Absorbency - The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. An important property for towels, it affects characteristics such as skin comfort, shrinkage and water repellency.

Antibacterial - Refers to fabric that is either created or treated with an antibacterial agent. An antibacterial treatment makes the fabric resistant to microorganisms and inhibits their growth.

Appliqué - A stitched piece that is applied (usually sewn or embroidered) onto another piece of fabric as a decorative element.

Baffle-Box Construction - Design in which fabric walls are sewn in between the top and bottom of a comforter. This allows for better loft and more even distribution of fill. It also prevents fill from bunching and shifting, keeping it in place.

Bamboo - A natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass. Bamboo fabric is light, strong and known for its sustainability and excellent wicking properties. Bamboo is often blended with cotton to create items such as throws and blankets.

Basket Weave - A plain woven variation with a texture resembling a weave commonly found in baskets.

Bath Mat - An absorbent covering used to stand on when coming out of the bath or shower. Bath mats have rubber backing, tend to be plush and come in a variety of sizes.

Bath Sheet - Similar to but larger than a bath towel. Used for drying after a bath or shower. Not included in towel sets.

Bath Towel - Longer than it is wide and quite larger than a hand towel. Used for drying after a bath or shower.

Batik - A unique repeating pattern created by strategically preventing dye to penetrate fabric during the dyeing process, creating multicolored and blended patterns. The term can be used to describe either the resulting fabric design or the dyeing method itself.

Batting - Cotton, wool or synthetic fiber used as a fill or an lining for quilts.

Bed Frame - Usually made of metal or wood, the frame holds a bed’s foundation and maintains the headboard and footboard.

Bed Riser - A separate set of blocks or cones placed under a bed to raise it higher off the floor.

Bed Set - Bedding ensemble usually consisting of a 3- or 4-piece sheet set. Twin sheet sets include a flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcase, while full and larger sizes include 2 pillowcases. Shams, decorative pillows or a bedskirt can be added to form a larger set.

Bed Scarf - Decorative fabric accessory that drapes across the bottom of a comforter or other bed covering.

Bedding - A general term describing sheets, pillows, comforters and other accessories used on a bed.

Bedskirt - Also called a dust ruffle, this decorative fabric accessory includes a flat top fabric that goes between the mattress and box spring with a skirt that drops to the floor on 3 sides. Can be straight, ruffled or pleated and is good for concealing items under the bed.

Bedspread - A decorative topper that covers the bed and reaches to the floor at the foot and sides.

Binding - Durable trim on certain bedding items.

Blanket - A woven bed cover used for warmth.

Blend - A fabric weave made of 2 or more fibers.

Boudoir Pillow - A decorative pillow, also known as a breakfast or oblong pillow, placed on a bed to create a decorative effect such as height, fullness or pattern coordination.

Box Spring - A bed foundation with spring coils that is placed under the mattress for extra support.

Box Spring Cover - Elasticized cover that fully wraps around the box spring and has no drop.

Box stitch - A stitch with a crisscross or checkerboard pattern. Good for keeping fill of a comforter in place.

Broadcloth - Tightly woven fabric, usually made from cotton or a cotton blend, commonly used in quilting.

Calendering - A finishing process where fabric is pressed between rollers to create a smooth, shiny look.

Cambric Cotton - Closely woven, usually thin cotton treated to give off a slight gloss.

Canopy - A fabric covering suspended above a bed.

Canvas - A strong, durable, closely woven cotton fabric.

Carding - Method of cleaning fibers by separating them and laying them parallel.

Chamber - A wall of fabric sewn inside within a basic shell to create compartments that separate filled portions from each other. Often used in comforters to keep fill in place.

Channel Stitch - Stitching pattern in which rows are stitched along the length of a comforter to create channels to encase the fill. Also known as karo stitch.

Chenille - A fuzzy cotton fabric with protruding pile.

Chevron - A regular, repeated zigzag pattern formed by reversing the twill in the weaving process. Also known as herringbone.

Closed Construction - Comforter construction in which the filling does not move between chambers, such as in baffle box construction.

Coil - Spring used in a mattress and/or box spring to provide resistance to applied weight.

Colorfastness - A dyed fabric's ability to resist fading due to conditions such as washing and sun exposure.

Combed - Cotton treatment (combing) that reduces the number of uneven, short fibers in the fabric.

Comforter - Bed cover made of a filling stitched into an outer fabric shell. Smaller than a bedspread and larger than a coverlet, a comforter is placed over the sheets and spreads across the bed but does not cover pillows or hang to the floor.

Comforter Set - Bedding ensemble usually consisting of a comforter, pillow shams and a bedskirt. Larger sets might also include Euro shams, decorative pillows and window treatments.

Cotton - Natural fiber made from the cotton plant. Cotton is the softest and most breathable fabric and is known to draw moisture away from the skin. Types of cotton include cambric, Egyptian, Percale, Pima and Supima.

Convoluted Foam - A type of synthetic foam with patterned, raised fibers in such shapes as waves and boxes.

Coverlet - A lightweight bed cover that is usually quilted or appears quilted. Smaller and lighter than a comforter, it is normally used during warmer months.

Decorative Pillow - Accent pillow consisting of a shell or cover and fill. The fill may or may not be removed depending on how the pillow is made. Examples include boudoir pillow, square pillow and neckroll.

Down - Soft, fine feather fill, usually used in a comforter, featherbed or pillow. Available in different fill weights, high-quality comforters start at 550 fill power.

Down Alternative - Synthetic fill with insulating properties similar to down.

Drapes - Matching pair of fabric panels that hang from a curtain rod for privacy and/or decorative effect. Also known as window panels.

Drop - Commonly used in bedskirt and fitted sheet measurements, the drop refers to the length of the skirt measured from the box spring to the floor or the total width of a fitted sheet.

Duck - A tightly woven fabric with a durable finish, usually made of cotton.

Dust Ruffle - Also called a bedskirt, this decorative fabric accessory includes a flat top fabric that goes between the mattress and box spring with a skirt that drops to the floor on 3 sides. Can be straight, ruffled or pleated and is good for concealing items under the bed.

Duvet - A fabric shell that fits over a comforter. An opening at one end lets you insert the comforter and close the duvet using buttons, ties or zippers. Protective, decorative and easy to remove, duvets are a great way to preserve a comforter you like and change the look of your bedding by simply changing the cover.

Duvet Set - Bedding ensemble usually consisting of a decorative cover and matching/coordinating pillow shams. May also include a bedskirt.

Egyptian Cotton - The longest staple cotton, it is considered the finest grade, with a soft and luxurious hand.

Embossing - A process in which fabrics are engraved to produce a raised design on the surface.

Embroidery - Embellishment in which colored threads are sewn onto fabric to create a design, done either by hand or machine.

Euro Pillow - Large square pillow measuring 26” x 26”.

Euro Sham - Decorative covering for a Euro pillow. Measures 26" x 26".

Feathers - Plumage from waterfowl, such as goose or duck, used as filling material.

Featherbed - A soft, thick mattress topper filled with down or feathers.

Featherbed Cover - Large shell (similar to a duvet) used to protect a featherbed.

Fiber Bed - A soft, thick mattress topper filled with synthetic material.

Fill - Natural or synthetic material used to stuff bedding pieces such as comforters, pillows and mattress toppers.

Fill Power - Refers to the space (measured in cubic inches) that a single ounce of down fills. The higher the fill power, the warmer the comforter.

Fill Weight - Refers to the amount of material used to create the fill.

Firmness - Describes a mattress’ resistance to body weight and the resulting give.

Fitted Sheet - Sheet that covers the mattress and lies under the flat sheet. It has elasticized corners that provide a snug fit around the mattress. Also known as the bottom sheet.

Flange - Decorative fabric edging used often in shams.

Flannel - Known for its warmth and soft feel, this fabric is usually made from cotton and is especially popular during the winter months.

Flat Sheet - Sheet that lies between the fitted sheet and the bed cover. It can be tucked under the mattress at the sides and bottom. Also known as the top sheet.

Footboard - A board or panel that forms the foot of a bed.

Foundation - A non-coil base that supports the mattress and absorbs the weight and pressure applied to the bed.

Gimp - Narrow decorative fabric trim that is usually corded, braided or ribbon-like.

Gusset - Fabric insert that adds strength to edges and corners (for example, a seam).

Hand - Term for how a fabric feels to the touch (for example, soft, silky or crisp).

Headboard - A board or panel that forms the top of a bed.

Hemstitch - Decorative stitch along a hem, commonly used on sheets and pillowcases for a finished look that’s more durable.

Herringbone - A regular, repeated zigzag pattern formed by reversing the twill during weaving. Also known as chevron.

Hypoallergenic - A product that is largely allergen-free.

Ikat - Fabric composed of threads that are tie-dyed prior to weaving. The pattern ranges from simple to intricate.

Jacquard - Created by using the Jacquard attachment on a loom, it’s a fabric with a raised woven design, usually with an intricate, repeated pattern.

Jersey Knit - Commonly used for sheet sets; is also known as t-shirt cotton for its soft, shirt-like feel.

Kick Pleat - An inverted pleat. Commonly used on bedskirt corners to hide the legs of the bed frame.

Linen(s) - Overall term for textile items used to adorn a bed. Bed linen includes sheets, pillowcases, shams, quilts and more.

Loft - The height created by the depth of the filling material. Comforters with greater loft usually have a baffle box construction.

Matelassé - A weaving or stitching technique yielding a pattern that appears to be quilted or padded.

Mattress - The actual sleep surface of a bed; can be filled with coils or foam. Mattresses provide support and differ in comfort and firmness according to style.

Mattress Pad - Elasticized covering placed over and around a mattress.

Mattress Topper - A layer of support that lies on top of a mattress, for example, a featherbed, fiber bed or foam topper.

Memory Foam - A type of elastic, synthetic foam that molds to the shape of whatever surrounds it.

Mercerize - Treatment used to shrink fibers and thereby increase a fabric’s strength and luster.

Microfiber - A fine synthetic material with a soft feel.

Neckroll - Decorative pillow with a cylindrical shape.

Open Construction - Comforter construction in which the fill can move freely between chambers.

Percale Cotton - Closely woven, plain weave cotton with a thread count of 180 or above.

Pile - Defined by feel and/or density, pile varies according to the particular weave and the quantity and quality of fibers used. The term may also refer to pile fabrics such as velvet, and is commonly used to describe thickness of rugs.

Pilling - Small round nubs of matted fiber created when fibers are loosened from the fabric surface. These soft balls most often appear after washing.

Pillow - Used for head support, a pillow has a fabric shell with natural or synthetic fill. Pillows vary in size, firmness, fabric, fill and design, and are available in down, down alternative, foam and other materials.

Pillow Protector - Pillow cover, usually zippered, used as a protective covering. The protector encases the pillow; the pillowcase then covers the protector.

Pillowcase - Functional covering for a pillow, with an opening at one end to insert and remove the pillow.

Pima Cotton - Soft, medium staple-length type of American-bred Egyptian cotton. Trademarked name is Supima®.

Piqué - Cotton or blended fabric of medium weight with an embossed check-like pattern and texture.

Plain Weave - The most basic of weaves; features one thread over one thread.

Ply - Fabric element based on single- or double-yarn construction. Single-ply is higher in quality than two-ply.

Polyester - Synthetic fiber that is durable, non-breathable, wrinkle- and shrink-resistant.

Polyurethane - A type of synthetic, flexible foam.

Print - Created using various color transfer methods to form a pattern that transfers to the fabric.

Quilt - Bed cover in which a layer of fill is placed between 2 fabric layers and then stitched into a specific pattern or design to hold the layers in place. A piece may be quilted only on the face or fully quilted through all 3 layers.

Quilt Set - Bedding ensemble that usually consists of a quilt and 2 quilted shams. Larger sets might include coordinating decorative pillows.

Rayon - A natural textile that is created from wood pulp and features a soft hand.

Ruffle - A gathered fabric often seen in bedskirts and sometimes as the flange on shams and decorative pillows. Quantity of fabric used determines fullness.

Sateen - A weave that provides a subtle sheen resembling satin; gives cotton a soft, smooth hand.

Satin - Fabric whose weave creates a lustrous, shiny surface.

Scalloped Edge - A repetitive curved border.

Sham - Decorative covering for a pillow.

Sheet Set - Bedding set that includes 1 flat sheet and 1 fitted sheet, and 1 or 2 pillowcases, depending on mattress size.

Sleep Set - General term that describes the combination of foundation, mattress, headboard, footboard and bed frame.

Square Pillow - Decorative pillow with the same length and width, creating a square shape that often measures in a 16” or 18” square. Used in bedding to give a decorative effect such as height, fullness or pattern coordination.

Supima® - Derived from the term “superior pima,” Supima cotton has a very long fiber that provides a smoother feel than most types of cotton. Only certain manufacturers and retailers are granted license to use the name.

Support - Refers to a mattress’ stability and how it distributes body weight.

Synthetic - Manmade material.

Thread Count - The number of threads in one square inch of cloth. A high thread count results in a finer weave and can increase durability.

Throw - Similar to, but smaller than a blanket, a throw is lightweight and one size. It can be functional or decorative.

Ticking - Closely woven, durable fabric often used for mattresses and pillow coverings.

Tieback - A length of fabric or other material tied around a window panel to hold back drapes.

Toile - Design featuring a white or off-white background with a repeated, frequently pastoral-themed pattern in a single color—usually black, blue or dark red.

Trim - Refers to the edging on a bedding item (for example, binding, piping and cording).

Tufted - A raised loop surface created by pulling yarns into a woven background.

Tulle - Lightweight, extremely fine, machine-made netted fabric.

Turn Back Hem - Finished hem formed by folding a raw edge under twice and stitching it. Used on flat sheets and pillowcases.

Tweed - A rough-surfaced wooly cloth, typically of mixed flecked colors.

Valance - Decorative window accent made of gathered fabric. Features a short drape that hangs at the center top of the side drapes.

Velvet - Soft, luxurious fabric with a smooth pile and a plain underside.

Velveteen - A cotton or cotton-blend fabric with a short pile. Similar to velvet but with less drape and sheen.

Visco Foam - Temperature-sensitive visco-elastic memory foam that adjusts to body shape and movement.

Warp - Refers to the lengthwise yarns through which the weft is woven during weaving.

Weft - Refers to yarns interlaced through the warp during weaving. Also known as filling.

Window Panels - Matching pair of fabric panels that hang from a curtain rod for privacy and/or decorative effect. Also known as drapes.

Yarn-Dyed - Process by which yarns are dyed before they are woven into fabrics rather than after. Also known as color woven.