How to Choose the Size of Your Bed Linen?

Choosing the right size of bed linen is an essential step to ensure optimal comfort and a harmonious look in your bedroom. Bedding that is too small risks not covering the mattress properly or twisting during the night, while bedding that is too large can create an unsightly and uncomfortable excess of fabric.

Perfectly fitting your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases to your mattress dimensions not only helps you sleep better but also preserves the lifespan of your bedding.

Before making a purchase, it is therefore recommended to measure your mattress precisely and check the dimensions indicated on the bed linen labels. Width, length, and mattress thickness are three criteria to consider as they directly influence the choice of fitted sheet, flat sheet, and duvet cover.

At Sylvie Thiriez, we offer a wide range of standard sizes as well as a bespoke tailoring service to accommodate all configurations.

Which Size of Bed Linen to Choose?

The size of your bed linen depends directly on the size of your mattress. For a fitted sheet, the dimensions must exactly match the width and length of the mattress, while the depth, called the “bonnet,” must be sufficient to encompass the thickness. For example, a standard 140x190 cm mattress will require a fitted sheet of 140x190 cm with a 25 to 30 cm bonnet depending on thickness.

For the flat sheet, it is recommended to allow a drop of at least 40 to 50 cm on each side to ensure comfortable coverage and an aesthetic look. Thus, a 140x190 cm mattress is ideally paired with a 240x310 cm flat sheet. Queen size beds (160x200 cm) require a 270x310 cm flat sheet, while king size beds (180x200 cm) go with a 290x310 cm size.

The duvet cover should also slightly exceed the mattress size to allow an elegant drape and enveloping comfort. For a double bed 140x190 cm, a 200x200 cm or 240x220 cm duvet cover is suitable. For a queen size bed, choose a 240x220 cm duvet cover, and for a king size, a 260x240 cm cover. Single beds of 90x190 cm are fine with a 140x200 cm cover.

Finally, pillowcases and bolster cases should be chosen according to the size of your pillows. Standard square pillows measure 65x65 cm, while rectangular ones are 50x70 cm or 50x80 cm. Bolsters typically range from 85 to 140 cm long, but custom sizes are available.

What Are the Standard Bed Linen Sizes?

In France, bed linen is offered in so-called standard dimensions, suited to most mattresses and available in most Sylvie Thiriez collections. These sizes make choosing easier and guarantee immediate compatibility with the most common bedding.

For single beds: the 90x190 cm mattress is paired with a 90x190 cm fitted sheet, a 180x290 cm flat sheet, and a 140x200 cm duvet cover.
For standard double beds: a 140x190 or 140x200 cm mattress is covered with fitted sheets of the same dimensions, a 240x310 cm flat sheet, and a 200x200 cm or 240x220 cm duvet cover.
For queen size beds (160x200 cm): the fitted sheet matches the mattress exactly, the flat sheet measures 270x310 cm, and the duvet cover is 240x220 cm.
For king size beds (180x200 cm): opt for a 180x200 cm fitted sheet, a 290x310 cm flat sheet, and a 260x240 cm duvet cover.

There are also specific sizes for adjustable beds or guest mattresses. Beds measuring 120x190 cm, for example, require a 120x190 cm fitted sheet and a 200x200 cm duvet cover. For twin beds with two 80x200 cm mattresses, it is recommended to use either two individual fitted sheets or a special fitted sheet for articulated bedding, along with a matching king size duvet cover.

These standards cover most needs, but there are sometimes special cases: very thick mattresses requiring a wider bonnet, custom mattresses, or different proportions desired for the duvet cover. In such situations, our bespoke tailoring service allows you to obtain perfectly adapted linen, made in our workshops in Halluin, in the Hauts-de-France region.

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