If you compare linen vs cotton sheets in terms of breathability, another major difference emerges — linen will keep you much cooler at night because of its longer fibers and, therefore, looser weave. Air can pass through linen more easily, keeping your body cool. Cotton, as previously discussed, can also be perfect for warm sleepers (in the case of percale bedding), but linen definitely has the edge over it.

Pillowcases have many different kinds of closures, like buttons, ties, or envelopes. They may also have none at all. Depending on the purveyor, pillowcases are either sold separately or in pairs.

The boudoir sham decoratively covers the boudoir pillow. A boudoir pillow is a small decorative pillow that measures 12 x 16” and can be used as an accent pillow for “top of bed” or for tucking under your neck when you are reading in bed. It is also a great travel companion for neck support in a car, plane, or in a hotel room. It is typically finished in the same options as Euro shams.

Finding sheets that fit your bed is generally pretty easy — if you have a queen size bed, you’ll want to buy queen size sheets. Unless you have a non-standard bed, this is basically how it goes.