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.
Natura Wool- A wool that
serves as an insulating layer that helps to regulate body temperature and controls
moisture throughout the night, creating a fresh, dry sleep environment that repels
common allergens and bacteria.
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.
Shantung- A heavy fabric with
a rough nubby surface, made of spun wild silk. In some cases a rayon or cotton fabric
can be used that is imitative of this silk fabric.
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
Anti-Bacterial- Just how
it sounds, this bedding is treated to protect against bacteria.
Anti-Microbial- Bedding
that is treated with an ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria, viruses, molds
or any other unsavory things in which you’d rather not share your bed.
Baby Bibs and Burp Cloths-
Baby Bibs and Burp Clothes are similar in that a Baby Bib keeps yucky off your baby’s
shirt and a Burp Cloth keeps it off yours.
Bed in a Bag- A completely
matched bed ensemble that you can carry home in a bag. You can even get them complete
with sheets! Decorate your whole room with a click of a button with a Bed in a Bag.
Bedspreads- Bedspreads are
designed to cover the whole bed, from side to side and top to bottom. They are commonly
used to dress up your bedroom décor by simply laying over sheets, pillows, duvets,
etc. In some cases, bedspreads can be used to quickly hide an unkempt bed out of
sight!
Diaper Bag- Exactly where does
one carry spare diapers? Where are the wipes? And where do the used diapers reside?
The diaper bag! A diaper bag or nappy bag is a storage bag with many pocket-like
spaces that is big enough to carry everything needed by someone taking care of a
baby while taking a typical short outing.
Eco-Friendly- Sometimes
referred to nature friendly, environmentally friendly and green, are products that
are produced with minimal or no harm to the environment.
Featherbed Covers- A
featherbed cover is a large comforter shell used to protect a featherbed. What else
could it be?
Featherbed- Featherbeds are
mattress toppers that provide extra cushion and comfort. Featherbeds can add years
of life to your mattress. Filled with feathers, goose or otherwise, a featherbed
is a separate piece that is placed on top of the mattress and covered by a bed sheet.
Hooded Towels- Hooded towels
are towels that come with a convenient hood for days that you just want to be like
Superman. They are also convenient to dry off your toddler after a bath.
Hypoallergenic- Having
a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction.
Lamp Shades- Something you
wear on your head at parties but also protects your person from the heat of a lit
lightbulb. Bedding.com offers complementing lamp shades for many of our product
lines.
Stuffed Animals- A stuffed
toy, stuffie, or plush toy can very possibly become your baby’s best friend. Bedding.com
offers a variety of stuffed animals sewn from cloth, plush, or other textiles, and
stuffed with straw, beans, plastic pellets, cotton, synthetic fibers, or other similar
materials.
Thermal Regulated- Bedding
filled with a material made from a revolutionary micro-encapsulated fiber that magically
draws heat away from the body when your temperature rises.
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.
Organic- For a fiber to be labeled
"organic” it has to be grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Once
the fiber is harvested, it should be processed separately from conventional fibers,
using non-toxic dyes and finishing agents. If the fiber is from an animal, that
animal was treated well and not treated with synthetic hormones or insecticides.
Wall Dècor- Brighten
your walls with a variety of fun accents that complement the décor of your baby
bedding.
Water Proof- Waterproof bedding
is made out of fabrics that can not be penetrated by water and should keep you dry,
even in heavy rains. They may be extremely tightly woven, such as a fine polyester/nylon
blend, rubber or plastic or other non-porous material, or coated with a finish that
makes them breathable but closed to water.
Water Repellant- Water-Repellant
bedding is more effective than water-resistant bedding as it is made of fabrics
that are either very tightly woven or coated with a finish that causes the water
to make little beads when it hits the fabric rather than going through.
Water Resistant- Water-Resistant
bedding is able to resist penetration of water to some degree but not entirely.