This is the piece of fabric that creates a sheath or barrier between you and your pillow. Typically, a pillowcase has one opening on the short side of the fabric and extra fabric that will drape over a few inches, when placed over the pillow insert. The drape is sometimes generous and provides a decorative element to what is otherwise a largely functional piece.

Don't worry, you're not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but the truth is that they refer to two different types of bedding that serve different purposes.

And speaking of looks, linen sheets have increased in popularity in recent years because they are inherently more boho chic than cotton. Stylists and the Instagram-obsessed love them for their deep texture and camera-friendly looks. They ooze that effortless je ne sais quoi that people associate with French style — unpretentious but impossibly chic. 

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To help you decide which fabric is better for your home, we put together a handy guide that describes the similarities and differences of cotton vs linen sheets and the types of bedding manufactured from both.