Flat Sheet Vs Fitted Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

One of the best feelings in the world is hopping into a freshly made bed after a long day. From soft pillows to lay our weary heads on to stylish quilts that ensure a comfortable night's sleep, bedding plays such an important role in our lives.

This also includes our bed sheets - but when it comes to the difference between a flat sheet and a fitted sheet, do you know the difference? What are they used for? And is one better than the other? Read on to find out everything you need to know in the flat sheet vs fitted sheet debate.

Quick Links:

• Commonly Asked Questions
• What Is A Fitted Sheet?
• What Is A Flat Sheet?
• What Are Flat Sheets Used For?
• What Are Fitted Sheets Used For?
• Standard Bed Sheet Sizes
• How To Put A Flat Sheet On A Bed
• How To Put A Fitted Sheet On A Bed
• How To Fold A Fitted Sheet
• How To Fold A Flat Sheet
• How To Stop Fitted Sheets Coming Off
• How To Clean Bed Sheets
• How To Store Bed Sheets

Commonly Asked Questions

What is a top sheet?

If you have heard the term 'top sheet' and have gotten confused, we don't blame you. As it turns out, a top sheet is just another name for a traditional flat bed sheet.

What is a valance sheet?

Unlike normal bed sheets, a valance sheet is designed to go over your entire mattress like a traditional sheet but also drapes down over the base of your bed. Valance sheets are used for style purposes and adding the final touches to your bedroom decor.

Can you use a flat sheet instead of a fitted sheet?

Definitely! There's no official rules that say you can only have a certain type of sheet for your bed. Just lay your fitted sheet over your bed and then lift up your mattress to tuck it in underneath so it stays in place.

Are flat or fitted sheets better?

This is a subjective question without an objective answer - it's all about what you prefer. The main difference is that fitted sheets are more slip-resistant yet harder to fold. Flat sheets are much easier to fold but harder to put over the mattress.

Can you sleep with just a flat sheet?

During the hotter months, you can absolutely sleep with just a flat sheet. It's a breathable and cooler option instead of using a blanket during those hot summer nights.

What Is A Fitted Sheet?

A fitted sheet, also referred to as a bottom sheet, has a design that is distinguished by its elastic corners. These elastic corners allow fitted sheets to be easily pulled over a mattress for a tight, snug and secure fit.

What Is A Flat Sheet?

A flat sheet, also referred to as a top sheet, is a traditional bed sheet design that is larger than a fitted sheet. Because it doesn't have elastic corners, it is able to sit completely flat on the mattress once it has been laid down.

What Are Flat Sheets Used For?

Now this is where a lot of the confusion lies. Decades ago, flat sheets were called top sheets. These sheets were designed to be placed over the sleeper to create a barrier between them and the quilt. You may have noticed this when staying at a hotel after the staff has made your bed.

Nowadays, this is seen as a bit too excessive. Instead, top sheets have become known as flat sheets and they are mainly placed over the mattress to create a nice and flat surface for sleeping on.

What Are Fitted Sheets Used For?

Also known as bottom sheets, fitted sheets have always been placed over the mattress and used as a layer of protection between the sleeper and the mattress. The main difference between a fitted sheet and a mattress protector is that a fitted sheet is designed to be slept on whereas a mattress protector only protects the mattress and is placed over the fitted sheet.

Standard Bed Sheet Sizes

The following tables below will outline the average standard bed sheet sizes in Australia:

Standard fitted sheet sizes

Standard flat sheet sizes

How To Put A Flat Sheet On A Bed

Follow these simple steps to learn how to put a flat sheet on your bed and enjoy a comfortable night of sleep:

• Unfold the sheet and spread it out over the mattress. Ensure the sides are all hanging down the mattress at equal lengths.
• Now tuck in the bottom and the top of the sheet, making sure they are tucked in tight and leave the sides untucked.
• Lift the mattress up slightly and tuck in the left side of the bed sheet.
• Finally, lift up the other side of the mattress and tuck in the rest of the sheet.
• Make sure the sheet is laying completely flat on the bed by gently pulling on the sheet and making sure it is taut.

How To Put A Fitted Sheet On A Bed

Even though it can be a little tricky, the following steps will teach you how to put a fitted sheet on your bed correctly without stress:

• Start by finding the top right corner of the bed sheet. Lift up your mattress and place it over the matching corner.
• Now repeat the same step with the left top corner of the mattress.
• Lift up the mattress again and place the bottom left corner of the sheet over the mattress, making sure that each corner of the sheet is fully over the mattress.
• Finally, repeat the same process with the last corner. This last corner can be a little tricky as the mattress will be very tight, so make sure you pull hard to ensure that the last corner is completely covered by the sheet.
• Run your hand over the sheet and make sure everything is flat and there are no bunched up sections.

How To Fold A Fitted Sheet

Due to their elasticated corners, folding a fitted sheet has become notoriously annoying to many people. Follow these quick steps and learn how to fold a fitted sheet like a pro!

• Hold the sheet by placing your hands in the corners. Make sure that the top side of the fabric is facing towards you and that the long side of the sheet is facing across your body.
• Grabbing one corner, tuck it into the other corner and repeat this process on the other side. Now your fitted sheet should be folded in half.
• Grabbing the corners once again, repeat this process again, which should result in the four corners of the fitted sheet being folded into each other without bunching up into a jumbled mess.
• Now lay down the fitted sheet onto your bed, countertop, table or anything with a flat surface.
• For the last step, fold the edges of the sheet from the outside inwards. Smooth out the sheet and then fold it into thirds, and your fitted sheet is now folded.

How To Fold A Flat Sheet

Learn how to neatly fold a flat sheet so you can easily store them away:

• Start by making sure the flat sheet is lengthways across your body, and grab the top two corners. If you're having trouble, lay it down on the ground.
• Now fold the sheet in half by making sure the opposite corners match up perfectly. Also smooth out the surface to ensure no wrinkles form.
• Fold along the first fold which will give you a long and narrow rectangle shape.
• For the final step, fold down the top side and make sure all the corners neatly line up. Repeat this step a final time and your flat sheet should be folded into a neat square.

How To Stop Fitted Sheets Coming Off

Getting tired of getting into bed and noticing that your bed sheet is always coming off? Turns out, there are a variety of issues that can cause this, so we've listed the main reasons and how you can avoid them.

Flat vs fitted sheets

Yep, you guessed it, the first main reason is the type of bed sheets you are using. A big reason could be that you are using a flat sheet and the loose material is slipping out from underneath the mattress. If noticing this issue with a fitted sheet, then make sure you are using a deep-fitting style. Either way, always make sure when making your bed that each corner is fully tucked underneath the mattress and that the sheet is taut when you pull on it.

Can't be secured tightly enough

Due to the size of your sheet or mattress, sometimes no matter how much you tuck the sheet underneath the mattress, it always seems to slide out after a night of sleep. In this situation, using bed suspenders will make a big deal of difference. They are adjustable elasticated strips that clip onto the sides of each corner of your mattress to hold the bed sheet in place.

The size is wrong

Another reason is that the size of bed sheet you are using is too large or small for the size of mattress you are sleeping on. Using a smaller bed sheet will result in the fabric ripping over time, whereas using a larger bed sheet will result in the fabric bunching up quickly and easily sliding off the corners. This is why it's important to select the right size of bed sheet that matches your mattress.

How To Clean Bed Sheets

It is ideal to wash your bed sheets at least once a week if possible, or at very least, every two to three weeks. When it does come time to clean your bed sheets, here are some very easy steps to follow to make sure they come out thoroughly cleaned:

• Firstly, make sure you are only washing your sheets by themselves and not with your other items such as clothes or towels.
• Measure out the amount of laundry detergent you need, which is typically 1/4 cup for a regular load. Just make sure you aren't using too much, otherwise it'll wear down the fabric of the sheets over time.
• Now select the right cycle, which should be the 'sheet cycle' on your washing machine. If you don't have this cycle, then you can select either the 'colours' or 'regular' cycle instead. Avoid using a hot temperature as this will also wear down your bed sheets.
• Once the load has finished, it's time to dry your sheets.

How to dry bed sheets in the dryer

If it's raining outside or you're pressed for time, then here is how to dry your bed sheets in the dryer:

• Load your sheets into the dryer. To ensure that they dry evenly, a great tip is to put a tennis ball into a cotton sock and chuck it in with the sheets.
• Now select the right setting you need. You'll want a low or medium heat setting, as high temperatures will weaken the material of your sheets and shorten their life span.
• To skip the process of ironing your sheets, another great tip is to put them on your bed as soon as they are finished in the dryer (and are completely dry). This will keep them smooth without forming any creases that will need to be ironed out.

How to dry bed sheets without a dryer

If you don't have a dryer, then you can simply hang out your sheets on a washing line outside. But always remember: hang your coloured sheets somewhere in the shade and white sheets out in the sun. To avoid wrinkles and creases, always peg up your sheets from the corners when drying outside.

How To Store Bed Sheets

Once you have clean, dried and folded your bed sheets, you'll want to store them neatly away where they can be retrieved later - without any wrinkles or creases forming while they are stored away. This is why where you store your bed sheets play an important role.

You'll want to find a dry and dark place for storing them that also provides good airflow, such as a wardrobe or a cupboard. Another great way to save space while also ensuring outside elements don't affect your sheets is by using a space vac.

Just make sure you don't store your bed sheets in a place where there is a lot of moisture in the air or in plastic bags. This is because it will result in your bed sheets becoming the perfect breeding ground for mildew, mould and bacteria to grow, resulting in unclean and musty smelling sheets.

And there you have it, everything you need to know when it comes to a flat sheet vs a fitted sheet, including how to clean them, dry them and take care of them. Whether you prefer fitted or flat bed sheets, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in our massive range of sheets at Harris Scarfe.

If you need some help when choosing your sheets, check out our guide on what to look for when buying linen, and to make sure it stands out in your bedroom, read our guide on how to style bed linen for more great bedding tips.