Buying a bedsheet for a king-size bed should be easy. But if you have ever ordered one online, you probably know it is not always that simple.
The bedsheet may look perfect in the picture, but once you put it on the bed, it may not cover the mattress properly. It may be too short to tuck in, too loose on the sides, or keep coming off from the corners.
This usually happens because we buy a bedsheet by its name, king size, without checking the actual size.nSo, before you buy your next king-size bedsheet, here are a few simple things to keep in mind.
First, measure your mattress
This is the most important thing to do. Take a measuring tape and measure your mattress from one end to the other.
You need to know:
- The length
- The width
- The thickness
Write these measurements down. You can then compare them with the size given on the bedsheet’s product page.
For example, if your mattress is 72 × 78 inches, look for a bedsheet that is large enough to cover it and leave some extra fabric on the sides. Don’t simply buy a bedsheet because the packet says “King Size”. Different brands can have different measurements for their king-size bedsheets.
Don’t measure the bed frame
When buying a bedsheet, you need to measure the mattress, not the wooden or metal bed frame. The frame can be bigger than the mattress, and that extra space doesn’t matter when choosing your bedsheet.
Measure from the edge of the mattress to the other edge.Also measure how thick your mattress is. This becomes especially important if you are buying a fitted bedsheet.
Flat bedsheet or fitted bedsheet?
You will usually find two types of bedsheets: flat and fitted.
A flat bedsheet is simply a large piece of fabric that you spread over the mattress. You tuck the extra fabric underneath. It is easy to use and gives you some flexibility if your mattress is slightly thicker or thinner.
A fitted bedsheet has elastic at the corners. It fits around the mattress and usually stays in place better. If you have a habit of waking up to find your bedsheet all over the place, a fitted bedsheet can make life easier.
But there is one thing you need to check carefully, the thickness of your mattress. If your mattress is thick and the fitted sheet is made for a thinner mattress, the corners may keep coming off.
How much bigger should a flat bedsheet be?
A flat bedsheet should not be the same size as your mattress.
You need extra fabric on all four sides.
Why?
Because you need enough of the sheet to come down the sides of the mattress and tuck underneath it. For example, if your mattress is 72 × 78 inches, don’t look for a bedsheet that is exactly 72 × 78 inches.
You need a bigger sheet. The thicker your mattress is, the more extra fabric you will need. And if you like your bedsheet neatly tucked in, look for one with enough extra length and width.
Which fabric should you choose?
Once you know the size, think about the fabric. For a bedsheet that you will use regularly, cotton is a simple and comfortable choice.
Cotton bedsheets are soft, breathable and easy to wash. They are also available in many different styles and price ranges.
But even cotton bedsheets can feel different. Some feel light and crisp. Others feel smooth and soft. This depends on how the fabric is made.
Like a crisp, fresh bedsheet?
Try cotton percale. It has a light, crisp feel. If you like the feeling of a freshly made bed and don’t want a very smooth or silky sheet, percale can be a good choice.
Prefer a soft and smooth bedsheet?
Try cotton sateen. It feels smoother and softer and can give your bed a more comfortable, slightly luxurious feel.
There is no right or wrong choice here. Think about what you like when you get into bed.
What does 200 TC, 300 TC or 400 TC mean?
You may have seen these numbers while shopping for bedsheets. They refer to thread count, basically, how many threads are woven into a certain amount of fabric.
But don’t think that a higher number always means a better bedsheet. A 400 TC bedsheet isn’t automatically better than a 200 TC bedsheet.
A 200 TC cotton bedsheet can feel light and crisp.
A 300 TC bedsheet can feel smoother.
A 400 TC bedsheet can feel more premium and soft.
What matters most is the overall quality of the fabric and whether you like how it feels.
So, don’t buy a bedsheet only because it has the biggest number on the label.
Think about how you sleep
This is something people often forget.NIf you feel hot while sleeping, you may prefer a lighter and more breathable bedsheet. If you like a soft and smooth feeling, you may prefer sateen.
If you like a crisp and fresh feeling, percale may suit you better. Your bedsheet is in contact with your skin for hours every night. So comfort should matter more than simply choosing what looks good in a photograph.
What colour should you buy?
Now comes the easy part. Choose a colour that works with your room.If you like a simple and calm bedroom, shades such as white, beige, grey, blue or green can work well. If you like your bedroom to look brighter, you can choose prints or stronger colours.
For everyday use, think about how easy the colour will be to maintain too. You don’t have to buy the same colour every time. Keeping a mix of plain and printed bedsheets can make it easy to change the look of your room.
Buying a king-size bedsheet online? Check these things
Before you place your order, don’t just look at the picture.
Check:
The actual size: Make sure the measurements work for your mattress.
The fabric: Check whether it is cotton, percale, sateen or another material.
The mattress thickness: This is very important for fitted bedsheets.
The number of pieces: Check whether you are getting one bedsheet or a set with pillow covers.
Washing instructions: Your bedsheet will need regular washing, so make sure you know how to care for it. Also read the product description carefully. A minute spent checking the details can save you the trouble of returning the wrong bedsheet later.
A few mistakes worth avoiding
Buying only because it says “King Size”
Always check the actual measurements.
Buying a flat bedsheet that is barely bigger than your mattress
You may not have enough fabric to tuck it in.
Forgetting about mattress thickness
This can be a problem with fitted sheets.
Choosing only by the print
A beautiful design is nice, but comfort matters more.
Assuming a higher thread count means better quality
It is only one thing to look at.
So, which king-size bedsheet should you buy?
Start with your mattress. Measure it properly, check the bedsheet dimensions and decide whether you want a flat or fitted sheet.
Then choose the fabric based on what feels comfortable to you. If you want something simple for everyday use, a good cotton bedsheet is a safe choice. If you like a crisp feel, look at cotton percale. If you prefer something smoother, cotton sateen may be more suitable.
And remember, you don’t need the most expensive bedsheet or the highest thread count. You simply need one that fits your mattress, feels good and is easy to live with. That’s what makes a bedsheet worth buying.