Photo by Mark Lund

Familiarize yourself with these bedding terms and you'll be able to choose your linens like a pro.

Bed Skirt

An outer bed accessory that covers the box spring and hangs to the floor, also known as a dust ruffle

Duvet/Comforter Cover

An easy and affordable way to change the look of your bed or protect a down comforter

Euro Sham

A square pillow sham that is larger than the traditional sham and sits directly behind it on the bed 

Flannel

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

Knit

Plain cotton linens that are also known 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

Percale

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, with fine, extra-long fibers create a soft fabric

Sateen

A unique weave that gives sheets a lsheen 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

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-- The Nest Editors

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