In everyday life, we are often surrounded by things that we use without thinking about when and why they appeared, why they have become so firmly established in our lives. Take at least the bed linen. Historians claim that bedding in the form in which it is known today appeared in Italy in the 15th century with the advent of the fashion for pillowcases and sheets made of white linen (hence the name “linen”). For a long time, only the noble and rich could use it.
Now the problem is different - how not to get confused in sizes and names when faced with the choice of bed linen for the first time. This is also important because the quality of your sleep depends on how accurately the duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases fit the sleeping area.
Types, equipment, sizes and classification of Russian bed linen
The number of items in bedding sets, as well as its sizes, depend on who the set is intended for. In the classification of Russian bed linen sizes, the following options are most often found.
Single bed linen
Kits of this type are now almost never used and are rarely found on sale. They are designed for a small narrow bed for children, teenagers or fragile adults. Children's sets from this series are often made with photo prints and thematic drawings.
The kit includes:
- 1 duvet cover – 135x200 cm;
- 1 sheet – 110x200 cm;
- 1 or 2 pillowcases – 50x70 cm.
Single bed linen
The set is designed for mattresses with a width of 110 to 135 cm. They can be used for the bed of a teenage child, one adult and even couples in small bedrooms. The completeness and size chart of one-and-a-half bed linen may vary.
Compact models are suitable for one person; large sizes can be used for two.
Sizes of 1.5-bed bedding:
- 1 duvet cover width from 145 to 180 cm and length from 180 to 220 cm;
- 1 sheet with a width from 145 to 180 cm and a length from 180 to 220 cm;
- 1 or 2 pillowcases – 50x70, 60x60 or 70x70 cm.
Double bed linen
This is a set for two adults on double beds. There is no single size standard for these sets. Different manufacturers have their own.
If we compare this model with European brands, then the latter have larger sizes than Russian ones.
Double bed linen sizes:
- 1 duvet cover – 170-200 cm wide and 200-220 cm long;
- 1 double sheet measuring 175-240 cm wide and 210-240 cm long;
- 2 pillowcases – 50x70, 60x60 or 70x70 cm.
In this option, there are sets with a Euro sheet that is larger than the standard size.
Family bedding (“duet”)
The difference between this set and the usual double standard and from European sets is that there are two one-and-a-half duvet covers instead of one and a wide sheet.
This option is often chosen by those who prefer to sleep under different blankets.
Family bedding set sizes:
- 2 duvet covers – 150x210 or 148x215 cm;
- 1 sheet – 180-260 cm wide and 200-260 cm long;
- 2 pillowcases – 50x70, 60x60 or 70x70 cm.
Euro standard
European standard models have wider and longer sheets and duvet covers than double sets. But there are no uniform requirements for parameters. In addition to the size, European bedding sets differ from regular double bed linen in that the sets sometimes contain not two, but four pillowcases.
The Euro standard bed linen set includes:
- 1 duvet cover – 220x240 cm;
- 1 sheet – 220x240 cm;
- 2 or 4 pillowcases – 70x70 or 50x70 cm.
Euro-mini kits are also available for sale. They are slightly smaller in size.
Euro maxi
This is the same Euro standard, but with larger sizes. Designed for large beds. Some sets can be used for king size beds.
Euro bedding set sizes:
- 1 duvet cover – 220x240 cm;
- 1 sheet – 240x260 cm;
- 2 or 4 pillowcases – 50x70 or 70x70 cm.
Children's and teenagers' bedding
Bed linen for children depends on the age of the child, the size of the bed and mattress. The latter are available in three types: for newborns, for small children and for teenagers.
Sets for newborns are designed to fit standard crib sizes:
- 1 duvet cover – from 110x140 to 125x150 cm;
- 1 sheet – from 100x140 to 130x160 cm;
- 1 pillowcase – from 25x30 to 40x60 cm.
In a set for newborns, the length and width of the sheet should be 50 centimeters wider than the mattress so that it can be tucked in on all sides with a margin.
Children's linen of the usual set (pillowcase, sheet and duvet cover, the sizes of which should be slightly larger than the size of children's blankets and pillows) is also suitable for preschool children.
For teenagers, the bedding set meets the standards of a single-and-one-and-a-half-bed set:
- 1 duvet cover – from 143x210 to 160x230 cm;
- 1 sheet – from 145x220 cm;
- 1 or 2 pillowcases – 50x70 or 70x70 cm.
What types of kits are there?
Single
Nowadays there is no such kit anymore; its place is firmly occupied by “one and a half trucks”, although it is listed in Russian standards. A single set was not in demand during Soviet times either. His GOST included two sheets (203x120 and 214x120) and a pillowcase (70x70). There was no duvet cover at all, or the set was supplemented with a one and a half duvet cover. Russian GOST was adopted in 2005 and differs from the Soviet one in the presence of a one-and-a-half duvet cover (215x143). Today, manufacturers are not required to follow GOST, and you won’t find single bed linen in stores. If you have a single bed, you will have to choose a one-and-a-half sleeping set.
Foreign models for a single bed are designated as “Single/Twin”, and in some respects they exceed our “one and a half” beds (see table above). So, the American size of a duvet cover is 170x220 cm, which is close in value to our 2-bed set (175x210).
One and a half
This option is designed for one, but two people can also fit. It is the most purchased after the “double-stick”. His set includes: two pillowcases (some manufacturers have one, which is indicated as single or 1-bed), a duvet cover and a sheet. The latter may not be included in the kit by German, Austrian and American companies. China has adapted its sets for our country, and Italian models can have a narrow (140 cm) duvet cover. The foreign name for the 1.5 set is “extralong single”.
2 bedrooms and Euro bed linen
The most popular kits. In Russia and China, a double set consists of a large sheet with a duvet cover and two pillowcases. German manufacturers may not include a sheet. Abroad, a 2-bedroom set is called “double” or “full”.
Euro bed linen is also double, but unlike the Russian version, it is larger in size and includes four pillowcases (two for decoration). Euro size is suitable for large beds.
Under this name they release:
Euro standard (or simply Euro)
The most common, including a duvet cover (215x143), a sheet (220x240) and two to four pillowcases (70x70 and 50x70). The sizes are average, for each manufacturer (country) their range can be up to 10 cm.
Euro mini
Reduced, more tailored to our customer sizes of duvet cover (220x200) and sheets (240x220).
Euro-maxi (or Euro-2)
A rare option in our country, because beds 180-200 cm wide are rare for us. This is the maximum size of linen, the English name is “King-Size”. Its set includes a duvet cover (220x240), a sheet (220x240 or 240x260) and a pair of pillowcases (70x70 or 50x70). It is not produced here, it is mainly supplied by Turkey and China.
2 bedroom with Euro sheets or simply “Eurosheet”
The set includes only a Euro-size sheet (220x240), and the duvet cover and pillowcases are the same as for a double.
Family bedding
According to its purpose, it is also a double bed, but is equipped with two 1.5 size duvet covers, one sheet and a pair of pillowcases (there can be four of them, depending on the manufacturer). Here a married couple sleeps under different blankets. The differences in size between different producing countries are not very pronounced.
Family set sizes
| Family | Duvet cover 2 | Bedsheet | Pillowcase |
| Russia | 150×215 | 220×240 | 50×70 (2) + 70x70 (2) |
| Italy | 155×210 | 230×250 | 50×70 (2) + 70x70 (2) |
| Germany | 150×210 | 240×260 | 50×70 (2) + 70x70 (2) |
| Austria | 150×205 | 230×250 | 50×70 (2) + 70x70 (2) |
| Türkiye | 160×220 | 240×260 | 50×70 (4) |
| China | 150×210 | 220×250 | 50×70 (2) + 70x70 (2) |
Bed linen size chart
When choosing bedding for an adult, you will have to choose a set based on the three main sizes produced in Russia - one-and-a-half, double and euro.
Always look at the label for the exact measurements of the duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases in a given bedding set. Even within sets of the same name, product parameters from different manufacturers may change up or down.
To make it easier to navigate the sizes of bed linen, the table shows the parameters of the sets for different types of beds.
size table
| Kit name | What does it consist of? | Dimensions in cm |
| Single set | 1 duvet cover 1 sheet 1 or 2 pillowcases | 135x200 110x200 50x70 |
| Single set | 1 duvet cover 1 sheet 1 or 2 pillowcases | 145-180 wide and 180-220 long 145-180 wide and 180-220 long 70x70, 60x60, 50x70 |
| Double set (Russian standard) | 1 duvet cover 1 sheet 2 pillowcases | 170-200 wide and 200-220 long 175-240 wide and 210-240 long 70x70, 50x70 or 60x60 |
| Family standard (with two duvet covers) | 2 duvet covers 1 sheet 2 pillowcases | 150x210 or 148x215 180-260 in width and 200-260 in length 70x70, 50x70 or 60x60 |
| Euro standard | 1 duvet cover 1 sheet 2 or 4 pillowcases | 200x220 220x240 70x70 or 50x70 |
| Euro-maxi | 1 duvet cover 1 sheet 2 or 4 pillowcases | 220x240 240x260 50x70 or 70x70 |
| Children's bedding for teenagers (double set) | Duvet Cover Sheet Pillowcase | from 143x210 to 160x230 from 145x200 50x70 |
| For babies (in a crib) | Duvet Cover Sheet Pillowcase | from 110x140 to 125x150 from 100x140 to 130x160 from 25x30 to 40x60 |
Main sizes of sheets
Each part of the bedding set has certain parameters.
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Throughout Russia there is a single standard, where each element of the linen set is approved by GOST.
The range of sheets is divided into:
- single;
- one-and-a-half-sleeper;
- double;
- family;
- children's.
With the parameters of domestic kits everything is simple and clear, but what about European kits? But they do not have clearly defined mandatory dimensions; their spread is very wide. We'll talk about this below.
European standards and names of bed linen
Imported kits are labeled differently by European manufacturers. They differ from Russian ones in size, configuration, shape of pillowcases, names:
- A single room is designated as “single”, “twin”, “1-bed”.
- One and a half - “extra-long single” or “1.5-bed” (duvet cover size - from 200 x 200 cm, sheets - from 167 x 259 cm, pillowcases - from 50 x 75 to 65 x 65 cm).
- Double - “double”, “full”, “2-bed” (duvet cover - from 200 x 220 cm, sheet size - from 229 x 274 cm, pillowcases - from 50 x 75 to 65 x 65 cm).
- The equivalent of the Russian “euro” is “queen” (duvet cover - from 220 x 230 cm, sheet - from 274 x 297 cm, pillowcase sizes - from 50 x 75 to 65 x 65 cm).
- Enlarged “king size” sets (with duvet cover – from 220 x 260 cm, sheets – from 305 x 320 cm, pillowcases – from 50 x 75 to 65 x 65 cm).
- Bedding sets for children and newborns are designated as “children” or “baby bed” (duvet cover – 100 x 120 cm, sheet – 120 x 170 cm, pillowcases – 40 x 60 cm).
In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you should pay attention not only to the sizes of the sets indicated on the label, but also to the packaging, description of the shapes and sizes of the pillowcases. It may happen that, having spent money on a beautiful expensive set, it cannot be used. For example, because a German pillowcase is not suitable for a domestic pillow.
By the way, the Germans have a standard pillow size of 80 x 80 cm, the French – 65 x 65 cm, the Italians and Spaniards – 50 x 70 cm. And the Italians and Americans use another sheet instead of standard duvet covers.
Suitable - not suitable
Now let’s talk about how to determine the size of bed linen that is right for you. When choosing, you need to take into account the parameters of all its elements at once. Let's start with the sheets. She may be:
- Ordinary. The ideal option is the width of the sleeping place + the full height of the mattress with an increase of about 5 cm. Excessive length and width is acceptable for it: the larger the canvas, the smoother it lies and the less it gets confused.
- Tension. In this case, the packaging indicates the dimensions corresponding to the size of the bed. That is, if the sheet is intended for a 140x200 mattress, then you will see these numbers. Additionally, the height of the side is indicated (equal to the height of the mattress for which the product is intended).
A set with a fitted sheet will most likely cost more than a regular one. Such an overpayment will be fully justified by the ease of use of the bed sheet: the elastic band secures the sheet well on the mattress, preventing it from straying to the side. Read more about the parameters and types of sheets for a bed in another article.
The second is the size of the blanket. When choosing a duvet cover, consider:
- Reserve for possible shrinkage. For pure cotton and linen, it is better to make an increase of 5-7 cm, if the composition contains a significant amount of synthetics - about 3 cm.
- Maximum error. Up to 10 cm is not at all critical in the operation of the product. That is, if your blanket is 140 cm wide, and the duvet cover, judging by the inscription on the package, is 150 cm, it’s okay. A difference of more than 10 cm may cause some inconvenience.
And finally, pillowcases
Always pay attention to their sizes. In Russian sets they are standard, 70x70, and 50x70 are found only as an addition (in “Euro-standard” and “Euro-maxi”)
In Chinese, the situation is most often the same. But underwear produced in other countries can only contain pillowcases 50x70.
Interesting - terms
A little terminology. There is a large amount of foreign-made bed linen on the Russian market. However, size designations are sometimes indicated in English.
The most basic ones are in this table:
| Single | Single, Twin, 1-bed |
| One and a half | Extra-long single, 1.5-bed |
| Double | Full, Double, 2-bed |
| Children's | Children, baby bed |
| Euro standard | Queen |
| Euro-maxi | king size |
| Name | Pillowcase, cm | Bed sheet, cm | Duvet cover, cm | Sheet with elastic band, cm | Mattress, cm |
| Baby bed/Crib | 40x60 | 120x170 | 100x120 | 60x120 | 56x118 |
| Single/Twin | 51x76/65x65 | 183x274 | 145x200 | 90x190 | 90x190 |
| King/Queen | 51x76/65x65 | 274x297 305x320 | 230x220 260x220 | 150x200 180x200 | 150x200 180x200 |
| Double/Full | 51x76/65x65 | 229x274 | 200x220 | 140x190 | 140x190 |
We invite you to watch our video about bed linen sizes:
How to choose bedding according to bed size
To ensure that the selected sheet does not turn out to be smaller than the mattress, and a small pillow does not get lost in a huge pillowcase, the size of the bed linen must correspond to the length and width of the mattress, pillows, and blanket. These parameters need to be measured before purchasing, and in the future, you need to focus on them when choosing linens, rugs, and bedspreads. You also need to count how many blankets and pillows are used on the bed.
Having collected the necessary data, using the table above you can determine which type and size set is suitable for your bed.
How to measure a sleeping place and calculate the size of the set
The most important parameter is the size of the mattress. 20-30 years ago there were no problems with this. There were only one-, one-and-a-half and double mattresses available according to GOST. Now there are many more types of sleeping places and, accordingly, mattresses. An individual approach is required.
It’s easier with pillows (their sizes are 70 x 70 and 50 x 70 cm) and blankets, which are available in two types: single – 155 x 215 cm and double – 200 x 220 cm.
So, let's start measuring:
- We measure the mattress with a measuring tape: length, width and height. The sheet should be longer and wider than the mattress on each side by approximately the height of the mattress (that is, 10, 15, 20 cm). Based on this, we select a set in which the sheet parameters are closest to the numbers obtained as a result of measurements and calculations.
- To determine the size of the duvet cover, you need to add about 2-5 cm to the length and width of the blanket on each side.
- To determine the size of the pillowcase, measure the width and length of the pillows and add 1 cm on each side (allowance for shrinkage of the fabric during washing).
How to choose a duvet cover
If the blanket is not thick, it can be the same size as the duvet cover or be slightly smaller, but not larger. And so that a thick blanket does not bunch up in a short and narrow duvet cover, it should be slightly larger in length and width than its parameters (allowance is given for shrinkage of the fabric after washing).
size table
| Duvet cover | Blanket | Bed | Set |
| from 143x210 cm to 160x230 cm | from 140x200 cm to 160x220 cm | up to 140 cm | One-and-a-half-sleeper |
| from 175x210 cm to 180x220 cm | from 170x205 cm to 180x210 cm | from 140 cm to 180 cm | Double (Russian standard) |
| from 200x220 cm to 215x220 cm | from 195x210 cm to 205x210 cm | from 200 cm to 220 cm | Euro Standard |
| from 220x240 cm to 240x260 cm | from 220x240 cm to 240x260 cm | from 220 cm | Euro Maxi |
| from 143x210 cm to 160x230 cm | from 140x210 cm to 160x220 cm | from 180 cm | Family |
How to choose a sheet
A classic sheet should be larger in size than the mattress, cover it completely on all sides and be easy to tuck under it. In this case, she will not curl up into a ball and slide off the bed.
Unlike a regular sheet, a fitted sheet (in some sets there are options with an elastic band) must exactly match the dimensions of the mattress for which it is intended. The advantages of such a sheet are that it does not slip off the mattress, is well fixed and is easy to tuck.
size table
| Classic bed sheet | Bed sheet with elastic band | Mattress size | Set size |
| from 145x200 cm | 90x200 cm 140x200 cm | 90x200 cm 140x200 cm | One-and-a-half-sleeper |
| from 175x210 cm | 160x200 cm | 160x200 cm | Double Family |
| from 200x215 cm | 180x200 cm | 180x200 cm | Euro standard |
| from 220x240 cm | 200x220 cm | 200x220 cm | Euro-maxi Family |
How to choose a pillowcase
The sets most often contain square pillowcases 70 x 70 cm or rectangular ones - 50 x 70 cm. In any case, they must match the shape and size of the pillows.
size table
| Pillowcase sizes | Pillow size |
| Standard square 70×70 cm | from 68x68 cm to 70x70 cm |
| Standard rectangular 50×70 cm | from 48x68 cm to 50x70 cm |
What you should pay attention to when choosing bed linen
On the quality of tailoring
Good underwear is made from a single cloth. Without any additional seams on the duvet cover or sheet. The edges of the product must be well processed, the cuts are hidden in a special linen seam, which prevents the edges from fraying and the fabric from unraveling during use and washing. The seams must be even. The threads used for sewing are strong and color-matched.
For smell and paint strength
When using low-quality chemical dyes, textiles become saturated with an unpleasant odor, the colors quickly fade, are unstable to washing, the fabric fades quickly and can even stain the skin.
How to check? If there are no marks left on your hands after contact with the fabric and there is information on the label that the product can be washed at 60 degrees, most likely the durability of the dyes used is normal.
On fabric
Some people like dense, light, but harsh to the touch calico or more flexible and soft poplin - a good option for bedding for every day.
Those who prefer rough textures can choose linen.
For those who prioritize soft-touch, smooth fabrics, satin, percale, flannel that gives warmth and comfort in the cold, and cool silk in the hot weather are suitable.
Soft fabrics with a natural composition are suitable for a child's bed, knitted underwear that absorbs moisture well, hardly wrinkles and is easy to wash.
For packaging
It should not only be beautiful, but also airtight. The label contains information about the product, manufacturer, fabric composition and how to care for it.
