Bedding is material laid on mattresses, pillows and duvets for comfort, warmth and aesthetic effect. One kind of bedding is a bed sheet—this is the piece of cloth which is used to cover the mattress.

Usually, a second flat bed sheet is put on top of the sheet covering the mattress. This is referred to as the top sheet. The sheet covering the mattress is known as the bottom sheet. One usually sleeps in between the two sheets.

Bed sheets may be flat or fitted. A flat sheet is just a rectangular piece of cloth. A fitted sheet, on the other hand, has four corners. Fitted sheets usually have elastic on all four sides or on just two sides. They are usually used on the bottom. They are purposely designed in such a way that they won't slip off the mattress while the bed is in use.

Bed linens vary diversely. Traditionally, they were usually white. But nowadays, bed linens come in different colors and patterns. Some come in bright colors while others are in earth tones. Several are plain while others have prints on them. The patterns of the prints can also vary. Some have stripes others are floral—there are a lot of assorted patterns on the market.

Fitted sheets differ according to the materials used. Some of the most common materials are cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo fiber, and blends of cotton with polyester. Sheets with superior quality are sometimes sewn from satin, silk, and Egyptian cotton. Of course, other fabrics may also be used. For example, nonwoven polypropylenes are now used as materials for bed sheets. This is due mainly to the affordable price of the fabric.

The quality of the fitted sheets is reflected by the thread count. The thread count is the number of threads per square inch of material. Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer it is. This is not always true though. Sometimes, the weave and type of thread affect the quality of the fabric. So there are instances that a sheet with lower thread count may be softer than the one with the higher thread count.

Linens may be bought individually or it may come in a package including pillow covers, a flat sheet and a blanket. You can buy these sheets online or in a store—usually a home furnishing store.

Before buying fitted linens, be sure to take note of the size and thickness of your mattress. Also keep in mind the material and the design that you want, as well as the budget that you have allotted. Make sure that you get a good quality high thread count so the set will last for years instead of months.