Bedroom Decorating Idea, Bedding Glossary of Terms,
Part 2
As I was saying in the last post, sometimes it’s a bit confusing if you don’t understand the difference between bedding sets, comforters, duvets, quilts and some other terms with out a bedding glossary of terms. There are terms that describe all types of bed covers, materials and woven fabrics. I hope the glossary of terms I am creating here will help you in the decision process of finding the bedroom furnishings that are right for you, your family and all your bedroom retreats. It doesn’t really matter what type of interior decor you are searching for. It can be lodge and cabin cotton bedding or southwest bedding sets. Maybe you want decorative rugs or western decor. These terms will help you understand the information you are viewing.
Cotton
An all natural fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants. Pure cotton is the supplest and breathable natural fabrics available. The length of its fiber known as the the “staple” equates to the quality of the cotton. Through the acceptance of other applications it can be made resistant to flame, water, stains and shrinking.
There are several types of cotton and they include:
- Combed cotton –Cotton fibers which have undergone an additional manufacturing process called “combing.” Combing the fibres removes the short fibres and arranges the fibre in a flat bundle, with all the fibres going the same direction and leaves stronger, longer fibers for the weaving process.
- Cotton sateen – Sateen produces the sheen and softer feel through the use of a different structure in the weaving process creating soft and luxurious fabric weave creating a satin-like sheen. The sateen structure is four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it extremely soft but slightly less durable. Better qualities are mercerized to add strength and a higher sheen.
- Egyptian Cotton – Also known as gossypium barbadense or extra long staple (ELS) cotton as it generally has a staple of at least 1 3/8″ or longer. Considered the finest grade of cotton, with the longest fibers, resulting in an exceptionally soft and luxurious fabric and hand. There are also grades of Egyptian cotton. For the most durable and wrinkle free linens I suggest Egyptian Giza cotton. If the labeling does not say Giza then it is not Giza cotton.
Note: Be prepared to pay more for Giza cotton and remember it is well worth the add cost.
- Percale – A smooth woven fabric of combed or carded yarn with a medium weight and no gloss. Remember the term describes the weave style of the fabric and not its content. Percale could be a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, 100% cotton, or a blend of other fabrics in any ratio. Percale weave is a round 200 thread count of or higher and noticeably tighter than other standard type of weaves used for bed-sheets.
- Supima –is a non-profit organization in the United States whose main objective is to promote the use of American Pima cotton around the world. Today the name “Pima” is the generic term generally applied to Extra-Long Staple cotton grown in the U.S. Soft, superior-grade durable cotton produced in the desert region of the United States; comparable in quality to Egyptian cotton.
Down
Another all natural fiber consisting of the soft, fluffy feathers gathered from the underside of what is usually a goose or duck. The down is used to fill pillows, comforters, mattress toppers and outerwear. It is prized for its light weight and unique thermal properties. As the temperature decreases, down naturally contracts to retain warmth. White Down whether it is goose, duck or some other foul is finer and silkier than darker toned down. Goose Down is considered to be the more opulent fill as compared to duck or hen’s down.
Down alternative
Synthetic or natural filling material used in comforters and duvets, with insulating and warming properties similar to down. Primaloft® is a top quality, hypoallergenic synthetic fill; wool and silk are popular natural fills. polyester fills make outstanding alternatives at lower costs.
I will be putting other posts as well in between, like room painting ideas and native American art.
Please keep checking back.
I won’t necessarily be listing terms in alphabetical…



