Types Of Bedding

If you’ve ever looked into bedding, you’ll have come away with one overwhelming sensation - bewilderment. The world of bedding is a rabbit hole you didn’t know existed. In this article, we will try to break it down and lay it out as simply as possible…

From shams and quilts to flat sheets and comforters, here is a breakdown of bedding types.

Let's get started!

What Is Bedding?

Bedding refers to pretty much anything put on a bed or mattress. It includes the obvious things like bedsheets and pillows, but also includes more niche items such as shams (I promise to explain what this is later) and bed skirts.

Before we dive into the different types of bedding, let's talk about why all this matters and why this information is worth knowing for the future.

The Benefits Of Good Bedding

The wrong type of bedding can have a seriously negative effect on your sleep. Bedsheets made of synthetic fibres can often be coarse and irritate your skin, thus exacerbating any existing skin conditions you might already have.

Poor quality bedding can also cause overheating, resulting in sweaty sleepless nights as well as dehydration in the mornings. Being overly warm whilst sleeping will often cause individuals to toss, turn and throw off their sheets as they search for a bit of coolness and comfort.

You might find yourself compensating for these restless nights by taking on fluids before sleeping - forcing you to wake up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks.

Furthermore, poor bedding can have the opposite effect and not provide enough heat as the synthetic fibres provide limited insulation properties.

Duvet

The most obvious example of bedding! It consists of soft fabric often filled with synthetic materials or feathers, and is covered by a duvet cover.

Comforter

A comforter is a thinner version of a duvet. It is designed to lay on top of other bedding to provide greater warmth in the winter, but is not as soft as a duvet.

Fitted Sheets

Often known as a ‘bottom sheet’, these are sheets meant to fit tightly around the mattress and are what people sleep on.

At some point in our lives, we’ve all slept on scratchy bedsheets. Not for me. Invest in these, and you’ll be a lot happier in the mornings!

Flat Sheets

These sheets go over a fitted sheet. They are designed to leave both the top and bottom open. This is to provide greater insulation and protection to the bottom sheet.

In warmer climates, a flat sheet can replace a duvet, being used as the blanket and primary covering.

Quilts

Quilted blankets are interchangeable with a comforter, but are usually not as warm or comfortable.

Mattress Cover

Designed to protect and encase the mattress, mattress covers prevent dust mites, spills or mould from causing damage.

Anti-microbial covers are also available to provide optimal protection against allergens, and are a must-have for those with sensitivities.

Pillows

A little obvious to note, but pillows are what we notice most when getting some rest.

There are two types of pillows, sleeping pillows and throw pillows, i.e. decorative and practical pillows. Decorative pillows often come with shams: decorative coverings that often possess trims, flanges and cording.

Tips And Tricks

Now that we know our shams from our quilts, let’s talk through a few tips and tricks for when you choose your bedding.

The highest priority on your list should be comfort. The material and weave are the primary underlying factors for the quality and comfort of your bedding.

Thread counts refer to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. They can range from anywhere between 100 - 1000.

In most cases, the higher the thread count, the softer the bedding.

A thread count of 100 is coarse to the touch and can cause irritation. However, a thread count towards 1000 will often set you back a significant amount of money, with the quality not justifying the price.

Most sleep and bedding experts (they exist!) recommend a thread count of around 300-400 - which is both comfortable and price-conscious.

Think breathability! The second most important factor is if your bedding will keep you at your preferred temperature.

If you’re a hot sleeper, then you should be placing greater emphasis on more breathable fabrics. If you sleep cold, you will likely want to obtain at least one synthetic bedding layer, which will help insulate you from the cold weather.

Lastly, allergies. If you’ve found that you are particularly sensitive to mites, it is possible to get bedding with antimicrobial properties. Invest in these for a much better night’s sleep.

Closing Thoughts

This article has been a whistle-stop tour of the world of bedding and is by no means an exhaustive list. Nevertheless, I hope it provides some clarity when you’re next standing in the middle of the bedding section.