Fitted Sheet vs Flat Sheet: Do You Really Need Both?
It’s a question that splits households. Some people swear by the full sheet setup. Others have never used a flat sheet in their lives and see no reason to start. Here’s the honest breakdown.
What’s the difference?
A fitted sheet has elasticated corners that grip the mattress and stay in place. It goes directly on the mattress. A flat sheet is a plain rectangular piece of fabric with no elastic. It goes over the fitted sheet, under your duvet.
Do you actually need both?
No. The fitted sheet is the essential one. It protects your mattress and is what gets washed most regularly. The flat sheet is optional – it served as an extra layer of warmth before duvets were common, and as a barrier to stop the duvet getting dirty as quickly.
What size fitted sheet do I need?
| Bed Size | Fitted Sheet Size | Mattress Depth Note |
| Single | 90 x 190cm | Standard depth up to 30cm |
| Small Double | 120 x 190cm | Check depth for memory foam |
| Double | 135 x 190cm | Standard and deep fit available |
| King | 150 x 200cm | Deep fit recommended for thick mattresses |
| Super King | 180 x 200cm | Always check depth rating |
Browse fitted sheets and bedding at Ooble – and for more on getting your bedding setup right, our complete guide to bedding covers everything.
At Ooble, we stock quality bedding including fitted sheets in a range of sizes and depths. Have a browse.