A bed sheet is a rectangular piece of cloth used either singly or in a pair as bedding , which is larger in length and width than a mattress , and which is placed immediately above a mattress or bed, but below blankets and other bedding (such as comforters and bedspreads ). A bottom sheet is laid above the mattress , and may be either a flat sheet or a fitted sheet (a sheet which has been sewn with elastic or a drawstring along the hem of the top, sides and bottom of the sheet to prevent it from slipping off of the mattress). A top sheet, in the many countries where they are used, is a flat sheet, which is placed above a bottom sheet and below other bedding.
29-405: The term bed sheet was first used in the 15th century. Bed sheets were traditionally white and made of cotton, linen or silk, however, now various colors and patterns are used. Bed sheets come in two main varieties: flat and fitted. A flat sheet is simply a rectangular sheet of cloth, while a fitted sheet has four corners, and sometimes two or four sides, fitted with elastic , to be used only as
58-407: A bottom sheet. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic. The purpose of a fitted bottom sheet is to keep it from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. A particular way of folding and tucking while making the bed, known as "hospital corners," is sometimes used when the bottom sheet is flat rather than fitted. Usually a flat bed sheet is overlocked around
87-477: A component of even the most royal beds. In the 19th century the bed spring was invented, also called the box spring . In the 20th century United States, consumers bought the inner spring mattress , followed in the 1960s by the water bed (originating on the West Coast), and adoption of Japanese-style futons , air mattresses, and foam rubber mattresses and pillows. Bedding sizes are made with consideration of
116-411: A drawstring instead of elastic. The purpose of a fitted bottom sheet is to keep it from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. A particular way of folding and tucking while making the bed, known as "hospital corners," is sometimes used when the bottom sheet is flat rather than fitted. Usually a flat bed sheet is overlocked around the edges to form four seams . One of the seams is wider than
145-460: A duvet cover is to be used in addition to or instead of – the top sheet; and a number of pillows with pillowcases, also referred to as pillow shams. (See § Elements for more info on all these terms.) Additional blankets, etc. may be added to ensure the necessary insulation in cold sleeping areas. A common practice for children and some adults is to decorate a bed with plush stuffed animals, dolls, and other soft toys. These are not included under
174-401: A low cost and typically used in emergency shelters or hospitals as disposable sheeting. Cooling sheets are made of Lyocell , bamboo ( rayon ) , linen , hemp or silk . The quality of bed sheets is often conveyed by the thread count —the number of threads per square inch of material. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, but the weave and type of thread may affect
203-400: A low cost and typically used in emergency shelters or hospitals as disposable sheeting. Cooling sheets are made of Lyocell , bamboo ( rayon ) , linen , hemp or silk . The quality of bed sheets is often conveyed by the thread count —the number of threads per square inch of material. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, but the weave and type of thread may affect
232-484: A significant improvement in all manner and is best suited for making bed linen. Among the earliest discovered examples of bedding are remnants found in a Paleolithic structure at Ohalo II , Israel . Dating back 23,000 years, these remnants consist of partially charred stems and leaves positioned on the floor surrounding a central hearth. Potential earlier evidence of bedding, dating from the Middle Paleolithic ,
261-491: A single ply 600 thread count sheet. The most common constructions are muslin , percale , sateen , flannel , and knitted jersey. In a plain weave the warp and weft cross each other one at a time. Sateen has multiple (usually 3–4) over threads and one under. Bedsheets should be washed about once a week, using low-temperature water and drying settings. Warm water can be used to eliminate coffee stains, urine or allergens , such as dust mites . Using fabric softeners
290-486: A single ply 600 thread count sheet. The most common constructions are muslin , percale , sateen , flannel , and knitted jersey. In a plain weave the warp and weft cross each other one at a time. Sateen has multiple (usually 3–4) over threads and one under. Bedsheets should be washed about once a week, using low-temperature water and drying settings. Warm water can be used to eliminate coffee stains, urine or allergens , such as dust mites . Using fabric softeners
319-450: Is commonly used as fill in quilts and down alternative comforters. These are less expensive and more easily laundered than natural down or feathers. Synthetic fibers are best in the form of thermofused (where fibers cross) batting. Thick-woven or knitted wool, cotton, acrylic or other microfiber synthetics, or blends of these, are typically used for blankets. The fabric produced from the cotton warp and weft, cotton warp and lyocell weft has
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#1732847481957348-540: Is evident in Spain 's Esquilleu cave, displaying the gathering of grass near a hearth. Around 3400 BC Egyptian pharaohs had their beds moved off the ground and slept on a raised surface. Bed linen was widely evolved in Egypt. It was seen as a symbol of light and purity, as well as a symbol of prosperity. The Egyptian mummies were often wrapped in bed linen. The complexity of applications has increased with research and developments in
377-399: Is laid above the mattress , and may be either a flat sheet or a fitted sheet (a sheet which has been sewn with elastic or a drawstring along the hem of the top, sides and bottom of the sheet to prevent it from slipping off of the mattress). A top sheet, in the many countries where they are used, is a flat sheet, which is placed above a bottom sheet and below other bedding. The term bed sheet
406-638: Is not recommended, as they leave behind residue that decreases the fabric's breathability. Bedspreads Bedding , also called bedclothes or bed linen , is the materials laid above the mattress of a bed for hygiene, warmth, protection of the mattress, and decorative effect. Bedding is the removable and washable portion of a human sleeping environment. Multiple sets of bedding for each bed are often washed in rotation and/or changed seasonally to improve sleep comfort at varying room temperatures. Most standardized measurements for bedding are rectangular, but there are also some square-shaped sizes, which allows
435-418: Is not recommended, as they leave behind residue that decreases the fabric's breathability. fitted sheet A bed sheet is a rectangular piece of cloth used either singly or in a pair as bedding , which is larger in length and width than a mattress , and which is placed immediately above a mattress or bed, but below blankets and other bedding (such as comforters and bedspreads ). A bottom sheet
464-530: The Renaissance , mattresses were stuffed with straw and feathers and then covered with silks, velvets or satin material. Embroidered canopies and ornamental hangings as well as the advent of the featherbed led to beds becoming extremely expensive, often willed down from generation to generation. In the 18th century, Europeans began to use bed frames made from cast iron , and mattresses that were made of cotton. Until that time, assorted vermin were simply accepted as
493-429: The "hand" of the material so that a sheet with a lower thread count may actually be softer than one with a higher count. Yarn quality also plays a part in the look and feel of sheets, as finer yarns tend to create a finer sheet fabric. The ply also plays a role in how heavy the sheet feels. Ply represents how many fibers are twisted together as the sheet is being created. A 2 ply 300 thread count sheet will feel heavier than
522-429: The "hand" of the material so that a sheet with a lower thread count may actually be softer than one with a higher count. Yarn quality also plays a part in the look and feel of sheets, as finer yarns tend to create a finer sheet fabric. The ply also plays a role in how heavy the sheet feels. Ply represents how many fibers are twisted together as the sheet is being created. A 2 ply 300 thread count sheet will feel heavier than
551-453: The area of bed linen materials over the years. Roman Empire mattresses were stuffed with wool, feather, reeds or hay. The beds were decorated with paint, bronze, silver, jewels and gold. It was rare for a Roman couple to spend the night together. It was more common for each spouse to have a separate room. Researchers believe that the Roman bed was definitely less comfortable than today. During
580-450: The design. In the US and Canada, sheets are often sold in a four-piece set consisting of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases. In China, a four-piece set consists of a duvet cover , two pillowcases and either a fitted or flat sheet. Fitted sheets are gaining popularity due to their ease of use. Use of good quality elastic make fitted sheets durable. Cotton and cotton blends dominate
609-670: The designation of bedding, although they may provide additional warmth to the sleeper. Lightweight white, solid-color or printed plain weave , satin weave , or flannel cotton or cotton/polyester blends are the most common types of sheeting, although linen and silk may also be used, including in combination. Goose or duck down and other feathers are frequently used as a warm and lightweight filling in duvets, comforters and quilts. But such fill can protrude in part even from tightly woven fabric, and be an irritant for many people, particularly those with allergies. Natural and synthetic down alternatives are marketed. Cotton, wool or polyester batting
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#1732847481957638-409: The edges to form four seams . One of the seams is wider than the other three and helps with orienting the sheet correctly on the mattress . The wider seam goes at the head end of the mattress. Sometimes the sides do not have seams, but are finished with the selvedge only. When one makes a bed , the patterned or monogrammed side of the top sheet may be placed facing up, or facing down, in which case
667-400: The market, the most common blend being cotton/polyester. Cotton provides absorbency and a soft hand, while polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance. Other common fibers used in the manufacturing of bed sheets include linen , silk , Modal and bamboo rayon, lyocell , Microtex or Microfiber, and polypropylene . Polypropylene (olefin) is a hypoallergenic spun-bound material produced at
696-399: The market, the most common blend being cotton/polyester. Cotton provides absorbency and a soft hand, while polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance. Other common fibers used in the manufacturing of bed sheets include linen , silk , Modal and bamboo rayon, lyocell , Microtex or Microfiber, and polypropylene . Polypropylene (olefin) is a hypoallergenic spun-bound material produced at
725-411: The other three and helps with orienting the sheet correctly on the mattress . The wider seam goes at the head end of the mattress. Sometimes the sides do not have seams, but are finished with the selvedge only. When one makes a bed , the patterned or monogrammed side of the top sheet may be placed facing up, or facing down, in which case the top edge may be folded towards the foot of the bed to expose
754-470: The top edge may be folded towards the foot of the bed to expose the design. In the US and Canada, sheets are often sold in a four-piece set consisting of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases. In China, a four-piece set consists of a duvet cover , two pillowcases and either a fitted or flat sheet. Fitted sheets are gaining popularity due to their ease of use. Use of good quality elastic make fitted sheets durable. Cotton and cotton blends dominate
783-456: The user to put on bedding without having to consider its lengthwise orientation (e.g. a 220 cm × 220 cm (87 in × 87 in) duvet). In American English, the word bedding generally does not include the mattress, while in British English it often does. In Australian and New Zealand English , bedding is often called manchester , especially in shops. Manchester
812-419: Was a center of the cotton industry in the late 18th and the 19th century, and into the 20th century, and so cotton goods (principally sheets and towels) were given the name 'Manchester goods', which later was simplified to 'manchester'. A set of bedding generally consists of at least flat or fitted bed sheet that covers the mattress; a flat top sheet; either a blanket , a quilt , or a duvet . Sometimes with
841-444: Was first used in the 15th century. Bed sheets were traditionally white and made of cotton, linen or silk, however, now various colors and patterns are used. Bed sheets come in two main varieties: flat and fitted. A flat sheet is simply a rectangular sheet of cloth, while a fitted sheet has four corners, and sometimes two or four sides, fitted with elastic , to be used only as a bottom sheet. The fitted sheet may also be secured using
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