As you have seen, there can be many different names for the same item. A classic example is the Comforter/Quilt/Continental Quilt/Duvet/Doona situation. But what about other bedding terms? And what about the different sizes? What are they?
A Warning About Sizes
The important thing to note is that not all manufacturers use the same term to describe a particular size (of sheet, duvet etc). “Full” sheets may also be classed as “double-bed” sheets. “Queen” size items from different manufacturers might not be the same size. As a result, the following can only be taken as a guide – you should physically measure your bed and check the actual dimensions of the item you intend buying before hitting that “pay now” button!
Mattress Sizes
Generally speaking, mattress sizes conform to the following sizes (but expect to find some differences!):
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (centimeters) |
| Twin | 39″ wide by 75″ long | 96.5cm wide by 190.5cm long |
| Twin XL | 39″ wide by 80″ long | 96.5cm wide by 203.5cm long |
| Full (Double) | 54″ wide by 75″ long | 134.5cm wide by 190.5cm long |
| Queen | 60″ wide by 80″ long | 152.5cm wide by 203.5cm long |
| King | 76″ wide by 80″ long | 193cm wide by 203.5cm long |
| California King | 72″ wide by 84″ long | 183cm wide by 213.5cm long |
Shams
A “sham” is a decorative pillow case. The term “sham” comes from the idea of a “trick”. In this case the “trick” is having a pillow that may not be used as a real pillow (although they can be). They are often used as a support when sitting in bed or as decoration during the day. Sham pillows can be placed behind normal pillows for sleep or removed from the bed at night.
The pillow sham often has an opening at the back instead of the more usual end to enable their removal from the pillow (for washing or color/decoration changes etc).
Their usual sizes are Standard (26″ x 20″), King (36″ x 20″) and Euro Sham (26″ x 26″). Note that the Europeans often use a square-shaped pillow rather than a rectangular-shaped one.
Breakfast Pillows
Breakfast pillows (also known as boudoir pillows) are decorative pillows that normally match the rest of bedding set. They are small pillows which may have flanged edges, ruffles, beads or tassels.
Normally they are rectangular (although some may be circles or oblongs) in shape with the most common size being 12″ by 16″. However, some may be as large as 16″ by 20″.