When it’s time to refresh the look of a bedroom, the easy answer will be to select a new duvet cover of a size that fits the existing duvet.

This can be a mistake. A duvet does not have to equal the size of the mattress – (single for a single bed mattress and queen for a queen).

A duvet that matches the mattress size may cover the mattress length and with, and allow a small overhang, however, the luxurious look achieved in these shots is achieved by purchasing the size above your mattress size.

There are three main factors that will negatively affect the overall look, these are;

1. Flat top sheets
   Unless the top sheet is firmly tucked on all sides, the sheet can hang down below the duvet (and cover) creating a messy look.

2. Deeper mattresses
   A deep mattress will inevitably show below an otherwise correctly fitting duvet cover, exposing the bottom fitted sheet and after several days of use, potentially the mattress itself.

3. Occupants
   A duvet cover looks fine on a neatly made bed, however, the mass of one or two occupants will inevitably lift the edges of the duvet and, depending on the body mass of the occupants, expose sides and toes to the cold night air.
4. The thickness of the duvet cover
   A thin duvet will never look luxurious and fluffy as the staged images do. When living in a hot environment this is quite common. If you live in a hot environment, and you still want a thick luxurious look to your bedding, it is advised to have an under-blanket in between the sheet and duvet. This allows you to completely turn down the duvet for sleeping.

The solution

By selecting a duvet and duvet cover the size above the mattress size, the added width and often height generally solves all these problems. The made bed has ample duvet and duvet cover overhang to cover messy sheets and mattress sides and has added width to protect the occupants – even reducing nighttime squabbles over the covers as one or the other twists and turns.

Other things to consider

• Style of bed base or frame
  The style of bed base or bed frames can also impact the choice of duvet size. A high wooden bed frame with a bed end may not work well with an oversized duvet. Also, a low bed base with an oversized duvet and duvet cover may result in the duvet cover dragging on the ground, particularly through sleep tossing and turning.
• Country-specific dimensions
  A Queen-sized bed from the UK will be slightly different dimensions from a queen-sized bed from the US and different again from Australia. This is generally the reason for a duvet cover to be mismatched to the duvet, with department stores importing a dimension of the bedding that is close, but not exactly the right size. This can be a most frustrating experience, leaving unfilled edges in some instances, and overfilled edges in others. It is advised to go by measurements when purchasing a new duvet and duvet cover.

If purchasing a new duvet and duvet cover, look up the dimensions for the size you want, that’s relevant to the country you’re in, the mattress you own, and the look you’re wanting to achieve. For the floor to floor look, this can mean measuring from floor to mattress top x 2, plus mattress width.

You should do this regardless of whether you are buying the size of, or the size above your mattress size, and ensure that the duvet is the correct size (or upsize) for the mattress, and also the correct dimensions to fit the duvet cover. 

If purchasing a new duvet cover for an existing duvet, it is equally important to note the dimensions of our duvet and buy a cover that matches those dimensions.

If you have a deep mattress, it may also be wise to purchase the flat sheet set at a size above the mattress size

This approach will provide more sheet to tuck in on all sides and a generous overhang.

Please take the time to consider the look you want to achieve before making a purchase from Ailebo Shop or any on or offline retailer.