Every Bedding Term You've Ever Been Too Embarrassed To Ask About, Explained

We spend a third of our lives in bed, so you’d assume we’d know bedding terms like the back of our hands… or pillows. But for many people, hearing others talk about bedding can sound like another language.

We’ve put together a list of bedding terms so you can proficiently speak the language of sheets. Now some of the words in this list are no-brainers, but others might be a catalyst for a bedding revelation.

Consider this list the official-non-official bedding glossary to educate you on all things sheets, pillows, blankets, and throws.

Bedding Glossary

Bedding Bundle

A term coined by Bed Threads, a Bedding Bundle contains every bedding item you need to make a bed: a fitted sheet, flat sheet (you can make this another fitted sheet if you prefer), duvet cover, and four pillowcases of your desired pillow style.

Bedding Set

Another Bed Threads terms, Bedding Sets contain: two pillowcases, a duvet cover and a fitted sheet, these curated sets come with everything you need to sleep well.

Bed Skirt

Also known as a valance, a bed skirt sits on top of the bed base and covers the lower part of the bed.

Comforter

One, complete, quilted piece. Think of it like a thick blanket which doesn’t need a cover, unlike a duvet.

Coverlet

Ever been to a hotel or motel? If you answered yes, you’ve probably encountered a coverlet. They’re large decorative covers that are usually quilted or woven to be placed on top of the bed.

Double Special

Another Bed Threads term, a Double Special is a Bedding Set that pairs a sheet in your chosen bed size with an upsized Duvet Cover, and a set of pillowcase.

Duvet

A soft blanket that is usually filled with synthetic fibres or down such as feather or wool, also known as a quilt.

Duvet Cover

A removable and washable decorative cover for duvets, also known as a quilt cover.

European bedding hack

A bedding method popular in Europe where users who share a bed sleep with a duvet/quilt each.

European pillow

A 26” x 26” pillow which usually sits on the backboard of beds to add a decorative touch.

Fitted Sheet

A sheet with elastic around the edges to stretch over the mattress and is slept on. In other words, the sheet that most people dread putting on.

Flat Sheet

The fitted sheet’s sidekick. The flat sheet comes without elastic and is placed between the fitted sheet and the duvet – however, the flat sheet is optional.

Flax

A soft, flexible fibre obtained from the stalks of the flax plant. Also referred to as linen, flax is 30% stronger than cotton.

GSM

Also referred to as grams per square metre, GSM is a measure of textile weight. Because linen is a natural fibre, it doesnt have a thread count, so linen is measured by how many grams it weighs per square metre.

King Special

Another Bed Threads term, a King Special is a Bedding Set that pairs a sheet in your chosen bed size with an upsized Duvet Cover, and a set of pillowcase

Linen

The durable fabric woven with fibres from the flax plant that we specialise in. The term linen is also used to describe the bedding category as a whole, covering different fabrics and styles.

Mattress protector

A non-negotiable for many fellow sleepers. A mattress protector is a removable item of bedding that covers a mattress and is used to protect against allergens, irritants and contaminants.

Mattress topper

Not to be confused with the mattress protector, the mattress topper is placed on top of the mattress (over the protector) to increase comfort and support for optimal sleeping.

Nurses tuck

Also known as hospital corners, a nurses tuck is the method of folding your flat sheet tight under your mattress – for those who’s flat sheet constantly moves, definitely try this method.

OEKO-TEX

A label that certifies that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals.

Pillow liner

A sleeve for your pillow that goes under your pillowcase to provide a buffer from sweat, makeup, potential food spills.

Queen Special

Another Bed Threads term, a Queen Special is a Bedding Set that pairs a sheet in your chosen bed size with an upsized Duvet Cover, and a set of pillowcase

Quilt

A soft blanket that is usually filled with synthetic fibres or down such as feather or wool, also known as a duvet.

Thread Count

A total number of horizontal and vertical threads in 10 square centimetres of woven fabric.

Throw

A lightweight blanket which is both functional and decorative.

Valance

Also known as a bed skirt, a valance sits on top of the bed base and covers the lower part of the bed.