Anatomy of a Bed Glossary

Sketched image of a bed


FLAT SHEET

A flat sheet is the layer of top fabric that doesn’t need a precise fit. Twin flat sheets fit Twin and Twin XL beds, Queen flat sheets fit Full and Queen beds, and King flat sheets fit King and Cal-King beds. It has three identical hems and a wider one at the top that folds over your blanket or duvet, which can be finished with simple stitching, hemstitching, or embroidery.

Luxury flat sheets feature a European return—a deep, turned-back cuff along the top and down the side, with mitered corners, allowing for an elegant fold-over effect. This creates the signature look of a well-dressed luxury bed.

We recommend using both a flat and fitted sheet with a coverlet and/or duvet on top. However, for those who prefer a European style, you can sleep without a flat sheet, using only a duvet. Keep in mind, though, that washing a flat sheet is easier than washing a duvet cover.

FITTED SHEET

A fitted sheet has elastic on all sides to fit snugly and prevent shifting. While American bed sizes are standard, mattress depths vary. Most fitted sheets have a 17” gusset, accommodating most mattresses, and custom size gussets are available.

Fitted sheets may wear out faster due to the stress of elastic edges and friction from body movement during sleep.

PILLOWCASE

A pillowcase creates a barrier between you and your pillow, with an opening on one short side and a fabric drape for a decorative touch. Some pillowcases have a closure. Closers can vary but often including buttons, ties, or envelopes. Pillowcases are sold either individually or in pairs, depending on the supplier.

DUVET COVER

A duvet cover protects your duvet and adds decorative flair, setting the tone for your bed's look. It may have closures like buttons, ties, a flap, or a zipper. Duvet covers often feature flanges or embroidery along the edge or in the center. 

Most of our duvet covers are made with seamless, bedding-width fabrics. Additionally, many of our sheeting fabrics can be ordered as duvet covers for those who prefer sleeping without a flat sheet.

PILLOW SHAM

A pillow sham is primarily decorative, unlike a pillowcase, and is not typically used for sleeping. It may have a knife-edge finish or flanges on all sides, with an opening in the back for inserting the pillow.

EURO PILLOW SHAM

The Euro sham, also called a European or Continental sham, measures 26 x 26 inches and is a popular decorative pillow used as part of the “top of bed.” It features various closure types and is designed for propping up in bed. A queen bed usually uses two Euro shams, while a king bed requires three to fill the width proportionately.

BOUDOIR SHAM

A boudoir sham covers the small 12 x 16 inch boudoir pillow, which is used as a decorative accent or for neck support while reading in bed. It also makes a great travel pillow for support in cars, planes, or hotel rooms. Boudoir shams are usually finished similarly to Euro shams.

COVERLET

A coverlet, also known as a blanket cover, matelassé, or bedspread, is a versatile bedding layer used under a duvet, alone in warmer months, or folded at the foot of the bed. It helps regulate temperature and adds texture and color to the bed's design.

Not all coverlets are matelassé. Matelassé is a fabric style, not a bedding item; it refers to a quilted appearance achieved through weaving. Coverlet weight fabric is often used for both coverlets and pillow shams.

DECORATIVE PILLOW

There are two types of decorative pillows: those matching standard sleeping pillow sizes and covered by shams, and others in unique shapes and sizes that don’t directly coordinate with bedding. These pillows enhance the bed's visual style.

Decorative pillows in the main bed-scape are usually firmer, often filled with more feathers and less down. They’re designed for propping up in bed and adding a design accent, not for sleeping.

BEDSKIRT

Also known as a dust ruffle, a bed skirt hides the sides and under-storage of a box spring or bed rails. They can be tailored with simple pleats or ruffled gathers.

Traditionally, bed skirts were one large piece with “decking”—a mattress-sized rectangle of fabric attached to the skirt. Now, it's common to have three separate sections that tuck easily between the mattress and box spring, secured with special pins. The “drop” of a bed skirt refers to its length from the top of the box spring where pinned to the floor, typically stopping about ¼” inch from the floor.

THROW

Throws are cozy accents made from cotton, wool, mohair, or cashmere, resembling smaller blankets. They can be found on beds, sofas, or in your lap, adding comfort and style to any space. Luxury throw blankets enhance the inviting feel of your bed without sacrificing sophistication.

BLANKET

A blanket is not much different than a throw. Albeit typically fabricated to be the same size or slightly larger than a mattress. Often used in addition to a duvet or on its own in the warmer months. Blankets are layered on a bed similar to a sweater adding dimension and an additional layer of cozy to a bed. 

MATTRESS PROTECTOR

A mattress protector is a removable bedding layer that fits over a mattress to shield it from spills, allergens, dust mites, and general wear and tear. It helps extend the life of your mattress by keeping it clean and free from stains or damage, while also adding an extra layer of comfort. Some protectors are waterproof, while others focus on breathability or hypoallergenic properties. They’re usually secured with elastic straps or a fitted sheet design.

DUVET INSERT

A duvet is the soft foundational piece used to keep you warm! Duvet inserts are usually filled with down, feathers, wool, or synthetic fibers They are designed to be used with a removable cover (duvet cover) for easy care and style changes. As the heart of restful sleep, a high-quality duvet offers lightness and comfort while keeping you cool in warmer months and cozy in winter.

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