Bedding Buying Guide
5 min read
From sizes and styles to fabrics and weaves, you’ll find everything you need to know about bedding in our guide.
The average person spends a third of their life sleeping, so your bed really is worth the investment. But with all the different options, from percale to polycotton to pillowcases, it can be confusing, and that’s where we come in. You’ll find everything you need to know in our handy guide. Once you read it, you’ll never mess up bedding again.
Bedding basics.
If you’re just starting out shopping for bedding, the different terms can be a little confusing. Don’t worry, here are some basic terms to help you do your best when finding what you’re looking for!
quilt set
A duvet cover set usually includes a duvet cover and one or two pillowcases, depending on the size of the duvet cover. Typically toddler sets and single sets will include a matching pillow, while double, king and super king-size beds will include two matching pillowcases. Pillowcases usually fit standard size pillows.
pillowcase
Pillowcases are cloth covers for pillows. There are many different types, including housewife pillowcases and oxford pillowcases.
sheet
Both a fitted sheet and a fitted sheet are a piece of cloth designed to be layered over a mattress to protect it and keep you soft while you sleep. The fitted sheet has elastic around the edges or corners to help you make your bed quick and easy. Flat sheets don’t have elastic edges, but they look neat when tucked in.
pillowcase
These decorative shams are not designed for sleeping on, but to add beauty to your bed.
blanket
A throw is usually a smaller throw that is a stylish fabric designed to look good and add a layer of warmth.
cushion
The cushion is a bag of cloth stuffed with a soft material – we used polyester and feather stuffing. They are both decorative and functional, adding style, color and pattern to your bed while also making it more comfortable.
bedspread
A large blanket that covers your entire bed, layered over the duvet cover. They usually have a fold-over design to reveal the duvet cover underneath. Learn more about the difference between comforter, throw and blanket.
size.
All of our duvet covers and sheets comply with British Standards:
| Name | quilt cover set | Floor shade | flat | Quilt |
| toddler | 120×150cm | 70×140×15cm | – | – |
| single | 137×200cm | 90×190×32 cm | 180 x 254 cm | 135×198×5cm |
| double | 200×200 cm | 135×190×32 cm | 230 x 265 cm | 198×198×5cm |
| king | 230×220cm | 150×200×32 | 275×275cm | 228×219×5cm |
| super king | 260×220cm | 180×200×32 cm | 305 x 275 cm | 260×220×5cm |
fabric.
What are bedding made of? We hear your cries. Well, it can be made of different fabrics, different weaving methods. Below are some of the most popular.
cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular bedding fabrics for many reasons. It’s breathable, soft, comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic – the list goes on!
polyester cotton
Polycotton is perfect for busy families. It’s made from a polyester and soft cotton blend, giving you the best of both worlds. The poly-cotton fabric is easy to clean, dries quickly and doesn’t require extensive ironing.
Linen
Linen is durable, temperature-regulating, and soft. It even gets softer when you wash it – plus, it doesn’t need ironing! Embrace its natural relaxed, wrinkled look.
weave.
The way the fabric is woven has different effects on the final product.
Percale
A percale is a tight, intersecting weave pattern. It creates a smooth, matte and refreshing finish.
Brushed cotton
Brushed cotton, as the name suggests, is cotton that has been brushed. Rub it with a steel brush to create fine fibers and make it softer than before. Brushed cotton is the perfect choice for cozy winter bedding.
tufted
A tufted fabric is a fabric in which cut strands or loops are pushed into the weave to form pile. Designs are created this way, as you can create everything from waves and polka dots to Christmas trees and skulls.
rain
Satin sheets are made from cotton fibers that have been mercerized and then woven with a satin weave. They have a beautiful glossy finish.
Threads.
The thread count of a fabric is the number of threads woven into one square inch. Hypothetically, the more yarn (and thus the higher the yarn count), the softer and finer the yarn, the softer, stronger, smoother and thicker the fabric. In theory, the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the bedding and the more comfortable your bed will be.
However, this does not always translate as it can be easily manipulated.
style.
Interestingly! Designs printed or woven onto duvet covers or sheets will help you create the bedroom of your dreams.
floral
Flowers come in so many shapes and sizes that they can be difficult to define. Choose large, colorful blooms for impact, or smaller ones for a more rustic look.
geometric
Graphically use sharp lines and shapes. Whether it’s a tufted chevron, a harlequin triangle or a honeycomb design, there are options.
Abstract
Prefer something less uniform? Instead, look at abstract patterns. From terrazzo to tie-dye, you don’t have to put it in a mold.
striped
Striped bedding is perfect for minimalist and Scandi spaces, especially in neutral tones.
jungle
Want to turn your bedroom into a tropical paradise? Then you need leafy patterns, exotic animals and bright flowers.
animal
Do you like tigers? monkey? Forest critters? No matter what your preference, there’s an animal duvet cover that’s right for you, and one that also coordinates well with the rest of your home decor.
clearly
Sometimes all you need is a vibrant plain. Want to experience the atmosphere of a high-end hotel? You need white bedding. Want to indulge in texture? Solid color dyes are perfect for a waffle texture or super soft fleece.
did you know? We design and make our duvet cover sets in-house. Go behind the scenes and find out how we do it in our blog post!
Finishing touches.
The finishing touches that make your bed the star of the room.
cushion
No bed is complete without a cushion! Whether you’re the stacked type or the perfectly symmetrical type, mats are a must-have. They allow you to add more color, pattern and texture to your bed – and, as an added bonus! You can quickly and easily replace them for a fresh new look.
blanket
Throw a blanket over your bed for a cozy and cozy feel. Hang them over the corner of your bed, lay them flat or even stack them several times. Feeling inspired?
bedspread
The comforter is large enough to cover the entire bed and will make your bed feel assembled in no time. Larger than a blanket, they’re perfect for layering over a duvet cover for extra comfort.
