Is A Flat Sheet or Fitted Sheet Right For You?

No bed is complete without a sumptuously soft flat sheet and fitted sheet. A fitted sheet snugly tucks under your mattress to provide a comfortable mattress cover, while a flat sheet is a rectangular sheet that is usually laid on top of either a fitted sheet or a bare mattress.

In this blog, we share all you need to know about choosing the right sheet for your bed. 

What Is A Flat Sheet? 

A flat sheet is a large rectangular sheet that rests underneath the duvet. Often known as a top sheet, the flat sheet is typically used to provide an extra layer of comfort between you and your duvet whilst also keeping your duvet cover protected. 

Flat bed sheets can also be spread out over or tucked underneath your mattress in place of a fitted sheet. 

There are many benefits to using a flat sheet:

• Soft cotton flat sheets act as a layer between you and your duvet, elevating your sleep by providing extra warmth and comfort.
• Achieve a luxury hotel-inspired feel by adding a flat sheet to your bed.
• Flat sheets are easy to remove and wash so you can always enjoy fresh bedding. 
• As a flat sheet acts as a protective layer between you and your duvet, your duvet cover will be protected so you won't need to wash it as frequently.
• A flat sheet can be used as a blanket too, offering an extra layer of warmth without weighing down your duvet. 
• You could choose to just sleep with a flat sheet over you during the summer months. It provides perfect flexibility for the ultimate night's sleep!

How To Make A Bed With A Flat Sheet

It's up to you whether you tuck in a flat sheet or choose to leave it laid out over you while you sleep. While you may enjoy the feeling of being all snuggled up within a tucked in flat sheet, if you're a restless sleeper you may find a tucked in flat sheet too restrictive. If you're wondering the best way to sleep during the summer, you should probably avoid tucking your flat sheet in so you're more easily able to remove layers of bed linen if you get too hot. 

While a flat sheet should stay nicely in place if tucked under the sides of your mattress, over time your flat sheet may come loose. To help keep a flat sheet tucked in, you could use stretchy bands or sheet clips.

Fitted sheets are specifically designed with elasticated corners to keep them in place - a deep fitted sheet should hug the mattress particularly well. However, if you find your fitted sheet still pings off from time to time, you could find the answer lies in your bed linen. 100% cotton bedding, for example, provides additional friction which means less opportunity for your fitted sheet to come loose. 

What Is A Fitted Sheet?

A fitted sheet is a piece of material that has elasticated corners so it can be easily pulled over your mattress and secured in place for a snug fit. Fitted sheets are the ones you lie on top of, acting as a layer between you and your mattress (or your mattress protector and topper). This keeps your mattress clean and provides an extra layer of soft comfort while you sleep. 

Using a fitted sheet comes with many benefits: 

• A fitted sheet provides an unwrinkled, smooth surface to sleep on that elevates your comfort.
• It's easy to use a fitted sheet - simply slip the elasticated corners over your mattress for a snug fit.
• The extra layer protects your mattress so you won't need to worry about cleaning your mattress protector or topper as frequently. 
• Fitted sheets are easy to remove and clean, so make sure you wash them regularly.

What Is A Deep Fitted Sheet?

A deep fitted sheet allows for extra room so your fitted sheet can completely envelope your mattress. Deep fitted sheets are perfect for thicker mattresses, or for beds with mattress toppers and protectors that add to the overall height. 

DUSK fitted sheets are available in either standard (30cm) and deep (34cm) sizes to suit any mattress size. 

Flat Sheets vs Fitted Sheets

Fitted sheets are tucked over your mattress and should lay under you whereas a flat sheet should cover you, acting as a layer between you and your duvet. 

Should I Use A Flat Sheet or Fitted Sheet?

Actually, many people choose to use both! While either a flat or fitted sheet can be used to cover your mattress, fitted sheets are often the preferred choice as they're easier to slip over and secure in place thanks to their elasticated corners. Once your fitted sheet is in place, layer your flat sheet on top followed by your duvet and you're ready for the ultimate night's sleep. 

Some people choose to just use a fitted sheet and forgo the top sheet, as they find it more comfortable to just snuggle up with a cosy duvet instead. Remember, if you do choose to sleep with a flat sheet you'll need to smooth it out and tuck it in every morning as you make your bed so it looks great throughout the day while also being ready to climb straight into at night. 

Can You Turn Flat Sheets Into Fitted Sheets?

Many hotels use flat sheets instead of fitted sheets for a more  luxurious finish and are typically easier to iron, fold and store once washed. Plus, you don't need to lift up a heavy mattress when using a flat sheet as your bottom sheet. 

If you want to use a flat sheet instead of a fitted sheet for your bed's bottom layer, you'll need to learn how to create hospital corners! This will make sure your flat sheet stays beautifully in place throughout the night. 

Selecting The Right Size For Your Sheets

Both flat and fitted sheets come in a range of sizes to suit your mattress size. If you have a king size bed, for example, choose a king size sheet. This is particularly important when choosing the right size for your fitted sheet, as the elasticated corners won't fit snugly unless it's specifically designed to suit a certain mattress size. 

If you prefer to sleep under a larger sheet, choose a flat sheet that's one size larger than your mattress size. For example, if you have a double bed but would like to sleep under a floatier layer, choose a king size flat sheet. 

What Flat Sheet and Fitted Sheet Material Should I Choose?

As with all types of bed linen, you should always select quality material that is durable and breathable. Your skin comes into contact with both flat and fitted sheets, so we recommend choosing cotton for a soft, breathable option that can also be washed easily. 

Our flat sheets are available in 100% Egyptian cotton, cotton percale or cotton sateen. DUSK fitted sheets are also available in 100% Egyptian cotton, cotton percale, cotton sateen, brushed cotton or a silky smooth linen and cotton blend. 

While each of our flat and fitted sheets are made from cotton, they are crafted in different ways to achieve certain finishes. Cotton sateen, for example, has a luxurious sheen and silky finish whereas cotton percale is woven to provide a matte appearance. Your personal style preference should help you to decide which type of DUSK cotton bed sheet to choose. 

Harmonising Your Bed Linen

Your flat and fitted sheets should complement your bedding set. From your pillowcases to your duvet cover, your whole bed should look coordinated. If you are going for a classic, crisp look then our white fitted sheets can complete the ensemble. However, for a touch of colour try a grey or charcoal fitted sheet to provide a contrasting base for the rest of your lighter bedding. 

Flat sheets with a decorative border provide a classic touch of style. Whether you choose a white sheet with a navy border or a grey sheet with a striking white border, you're sure to make a statement with your bedding. The border will drape elegantly over the sides, adding style to any bed. 

Caring For Your Bed Sheets

It's important to carefully clean, fold and store your bed sheets ready for use. Folding your sheets will allow you to stack them neatly and utilise your storage space. 

How To Fold A Fitted Sheet

Before you get started folding your fitted sheet, make sure you fully smooth out any wrinkles. Then, fold your fitted sheet in half, tucking the top corners into the bottom corners like a pocket - repeat this step again. You should have a rectangular shape in front of you, which you can then fold in half lengthways. Finally, fold this long rectangle into a square ready for tucking away in your cupboard ready for your next bed linen change. 

How To Fold A Flat Sheet

It's much easier to fold a flat sheet compared to a fitted sheet, as you can essentially fold it how you would fold other rectangular bed linen or towels. However, you should try to fold your flat sheet so it matches the size of your folded fitted sheet, which will make it much easier to stack in the cupboard. 

For more advice and information about how to choose the right bedding to bring you comfort and suit your style, visit the DUSK blog or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.