A Guide to Essential Parts of Bedding

Making a bed is more than just laying a crisp bed sheet and fluffing pillows. Understanding the essential parts of a bed set can make all the difference in a restful night's sleep. 

Each layer of the bed, from the firm mattress to the different layers of cozy linens, plays an important role in creating a comfortable and restful sleep environment. By choosing the right parts and order of a bed set, you can create a personalized sleep experience that will have you slipping into a slumber. 

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate through the different parts of bedding, from duvet covers to bed sheets and everything in between. 

Bed Anatomy: How to Make A Bed

Bed Sheet

A bed sheet is the first layer of any comfortable bed. It provides a soft and smooth layer to lay on while protecting the mattress. They also come in different sizes to fit every mattress size, such as single bed sheet size, double bed sheet size, full bed sheet size, queen size bed sheets, and king bed sheets.

Fitted bed sheets, a key component in Crate and Barrel’s sheet sets, have elastic edges ensuring the sheet wraps snugly around the mattress, reducing the chances of it slipping off at night. They are a great option for those who move around a lot in their sleep or have thicker mattresses that need a secure fit.

On the other hand, a flat bed sheet lays flat on top of the fitted sheet with edges that can be tucked under the mattress. Using a flat sheet is optional but it still prevents dirtying your duvet and acts like a cool cover during warm nights.

While there are various materials to choose from, organic cotton bed sheets remain the popular choice for their natural breathability and softness. Linen bed sheet sets have natural temperature-regulating properties, while hemp fiber sheets offer an environmentally friendly alternative.

Duvet

After the fitted sheet and flat sheet is the duvet, a soft, flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, or synthetic fibers that provide warmth and comfort. Also called duvet inserts, duvets come in a variety of options like hypoallergenic and lightweight materials to cater to your sleep needs.

To keep your duvet clean and dust-free, duvet cover sets are used like a giant pillowcase. They are made from various materials and designs, each offering a different touch of comfort and style like cotton and linen. The cover is easily removable and machine washable, making it a convenient choice for maintaining a fresh, clean bed.

Comforter

A comforter is a soft layer of bedding that provides insulation and warmth, especially during colder nights. It comes in various fillings such as down, synthetic fibers, wool, or polyester, catering to diverse preferences and room temperatures. 

Bed comforter sets have a range of warmth levels based on their fill power and weight. A lightweight comforter with 400 or below fill power is best for light sleepers and warm nights because it keeps things airy. For those seeking a versatile option, a comforter with 400 to 600 fill power works well all year round. And for cold nights, a warmer comforter with over 600 to 800 fill power is perfect for cold conditions.

Duvet vs Comforter

One common source of confusion for many people is the difference between a duvet and a comforter. While both provide warmth and comfort, duvets are soft, flat bags filled with down, feathers, wool, or synthetic fibers, and comforters are usually thicker and fluffier than duvets.

Coverlet

A coverlet is a lightweight and decorative layer placed on top of the duvet or comforter. While it acts like a blanket, coverlets are not to be confused with blankets or quilts. This bedspread is mostly used as a finishing touch to your bedding, adding texture and style to your bedroom. Coverlets are made using a variety of materials such as cotton, linen, or synthetic blends, making them durable and easy to wash.

Quilts & Blankets

Bed quilts and blankets are essential for a warm, stylish bedroom. Recognized by stitched patterns, a quilt provides more warmth than coverlets but with a thinner design than duvets or comforters. Made up of three layers—a top sheet, inner batting, and a bottom sheet, the quilt features varying patchwork and appliqué. 

Meanwhile, throw blankets—typically woven or knitted, are decorative bedding essentials often designed with trimmed or fringed edges. Quilts are often made from cotton or polyester for varying warmth, while blankets range from cozy wool to light cotton, suitable for different seasons. 

Pillowcases & Shams

Pillowcases and shams safeguard your pillows and add a decorative touch to your bedroom ensemble. While pillowcases primarily serve a functional purpose by keeping the pillows clean and protected from oils and dirt, pillow shams are also designed for aesthetic appeal, often matching your quilts and blankets. They come in standard size, king size, and euro size, fitting snugly over pillows used for sleeping, and in unique designs for an attractive bed display.

From the silky smoothness of satin to the rustic charm of linen, the fabric choices on the pillow shams can significantly influence the room’s ambiance. Cotton is popular for its breathability, while materials like bamboo or silk offer a luxuriant feel. Pillow shams typically feature more intricate patterns or textures, mirroring the stitched patterns of quilts or the weave of blankets, ensuring both comfort and style meet on your bed.

Understanding the essential parts of bedding can help you create a comfortable and restful sleep in your bedroom. From the snug fit of the right bed sheet size to the plush pillows, each layer plays an essential role in the perfect bed setup. 

So, invest in good quality bedding from Crate and Barrel Philippines. We offer a wide variety of high-quality and stylish bedding options, from bed sheets to pillowcases. Layer sheets from the same collection for a cohesive look or mix and match different designs to put together your dream oasis. For the ultimate bedding solutions that transform your sleep experience, our collection features a range of fabrics and designs that cater to your comfort and design preferences.