Bedding also called bed clothes or bed linen, is the material laid above the mattress of a bed for hygiene, warmth, protection of the mattress and decorative effect. A Quality Bedding set comprises of bedsheet, duvet, duvet cover, fitted sheet, bed runner, pillow and its cases and at times it includes mattress. They are often measured in centimeters and inches.
Various types of Beddings
A bedsheet is often called flat sheet and can be used interchangeably. It is the most popular of all the beddings. It comes mostly in rectangular shape and varies in sizes depending on the sizes of the mattress being made for. In some cases, it is laid directly on the mattress or on top of a fitted sheet or mattress protector. The body rest directly on it, which makes it important for the fabric to be body friendly
A fitted sheet is similar to a bedsheet and can be used in the place of the other in most cases because it performs similar role. The major difference in the two beddings is that fitted sheet has an elastic line sewn at the four edges or even round the fabric as the case may be. These two types of bedding come in contact with the body directly, therefore it is recommended to have it done with pure cotton fabric to enhance good sleep.
A duvet also known as comforter in American English is a type of bedding made of two lengths of fabric or covering sewn together and filled with insulative materials for warmth, traditionally down or feathers, wool or cotton batting silk or polyester and other down alternative fibers. Its place is above the flat sheet (bedsheet), well spread and used for covering while sleeping. Just as its name (comforter), it is used majorly when the room temperature is cold.
A duvet cover also known as comforter cover is used to cover the duvet when it is in use to protect it from dirt, to make it easier to maintain the duvet and to ensure durability. It is either sewn with pockets like the pillow cases or with zipper or with buttons to make it firmer on the duvet. It is removable and can be replaced when there is a need for it.
A pillow is a type of bedding that supports the body during rest to give comfort, therapy and can also be decorative. It provides support to the head, neck and the back. Though, we have different types of pillows, but it is only the body pillow that belongs to the family bedding. Like a Comforter, a body pillow usually has either plain or patterned fabric sewn with a pocket to cover the in order to give comfort, prevent direct stains on the pillow and to ensure durability.
Mattress cover also known as mattress protector is a type of bedding that is used to cover the bed or mattress as the name implies. It is mostly made of water proof fabric in the cases of children in bed wetting ages and also to securing the mattress from absorbing excretions from the body like sweat. It is used to secure the mattress from the invasion of bed bugs. It protects the mattress from physical damage and stains. It gives durability. It can also guide against all manner of allergies in adults and children.
A bed runner is a long rectangular piece of fabric designed majorly to protect the foot part of the bed from dirt and stains. It usually has the resemblance of a shawl and laid at the foot of the bed or in the middle depending on the individual using it. Bed runner also gives a decorative feature to the bed as it is mostly attractive and often matches with the decorative throw pillows on the bed which contributes to the overall attractiveness of the room.
Different sizes of Beddings in Nigeria.
This refers to the dimension of the bed linen which is determined by the size of the mattress it is designed for. In other words, bedding size are made with the consideration of the length and breadth with the width of the bed which it is to be used for.
Beddings are measured majorly in centimeters and inches which converts to yards (36 inches makes a yard). In Nigeria, our mattresses are measured in feet and inches likewise our bedding fabrics are measured in inches and yards. To produce a bedding that will size your mattress, you have to get the accurate measurement of your bed with the sewing and fitting allowance.
Bedding sizes in Nigeria start from the Crib bed size has dimension 52×28 inches (132cm x 71cm) and has the height of either 4, 6, or 8 inches (It takes 2 yards to make the bedsheet and pillows). Single bed size has dimension 75×30 inches (190.5cm x 76cm), also known as 2.5ftx6ft with the height of 3, 4, or 6 inches. This is what a layman calls Hostel size in Nigeria, (it takes 2.5 yards to make its bedsheet and pillow cases). Single bed in large size has the dimension of 75×36 inches (190.5cm x 91cm), also known as 3ft x 6ft with the height of 4, 6, or 8 inches. This is what we refer to as bunk bed size, (it takes 3 yards to make its bedsheet and pillow cases). Single bed in extra large size has dimension of 75 x 42 inches (190.5cm x 107cm) also known as 3.5ft x 6ft, with the height of 4, 6, or 8 inches (it takes 3 yards to make its bedsheet with pillow cases).
Double Bed size has the dimension of 75 x 54 inches (190.5cm x137cm) 4.5ft x 6ft with the height of 6, 8, 10, or 22 inches. This is suitable for two people to sleep comfortably (it takes 3.5 yards to make the bedsheet and pillow cases). Queen bed size has the dimension of 75x 60 inches (190.5cm x 152cm) 5ft x 6ft, with the height 8, 10, 12 or 22 inches. This is also suitable for two people (it takes 4 yards of fabric to make its bedsheet and pillow cases). King bed size has a dimension of 75 x 72 inches (190.5cm x 183cm) 6ft x 6ft with the height of 8, 10, 12, or 22 inches. This the most popular bed size in Nigeria, it is suitable for 3 people (it takes 4 yards of fabric to make its bedsheet and pillow cases). Lastly, King extra-large bed size has dimension of 75 x 84 inches (190.5cm x 213cm) 6ft x 7 ft or 7 ft x 7 ft with the height of 8, 10, 12 and 22 inches, suitable for 3 people.
How to know a Quality Bedding.
Quality Beddings are known with the quality of yarn by which the fabric is done. It is said that a quality bedding will be smooth and cozy while rough fabric is an indication of a low quality bed linen which will not definitely not enhance a comfortable sleep. Cotton is highly recommended when it comes to beddings because of its body friendly, durability and breathable feature (it absorbs moisture when you sleep).
Secondly, to determine the quality of a bedding, you need to know the thread count. A thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch, in other words, it is the addition of the total threads that were used to weave the fabric. Thread counts that is above 500 most likely will be softer and warmer which might cause discomfort in most cases. It is worthy of note that having a very high thread count does not really mean the fabric is of good quality in some cases. Generally, the average for thread count is 300 or a little bit higher.
Thirdly, to determine the quality of bedding, you need to consider the filling in the case of duvet and pillows. These types of beddings are made of wool called fiber. The quality of the fiber determines the durability and effectively especially for the pillow.
The benefits of having a Quality Bedding.
- It enhances good sleep which is an advantage to your overall health. It reduces anxiety and gives uninterrupted sleep.
- It gives comfort to the body; it gives a cozy and comfortable surface for the body to lie and rest.
- It is more durable. It reduces the number of times you change your bed linens. Though, it is more expensive, but you will definitely get value for the money spent.
- They are non-shrinking and non-fading, which helps to keep its quality and fitness.
- It gives your room a beautiful ambience.
- It suits your skin. It is generally softer and reduces the risk of having allergies.
- It does not generate heat, rather it absorbs body moisture like sweat.
- It regulates the body temperature
- A good and quality pillow gives support to the neck, back, and head which guides against head and neck pain.
- Also, pillow helps the alignment of the neck which reduces snoring.
- Lastly, a good quality bedding enhances good rest, which improves the mental health and makes the body relax and ready in preparation for the next day’s activities.