Bedding or Beddings: The Right Word for Your Sheets and Comforters

You’re standing in the home store, looking at aisle after aisle of sheets, covers, pillowcases, and blankets. When a friend texts to ask what you’re shopping for, do you say you’re picking out new ‘bedding’ or ‘beddings’? This might seem like splitting hairs, but English actually does make a difference here—and most people get it wrong.

Here’s the straight answer: ‘Bedding’ is the right word in most everyday conversations. It covers everything you put on the bed—sheets, comforters, pillowcases, duvets, and so on. ‘Beddings’ isn’t used in standard English, though you might hear it in some places where people use English as a second language or in product descriptions trying too hard to sound fancy.

If you want to sound natural, stick with ‘bedding’ whether you’re talking about a single bed or ten guest rooms. It’s one of those words, like ‘furniture’ or ‘luggage,’ that works the same for one item or a bunch. Makes life easier, right?

• Why the Confusion: Bedding or Beddings?
• What Does 'Bedding' Really Include?
• How to Talk About Bedding Like a Pro
• Simple Care Tips and Storage Hacks

Why the Confusion: Bedding or Beddings?

Honestly, this mix-up happens a lot, even among native speakers. One main reason is that in English, we have words that look like they should be plural, but aren’t. Bedding is what is called a “mass noun.” You use it whether you’re talking about one sheet or a whole closet full. It’s kind of like ‘furniture,’ ‘clothing,’ or ‘luggage’—you just don’t add an ‘s’ to make it plural.

But when you look online or shop in stores, you might see the word beddings used by some companies, usually in non-English speaking countries. That’s why the word slips into emails and shopping sites—and suddenly people start to wonder. If you Google both terms, you’ll see millions of hits for ‘bedding’ in places like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, but ‘beddings’ shows up mostly on sites from Southeast Asia, India, or Africa.

*Rounded data based on Google search results in April 2024

Textbooks and style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style or Oxford English Dictionary) all point to bedding as the go-to word. There’s also no official dictionary entry for ‘beddings’ in well-known dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge. So if you want to keep it simple and sound natural, use ‘bedding’ for everything: sheets, comforters, duvets, or whatever you toss on the bed.

What Does 'Bedding' Really Include?

If you Google what bedding means, you'll get a list that feels endless. But let's clear things up. Bedding is a catch-all word for everything you dress your bed with, not just what touches your skin but what makes your bed look and feel right. We’re talking comfort, style, and, yeah, stuff that actually helps you sleep better.

Here’s a breakdown of what counts as basic bedding in most homes:

• Sheets: This is your bottom fitted sheet and the top flat sheet. These are the first layer and you change these the most because, well, you know—sweat happens.
• Pillowcases: Goes over your pillows. Usually comes in a set with your sheets. You'll want extras on hand if you drool or use a lot of face creams.
• Blankets: This includes your everyday blanket or throw. Good for layering warmth in winter or just a nap on the couch.
• Duvet or Comforter: The big, fluffy part that you throw over the whole bed. Some people put their duvets in a cover, which is basically a giant pillowcase.
• Quilts and Coverlets: Lighter than a duvet, often used for an extra layer or even as the main cover in warmer weather.

But wait—sometimes, bedding can also mean those “not-so-essentials” if you want to take things up a notch:

• Bed skirts (the ruffle around the bottom, handy for hiding stuff you’re storing under the bed)
• Mattress protectors (keeps spills and sweat from ruining your mattress, especially if you live with kids or pets)
• Pillow shams (the fancier pillowcases you put in front for looks)

If you walk into any bedding shop, these are mostly what you’ll find on the shelves. In fact, a 2024 survey by Statista showed nearly 75% of Americans use at least three different types of bedding at once—usually sheets, comforter, and pillows.

So, next time you’re shopping for bedding, you’ll know exactly what fits under that single word. No confusion, and no walking around the store with a blank look.

How to Talk About Bedding Like a Pro

If you want to sound like you know your stuff when it comes to bedding, it helps to get comfy with the right lingo. Here’s what people usually mean when they say “bedding,” and how it breaks down:

• Sheets: The base of any bedding setup. This can mean fitted sheets (the ones with stretchy corners) and flat sheets (the straight ones that go on top).
• Pillowcases and Shams: Pillowcases are for sleeping pillows. Shams usually cover decorative pillows and add style.
• Duvets, Comforters, and Quilts: Duvets need covers, comforters don’t, and quilts are usually layered and stitched. All three are types of top covers, just with different feels and looks.
• Blankets and Throws: Blankets are usually bigger and designed for warmth. Throws are smaller, decorative, and often tossed at the foot of the bed or used for quick naps.

Now, if you want to refer to all this stuff together, you just say “bedding.” Don’t add an “s”—that’s not how native speakers say it. You wouldn’t walk up to a checkout lane and ask, “Where are the beddings?” The store clerk will know what you mean, but it’ll sound off. Stick with “bedding” every time, whether you’re shopping for one room or a whole hotel.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how bedding stacks up next to a couple other home terms:

If you want to take it up a notch, be specific. Tell someone, “I love your new quilt,” or ask, “Do these sheets come in king size?” That shows you know exactly what you’re talking about—and you’ll never sound awkward in a bedding aisle again.

Simple Care Tips and Storage Hacks

It's easy to keep your bedding comfy and clean without spending a ton of time or money. First off, always check the tag for washing instructions. Most sheets and pillowcases do best in cool or warm water. Hot water can actually make colors fade and break down fibers faster. For bedding like duvets or comforters, a larger washing machine does a better job—if you don’t have one, it’s worth taking a trip to the laundromat.

• Wash sheets and pillowcases every week, or at least every two weeks if you’re busy. This helps with allergies and just feels nicer at night.
• Rotate between two or three sets of bedding to make everything last longer. You don’t have to cram wash day into your busiest week.
• If you have white sheets, avoid bleach. It can slowly wear out fibers. Try baking soda in the wash and hang sheets in sunlight—it actually helps keep them fresh and bright.
• Dry on low heat or line dry whenever you can. High-heat dryers make sheets rough and shrink them over time.

When it comes to storage, never just pile clean bedding in the closet. Make sure everything is bone dry to avoid mildew. Fold everything neatly, and tuck matching sets (pillowcases, fitted and flat sheet) inside one pillowcase so you’re not digging through stacks later.

• Keep an open box of baking soda or a little bag of cedar chips in your linen closet to cut down on musty smells.
• If you’re putting things away for a season, like summer quilts, use a breathable cotton bag instead of plastic. It lets air flow and keeps fabrics fresher.

Fresh bedding doesn’t just look nice—it really does help you get a better night’s sleep. A few easy habits go a long way.