Have you ever struggled to get comfortable in bed only to realize that your pillow is too small or your comforter too short? Maybe you’re tired of how your bed looks and can’t figure out how to give it the Pinterest makeover it deserves. Or perhaps you’ve invested in luxurious bedding, only to be disappointed when it looks ill-fitted.

Choosing the right bedding can be a game changer in both style and comfort. And it shouldn’t be something you lose sleep over. Here are some helpful tips for selecting the proper size bedding. Soon you’ll be able to transform your bed into a cozy sanctuary that looks and feels just right for you.

How to Measure Your Mattress and Pillows

The first step to finding the perfect bedding is knowing your mattress and pillow size. Despite standard sizing (Queen, King, and so on), bedding is not a “one size fits all” game. Measuring a mattress may sound like a snooze fest, but it’s a crucial step to finding the right size bedding. Grab a tape measurer and follow the steps below to get it right.

How to Measure Your Mattress

1. Mattress Length: Start at the head of your bed and measure the mattress all the way down to the foot, in the same direction that you sleep at night. Measuring right down the center should give the most accurate dimension.
2. Mattress Width: Start at one side of the mattress and measure straight across, perpendicular to how you lie in bed. Once again, the middle of the mattress is best for accuracy.
3. Mattress Depth: Mattress depth, or height, may be the most important measurement. Mattress thickness varies and often affects how sheets, mattress pads, and comforters fit. Start at the top edge of your mattress (where you would lie down) and measure straight down to the bottom (where your mattress hits the bed frame). If your bed has an additional pillow top or foam topper, be sure to include that in the total depth.

Record all three measurements (width, length, and depth) in either inches or centimeters.

How to Measure Your Pillows

1. Prep the Pillow: Lay the pillow on a flat surface and press into it with your hands to smooth the fill.
2. Pillow Length: Measure from left to right, or the longest part of the pillow.
3. Pillow Width: Measure from top to bottom, or the shorter side of the pillow.
4. Pillow Depth: Measure the height or thickness of the pillow from top to bottom. Looking for the thickest part gives the most accurate dimension.

Record all three measurements (width, length, and depth) in either inches or centimeters.

Tips For Choosing the Right Size Bedding

Now that you have your bed’s measurements, you are one step closer to upgrading your sleep and elevating your décor. But making a purchase is about more than just numbers. In this section, we’ll share some expert tips to choose bedding that will meet your aesthetic and comfort dreams.

Mattress Pads and Sheets

When selecting a mattress pad and sheets, always consider the thickness of your mattress. If you've invested in a plush, cloud-like mattress, you may need deep-pocket options to ensure they fit snugly. Always check the dimensions to make sure your new bedding will accommodate your mattress size. Because, let's face it, nobody likes linens that pop off in the middle of the night. Our Mattress Pad Buying Guide contains helpful tips for selecting the right mattress pad.

Comforters

Comforters deliver warmth and style. So, you must decide how you want your bed to look and feel. Do you prefer bedding that drapes beautifully over the sides of your bed, giving it that luxurious, hotel-like appearance? Or do you prefer a tight, neat fit? If you move around in your sleep or live in a colder climate, an oversized comforter or winter comforter will help you stay warm all night. If you sleep alone, live in warmer weather, or prefer a minimalist ambiance, a smaller comforter or lightweight comforter may be the right choice.

Once you know your style preference, you’re ready to get the perfect overhang. Consider the distance from the top of the mattress all the way to the floor. The height of a bedframe, mattress, box spring, feather bed, mattress pad and mattress topper all affect how a comforter drapes, so make sure your bed is completely assembled before measuring. You might also want to consider the floor as well - a long-pile shag rug may look better with a shorter blanket overhang than a hardwood floor.

Look at your bed and assess how low you want the comforter to drop on all sides. Add the appropriate extra inches of length and width to your next comforter size. A shortcut solution is to select a comforter one size larger than your mattress size. While this trick typically works with some styles, be aware that it usually results in an oversized and bulky look. Check out our Comforter Buying Guide for more tips on choosing the right comforter.

Pillows

Choosing the right-sized pillowcase is just as important as selecting the right-sized pillows. Too small, and your pillows may feel cramped or overstuffed. Too large, and your pillow will look sloppy and unkempt. The right-sized pillowcase can also prevent the pillow from shifting during the night, keeping you comfortable and well-supported.

With your pillow measurements in hand, selecting the perfect pillowcase is simple. The secret is to shop for pillowcases 1-2 inches larger than your pillow size for the proper fit. If you have extra thick pillows, consider sizing up to ensure they stay covered. That’s it!

As for aesthetics, the number of pillows greatly impacts how your bed looks. You might have even asked yourself, how many pillows are too many? Here are a few general tips to create a clean and cozy look based on the number of pillows and your bed size:

• Twin Bed: 1-2 standard-sized pillows

• Full/Queen Bed: 2 standard or queen-sized pillows per person

• King Bed: 2 king pillows per person

• California King: 3 standard/queen pillows or 3 king pillows per person

Of course, these are just general guidelines. You may need more pillows if you like to prop up in bed before turning out the lights or cuddle a pillow while sleeping. And for decorating, you can add a mix of euro pillows, shams, and throws to enhance the look of your bedroom. For more in-depth recommendations on bed styling, check out How to Style Your Bedding with Layers.

Standard Bedding Size Cheat Sheet

As we’ve established, size matters. We've compiled a list of standard bedding sizes for you to quickly reference. Use this and your measurements to find the perfect bedding for you.

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

• Twin size bedding: 39" x 75"
• Full size bedding: 54" x 75"
• Queen size bedding: 60" x 80"
• King size bedding: 76" x 80"
• California king size bedding: 72" x 84"
• Split king size bedding: two twin XL fitted sheets (39" x 80") and one king flat sheet (108" x 102")
• Split California king size bedding: two twin XL fitted sheets (39" x 84") and one king flat sheet (108" x 102")

Pillow Sizes and Dimensions

• Standard: 20 x 26 inches
• Jumbo: (Standard/Queen) 20 x 28 inches
• Queen: 20 x 30 inches
• King: 20 x 36 inches
• Body: 20 x 48 inches to 20 x 60 inches
• Euro: 26 x 26 inches to 28 x 28 inches

Comforter Sizes and Dimensions

• Twin: 66 x 86 to 68 x 88 inches
• Twin XL: 66 x 90 to 68 x 92 inches
• Full / Double: 82 x 90 to 86 x 92 inches
• Queen: 88 x 88 to 92 x 92 inches
• King: 102 x 86 to 104 x 96 inches
• Oversized Queen: 90 x 96 to 90 x 98 inches
• Oversized King: 106 x 96 to 108 x 98 inches
• Colossal King: 120 x 110 to 120 x 120 inches

Mattress Pad and Topper Sizes and Dimensions

• Twin: 38 x 75 inches
• Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches
• Full: 54 x 75 inches
• Queen: 60 x 80 inches
• King: 76 x 80 inches
• California King: 72 x 84 inches

If you would like any help or professional advice before ordering your bedding, please contact our customer service representatives by phone or email and they will assist you in your decision making.