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The Anatomy of a Well Made Bed

Bedding Checklist by author Meghan Carter

  • The basic bedding terms.
  • The 5 types of bed coverings.
  • The difference between a pillowcase and a pillow sham.
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The following is a list of common bedding pieces. Before shopping for a new bedding set or bedding ensemble, put a number in each box for how many of each item you will need. If you don't want a certain item, leave the box blank or cross it out. 


Bed skirts are used in conjunction with bed covers that don't reach the floor.

  • A bed skirt goes between the mattress and box springs, and hangs all the way down to the floor. It covers the box springs and the space between the bed and the floor.


Sheets form the base of bedding. They are used to cover the mattress and add warmth when sleeping.

  • A bottom sheet is used to cover the mattress. It has elastic on the edges and is characteristically more difficult to fold.
  • A top sheet is placed on top of the bottom sheet. It lies flat, and is used to add extra warmth. When a duvet cover is used in a bedding ensemble, a top sheet is not always needed.


Bed coverings are used to dress up the top of a bed and they generally come in five types: coverlets, blankets, duvets, comforters and bedspreads.

  • A coverlet is a thin decorative bed cover that gives a bed a smooth, finished look, doesn't cover the pillows and doesn't hang to the floor.
  • A bedspread is a thin decorative bed cover that covers the pillows and hangs all the way down to the floor.
  • A blanket or throw is smaller than typical bed coverings and is often used as an accent or for added warmth.
  • A duvet cover is a decorative covering that goes around a comforter. It's open at one end and can easily be taken off to be washed.
  • A comforter is a bed cover stuffed with fiber and sewn together on all four sides.


Pillows are used to add color and texture to bedding, while also making the bed more comfortable.

  • A Euro or Continental pillow is large and square in shape. It's often positioned behind the other pillows as a backdrop and can be used to sit against.
  • A sleeping pillow is rectangular and medium in size. It's used for sleeping, hence the name.
  • A decorative pillow is small in size and can be a variety of shapes. Its sole purpose is too look pretty by adding color and texture to your bed.
  • A bolster is a tubular pillow that can vary greatly in size. Like decorative pillows, it's primarily for aesthetics.
  • A pillowcase is a pillow covering with an opening on the side.
  • A pillow sham is a pillow covering that has a decorative flange on all four sides and has an opening on its back as opposed to its side. Pillow shams look more polished than pillowcases.



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