This article is about human sleeping facilities. For other uses, see Bedding (disambiguation)
Bedclothes in a retail storeBedding, also called bedclothes[1] or bed linen, is the materials laid above the mattress of a bed for hygiene, warmth, protection of the mattress, and decorative effect. Bedding is the removable and washable portion of a human sleeping environment. Multiple sets of bedding for each bed are often washed in rotation and/or changed seasonally to improve sleep comfort at varying room temperatures. Most standardized measurements for bedding are rectangular, but there are also some square-shaped sizes, which allows the user to put on bedding without having to consider its lengthwise orientation (e.g. a 220 cm × 220 cm (87 in × 87 in) duvet).
In American English, the word bedding generally does not include the mattress,[2] while in British English it often does.[3] In Australian and New Zealand English, bedding is often called manchester,[4] especially in shops. Manchester was a center of the cotton industry in the late 18th and the 19th century, and into the 20th century, and so cotton goods (principally sheets and towels) were given the name 'Manchester goods', which later was simplified to 'manchester'.
A set of bedding generally consists of at least flat or fitted bed sheet that covers the mattress; a flat top sheet; either a blanket, a quilt, or a duvet. Sometimes with a duvet cover is to be used in addition to or instead of – the top sheet; and a number of pillows with pillowcases, also referred to as pillow shams. (See § Terminology for more info on all these terms.) Additional blankets, etc. may be added to ensure the necessary insulation in cold sleeping areas. A common practice for children and some adults is to decorate a bed with plush stuffed animals, dolls, and other soft toys. These are not included under the designation of bedding, although they may provide additional warmth to the sleeper.
Materials
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Women making bedding and pillows, factory, Anthony Hordern and Sons, Sydney, 1933-1938Lightweight white, solid-color or printed plain weave, satin weave, or flannel cotton or cotton/polyester blends are the most common types of sheeting, although linen and silk may also be used, including in combination. Goose or duck down and other feathers are frequently used as a warm and lightweight filling in duvets, comforters and quilts. But such fill can protrude in part even from tightly woven fabric, and be an irritant for many people, particularly those with allergies. Natural and synthetic down alternatives are marketed. Cotton, wool or polyester batting is commonly used as fill in quilts and down alternative comforters. These are less expensive and more easily laundered than natural down or feathers. Synthetic fibers are best in the form of thermofused (where fibers cross) batting. Thick-woven or knitted wool, cotton, acrylic or other microfiber synthetics, or blends of these, are typically used for blankets. The fabric produced from the cotton warp and weft, cotton warp and lyocell weft has a significant improvement in all manner and is best suited for making bed linen.[5]
History
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Among the earliest discovered examples of bedding are remnants found in a Paleolithic structure at Ohalo II, Israel. Dating back 23,000 years, these remnants consist of partially charred stems and leaves positioned on the floor surrounding a central hearth. Potential earlier evidence of bedding, dating from the Middle Paleolithic, is evident in Spain's Esquilleu cave, displaying the gathering of grass near a hearth.[6]
Around 3400 BC Egyptian pharaohs had their beds moved off the ground and slept on a raised surface. Bed linen was widely evolved in Egypt. It was seen as a symbol of light and purity, as well as a symbol of prosperity. The Egyptian mummies were often wrapped in bed linen. The complexity of applications has increased with research and developments in the area of bed linen materials over the years.[5]
Roman Empire mattresses were stuffed with wool, feather, reeds or hay. The beds were decorated with paint, bronze, silver, jewels and gold. Interestingly, it was rare for a Roman couple to spend the night together. It was more common for each spouse to have a separate room. Researchers believe that the Roman bed was definitely less comfortable than today.[7]
During the Renaissance, mattresses were stuffed with straw and feathers and then covered with silks, velvets or satin material. Embroidered canopies and ornamental hangings as well as the advent of the featherbed led to beds becoming extremely expensive, often willed down from generation to generation.[8]
In the 18th century, Europeans began to use bed frames made from cast iron, and mattresses that were made of cotton. Until that time, assorted vermin were simply accepted as a component of even the most royal beds.[9]
In the 19th century the bed spring was invented, also called the box spring.[10]
In the 20th century United States, consumers bought the inner spring mattress, followed in the 1960s by the water bed (originating on the West Coast), and adoption of Japanese-style futons, air mattresses, and foam rubber mattresses and pillows.
Elements
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Name(s) Image Description Bed skirt (also bed ruffle, dust ruffle or bed valance) A decorative piece used to cover the boxspring and legs of the bed. It fits between the mattress and boxspring and hangs to or almost to the floor. Bedspread (also bedcover) A bed cover, often decorative, with sides that go to or near the floor. Protects bedding, including pillows, during daytime from dust or other contamination. This does not require a bed skirt, and was particularly popular in North America after World War II. May be removed at night and, if wanted, replaced by a coverlet or duvet cover. Blanket A woven cloth covering used for warmth. Bolster A long, narrow and commonly cylindrical pillow filled with down or feathers. Used for decoration or lumbar support when lying against the headboard. Boudoir pillows (or breakfast pillows) Small rectangular decorative throw pillows. Comforter A bed cover, used like a blanket, that is filled with padding and is not exceptionally fluffy. It is usually reversible and machine-washable. Comforters are usually paired with a bed skirt to form a complete ensemble, as the comforter's sides only go about halfway to the floor. It differs from a quilt in that the layers of a comforter are not quilted together. (Also see "duvet"). Coverlet Style of bedspread used before the 20th century in America. It usually does not reach to the floor, and does not cover the pillows. Duvet A soft flat bag traditionally filled with down or feathers, or a combination of both, or synthetic materials, and used like a blanket. Usually not as thin as a comforter, but may be referred to as a "down comforter". Duvet cover A decorative and protective covering for a duvet. Most duvet covers have a button or tie closure at one end. Australians use the term doona cover rather than "duvet cover". Usually has a thread count of 180-400 per square inch (or equivalently, a thread count of 280-620 per 10 square centimetres). European pillow (or Continental pillow) A Euro or Continental pillow – a large square pillow – is a decorative pillow that sits back against the headboard. These are often placed behind the standard size pillow shams as a backdrop, or on top of standard pillows as a coordinated set with a duvet cover. European sham (or Euro sham or Continental sham) A decorative pillow covering which fits a large 75 cm × 75 cm (30 in × 30 in) pillow. Feather bed Feathers contained within a fabric shell that lies on top of a mattress as a mattress topper. The featherbed will normally have elastic straps or even have a fitted sheet on it so that it fits over a mattress and stays in place. Flat sheet (or top sheet) The flat sheet is tucked in around the mattress over the fitted sheet with the fourth side, at the head of the bed, undone. Some duvet or comforter sets do not include a top sheet; the duvet/comforter has a cotton bottom that replaces the sheet. Fitted sheet This is the bottom sheet used to fit tightly over a mattress. Fitted sheets are available in a variety of pocket depths, which refers to the thickness of the mattress. Standard North American pocket size is 7 to 9 in (18 to 23 cm). Deep pocket corners are usually 10 to 13 in (25 to 33 cm). Extra deep pocket corners are very generous in size, ranging from 14 to 22 in (36 to 56 cm), and are used for extraordinarily high/deep mattresses. Mattress pad Also known as a mattress topper, or underpad. This is used above the mattress and beneath a bottom sheet to add comfort or to protect the mattress from being soiled by use. Mattress protector This is used immediately above a mattress to protect the mattress. Some also protect the sleeper from allergens. Neck roll Small cylindrical decorative throw pillows; used for cervical vertebrae support or pure decoration.[11] Neck rolls typically do not have an opening such as a zipper; they are usually sewn closed, although some designs have an integrated opening at the ends.[11] Pillow shams Decorative coverings for pillows, often designed with trims, ruffles, flanges, or cording. Shams are normally placed behind the pillows used to sleep on, which would be covered with regular pillowcases. Quilt Quilts are types of blankets that sandwich batting between two layers of cloth, and then stitch through all of the layers to hold them together. Patchwork quilts piece together multiple pieces of fabric to make one of the outer layers of cloth. Sleeping pillow The medium-sized rectangular pillow that you lay one's head on when sleeping. A sleeping pillow can come in many sizes such as standard[citation needed
] 20 in × 26 in (51 cm × 66 cm), Queen 20 in × 30 in (51 cm × 76 cm), or King 20 in × 36 in (51 cm × 91 cm) and differing firmness for back, stomach or side sleeping. Throw pillow A decorative pillow that comes in numerous shapes and sizes.Terminology
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Sizes
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Bedding sizes are made with consideration of the dimensions of the bed and mattress for which it is to be used. Bed sizes vary around the world, with countries having their own standards and terminology.
See also
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References
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Duvets
Although many people use the word “duvet” to refer to the duvet cover, technically a duvet is a comforter, usually plain white and filled with down, while the duvet cover is the fabric envelope that fits over the duvet and closes down one side with large buttons, ties, or a zipper. The most popular style of bedding in much of Europe, duvets and their covers have also become very popular in the United States over the past decade or two. The duvet cover protects the inner comforter and is easy to remove for laundering, an improvement over traditional comforters and quilts, which are generally not easy to wash. In Europe, it is common to use the duvet without a top sheet underneath, but old habits die hard, and most Americans still use a duvet over a top sheet.
The warmth of a duvet depends on the type and amount of filling. In the summer, you can use the duvet cover on its own as a lightweight topper, then add extra blankets under the duvet when it’s cold. Duvet covers are now easy to find in a wide range of styles, especially if you are looking for a contemporary, luxury, or sophisticated look. Fabrics range from cotton to silk to synthetics and blends, sometimes with additional embroidery or other embellishments. Duvet covers are often sold with shams for a matched bedroom ensemble.
Pros
Especially good for minimalist, sophisticated, or modern bedrooms, they are a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to bother with a top sheet. You can also swap the cover out easily whenever you want to change the look of your bedroom.
Cons
While a duvet is cozy, it can be difficult to change the cover and you'll often have to purchase a cover separately.
The Spruce / Erica LangComforters
A comforter is defined as a thick bedding topper filled with down or a synthetic substitute. Many comforters are sewn-through or quilted to keep the filling in place, but unlike a quilt, a comforter’s stitching is not ornately patterned. The amount and type of fill determine how much warmth a comforter provides. Probably the most popular type of bedding topper in the U.S., you can find comforters in just about any theme, color, style, or design you desire. Cotton, cotton blends, and synthetics are the most common fabrics. Comforters are usually warm enough to use without a blanket underneath. Often, you'll find comforters sold as a set with matching shams.
Pros
Comforters are especially good for children’s bedrooms, as you can find a wide range of comforter/sheet sets in a bag for kids’ rooms. They are also a good choice if you are shopping on a tight budget.
Cons
Comforters can be difficult to clean and unlike a duvet, you can't just change the cover. If you want a new style/aesthetic down the road, you'll have to buy a whole new comforter.
The Spruce / Erica LangQuilts
A quilt is a type of blanket that is often handmade, with intricately crafted layers. The term quilt comes with lots of nostalgic connotations in addition to defining a type of bedding, and quilting refers to an artistic endeavor as well as a style of manufacturing.
A traditional handmade quilt has three layers: top, inner batting, and bottom. The top layer of a quilt is crafted from many different pieces of fabric stitched together into complex patterns. The batting is a thin inner layer of wool or down, and the bottom is usually a solid piece of fabric. The quilter stitches through all three layers, creating the familiar quilted look of this very old art form. Some of the traditional American quilt designs include a double wedding ring, log cabin, patchwork, and flying geese. Quilt color schemes can be very bright and varied, or a mix of subtle colors, or a colored pattern on a white or solid background.
Today, inexpensive quilts are generally made with sewing machines, not quilted by hand, and the patterns are sometimes dyed onto the fabric instead of pieced together with fabric scraps.
Pros
Quilts are usually made from cotton or cotton blends and are lightweight, thus perfect for summer use or as a winter topper with blankets underneath. They can also add a pop of color to a space and work especially well in country, rustic, coastal, or any other casual decorating style.
Cons
Quilts can be difficult to wash and may not provide enough warmth. They make a great addition to a bed, but on their own may not be enough.
The Spruce / Erica LangBedspreads
A bedspread is a single-layer bedding topper that covers the entire bed right down to the floor and often covers the pillows as well. Many bedspreads have elaborate pompom, corduroy, or chenille finishes, and some have fringe along the bottom edges. Solid colors are most common, although there are printed bedspreads available.
Pros
Bedspreads are lightweight, so can be a great option for summer use, or used over a blanket in cooler weather to add additional warmth. They are easy to use and can be a good choice for guest rooms, or for any bedroom with a retro style.
Cons
Although you still commonly find bedspreads in hotels, they are somewhat out of fashion for home use.
The Spruce / Erica LangHow to Choose the Best Bedding
Choosing the right bedding will depend on factors including the time of year, number of layers on your bed, as well as your preferred nighttime temperature. During the summer, you may want to opt for a thin, lightweight bedspread, particularly if you're in a hot climate. In the winter, a cozy down comforter or a synthetic fiber-filled substitute is a great choice to keep you warm. Duvets and quilts are layers that can be used throughout the seasons. Choose a duvet for an extra layer of fluffy comfort or a quilt for a lightweight layer.
FAQ
Is a duvet thicker than a quilt?
A duvet is fluffy and voluminous, often filled with down or a synthetic alternative, so it is thicker than a quilt. However, a quilt tends to be thinner and denser, making it a heavier layer.
Can I use my comforter as a duvet?
Yes, you can typically use any comforter in a duvet cover. A standard comforter may not have inner tabs that attach to a cover, but it will still generally function the same as a duvet.
Why do you put a duvet over a comforter?
While most comforters are designed to be used on their own, duvet inserts are made to be put inside of a duvet cover, which is a fabric envelope that covers the entire duvet. Typically, duvet inserts, while similar to comforters, are slightly more voluminous.