Flat Sheets
Flat sheets are the classic variant of the mattress cover without an elastic band. They are simply folded under the mattress and lie flat – a method that is still standard in many hotels today and that in southern regions is also used as a light top cover for balmy summer nights.
At Interior Couture you will find high-quality flat sheets made of 100% cotton and linen from selected premium manufacturers. We are happy to send you a free, no-obligation fabric sample in advance so that you can compare feel and quality at your leisure.
What is a bed sheet?
In contrast to fitted sheets, which have an all-round elastic band and sit tightly on the mattress, flat sheets are simply large rectangles of fabric without a tensioning mechanism. They are classically folded under the mattress so that they lie smoothly and stay in place.
This traditional form of cover has its advantages: flat sheets are universally usable, fit every mattress height and are also suitable for unusual bed shapes for which fitted sheets would not fit.
Two classic uses
As a classic sheet for covering the mattress
This use is known above all from hotels: the bed sheet is laid over the mattress and folded under the mattress on all sides. With the right hotel folds – also called “hospital corners” or “envelope folds” – the sheet sits taut and crease-free. The advantage: a classic bed sheet is considerably more versatile than a fitted sheet because it fits every mattress height – whether standard mattress, boxspring bed or topper.
As a light top cover for warm nights
In southern regions it is traditional, on hot summer nights, to do without the heavy duvet and instead pull only a light bed sheet over oneself. This use is also worthwhile in Central Europe: anyone who is looking for an alternative to the duvet in high summer will find a pleasant solution in a high-quality bed sheet made of linen or half-linen.
The bed sheet lies lightly, breathes excellently and protects against slight draughts without warming. A tradition that is finding more followers again in modern bedrooms too.
Materials for flat sheets
In our range you will find flat sheets in three high-quality materials:
Sateen flat sheets offer a particularly fine, smooth lying sensation with a subtle sheen. Anyone who is looking for the premium hotel-bed-linen experience and prefers smooth, slightly lustrous fabrics is well advised with sateen. You already know the properties from our Sateen bed linen.
Linen flat sheets are the ideal choice for warm nights. Linen cools naturally, is exceptionally breathable and becomes softer with every wash. Linen unfolds its strengths particularly as a summer throwover. You will find more about linen at our Linen bed linen.
Half-linen flat sheets are a blended fabric of 50% linen and 50% cotton. They combine the cooling properties of linen with the softer feel of cotton – a proven middle way that drapes somewhat more softly and is less prone to creasing than pure linen.
Brands at Interior Couture
In our range you will find flat sheets from three renowned European manufacturers.
Schlossberg from Switzerland produces flat sheets in the premium finish typical of the brand. The high yarn quality and the dense weave ensure an exceptionally smooth lying sensation.
Graser from southern Germany is regarded as one of the leading specialists for linen bed equipment in the German-speaking region. Anyone looking for flat sheets in an unusual size will also find bespoke solutions at Graser.
elegante from Bielefeld offers classic flat sheets in timeless colourways from German production – a proven brand for solid premium quality.
Flat sheets in many sizes
Since flat sheets have no elastic band, they are dimensioned considerably more simply than fitted sheets. It is important that the sheet is large enough to be folded under the mattress on all sides – as a rule of thumb: at least 30 to 40 cm per side should be allowed for tucking under the mattress.
Classic sizes for flat sheets:
- 150 × 250 cm – suitable for single mattresses
- 180 × 290 cm – for standard double beds
- 240 × 290 cm and 300 × 320 cm – for particularly large beds and generous folding
In addition, our brands also produce flat sheets in special sizes – for example for boxspring beds or unusually deep mattresses. Please feel free to get in touch if your desired size is not listed.
Care of flat sheets
Care depends on the material:
- Sateen flat sheets made of cotton: washable at up to 60 °C, suitable for the tumble dryer, easy to iron
- Linen flat sheets: washable at up to 60 °C, preferably air-dry, ironing optional (the elegant crumple effect is a style feature)
- Half-linen flat sheets: washable at up to 60 °C, somewhat easier to care for than pure linen
Do without fabric softener and detergents with optical brighteners. Both can damage the fibre in the long run and change the colour. A high-quality liquid detergent is the better choice.
A particularity with sateen flat sheets from a premium manufacturer: the first wash should be at 60 °C so that the fabric completes its production-related shrinkage and reaches its final size. With premium bed linen, small size deviations of up to seven percent are due to manufacturing technique and are not a defect.
Matching bed equipment around flat sheets
Anyone who would like to complete their sleeping equipment will also find matching bed linen in all materials with us, as well as high-quality duvets and pillows. Anyone who prefers the modern comfort of a fitted sheet with an elastic band will find a wide selection at our fitted sheets.
Buy flat sheets online at Interior Couture
Discover our selection of high-quality flat sheets in various materials, sizes and from selected premium brands. Should you be unsure which size or which material suits your ideas, we are happy to advise you personally. You can reach us by phone on +49 (0) 221 630 606 12 or by email at info@waesche-kultur.de.
Frequently asked questions about flat sheets
What is the difference between flat sheets and fitted sheets?
Fitted sheets have an all-round elastic band and sit tightly on the mattress. Flat sheets have no elastic band and are classically folded under the mattress. Flat sheets are more universally usable (fit every mattress height), while fitted sheets are quicker to put on in everyday life.
Can I also use a bed sheet as a summer blanket?
Yes, that is a traditional use in southern regions. In high summer a light bed sheet instead of a duvet is often enough to cover yourself. Linen and half-linen flat sheets in particular are excellently suited to this because they are cool, breathable and light.
Which size do I need?
It is important that the bed sheet is large enough to be folded sufficiently under the mattress on all sides. As a rule of thumb, 30 to 40 cm per side should be allowed for tucking under. For standard double beds, 180 × 290 cm or 240 × 290 cm are suitable. Anyone who likes a larger folding reserve chooses 300 × 320 cm. For special bed sizes we recommend a bespoke production, which many of our brands offer.
Which material is best suited for flat sheets?
That depends on the use. For classically covering the mattress in the hotel tradition, sateen flat sheets made of cotton are particularly well suited. As a summer throwover, linen or half-linen are ideal because they cool and are breathable. If in doubt, it is worth ordering a fabric sample in advance.
At what temperature can I wash flat sheets?
All our flat sheets made of cotton, linen and half-linen are generally washable at up to 60 °C. Use a liquid detergent without optical brighteners and do without fabric softener. With sateen flat sheets from a premium manufacturer, the first wash should be at 60 °C without fail.
Which brands of flat sheets do you stock?
In our range you will find flat sheets from Schlossberg (Swiss premium manufacturer), Graser (German manufacturer with bespoke production) and elegante (German classic from Bielefeld). This covers the spectrum from Swiss premium through German tradition to individual special sizes.
