Things in the Bedroom: Pack 1 — Beds, Bedding, and Bedroom Furniture

1 Section 1. The Bed Itself

Ready to build your vocabulary for the bedroom? Here’s where we start — with the bed.

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in a bedroom. It is where you sleep.

At the top of the bed, there is often a headboard. This is the flat or padded panel that sits against the wall behind your head. It can be made of wood, metal, or fabric.

Under you when you sleep is the mattress. This is the thick, soft layer that you lie on. A good mattress supports your body while you sleep. Mattresses can be firm or soft.

Some beds also have a valance. This is a piece of fabric that goes around the base of the bed, between the mattress and the floor. It hides the bed frame and legs. You might also hear it called a bed skirt.

For families with young children, a cot is important. This is a small bed with high sides to keep a baby or toddler safe. And when two children share a room, they might sleep in a bunk bed — two beds stacked on top of each other.

2 Section 2. Duvets, Covers, and Pillows

Now let’s look at what goes on top of the mattress — the bedding.

A duvet is a large, soft cover filled with feathers or a soft material. It keeps you warm while you sleep. In American English, people often say ‘comforter’ instead.

A duvet cover goes over the duvet to keep it clean. You can remove it and wash it. It works like a giant pillowcase. Changing your duvet cover is a common household job.

A pillow is the soft cushion you rest your head on when you sleep. Most beds have two or more pillows.

A pillowcase is the fabric cover that goes over the pillow. Like the duvet cover, you can remove it and wash it. Pillowcases and duvet covers are often sold together as a set.

A blanket is a flat layer of warm fabric. You can use it instead of a duvet, or on top of one for extra warmth. Blankets are also useful on a sofa or when travelling.

3 Section 3. Staying Warm — Extra Comfort Items

Some bedrooms get very cold, especially in winter. These items help you stay warm.

An electric blanket is a special blanket with heating wires inside. You place it on the mattress or on top of you, and it warms up when you plug it in. Many people in the UK use electric blankets in winter.

A hot water bottle is a rubber container that you fill with hot water. You put it in your bed before you sleep to warm the sheets. It is a very traditional item in British homes. Some people also use it to ease pain in the back or stomach.

A bedspread is a large decorative cover that goes over the whole bed, including the pillows. It is mainly for looks rather than warmth. You often see bedspreads in hotels or guest rooms. They make the bed look neat and finished during the day.

4 Section 4. The Bedside Area

The area next to the bed has its own set of useful items.

A bedside table is a small table that sits next to the bed. You can put things on it that you need during the night. It is sometimes called a nightstand, especially in American English.

On the bedside table, you will often find a bedside lamp. This is a small lamp that gives soft light for reading before sleep. It is much gentler than the main room light.

Many people also keep an alarm clock on the bedside table. This is a clock that makes a sound at a set time to wake you up. Today, many people use their phone as an alarm clock instead, but a traditional alarm clock is still very common.

5 Section 5. Bedroom Storage and Furniture

A bedroom needs storage — places to keep your clothes and personal items.

A wardrobe is a large piece of furniture with doors. You hang your clothes inside it. In American English, a built-in wardrobe in the wall is often called a closet. The two words refer to the same idea but in different forms.

A chest of drawers is a piece of furniture with several sliding drawers. You fold and store clothes inside the drawers. It is sometimes called a dresser.

A dressing table is a table with a mirror on top. People sit at it to do their hair and put on make-up. It usually has small drawers for storing cosmetics and accessories.

A full-length mirror is a tall mirror that shows your whole body from head to foot. It can stand on the floor or hang on a wall. Many people use it to check their outfit before going out.

A trouser press is an electrical device that you put trousers in to remove creases. This means it makes your trousers look neat and flat. It is common in hotels and some traditional homes.

6 Section 6. Finishing Touches — Accessories and Storage Extras

These final items complete the picture of a well-organised bedroom.

A jewellery box is a small decorative box used to store rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewellery. It keeps small items safe and easy to find.

A blanket box is a large storage box, usually made of wood, that sits at the end of the bed. You store extra blankets, pillows, or seasonal items inside it. It can also be used as a seat.

A closet light is a small light inside a wardrobe or closet. It helps you see your clothes clearly, especially when the room is dark. Some closet lights turn on automatically when you open the door.

7 Section 7. Now Hear It in Use

You have met all the key words for the bedroom. Now hear them working in a real conversation. Listen to how two people use these terms naturally as they talk about setting up a new bedroom — and notice which words come up most often.