First Things First! Know Your Mattress

Before you purchase items and accessories for your bed, the first thing you need to determine is the type of mattress you have. From there you can choose everything that will properly fit your bed. Check the reference chart below to help determine your bed type.

Common Bed Sizes

Sheets

The measurements below are for fitted sheets and will help ensure a proper fit. Do not be concerned with the top or flat sheet dimension, as it will be tucked under the mattress anyway and is not meant to be sized to the exact specifications of your mattress:

You can use these dimensions as a guide for mattress pads as well.

No need to look for Cal-King or Twin X-Long in the top sheet - it’s not made... use the King and Twin sizes accordingly.

Mattress Depths

Pillow Top and Extra Deep mattresses have become very common. Before selecting your sheets and mattress pads, it is important to know the depth of your mattress. Here are some dimensions to use as a guide:

Mattress Pad Depths

Once you determine the depth of your mattress you’ll need to select the proper depth mattress pad. Here are some approximate depths to follow:

Comforters

Here are the dimensions for most comforters. Keep in mind that these are approximate sizes. Some vendors may run slightly smaller or produce "oversized" comforters. Regardless, these dimensions can serve as a basic guide:

Don’t make yourself crazy looking for California King Comforters or Twin X-Long - they don't make them. Just get a King or Twin size accordingly. In addition, when looking for Full or Queen sizes, some manufacturers make comforters in both Full and Queen sizes, while others will offer a Full/Queen size, which fits both mattresses.

Down Comforters

Here are the dimensions for most down comforters. Keep in mind that these are approximate sizes. Some vendors may run slightly smaller, but these dimensions can serve as a basic guide:

Blankets

All blankets are not created equal! In fact, sizing can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Rest assured that if you buy a Queen size blanket it will fit your Queen size bed. Here are the dimensions; most should fall close to these sizes:

You have probably noticed a trend here… anything that is laid across the top of the bed does not come in Cal-King or Twin X-Long. In the case of most blankets, you also will not find a specific size for Full and Queen, it will be a Full/Queen, which fits both.

Duvets

For those of you enjoying a down comforter, or even just looking for a change for your bedroom, a duvet could be the perfect answer. Since you will be placing your comforter inside the duvet, it is important that the appropriate size be selected. Like blankets, duvet sizes can vary and some manufacturers even offer an “oversized” duvet. Regardless, just match your comforter's size to the appropriate duvet. Here are some sizes to keep in mind, and remember, they might vary slightly by vendor:

Pillows

Nothing can improve a night’s sleep like a quality pillow… and nothing can spruce up your bed more than the right sized pillows. Here is a guide to the common sizes:

Daybeds

Since all daybeds are outfitted with a twin mattress, selecting the sheets and mattress pads for them is a no-brainer. Choosing what to put on top of the daybed can be a bit more challenging, as sizes and styles can range. There are daybed covers, which typically have three sides (two sides and the front), and daybed spreads, which typically have four sides, and are usually quilted. The “drop” of a daybed cover, or how far down to the floor the front of the cover reaches, will determine if you need a dust ruffle, also called a bed skirt. A standard twin 14” dust ruffle is all a daybed requires, though some dust ruffles feature split corners to make navigating around bed feet a bit easier.
Pillows for daybeds are covered with shams when not in use. Most people use either three standard pillows or two king size pillows lined up across the daybed. Below are some sizes for daybed covers and spreads. Since there is no standard size, keep in mind that the main intent is to cover a twin size bed: