Linen Lingo

From percal to pima cotton, check out this guide to bedding basics.

Get hip to this bedding banter and you'll be able to choose your linens like a pro.

Bed Skirt

Outer bed accessory that covers the box spring and hangs to the floor. Also known as a dust ruffle.

Duvet/Comforter Cover

Like a pillowcase for a comforter, this is an easy and affordable way to change the look of your bed or protect a down comforter.

European Sham

A square pillow sham that is larger than the traditional sham and sits directly behind it on the bed. Also called a "Euro Sham," it fits a European-size square pillow. Layer a pair of Euros with a pair of standard shams for a chic designer look.

Flannel

Often all-cotton, with a napped surface that produces a soft, fuzzy sheet.

Knit

Plain cotton linens are also know as Jersey or T-shirt sheets.

Neck Roll

A small, cylinder-shaped, decorative pillow.

Matelasse

A lightweight, woven fabric with a quilted look that is often used for coverlets or bedspreads.

Percal

A fabric with at least a 180 thread count, with a plain weave.

Pillow Sham

A decorative pillow cover with a ruffled or tailored outer edge
that is placed over a pillowcase.

Pima Cotton

The highest quality of cotton available. Its fine, extra-long
fibers create a softer, more lustrous fabric.

Sateen

A unique weave that gives sheets a lustrous sheen and silky feel
that resembles satin.

Thread Count

The number of threads woven into each square inch of cloth. The higher the count, the softer, finer, and more luxurious the fabric. Quality linen thread counts start at 200.

Universal Fitted

A fitted sheet large enough to cover a mattress up to 15" deep with elastic sewn around the entire bottom of the sheet.

-- The Nest Editors

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