How to Choose the Right Size for Your Bedding Set

Published on 12 November 2020

Feeling a little lost among all the different sizes available for your bed linen set? With the various dimensions for the duvet cover, fitted sheet, pillows and flat sheet, it’s easy to get confused. To guide you through your selection and help you avoid mistakes, Embrin explains how to choose the right size for your bed linen set!

What size duvet cover should you choose?

Choosing the right size duvet cover is crucial to ensure not only the comfort of your bedding, but also the look of your bedroom. The cover should match the dimensions of your duvet precisely. If you opt for a cover that’s too small, the duvet will bunch up inside, leaving your bed linen looking untidy and less pleasant to use. As well as looking neglected, this could make your sleep less comfortable, as the duvet won’t distribute evenly.

Conversely, a cover that’s too large means the duvet won’t fill it completely, leaving empty spaces in the middle. This is neither pleasant nor practical, especially when you want to enjoy perfectly fitted bedding for a good night’s sleep.

Remember, all your bed linen, from sheets to pillowcases, should be chosen with care to ensure perfect harmony and optimal comfort. Well-fitted, quality bedding greatly contributes to better sleep quality and a calming atmosphere in your bedroom.

You can choose from the following sizes: 140 x 200 cm, 200 x 200 cm, 240 x 220 cm, 260 x 240 cm and 280 x 240 cm. If you’re unsure about the size of your duvet cover, Embrin has prepared a handy table to help you decide:

At Embrin, we also offer made-to-measure sizes, ideal if your duvet isn’t a standard size!

What about the fitted sheet?

Choosing the size of your linen fitted sheet is very straightforward: it should match your mattress dimensions exactly. In fact, the fitted sheet is slightly larger than the stated measurements, as it already includes the depth (the part of the sheet that tucks under the mattress to hold it in place). There’s no need to add any extra margin. Simply ensure your sheet size matches your mattress size for perfectly fitted bedding and ideal sleeping comfort.

To choose the right depth, just measure the height of your mattress and ideally add 5 cm. This extra fabric allows you to tuck the fitted sheet securely under the mattress, so it stays in place. That way, you won’t end up lying directly on the mattress during the night!

At Embrin, our fitted sheet depths are 30 cm as standard, which suits most mattresses available on the market. Thanks to their elasticated corners, they stay put all night! If you wish, you can also opt for made-to-measure sizes, perfect for children’s mattresses (which are generally thinner), for very thick mattresses as found in luxury hotels, or to fit mattress toppers.

Which size should you choose for a flat sheet?

Unlike fitted sheets or duvet covers, the dimensions of a linen flat sheet aren’t always obvious. The flat sheet should completely cover the mattress and be able to fold back just before the pillows. In all cases: go big!

To help you choose, we’ve prepared a handy guide table: just follow along!

And what about the “papillon” fitted sheet?

Papillon fitted sheets are perfect for adjustable beds, whether electric or manual. They consist of two parts, each fitting one mattress of the bed. Because of this, choosing the right size can seem a little more complicated. However, don’t worry, the calculation is simple: just divide the width of the bed in two and keep the same length.

For example, you’ll need a fitted sheet in 2 x 80 x 200 cm format for a 160 x 200 cm adjustable bed. Likewise, choose a fitted sheet in 2 x 90 x 200 cm format for a 180 x 200 cm bed. It’s as simple as that! Of course, if you need advice on choosing the size of your bed linen set, don’t hesitate to contact us!

How to choose the size of your pillowcase?

Quite simply, the size of your pillowcase depends on your pillows. Generally, pillows are sold in two standard sizes: square or rectangular. So, it’s easy to choose between 65 x 65 cm or 50 x 75 cm pillowcases! The dimensions given are those of the pillowcase itself, i.e. the internal edge-to-edge measurement. This does not include any decorative borders.

Some makers offer special pillow sizes, especially for children, travel pillows or certain ergonomic pillows. For these, Embrin also offers made-to-measure pillowcases!

And finally, bolster pillowcases

Bolsters offer a host of benefits. As well as being decorative elements, they can also be used as pillows for one or two people. Practical and versatile, they’re perfect for reading in comfort, supporting your lower back, or easing tired legs, especially for expectant mothers.

Whatever their use, classic bolster models have the same width, namely around 23 or 24 cm. All classic bolster pillowcases therefore have a similar diameter: no need to choose this.

The length of the cover depends on the length of your bolster, but not only that. A common mistake is to choose a pillowcase the same length as your bolster. In fact, as it’s a sleeve shape (open at both ends), it should extend about 25 cm beyond each end, to fully cover the bolster’s height.

Refer to the table below to find the right length:

At Embrin, all our bed linen is made with wash linen fabric, meaning it’s washed at high temperature to make it softer, more supple and more contemporary than raw linen. This fabric is durable, elegant, hypoallergenic and thermoregulating. Our duvet covers, our flat sheets, our fitted sheets and our pillowcases will help you enjoy restful, restorative nights. Discover them!