Common bedding terms and what they mean

Bedding terms can be confusing if you’re not a connoisseur. What does a flanged border mean? Are you picking a European Pillow or a Standard Pillow? We’re here to set the record straight and explain some of our favourite bedding terms so the next time you update your space, you know exactly how to add decorative flair to your bedroom.

Flanged Borders

If you’re after a formal look for your master bedroom, opt for a quilt cover with flanged borders. A flanged border simply means there is a thin stitch around the border of the bedding or pillow, synching it in to create a more polished look. A flanged stitched quilt cover actually increases the overall size, which is great if you need some extra room.

Jacquard 

Jacquard is a specially woven fabric created using a Jacquard loom. It involves a raised stitch, sitting flat across a quilt cover or pillow to create a pattern. This can be anything from classic stripes, dots and crossed lines to more complicated designs such as flowers, tufted edges or interwoven colours into the fabric. As Jacquard can vary, you’ll see it woven with cotton, acrylic and even silk for more sophisticated styling.

Matelassé

Often found on coverlets, quilts and pillows, a Matelassé weave is a type of stitching that appears to look padded and raised, despite not having any additional bolstering or fabric. A French word, but a technique that originated in Portugal, Matelassé features intricate designs such as beautiful flowers, woven lines and textured patterns and is very durable despite its intricate craftsmanship.

Coverlet

Coverlets have become increasingly popular with interior designers due to their

versatility. Aside from being lightweight and used as an alternative to quilt covers in the summer months, they also provide great styling options and instantly update the look and feel of your bedroom. Made with a matelassé design (see above), a coverlet can be added to the top of your quilt cover to provide an extra supply of warmth during winter. It is often styled to fold back over itself just before it meets the pillows for the ultimate in bedroom styling.

Euro Sham

Placed behind a standard sized pillow, a Euro Sham is a square, decorative pillow made for double, queen- or king-sized beds. Measuring 75 cm × 75 cm, Euro Shams provide contrasting colours, textures and patterns to complement the overall look and feel of the quilt cover.

What are some other terms that you have heard of? Let us know in the comments below.