Bedspread - A bedspread is a decorative cover for your bed that can also be used as a blanket. The most common use is strictly as a way to cover your bed when you make it up in the morning, to keep your bedroom neat looking.

Chenille - Chenille is actually the French word for caterpillar. Chenille fabric is named for the process in which it is made. Chenille yarn is made by placing short lengths of yarn between two core yarns, and then twisting them together. The result is a very soft material that should not be machine washed.

Comforter - A comforter is a derivation of a blanket, and is traditionally filled with down or a down alternative. Goose down comforters are extremely popular, as they are very comfortable, (hence the name Comforter?), and will last a long time.

Down - Down is the material used to fill comforters, duvets, pillows, and other bedding products. Goose down will last longer than duck down. For the most part, down products require professional dry cleaning. Synthetic down can give the appearance and feel of goose or duck down, and can also be machine washed.

Duvet - A duvet is a comforter that can be slipped into a duvet cover to protect it against soiling. Duvets are stuffed with down or down alternatives, much like a comforter. Duvets are very comfortable, and a great way to add a luxury look and feel to your bedroom.

Egyptian Cotton - Egyptian cotton has been touted as the finest cotton for sheets, and is grown exclusively in the Nile River Valley. Egyptian cotton is synonymous with luxury cotton, and is among the strongest of cotton materials available. High thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are some of the most luxurious sheets available.

Fitted Sheets - The fitted sheet is a bottom sheet made with pocket corners that "fit" the corners of the mattress, keeping the sheet in place. Some fitted sheets are made with deep pockets, approximately 17" deep, in order to accommodate pillow-top mattresses, and extra thick mattress pads.

Flannel sheets - Flannel sheets are great for cold winter nights. Flannel material is a blend of wool and cotton, and can also be constructed with man-made fabrics such as polyester. Unlike sheets, the quality of flannel is not measured in thread count, but in the density of material. A good indicator of quality in flannel is 4 oz. or greater.

Flat Sheets - Flat sheets, known as the top sheet, are normally the sheet that touches your skin, so be sure to shop for the material that will be the most comfortable for you.

Pima Cotton - Pima cotton is a very good, even excellent quality of cotton, and high thread count pima cotton sheets can rival Egyptian cotton sheets for luxury. Pima cotton is grown in several areas of the world, including the US, parts of South America, and Australia.

Sateen - Sateen sheets are named for the weave used in their construction, and the fact that they are made to feel satin-like. Be sure you know what sateen sheets feel like, as they are a unique feel, and not to everyone's taste.

Satin - Satin sheets are normally made of nylon, making them tough to clean. They are also not as durable as sheets made of other materials. Satin sheets are often sold as high-end sheets due to their luxurious feel.

Silk - Silk sheets are a real luxury! Silk is easily the strongest natural fiber used in sheets. As comfortable as they are, they have major drawbacks for most of us. They are very expensive, and they are difficult to clean.

Sheets - Sheets can be bought as separates, meaning a fitted sheet, which covers the mattress, or as a flat sheet, which is used to cover one, and pillow cases. Sheets can also be bought in sets, either in a sheet set, or complete bedding set. There are 6 common mattress sizes, so be sure to shop for the correct sheet size. Sheet sets come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and either 1 pillow case, for twin beds, or two pillow cases for all other sizes.

• Twin: 39" x 76"
• Extra Long Twin: 39" x 80"
• Full: 54" x 75"
• Queen: 60" x 80"
• King: 78" x 80"
• CA King: 72" x 84"

Thread Count - Thread count is a common measure for quality, but should not be the sole measure of quality comfort. The material will also play a major part in the overall quality. As an example, a high quality silk sheet might be a better quality than a pima cotton sheet with a higher thread count. The thread count is a simple calculation. It is the total number of threads that are contained in a square inch of the material, counting both the horizontal and the vertical threads.