There is nothing more annoying than sleeping on a bed with an incorrectly sized sheet and/or duvet cover! Unfortunately, most of us have experienced this. The Linen Drawer team shares some helpful tips for buying the right size bedding.
This situation can befall anyone who bought bed linen without really knowing the size of the bed/mattress or bought a “bargain” that shrunk more than expected after washing.
The following guidelines apply –
- Know your bed sizes – you’ll need a notebook (or something to record the sizes), a tape measure (at least 3m retractable), and a little time
- Measure the width of the mattress first – not at its end, but in the middle of the bed. Note the offer
- Measure the length of the mattress – also in the middle of the length. Note the length
- Measure the height (depth/thickness) – at the ends and in the middle. Note the depth
- All bedding measurements are expressed as width x length x depth (if applicable).
Fitted Sheets – This is where the depth/height of the mattress matters most. The product you purchase should indicate the depth of the corners of the fitted sheet. In the past most standard mattresses were 25-30cm wide.
However, existing mattress depths vary, and it is essential to cover the depth of the mattress with a suitable fitted sheet. At Linen Drawer, we like to have a ‘tuck in’ under the mattress on a fitted sheet between 3-5cm. This ensures that the fitted sheet fits snugly and does not “crawl” on the sides. Linen Drawer products have shrinkage added so that the product fits properly after washing and does not warp on the mattress.
For demonstration purposes, we use a standard queen mattress (152″ x 190″ x 30″) to calculate the sizes.
Flat Sheets – There are several factors to consider. What is the depth of the mattress? Do you put your sheets all round or just the bottom? What size swirl do you prefer at the top of the bed?
Your flat sheet should cover the following – the depth, width and length of your mattress as well as the fold. The standard tilt measures 20cm and the comfort fold is 15cm so a 152/190/30cm mattress (standard queen size) needs a flat sheet of at least 92 x 255cm.
The account is as follows:
Width 152 cm + 30 cm + 30 cm (mattress depth on two sides) + 15 cm + 15 cm (folding on both sides) = 242 cm
Length 190 cm + 30 cm mattress depth + 15 cm (tuck) + 20 cm (fold at top) = 255 cm
The linen drawer provides you with a sheet of 250 x 270 cm which ensures sufficient pleating and ample turning at the top.
Duvet Covers – You want to cover the mattress plus about 2 inches on either side of the mattress.
The calculation for a standard queen quilt would be:
- Width 152 cm + 30 cm + 30 cm (mattress depth on two sides) + 5 cm + 5 cm (quilt hanging over mattress on both sides) = 222 cm
- Length 180cm + 30cm (Mattress Depth) + 5cm = 215cm NOTE – When placing a duvet on a bed it is common to place it about 15-20cm from the top of the bed, so that the flat sheet can be turned over and the pillows have their own space .
- The minimum queen size quilt should be 222 x 205 cm (20 cm of length is taken for closing purposes). As most duvets come in round sizes – so a duvet size of 230 x 200cm inside will be suitable to cover a mattress depth of 30cm.
Linen Drawer offers duvet covers in standard sizes to fit standard duvet covers in all sizes from Single to Super King.
Take a look at Linen Drawer’s Bed Linen Size Chart to help you. Remember that it is crucial to know the size of your mattress – width, length and depth.
If you require any special sizes, for various reasons – such as having a very high/deep mattress, or a special sized bed/mattress, please contact Linen Drawer at [email protected].
You can also check their website for more information at www.linendrawer.co.za.