Bedding: What It Really Includes and How to Choose the Right Set

When you think of bedding, the complete set of items used to make a bed comfortable, including sheets, blankets, and pillows. Also known as bed linens, it's not just what you sleep on—it's what helps you sleep well. Most people assume bedding means sheets and maybe a comforter, but it’s way more than that. Your pillowcases, duvets, mattress pads, even the blankets you tuck under your feet—all of it counts. And if you’re not thinking about how each piece works together, you’re leaving comfort—and maybe even sleep quality—on the table.

Let’s talk about comforters, a thick, quilted layer designed to trap warmth and often used as the top layer on a bed. They’re not the same as blankets. Comforters are bulkier, usually filled with down or synthetic fibers, and meant to be used without a top sheet. Then there’s sheets, the thin, fitted and flat fabrics that sit directly on the mattress and under other layers. Cotton is still the most popular because it breathes, lasts, and washes well. But thread count? That’s often marketing. What matters more is the weave—percale for crispness, sateen for softness. And don’t forget pillowcases, the covers that protect your pillows and keep your skin and hair from rubbing against dirty fabric. If you’re waking up with greasy hair or face breakouts, your pillowcases might be the culprit. Most people wait way too long to replace them—or their mattress, which should be swapped every 7 to 10 years.

Size matters too. Queen bedding is the most common because it fits most couples, but if you’re tall, you might need XL sheets that actually cover your feet. And if you’re swapping out your bedding every few years, you’re doing it right. Old bedding collects dust mites, sweat, and dead skin. It doesn’t just get worn out—it gets unhygienic. You don’t need fancy brands to sleep better. You just need to know what’s actually on your bed, how often to wash it, and when to let it go.

Below, you’ll find real answers to questions you didn’t even know to ask: Why do some sheets shrink after one wash? What’s the deal with military-grade bedding? Is a blanket really part of bedding? And yes—we’ll clear up the slang too. This isn’t a list of product reviews. It’s a practical guide to everything that touches your bed, written by people who’ve wrestled with tangled sheets and woke up too hot. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to buy, when to replace it, and how to make your bed feel like the best part of your day.