USEFUL TIPS
Sheet And Mattress Sizes Explained
5 min read
5 min read
There is nothing better than a good night's sleep.
There are many things that can alter your ability to get a full night of rest. Things like temperature in the room, an uncomfortable mattress, sheets that don’t fit can all hinder your ability to sleep well.
We don’t know about you, but we want to be sure to maximize every minute of sleep we can get. In a world where we rush through our days, we want the most comfortable place to lay our head imaginable by the time bedtime rolls around. According to a national survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council, when it comes to health, buyers found sleep to be more important than exercise or diet.
There are a variety of common mattress types such as foam, latex, spring, hybrid, and even air mattress. With all those mattress styles and sizes, there are also sheets designed to fit each and every mattress like a glove. There are two main types of sheets: one is a fitted sheet that fits tightly around your mattress and is lined with elastic, and the other is a flat sheet that will be on top of your fitted sheet, between you and your duvet or comforter.
When it comes to purchasing sheets, you want to make sure they fit well and avoid tugging that could ultimately tear or rip your sheets while putting them on your bed. You want the fitted sheet to envelophe mattress like a warm, snug cuddle, and the flat sheet should be long enough to cover the width and length of the mattress with just enough material to tuck the sheet under the bottom and sides of the mattress. Let’s take a closer look at exploring the available sheet sizes and what makes each size unique.
Twin or Twin Long Sheets
At some point in your childhood, there is a great chance you slept on a twin bed. Once you have officially graduated from a crib, a twin size mattress would be the next size up.
You may have also experienced sleeping on a twin size mattress while in college, for the sake of space. A twin bed is the perfect transition from crib to toddler. It is also an extremely convenient size bed from toddler to adolescence and even into college years simply for the sake of space. Twin mattresses and sheets can come in twin or twin long, also known as twin XL.
The biggest difference between a twin and twin XL is the length. The twin XL is approximately five inches longer than the standard twin. This would be ideal for taller children all the way up to adults who are single sleeping. The dimensions for a twin size bed would be 39”x75.” Dimensions for a twin XL would come in at 39”x80.”
For sheet size, you will want to select a twin size fitted and flat sheet for your standard twin mattress. If you have a twin XL mattress, you would want to select a twin XL fitted sheet, and you can use either a standard twin flat sheet or a twin XL flat sheet for this size mattress.
Dimensions for twin sheets would be as follows:
- Twin fitted sheets dimensions: 99.06 x 190.5 cm or 39” x 75”
- Twin flat sheet dimensions: 168 x 244 cm or 66” x 96”
Dimensions for twin XL sheets would be as follows:
- Twin XL fitted sheet dimensions: 99 x 203 cm or 39” x 80”
- Twin XL flat sheet dimensions: 168 x 244 cm or 66” x 96”
Full and Queen Size Sheets
Generally speaking, full size mattresses are larger than a twin but smaller than a queen size. A full size mattress is a great choice for a single sleeper because of the extra space. A full size bed does not take up as much space in a bedroom and would be a great choice for a guest room. Full size sheets and mattresses can also be referred to as a double bed: it doesn’t take up an entire room but is large enough to sleep more comfortably than a twin.
For sheet size on a full mattress, you would want to select a full size fitted sheet, but you may use a full or queen size flat sheet for this size mattress.
Dimensions for full size sheets would be as follows:
- Full size fitted sheet dimensions: 137 x 190.5 cm or 54” x 75”
- Full size flat sheet dimensions: 244 x 259 cm or 96” x 102”
Queen size mattresses account for approximately 32% of mattress purchases. In comparison, a full size bed is about 54” x 75” whereas a queen bed would be 60” x 80.” Queen size mattresses offer ample room for both single sleepers and couples and may be more beneficial for taller individuals compared to a full size mattress. A queen size mattress can also be beneficial because it still allows for a decent amount of room space and provides enough room for two people to sleep relatively undisturbed. For queen size mattresses, a fitted sheet and flat sheet in queen size would be best suited.
Dimensions for queen size sheets would be as follows:
- Queen fitted sheet dimensions: 152.5 x 203 cm or 60” x 80”
- Queen flat sheet dimensions: 244 x 259 cm or 96” x 102”
King and California King Sheets
A king size mattress is a perfect option for those that enjoy a lot of room while sleeping. A king size mattress can also be known as an eastern king. With dimensions of 76” x 80,” it is also the widest of the standard mattress options available. One of the biggest differences in the California king size is its length, with dimensions of 72” x 84,” a California king has the length you would need if you are a tall person. You definitely have to factor in space when purchasing a king or California king size mattress. You would need a space that is no less than 12 feet x 12 feet to accommodate these larger beds and still have enough space to walk around comfortably.
For a fitted sheet on a king size mattress, you will need a king size fitted sheet. For a flat sheet for king size bed, you can use either a king size flat sheet or a California king. When it comes to sheet selection for a California king, you would need a California king size fitted sheet. For the flat sheet on a California king, you can use a king size or a California king.
Dimensions for king sheets would be as follows:
- King fitted sheet dimensions: 193 x 203 cm or 76” x 80”
- King flat sheet dimensions: 259 x 284 cm or 102” x 112”
Dimensions for California king sheets would be as follows:
- California king fitted sheet dimensions: 183 x 213 cm or 72” x 84”
- California king flat sheet dimensions: 259 x 284 cm or 102” x 112”
In Summary
Now that we have covered the sizes of mattresses and the sheets that go with them, you will likely be daydreaming about creating the perfect night sleep in the very near future. Before you run out and invest in the absolute perfect pair of sheets, here are some things to consider before you make the purchase:
- You don’t just want to dream about how soft and comfortable your sheets feel; you want them to stand the test of time and washes and feel like a 5-star resort in the comfort of your home.
- If you don’t want to deal with shrinking, pilling, poor fit, and much more, the material does matter. Whether it is silk or cotton that you prefer, it is important to do your research and determine which sheets have the best quality to ensure maximum comfort.
- Expensive sheets do not always indicate they will be the most comfortable or durable.
When you really think about it, we spend a lot of our time sleeping, approximately 26 years to be exact. Taking the time to research what you will be sleeping on is so important. The investment you make in purchasing quality sheets will not be something you regret. On the other hand, if you don’t do your research and settle for mediocre sheets, you will likely lose sleep wishing you had made a more informed choice.
While we can’t all live in a 5-star hotel, we can certainly create the same kind of experience in our own homes. Here is to a well-researched, 5-star comfort and an excellent night's rest.
Sources:
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https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/a34058112/bed-mattress-size-chart/ -
https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2021/02/new-bsc-survey-good-nights-sleep-more-important-than-diet-exercise/
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https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/10/18/weve-broken-down-your-entire-life-into-years-spent-doing-tasks_a_23248153/
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https://www.sleepadvisor.org/full-vs-queen/
