Basic Parts of Bedding | Peacock Alley

Before you can build a luxurious bedding set, you need to know about the different bedding parts. To help you, we’ve put together a handy guide about the basic parts of bedding and each piece's role. We’ll guide you through selecting the right pieces for your preferences and style and discuss how to maintain and care for them. Let’s begin.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

The Essential Parts of a Bed Set

Mattress Protectors and Toppers

Mattress protectors shield your mattress from dirt, sweat, and allergens. They come in a wide range of materials, including cotton, down, wool, polyester, and vinyl. Some also have waterproofing, cooling elements, and hypoallergenic properties. Which type you choose will depend on your sleeping preferences and household needs. If you want to add extra cushion to your mattress, consider choosing a mattress topper instead.

Pillows

A standard bedding setup has a mix of bed pillows and throw pillows. Bed pillows are your main sleeping pillows and play an essential part in how well you sleep at night, so you’ll want to choose pillows that fit your sleeping style and position (i.e., back, side, or stomach).

For example, a quality down pillow, like Peacock Alley’s white goose-down pillow, often appeals to many styles. (Plus, it’s responsibly sourced and incredibly soft.)

If you prefer firmer support, opt for duck feathers mixed with down. And for an allergen-free alternative, go with a down-alternative pillow made of luxe fibers that offer the same loftiness of down.

Sheets

There are three main types of sheets: fitted, flat, and pillowcases.

A fitted sheet hugs your mattress tightly, keeps everything in place, and adds extra protection and softness. While some consider flat sheets an optional layer, they add a layer of warmth and help keep your duvet or coverlet clean. And finally, pillowcases protect your skin and keep your pillow fresh.

The type of material you choose for your sheets will depend on factors like allergies, sleeping temperature, and texture preferences.

Blankets, Duvets & Comforters

Blankets are single-layered and come in various levels of thickness, which can be ideal if you’re looking for a lighter layer. Comforters and duvets, on the other hand, offer more insulation and are great for sleepers who need extra warmth. They have two layers of fabric (like cotton, wool, down, or silk) with a filling between those layers.

But how exactly do comforters and duvets differ from each other? The main characteristic that sets them apart is that a comforter is one part, and a duvet is two: an insert and a cover. Duvet inserts and comforters made of down are known for being extremely soft, breathable, and durable. But if you suffer from allergies or need a more budget-friendly option, a quality down alternative is also a great choice.

Whether filled with the finest European goose down or our Dacron® down alternative, Peacock Alley’s duvet inserts can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Coverlets, Bedspreads, and Quilts

Coverlets, or bedspreads, are an added layer of bedding for decoration and warmth. They’re also a good top cover in warmer climates. Meanwhile, quilts are heavier and ideal for colder nights since they have three layers: a top sheet, inner batting, and a bottom sheet.

Bed Skirts

Bed skirts use stylish fabric to conceal your bed’s box spring or foundation. Since they hang down, they’re also great for hiding the space underneath your bed. If you want something that only stretches over the foundation, consider a box spring cover.

How to Select the Appropriate Design and Style for Your Bedroom

Now that you know the basic breakdown of bedding parts, it’s time to make the style of your bedroom all your own. That’s where decorative pieces and accessories come into play. Finishing touches like pillow shams, throw pillows, and throw blankets can make your bed look stylish and feel luxurious. Added comforts like a wedge or body pillow can also elevate your sleeping experience.

Optional Add-ons and Accessories

Caring for Your Bedding Components

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Switch out your sheets and pillow covers every one to two weeks — sooner if they need refreshing. Duvet inserts and pillows, however, can be washed less frequently, like every three or so months, or whenever there’s an accident or a stain.

When it comes to decorative pillows and throws, carefully follow the care instructions and spot clean when needed.

To prolong the life of your linens, consider line-drying your luxurious bedding sets. This also saves energy and makes the material smell fresh and clean.

Proper Storage for Bedding

To protect against mildew and sour odors, wait until your bedding is completely dry before folding and putting it away. (You’ll also want to avoid damp storage areas.)

Keep your items in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation.

When to Replace Bedding

To maintain good bedroom hygiene, replace your bedding essentials regularly. A good rule of thumb? Swap out your pillows every year and your bedding every 18 to 24 months.

Final Thoughts on Bedding and Bedding Parts

Understanding the basic parts of bedding is the first step in creating the bedroom of your dreams. Now that you know the essentials, you can evaluate your current bedding and make necessary adjustments. And Peacock Alley is here to help each step of the way.

With over 40 years of experience creating luxurious bedding, we’ve curated an opulent collection that’s both modern and classic. From decorative dust ruffles to the finest European goose-down duvets, Peacock Alley offers high-end bedding to enhance your design style and complement the bedroom of your dreams.

If you’re new to buying bedding, the different terms can be kind of confusing. Worry not, here are some basic terms to get you putting your best foot forward when you're looking for what you need!

Duvet cover sets

A duvet cover set typically includes a duvet cover and one or two pillowcases, depending on the size of the duvet cover. Typically, a toddler and single set will include one matching pillow, and a double, king and super king will include two matching pillowcases. The pillowcases are usually for standard size pillows.

Shop duvet cover sets.

Pillowcases

A pillowcase is a cloth cover for your pillow. There are a number of different types, including housewife and oxford pillowcases.

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Sheets

Both flat sheets and fitted sheets are a piece of cloth designed to go on top of your mattress to protect it and to feel soft as you sleep on it. A fitted sheet has elasticated edges or corners, to help you make your bed quickly and easily. A flat sheet does not have elasticated edges, but gives a neat look when tucked in.

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Pillow shams

These are decorative pillowcases that are not designed to be slept on, but are an aesthetic addition to your bed. Discover more in our 'what is a pillow sham?' blog post.

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Throws

Typically a smaller blanket, a throw is a stylish piece of fabric designed to look good and add a layer of warmth.

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Cushions 

A cushion is a bag of cloth stuffed with soft material – we use polyester and feather filling. They are both decorative and practical, adding style, colour and pattern to your bed but also making it more comfortable.

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Bedspreads 

A large blanket designed to cover your entire bed, layered on top of your duvet cover. They’re typically styled folded to reveal a duvet cover underneath. Get into the detail of what the difference is between bedspreads, throws and blankets. 

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The way your fabric is woven has different effects on the final product. 

Percale

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Huayan.

Percale is a tight, criss-cross weave pattern. It creates a smooth, matte finish with a crisp finish.

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Brushed Cotton

Brushed cotton is, as the name suggests, cotton that has been brushed. It’s rubbed with a steel brush to bring up fine fibres, making it even softer than it was before. Brushed cotton is the perfect option for cosy wintertime bedding.

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Tufted

Tufted fabric is fabric where cut strands or loops have been pushed through the weave to form a pile. Designs are created this way as you can create everything from waves and dots to Christmas trees and skulls.

Shop tufted cotton bedding.

Sateen

Sateen sheets are made from cotton fibres that have been mercerized and then weaved in a satin weave. This means that they have a beautifully glossy finish.

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The fun bit! The design printed or woven into your duvet cover or bed sheet will help you create the bedroom of your dreams.

Floral

Florals can come in such a wide range of shapes and sizes that it’s hard to define. Go for big colourful blooms to make an impact, or ditsy little flowers for a more country style look.

Shop floral duvet cover sets.

Geometric

Go graphic with sharp lines and shapes. Whether it’s tufted chevrons, harlequin triangles or a honeycomb design, there’s lots to choose from.

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Abstract

Prefer something less uniform? Take a look at abstract patterns instead. From terrazzo to tie dye, you don’t have to fit into the mould with this design.

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Striped

Striped bedding is perfect for minimal and scandi spaces, especially in neutral colour palettes.

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Jungle

Want to turn your bedroom into a tropical paradise? Then you’ll need leafy prints, exotic animals and bright blooms.

Shop jungle duvet cover sets.

Animal

Love tigers? Monkeys? Forest critters? Whatever your fave, there’s an animal duvet cover for you that will perfectly match the rest of your home décor style too.

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Plain

Sometimes, a punchy plain is all you need. Going for a high end hotel vibe? You’ll need white bedding. Want to indulge in texture? Plain dye is the perfect way to go for a waffle texture or super soft fleece.

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Did you know? We design + make our duvet cover sets in house. Go behind the scenes and find our how in our blog post!

The final bits to make your bed the star of the room. 

Cushions

No bed is complete without cushions! Whether you’re the pile ‘em high type or the perfectly placed, symmetrical type, cushions are a must have. They let you add even more colour, pattern and texture to your bed – and, bonus! You can change them out quickly and easily for a refreshed look.

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Throws

Layer up your bed with throws for a comfy cosy feel. Drape them over the corner of your bed, lie them flat or even layer a couple. Feeling inspired? Check out 5 ways to style throws in your home.

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Bedspreads

Big enough to cover the entire bed, a bedspread can make your bed feel put together in no time. Bigger than a throw, they’re perfect for layering on top of your duvet cover for extra snuggliness.

Shop bedspreads.

thumbnail and cover image credit: @my.interior.tales | products: stonehouse duvet cover set, jagger cushions.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Bedding Sets.