- Bedspread (also known as a throwover). This is usually decorative, to go over the bed during the day. Hangs over the bed, and can be anywhere between half way down the bed to touching the floor – depending on size. It is common these days for a bedspread to be made in a “ one size fits all” measurement, with the hangover varying depending on the type of bed.
- Blanket (also known as a throw or decorative throw): Can be used as a decorative piece for your bed, or also to provide a extra piece of layering if it gets cold.
- Bolster: A long, narrow and commonly cylindrical pillow filled with down or feathers. Used for decoration and available for many of our bedding sets.
- Boudoir cushion/pillow (or Breakfast pillows): Small oblong decorative throw cushions.
- Comforter: A quilted bed cover, usually one piece. Comforters typically are paired with a bed skirt to form a complete ensemble, as the comforter’s sides only go about halfway to the floor. More popular in the USA and Canada then Europe.
- Duvet: A soft flat bag which can be filled with down, feathers, wool, hollowfibre or microfiber. Available in different togs for different seasons. 4.5 tog, which has less filling, for the summer, right through to 15 tog for the severest of winters. Usually used with a duvet cover. Very popular in Europe. Duvet is a French word.
- Duvet cover: A cover to go over a duvet. Removable from the duvet so easy to machine wash. Can be made of different materials eg Egyptian cotton. Can have button, popper, or zip closures. Also known as a comforter cover in the USA or doona cover in Australia
- Feather bed: Bag filled with feathers that lies on top of a mattress for enhance comfort and to prolong the life of the mattress. Also known as a feather topper.
- Flat Sheet: Can be used as either a bottom or top sheet. Larger than the mattress, has enough material to tuck under the mattress.
- Fitted Sheet: Can only be used as a bottom sheet as it fits tightly around the mattress. Has elastic corners. Made in a variety of depths so specific to mattress size.
- Fitted valance sheet: A fitted sheet, with a over hanging bed skirt to hide the base of the bed.
- Mattress Protector: Usually filled with hollowfibre to go on the mattress. Provides added comfort and prolongs the life of the mattress.
- Pillow shams: Usually decorative pillowcases, which tend be slightly larger then standard housewife pillowcases and have borders or frills .
- Platform valance: Also known as a base valance. Goes under the mattress, but over the base of the bed. Has a overhanging skirt, to hide the base of the bed.
- Thread Count: The number of threads per square inch. The higher the count the tighter the knit, and so better quality. For material to be considered “percale” it has to have a thread count of at least 180.
Useful definitions about bedding
