A Guide to UK Bedding Sizes and Measurements

Why the right size makes all the difference

Natural linen, cotton and other plant-based fibres are beautiful to sleep in, but they have very little give. A fitted sheet that is too small will strain at the corners, pull loose overnight and wear out far sooner than it should. A duvet cover that is too large will leave your duvet bunched at the bottom, while a flat sheet that is too short will not tuck in properly. And because linen and cotton can shrink slightly after the first few washes – typically 2–4% for non pre-shrunk linen – buying the correct size from the outset is essential. Measure your mattress, not your old sheets.

The four core UK mattress sizes

UK mattress sizes are fairly standardised, though there can be small variations between makers. As a rule, you can expect the following:

• Single: 90cm x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in)
• Double: 135cm x 190cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in)
• King: 150cm x 200cm (5ft x 6ft 6in)
• Super king: 180cm x 200cm (6ft x 6ft 6in)

These are mattress dimensions. Your bed frame may add a few centimetres, but the mattress is what you are dressing. Note that a UK king is not the same as a European king, which is often 160cm x 200cm. If you have bought bedding abroad, check the label carefully before you wash it.

Duvet sizes: a size up is often a size right

Duvet sizes do not match mattress sizes exactly, because a duvet needs to drape over the sides. The standard UK duvet sizes are:

• Single: 135cm x 200cm
• Double: 200cm x 200cm
• King: 230cm x 220cm
• Super king: 260cm x 220cm

Many people prefer to go one size up – a king duvet on a double bed, for example – to avoid midnight tug-of-war. For natural linen duvets, a larger size also shows off the fabric’s drape and softness. Just check that your duvet cover matches the duvet, not the mattress. A 200cm x 200cm duvet needs a 200cm x 200cm cover. If you have a heavy wool or down duvet, measure it flat before buying a new cover, as fillings can settle and shift over time.

Fitted sheets, flat sheets and mattress depth

Fitted sheets are sized to the mattress, but depth is the variable that catches people out. Standard fitted sheets suit mattresses up to about 25cm deep. If you have a mattress topper, a deep mattress (30cm or more), or a natural latex or wool mattress, you will need a fitted sheet with a 30–40cm pocket. Measure the depth from the top of the mattress to the bottom edge, including any topper. For flat sheets, a generous size is better: a flat sheet should tuck in on all sides. As a guide, add at least 40cm to both the width and length of your mattress. Natural linen flat sheets are often sold as single, double, king and super king, but check the exact dimensions – a 240cm x 260cm flat sheet works well on a king bed.

Pillow sizes and natural fills

UK pillowcases come in three main sizes:

• Standard: 50cm x 75cm (fits most pillows)
• Square: 65cm x 65cm (often used as a decorative or European pillow)
• King: 50cm x 90cm (for a longer pillow)

Natural fillings such as wool, down or kapok can settle over time, so a pillowcase that fits well – not too tight – will help the pillow keep its shape. Linen pillowcases are measured flat, so allow a little room for the pillow’s loft. If in doubt, go for the larger size. A slightly loose pillowcase also feels cooler and more comfortable against the skin.

How to measure your mattress before you buy

Before you order any natural linen bedding, take five minutes with a tape measure. You will need:

• Width, length and depth of the mattress (in centimetres)
• Whether you use a mattress topper, and its depth
• The exact size of your duvet when measured flat

Write the numbers down and keep them in your phone. When you shop, compare those numbers to the product’s stated dimensions – not to the size name. A “double” from one maker may be a few centimetres different from another. And remember that natural fibres can shrink slightly on the first wash, so wash linen at a low temperature and line dry where possible. If you are between sizes, choose the larger fitted sheet or the larger duvet cover. Your linen will thank you, and you will sleep better for it.