Bedding vs. Bed Linens Calculator
What Are You Buying?
Select all items you're considering purchasing to determine whether you're buying bedding or bed linens.
Results
Select items and click "Calculate" to see the result
When you walk into a store and see rows of fabric stacked on shelves, you might think, "What’s the right word for all this?" Is it bedding? Bed linens? Sleepwear? The truth is, people mix up these terms all the time-and it’s not your fault. There’s no single official rulebook for what to call the stuff you sleep on. But if you want to talk clearly about your sheets, duvet, and pillowcases, you need to know the difference.
Bedding Is the Big Picture
"Bedding" is the umbrella term. It covers everything you put on or around your bed to make it comfortable and look nice. Think of it like "clothing"-you wouldn’t call just your shirt "clothing," right? Same idea. Bedding includes your sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, blankets, mattress pads, and even bed skirts. If it touches your bed and helps you sleep better, it’s bedding.
In New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, people say "bedding" all the time. If you walk into a store like The Warehouse or Bunnings and ask for "new bedding," they’ll show you a whole section with sheets, quilts, and pillowcases bundled together. In the US, the word is used the same way, though some folks might say "bed linens" instead.
Bed Linens Are Just the Washable Parts
"Bed linens" is a more specific term. It refers to the pieces you wash regularly-usually every week. That means: top sheet, bottom sheet, pillowcases, and sometimes the duvet cover. These are the items that touch your skin directly. They’re made from cotton, linen, or blends, and they’re meant to be laundered often.
Here’s the key difference: bedding includes everything on the bed. bed linens only includes the washable layers. So if you’re buying new sheets and pillowcases, you’re buying bed linens. If you’re also picking up a wool blanket and a decorative bedspread, you’re buying bedding.
Why does this matter? Because when you search online for "bed linens," you’ll mostly see sheets and pillowcases. If you search for "bedding," you’ll get duvets, mattress toppers, and even heated blankets. Knowing this saves you time and confusion.
What’s Inside Bedding? Breaking It Down
Let’s get practical. Here’s what you’ll actually find in a typical bedding set:
- Bottom sheet (fitted sheet): The one that hugs your mattress. Usually elasticated on the corners.
- Top sheet (flat sheet): Lays flat over you. Not everyone uses this anymore, but it’s common in Europe and parts of Asia.
- Pillowcases: Two usually come with a set. They protect your pillows and keep them clean.
- Duvet cover: Like a giant pillowcase for your duvet. You slip your fluffy insert into it. This is the most popular way to keep your bed warm in New Zealand.
- Duvet or quilt: The thick, warm layer inside the cover. In NZ, a wool or synthetic-filled duvet is standard.
- Blankets: Sometimes layered under or over the duvet. Flannel or wool blankets are popular in winter.
- Mattress topper: Adds softness or support. Not always considered "bedding," but often sold with it.
- Bed skirt: The decorative panel that hangs down from the mattress to the floor. Mostly used in formal bedrooms.
Most people in Auckland buy a 3-piece bedding set: fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases. But if you want warmth, you’ll need a duvet and cover too. That’s a 5-piece set. Some stores sell 7-piece sets that include a blanket and topper.
Why People Get Confused
You’ve probably heard "bed linens" on TV or in a hotel. That’s because hotels use the term for the sheets and pillowcases they change daily. But when you’re shopping, "bedding" is the label on the aisle. It’s messy.
Also, some brands say "luxury bed linens" to make their sheets sound fancy. That’s marketing. They’re not selling blankets or quilts-they’re selling cotton sheets with a high thread count. Meanwhile, a brand like IKEA will say "bedding collection" and include everything from duvets to decorative cushions.
And then there’s "sleepwear." That’s your pajamas. Not bedding. Don’t confuse the two. I’ve seen people return pajamas thinking they were pillowcases. It happens.
What to Say When You’re Shopping
If you’re in a store and need to ask for something, here’s what works:
- "I need new bed linens-sheets and pillowcases." → You’ll get cotton or linen sets.
- "I’m looking for new bedding for winter." → They’ll show you duvets, wool blankets, and heated pads.
- "Do you have a duvet cover in king size?" → You’re being specific. Perfect.
Don’t say "I need sheets for my bed." That’s vague. Are you talking about the fitted sheet? The top sheet? The duvet cover? Be precise. The more specific you are, the faster you’ll find what you need.
What’s Not Bedding
Let’s clear up some common mix-ups:
- Blankets are part of bedding-but not all blankets count. A throw blanket on your couch? That’s decor, not bedding.
- Bed pillows are not bedding. They’re furniture. But their covers? Those are bedding.
- Bed frames and headboards are furniture. Not bedding.
- Pajamas are clothing. Even if you sleep in them.
- Eye masks and earplugs are sleep accessories. Not bedding.
Bedding is only what goes on the mattress or directly over your body while you sleep. Everything else? That’s bedroom decor or sleep aids.
Real-World Example: What I Bought Last Winter
Last June, I replaced my bedding after 5 years. My old set was threadbare. I bought a 5-piece set: a 100% cotton fitted sheet (220 thread count), a matching flat sheet, two cotton pillowcases, and a 10.5 tog wool duvet with a removable cotton cover. I didn’t buy a bed skirt-I don’t like the look. I added a wool blanket for extra warmth on cold nights.
That’s bedding. Not just sheets. Not just a duvet. All of it, together.
When I told my friend I was "updating my bed linens," she asked if I was getting new pillows. I had to explain: "No, I’m getting new bedding-sheets, duvet, and cover. The pillows stay." She got it after that.
Final Tip: Check the Label
When you’re buying, always read the product description. If it says "4-piece bedding set," it usually means: fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases. If it says "duvet set," it includes the cover and insert. If it says "luxury bed linens," it’s just sheets and pillowcases.
There’s no universal standard, but most retailers follow these patterns. If you’re unsure, look for the word "includes" on the tag. That’s your cheat code.
