Definitions for the Different
Types of Bedding
Know the difference between pillows, linens, and blanket types
Bed Linen Types
• Top Sheet or Flat Sheet
Commonly used in North America,
but uncommon in Europe, a top sheet
(also known as a flat sheet), is the
sheet that separates you from your
comforter, blanket, or quilt. In Europe
(and very slowly catching on in the
United States), the duvet cover takes
the place of the top sheet.
• Bottom Sheet or Fitted Sheet
A bottom sheet, or fitted sheet,
is the sheet with the elastic
edge that fits over your
mattress—hence the name
"bottom" or "fitted" sheet. As
today's mattresses have grown
much thicker, it's important to
check the measurements
before buying a fitted sheet to
make sure it will stretch all the
way over your mattress.
• Bedspread
A bedspread is a thin,
decorative covering that
normally covers the entire
bed and touches the floor.
Cotton, chenille, wool, or
polyester are common
bedspread materials.
• Coverlet
A coverlet is a decorative
fabric covering that does
not touch the floor and
normally does not cover
the pillows. Woven
coverlets and quilts fall
into this category. These
are normally bed accents
and they can sit on top of
bedspreads. If you think of
hotel room bedding, these
can also be found at the
foot of the bed used like
foot runners.
• Blanket
Blankets are used to add
warmth. While some
people use a blanket on its
own, others may prefer to
top the blanket with a more
attractive quilt, comforter,
or duvet. Blankets are most
commonly made of wool,
cotton, polyester,
microfiber plush, or a blend
of fibers.
• Comforter
A comforter is a bed cover
stuffed with fibers or down
for warmth and then sewn
together on all four sides.
Probably the most common
bed topper in North
America, comforters are
available in a nearly endless
range of colors, patterns,
and styles and are a major
decorative accent in the
bedroom. Most are made of
either cotton or polyester.
• Duvet
A duvet is similar to a
comforter except it
requires the use of a
duvet cover, where a
comforter does not.
Typically, a duvet is
solid white and
stuffed with down or a
down alternative.
• Duvet cover
A duvet cover encases and
protects a duvet. Like an
envelope, it has an opening
where the comforter or duvet is
inserted. Once placed inside, the
opening is closed with buttons
or occasionally a zipper. Duvet
covers are generally very
decorative and are available in a
wide selection of colors and
styles. The duvet cover takes the
place of a top sheet in Europe,
and some people in the U.S. also
use it this way.
Pillow Types
• Euro or Continental Pillow
A Euro or continental pillow—a large square pillow—is a decorative pillow that sits
back against the headboard. The cover is removable for washing.
• Sleeping Pillow
A sleeping pillow is a rectangular pillow that you lay your head on when sleeping.
Sleeping pillows have three sizes—standard, queen, or king—to fit your bed or
sleeping habits. There are many styles of sleeping pillows.
• Decorative or Throw Pillow
A decorative pillow, also referred to as an accent or throw pillow, is a small pillow
that comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors to add decoration to a bed.
• Bolster Pillow
A bolster pillow is a tubular pillow used for lumbar support while sitting up to read in bed,
but more often, it’s used as a decorative pillow or accent pillow. These pillows range from
very small to long version that span the entire width of the bed.
• Pillowcase
A pillowcase is used to cover a sleeping pillow and sometimes a decorative or bolster
pillow. It’s normally a rectangular shape with an opening on one end where you insert the
pillow. It is recommended that you change your pillowcase at least twice per week to
protect your facial skin from breakouts or skin irritation.
• Pillow Sham
Pillow shams are decorative coverings for pillows, often designed with trims, ruffles,
flanges, or cording. Add a couple of pillow shams to your bed for extra style.
Other Bed Accessories
Some of the most common additional types of bedding accessories include:
• Bed Skirt, Dust Ruffle, or Valence- Most commonly called a bed skirt or bed ruffle, this is a decorative
piece of fabric placed between the mattress and box springs. It extends to the floor at the mattress's sides
and bottom. Its main function is to hide the box spring, but bed skirts also add a touch of softness, color,
and decor to the room.
• Throw Blanket -Smaller than a regular blanket, a throw or toss blanket is used to add extra warmth at the
foot of the bed or when wrapped around your shoulders. They are another good way to add a touch of
color to your bed.
• Mattress Pad- Also called a mattress topper or underpad, this layer of padding is used above the mattress
and beneath a bottom sheet to add comfort.
• Featherbed -A featherbed is made of feathers contained within a fabric shell that lies on top of a mattress
as a mattress topper. The featherbed will normally have elastic straps or even have a fitted sheet on it so
that it fits over a mattress and stays in place.
BED SKIRT
Throw Blanket
Mattress Pad
Featherbed
Preparing for Bed Making:
1. First put on your gloves before stripping the bed.
2. Remove soiled bed linen from the bed, making sure that the soiled linen doesn't touch your
body. This includes the duvet cover, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcases, etc.
3. Look at the mattress pad/mattress protector to see if it is stained, torn, or damaged. If it is not
straightening make sure the mattress and box spring are even.
4. Always adjust the mattress with your leg and not with your back to avoid any injuries.
5. If the mattress pad is stained then remove it straight away.
6. Get a clean mattress pad and place it on the mattress:
7. Ensure that the mattress itself is ok. Hotel mattresses are turned often to prolong life.
8. Lay the fresh mattress protector on the bed.
9. Unfold the pad right-side-up and spread it evenly over the center of the bed.
10. Smooth out any wrinkles.
11. Mattress pads/mattress protectors come in different sizes, be sure to use the correct size.
12. Make sure you have the correct size sheets as well.
13. Never use a stained or torn sheet. Place them immediately in your solid linen bag.
14. Take the fresh sheets and 4 pillowcases.
15. Make sure the pillow covers are of the correct size
Making the bed:
• Pull the bed a little away from the headboard.
• Spread the 1st bedsheet and tuck the bottom side of the bed except for the four corners.
• Take the loose end of the sheet, about a foot from the corner at the head of the bed, and
pull it straight out, forming a flap. Pull up the flap so it is flat.
• Tuck in the free part of the corner.
• Pull the flap out toward you and down over the side of the bed. Tuck the flap in.
• Move to the corner at the foot of the bed on the same side of the bed and repeat the
procedure.
• Spread the second sheet from the wrong side up, from the edge of the mattress.
• Place the duvet/ quilt 6” lower than the 2nd sheet.
• Spread the third sheet over the quilt. If you are using a duvet, do not place a sheet on top.
• Fold the second sheet above the quilt and the third sheet and make a fold approximately 6”
to 8”.
• Tightly tuck the sheets under the mattress.
• Go towards the foot of the bed and tightly tuck the second sheet, quilt, and third sheet
together.
• Maître the corners.
• Insert the pillows into the new pillowcases and tuck in the loose ends.
• Repeat this process for all the other pillows.
• Place the pillows on the bed with the tucked edges facing the center and the tucked flaps on the
other side of the pillows.
• Position the bedspread on the bed with equal amounts hanging over both sides and the foot of
the bed.
• Report to the Executive Housekeeper if you notice stains or tears in the bedspread.
• Smooth the bedspread over the pillows to the head of the bed.
• Tuck the remaining of bedspread under the front edge of the pillows.
• Smooth the surface of the bed.
• Check the bedspread for evenness on both sides.
• Push back bed towards the side of headboard in the exact position.
• All the four corners of the bed are mitered properly. Bed linen is stain-free and properly
pressed. The bed has to be firm.
• The distance of the pillow from the Headboard to the fold of the bed is approximately 20”.
• Arrange pillow cushions/bed runners on the bed.
• Add any decorative items as per the hotel procedure.
