So, you’re ready to get yourself some new bedsheets but aren’t sure if you need flat sheets or just a fitted sheet. Funnily enough, society is divided on this topic, as many people debate the necessity of using a flat sheet along with a fitted sheet.
When it comes to your bedroom, the choices you make are personal, so you shouldn’t be influenced by anyone else’s opinion. Instead, take time to understand your options and choose whichever makes the most sense for you.
So, keep reading for a quick reference guide on the basics and benefits of both!
What are Fitted Sheets?
Also referred to as a bottom sheet, fitted sheets have four elastic corners that help them securely cover the top of your mattress. Fitted sheets are considered essential because they protect and cover your mattress. Sometimes people will use a mattress protector between the mattress and fitted sheet, but you’ll never find a reason not to have a fitted sheet on your bed.
There are a few benefits to using fitted sheets, which include:
- Increase the longevity of your mattress. The average mattress should last between 7 and 10 years. By using a fitted sheet, you prevent dust from building up and increase the lifespan of your mattress.
- Improved comfort for sleeping. Even if you think you have the most comfortable mattress there is, the right fitted sheet can completely elevate your sleeping experience.
- Easy to maintain. You don’t need to worry about making a trip to the dry cleaners. Fitted sheets can be thrown right into your washing machine. Not to mention, materials like Egyptian cotton even improve with more washes.
Keep in mind that your fitted sheet is going to be in contact with your body on a regular basis. Make sure you clean them often and try to find some that are made of durable, long-lasting material.
What are Flat Sheets?
Used as a complement to fitted sheets, flat sheets lay on top of your bed, generally under a duvet. They don’t have any type of elastic reinforcement, but you can tuck the corners under your mattress if you want to keep them in place. Unlike fitted sheets, not everyone agrees that flat sheets are a necessary part of your bedding.
Some advantages of using a flat sheet include:
- Keeping cool in the summer. Sometimes comforters can be a little too much in the warmer months. Having a flat sheet on your bed provides you with the option to use a lighter, more airy cover.
- Improved hygiene. Flat sheets provide an extra layer between you and your duvet or comforter.
- Added convenience on laundry day. When you wash your sheets, you won’t need to wash the duvet cover as often. Simply toss both sheets in the wash and you’ll be back to making your bed in no time!
Some people might wonder if you can use a flat sheet as a bottom sheet instead of a fitted sheet. The short answer is yes, you can, however, this isn’t recommended for long-term use. Remember that fitted sheets have elastic on all four corners as an extra component to keep dust away from your mattress. If you happen to be doing laundry and don’t have a spare fitted sheet for your bed, you can use a flat sheet in the interim. It’s a completely acceptable short-term solution, just don’t forget to switch it back with your fitted sheet when it’s ready.
How to Choose
Before you start browsing through your options, there are a few different things to keep in mind for fitted sheets and flat sheets.
Fitted Sheet Tips
When you’re picking out fitted sheets for your bed, the rules are a little stricter. You’ll need to check out your mattress measurements to make sure you know exactly which ones to get. With a fitted sheet, you need to make sure you buy the exact same size as your mattress. If you buy a queen size and you have a king mattress, there’s no chance you’re going to get it to fit.
The same goes for sizing up. You might think sizing up is no big deal, but then you won’t benefit as much as you’re supposed to. For example, if you accidentally bought king-size sheets for a queen-size bed, sure, the fitted sheet would easily cover the mattress. However, you won’t get the tight fit you’re supposed to have. This is what protects your mattress in the first place. A loose sheet is more likely to move around as you sleep, too.
💡Top Tip: Keep the thickness of your mattress in mind. If you have a thicker bed, you’ll want to opt for a deep-fitted sheet rather than a standard size.
Flat Sheet Tips
Picking out a flat sheet is a little more relaxed. You can choose the size based on how much extra material you want to drape over the mattress. For example, you can use a queen-size flat sheet for a double bed or a king-size for a queen bed. This part is all about personal preference. If you buy these items separately, you should consider if mismatching the sizing would make you more comfortable.
Quality is something you should also be paying attention to when making these purchases. We spend most of our lives in our beds, so you want something that is comfortable and good for your body. For example, 100% Egyptian cotton or linen.
Where to Find the Best Assortment of Bedsheets
When it comes to discerning which type of sheet is better, it really depends on the individual. However, most people would agree that fitted sheets are more of a necessity, whereas flat sheets are more of an option.
Now that you know all the basics, you’re in a much better place to decide what’s right for your bedroom. Keep in mind that you don’t have to use a flat sheet all the time. Yet, it doesn’t hurt to have one available in case you decide you want to use it.
For true hotel quality bedding, Homescapes provides one of the best selections of fitted and flat sheets. Available in all kinds of luxurious materials like Egyptian cotton, organic cotton and natural linen. Don’t forget to grab yourself some matching pillowcases, too!
