Some people will tell you putting a flat sheet on a bed is excessive. Others will tell you it’s essential. And many simply don’t know the difference. Using a flat or fitted sheet on your bedding is a personal choice. If you’re not sure which to choose, here’s everything you need to know to determine what’s right for your room.

What’s the Difference?

The main thing that separates a fitted sheet from a flat sheet are the elastic corners at all four ends. This tends to be the style you’ll find in most common bedding sets. A flat sheet on the other hand doesn’t have elastic, but instead is a flat rectangular shape designed to fold easily and lay totally flat on the surface.

When used alone, fitted sheets are used to protect the mattress and serve as a primary top layer for you to sleep on (unless you have a mattress pad beneath them). The standard pocket size is 14” which will adequately fit over most mattresses, however we do offer an 18” deep pocket (in White or Ivory) and other pocket depths can be custom ordered. A full list of our standard sheet sizes can be found here.

Flat sheets are usually placed on top of the fitted sheet between comforters, blankets, and duvet covers. These sheets not only help protect your top layers and reduce the need to wash them as often, but they also create a more welcoming, inviting look and feel to your bed.

Which One is Better?

There are many who swear by flat sheets and love the way they look on their bed. They offer extra protection, a more inviting design, less frequent cleanings, and are far easier to fold than fitted sheets. They also allow for a little more freedom when styling your bed. And depending on what time of year you’re using it; flat sheets can add an extra element of warmth or coolness to your bedding.

Where flat sheets offer more protection, style, and an added layer of comfort, fitted sheets are more convenient and offer less hassle when it comes to making your bed. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to add another step to the bed making process, flat sheets might feel a bit superfluous, and a fitted sheet may be all you need. They tend to be easier to use, except for folding, and if all you want is a simple bottom layer between you and the mattress, it will do the trick.

So, which is better? To make this decision, it really comes down to personal choice. If you want a touch more style and an extra protective layer, fitted sheets may be right for you. On the other hand, if you would prefer to stick to one bottom sheet that slips easily over the mattress and gives you enough protection with less hassle, fitted is probably the way to go.

How to Choose the Right Fitted or Flat Sheets

The most important thing to get right when choosing fitted sheets is that you get the right size. Too big or small and the elastic corners won’t fit around the bed. Note that if you have anything additional on your mattress like a pad or topper, it’s a good idea to take that into account when choosing the size.

For flat sheets, you can still match the size of your sheets with the size of your mattress, but there is a bit more freedom to go bigger or smaller. Since these sheets are flat and easily foldable, you can adjust it the way you see fit. If customizing your bed is something that seems important or appealing in any way, we recommend you try a flat sheet and see how it feels.

Regardless of whether you choose flat or fitted, your sheets should be made using the most comfortable fabrics with high quality materials. Well-made sheets like the ones Schweitzer Linen have been making for over five decades last longer, feel softer and more breathable, and will make your bed look so much better.

When picking the color of your flat or fitted sheets, in addition to thinking about how they will impact your bedroom, try to think about how the colors will impact you. How do they make you feel? What are the colors/designs/images you want around you every day and night? Choosing the right colors and designs for your bedding can have a great impact on your overall outlook, as well as the quality of your sleep. Flat or fitted, it’s smart to take all this under consideration when picking your sheet’s color.

Now that you know what the difference is between flat and fitted sheets and which might be best for you, the only thing left to do is find the right place where you can get the best, highest quality sheets in the most inspiring styles—all for an affordable value. As luck would have it, you’re already there! At Schweitzer Linen, you’ll find flat and fitted sheets in hundreds of exclusive styles, meticulously made by experts—along with a huge selection of luxury bedding collections in your choice of design, fabric, thread count, and more.

Have a question about flat, fitted sheets, or bedding in general? Please reach out to us and someone from our family will be happy to help you.