bed type.
Twin- The smallest of all the mattresses; it's meant for one person
Twin X-Long- Found most commonly in college dorm rooms, the "Twin XL" as it's affectionately known,
is just that - longer than the standard Twin; the width is the same.
Full- Also referred to as a Double Bed. Can sleep two and
is shorter in length than its larger cousin, the Queen size.
Queen- Sleeps two and is both wider and longer than a Full sized
mattress.
King- largest, most luxurious sized mattress. May be referred to as the Eastern King.
Cal-King- The California King mattress is a large luxury size like the Eastern King,
however it is narrower and longer. And yes, it is found most commonly in the State of California.
Sheets- The measurements below are for fitted sheets and will help ensure a proper fit. Do not
be concerned with the top or flat sheet dimension, as it will be tucked under the mattress anyway and is not meant to be
sized to the exact specifications of your mattress:
Twin- 39 x 76 inches
Twin X-Long- 39 x 80 inches
Full- 54 x 75 inches
Queen- 60 x 80 inches
King- 78 x 80 inches
Cal-King- 72 x 84 inches
- You can use these dimensions as a guide for mattress pads as well.
MATTRESS DEPTHS
Pillow Top and Extra Deep mattresses have become very common. Before selecting your sheets and mattress pads,
it is important to know the depth of your mattress. Here are some dimensions to use as a guide:
Standard- 7 to 9 inches
Deep- 10 to 15 inches
Extra Deep- 15 inches to as high as 22 inches
MATTRESS PAD DEPTHS
Once you determine the depth of your mattress you'll need to select the proper depth mattress pad. Here are some approximate depths to follow:
Standard- 7 to 14 1/2 inches
Deep- Up to 15 inches
Extra Deep- 16 to 22 inches
COMFORTER DIMENSIONS
Here are the dimensions for most comforters. Keep in mind that these are approximate sizes. Some vendors may run slightly
smaller or produce "oversized" comforters. Regardless, these dimensions can serve as a basic guide:
Twin- 68 x 86 inches
Full- 80 x 90 inches
Full/Queen- 88 x 88 inches
Queen- 86 x 94 inches
King- 110 x 96 inches
Don't make yourself crazy looking for California King Comforters or Twin X-Long - they don't make them.
Just get a King or Twin size accordingly. In addition, when looking for Full or Queen sizes, some
manufacturers make comforters in both Full and Queen sizes, while others will offer a Full/Queen size,
which fits both mattresses.
DOWN COMFORTER DIMENSIONS
Here are the dimensions for most down comforters. Keep in mind that these are approximate sizes.
Some vendors may run slightly smaller, but these dimensions can serve as a basic guide:
Twin- 68 x 88 inches
Full/Queen- 90 x 98 inches
King- 108 x 98 inches
BLANKET DIMENSIONS
All blankets are not created equal! In fact, sizing can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Rest assured
that if you buy a Queen size blanket it will fit your Queen size bed. Here are the dimensions; most should
fall close to these sizes:
Twin- 66 x 90 inches
Full/Queen- 90 x 90 inches
King- 108 x 90 inches
Thow- 50 x 60 inches
You have probably noticed a trend here... anything that is laid across the top of the bed does not come in Cal-King or
Twin X-Long. In the case of most blankets, you also will not find a specific size for Full and Queen, it will be a
Full/Queen, which fits both.
DUVET DIMENSIONS
For those of you enjoying a down comforter, or even just looking for a change for your bedroom, a duvet could be
the perfect answer. Since you will be placing your comforter inside the duvet, it is important that the appropriate
size be selected. Like blankets, duvet sizes can vary and some manufacturers even offer an "oversized" duvet.
Regardless, just match your comforter's size to the appropriate duvet. Here are some sizes to keep in mind, and remember,
they might vary slightly by vendor:
Twin- 68 x 88 inches
Full/Queen- 88 x 88 inches
King- 104 x 88 inches
PILLOW SIZES
Nothing can improve a night's sleep like a quality pillow... and nothing can spruce up your bed more than the right sized pillows.
Here is a guide to the common sizes:
Standard- 20 x 26 inches. Uses a Standard size pillowcase. Use one on a Twin
bed, two on a Full or Queen, and three on a King bed.
Queen- 20 x 30 inches. Uses the same pillow combination as the Standard. Since
there is no Queen size pillowcase, use a Standard pillowcase with a
Queen size pillow. It fills up a Standard pillowcase more completely, and
it is also a perfect fit across the top of your Queen size bed.
King- 20 x 36 inches. You guessed it, use these on your King size bed. These extra
long pillows are perfectly paired across the top of both an Eastern and Cal-King bed, and use a King pillowcase.
Euro- 26 x 26 inches. These large, square pillows are great to prop yourself up in
bed with. They also add a decorative accent when covered with a decorative pillow sham in place of a Euro pillowcase.
DAYBEDS
Since all daybeds are outfitted with a twin mattress, selecting the sheets and mattress pads for them is a no-brainer.
Choosing what to put on top of the daybed can be a bit more challenging, as sizes and styles can range. There are daybed
covers, which typically have three sides (two sides and the front), and daybed spreads, which typically have four sides,
and are usually quilted. The "drop" of a daybed cover, or how far down to the floor the front of the cover reaches, will
determine if you need a dust ruffle, also called a bed skirt. A standard twin 14" dust ruffle is all a daybed requires,
though some dust ruffles feature split corners to make navigating around bed feet a bit easier.
Pillows for daybeds are covered with shams when not in use. Most people use either three standard pillows or two king size
pillows lined up across the daybed. Below are some sizes for daybed covers and spreads. Since there is no standard size,
keep in mind that the main intent is to cover a twin size bed:
Covers and Spreads (range)- to 60 inches W x 95 to 106 inches L
MATERIAL
Acrylic- is a synthetic or manufactured fiber that is both soft and lightweight. It dries easily
and is machine washable. Acrylics are popular because of their ability to retain their shape and texture after washing and drying.
AllerRest ®- AllerRest® fabric prevents dust, dirt and harmful allergens from penetrating into
bedding. It also assures long-term protection against daily exposure in use, maintaining high quality performance for your bedding
investment and is made of 100% cotton.
Bamboo Cotton- Bamboo cotton is a supremely soft fabric comprised of both bamboo and cotton fibers
in varying ratios. The bamboo plant lends itself perfectly to the making of fabrics. Bamboo's porous fibers make a cloth with a breathability
and moisture absorption greater than cotton and a softness comparable to silk and cashmere. Bamboo fibers have a natural sheen to them and are
naturally antimicrobial. Bed and bath linens made of bamboo cotton provide the very best qualities of each fiber. Machine-wash warm separately
gentle cycle. Tumble dry low, warm iron as needed.
Chenille- Chenille yarn is manufactured by placing short lengths of yarn, called the "pile", between two
"core yarns" and then twisting the yarn together. The edges of these piles then stand at right angles from the yarn's core, giving chenille
both its softness and its characteristic look. Chenille will look different in one direction compared to another, as the fibers catch the
light differently. Chenille can appear iridescent without actually using iridescent fibers. The yarn is commonly manufactured from cotton,
but can also be made using acrylic, rayon and olefin.
Combed Cotton Sateen- Combed cotton uses finer fiber than carded yarns and is more regular and expensive
than carded yarn. When cotton or another fabric is "combed," the shortest, additional fibers of a batch are removed. The result produces
high-quality, extra soft yarns with excellent strength hand softness. Sateen provides a satin-like finish.
Combed Cotton- Combed Cotton is cotton yarn that has been cleaned with wire brushes and roller cards
after carding to remove short fibers and other impurities.
Cotton- Cotton is the thread or cloth manufactured from the fiber of a cotton plant. Cotton can be
washed in the washer at even the hottest of temperatures. Any detergent can be used and bleach can also be used as needed. Cotton
can wrinkle easily but an iron on the highest heat is still safe to use on the fabric.
Down- Down is the material used to fill comforters, duvets, pillows, and other bedding products.
Goose down will last longer than duck down. Synthetic down can give the appearance and feel of goose or duck down. Dry clean only.
Egyptian Cotton- Egyptian Cotton is the fine, somewhat brownish long-staple cotton that is grown
in Egypt; believed to be derived from sea island cotton or by hybridization with Peruvian cotton.
Faux Leather- Faux leather is a fabric made to imitate animal leather.
Felt- Felt is a fabric of matted, compressed animal fibers, such as wool or fur, sometimes mixed
with vegetable or synthetic fibers.
Flannel- Flannel is a soft woven cloth of wool or a blend of wool and cotton synthetics.
Fleece- Fleece is a fabric with a thick, heavy surface resembling sheep's wool. It may be a
pile or napped fabric of wither woven or knit construction.
Ingeo®- Ingeo® fibers are an ingenious nature-based material made from plants instead of oil.
Jersey- A type of fabric with a flat appearance, knit on a circular, single-knit machine; its principal
distinction is that it is not a fabric with a distinct rib.
Jute- Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads.
Lambs Wool- Lamb's wool is the fine soft wool obtained from a lamb at its first shearing.
Leather- Leather is the dressed or tanned hide of an animal, usually with the hair removed.
Linen- Linen is a natural fiber that is very strong and comfortable. Linen can be hand washed
and/or dry clean only. It irons nicely to a nice crisp fabric. Linen also has a nice comfortable shape and feel.
Microfiber- is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a suede finish for a luxurious,
soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also
be waterproof.
Micro suede- Micro suede is a man-made fiber. It is a knit blend that is made from very fine
fibers that can sometimes be a hundred times finer than human hair. These delicate fibers are tightly woven together to create
a dense fabric that has many of the same qualities as suede leather.
Mohair- Mohair is a silky textile produced from the hair of the Angora goat. It is most often
spun into a thread that can be woven, knitted, or crocheted depending upon the application. Mohair is durable, warm, insulating,
and light. It also has moisture wicking properties that carry moisture away from the skin.
Nylon- Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum products. Nylon is valued for its light
weight, incredible tensile strength, durability, and resistance to damage.
Poly Dupion, Polyester, Polysilk and Polyurethane- are manufactured products made from
synthesized polymers. It tends to be very resilient, quick drying, resistant to biological damage such as mold and mildew,
easy to wash, and able to hold forms well. These materials are, however, highly flammable, so care should be taken.
Rayon- Rayon is one of the most peculiar fabrics in commercial use today. Strictly speaking,
it is not an artificial fiber, because it is derived from naturally occurring cellulose. It is not, however, a natural fabric,
because cellulose requires extensive processing to become rayon. Rayon is usually classified as a manufactured fiber and considered
to be "regenerated cellulose".
Sateen- Sateen is a cotton fabric with a luster resembling that of satin.
Satin- Satin is a type of glossy fabric first made from silk in China.
Silk- Silk is a filament fiber formed from proteins secreted by Bombyx mori, or silkworms.
Highly prized for its softness, insulating properties, and strength, silk is a natural animal product and therefore quite expensive.
Making silk requires monitoring and feeding the silkworms constantly, and a great deal of effort results in a surprisingly small amount of thread.
Suede- Suede is a kind of leather with a smooth, velvet-like surface. The term was originally used in
France to indicate a particular type of soft gloves imported from Sweden. Over time, the word came to refer to any leather material
with a smooth nap finish.
Tencel®- Tencel® is the registered trade name for Lyocell, which is a biodegradable fabric,
made from wood pulp cellulose.
Velvet- is a soft pile fabric that has been manufactured for almost 4,000 years in one form or another.
Velvet has long been considered a luxury fabric because it requires more thread to manufacture than other fabrics, as well as multiple steps.
Velvet can be made from any type of thread, although traditionally, velvet was made with silk thread, making it even more costly.
In the modern era, cotton and synthetics have been used in the manufacture of velvet, and several related fabrics, such as velour, velveteen,
and corduroy, have been invented for consumers on a budget.
Viscose- Viscose is a unique form of wood cellulose acetate that can be used for the manufacture of a number
of different types of products.
White Goose Down- Down is the layer of fine feathers found underneath the outer feathers of adult ducks, geese,
and other water birds.
Wool- Wool is the dense, warm coat of sheep, also called a fleece.
FILLS
Cotton- - Cotton is the thread or cloth manufactured from the fiber of a cotton plant.
Down- is the material used to fill comforters, duvets, pillows, and other bedding products.
Goose down will last longer than duck down. Synthetic down can give the appearance and feel of goose or duck down.
Euro feather- actual feathers on geese and ducks as opposed to the soft cluster of down
found on the breast are durable and springy, making them an essential support element in medium and firm pillows.
Latex- Latex provides a great deal of support and they can vary from soft to firm in texture.
Memory Foam- is a type of material that is both pressure and temperature sensitive.
Designed to be breathable, memory foam is able to distribute pressure evenly over its surface and return to
its original state when the pressure is removed.
Microfiber- Microfiber is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a suede finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process
and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.
STYLES
Cotton- - Cotton is the thread or cloth manufactured from the fiber of a cotton plant.
Print- the image, illustration or pattern applied or transferred to the cloth. You'll
find an absolutely huge variety on any and all bedding. Thin or thick stripes, geometric patterns, flowers or any other
image or picture on bed linens and bedding is called a print.
Contemporary- Contemporary, right now, consists of striped and geometric patterns in brown,
off-white and earth tones, but this does not necessarily define the future of modern contemporary designer patterns.
Jacquard- Jacquard is a way of weaving cloth that allows for some intensely gorgeous
detailed designs to be woven directly into the fabric.
Embroidered- Embroidered is an ancient variety of decorative needlework in which designs and pictures
are created by stitching strands of some material on to a layer of another material. Most embroidery uses thread or wool stitched onto
a woven fabric.
Matelasse- Matelasse fabric can be either hand-stitched to create the decorative features
of the fabric, or woven on a jacquard loom for the appearance of quilting. Matelasse fabric is a heavy, thick textile that
appears to be padded, but actually has no padding within the fabric.
MISCELLANEOUS
Hypoallergenic- is having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction.
Thread Count- index of the compactness of a fabric determined by counting the number of warp yarns
and filling yarns in 1 square inch of fabric. Also known as cloth count.