A fitted sheet is form-fitting to your mattress and is also referred to as a bottom sheet. It is specifically designed with shaped corners sewn into the material, and usually has elastic at each corner to hold the sheet snuggly in place, to prevent it from slipping off or becoming wrinkled. It offers the same convenience and comfort as a bottom sheet, and requires minimal maintenance to sleep on. A properly fitting fitted sheet should not move around or come untucked as you move or change position at night, meaning your fresh sheets stay looking their best for longer, while also helping to protect your mattress.

A flat sheet is larger than its fitted counterpart and is usually a simple rectangular design with straight, finished edges to provide a more sleek aesthetic.

So, what is a flat sheet used for? Although some people still prefer to use a flat sheet as a bottom sheet, others find it more functional as a top sheet, acting as a protective layer between the sleeper and the duvet, blanket or bedspread – or adding an extra layer of warmth in the colder months. However, it’s also a popular choice during summer months, if you’re looking for a simple solution for how to keep cool at night, it can be used to sleep beneath as an alternative to a duvet. Finally, flat sheets can also be decorative, folded back over a quilt cover to add an extra styling touch and provide a hotel-inspired aesthetic, as well as helping to protect your covers and mattress. For more tips and inspiration on how to style this type of sheet, discover our guide on how to make a bed the right way.

If you’re unsure whether a flat sheet vs fitted sheet is the best choice for your bedroom or guest room, then it usually comes down to personal preference. While flat sheets wash and iron easily and are useful for switching between seasons to protect your bedding, they can be fiddly to put on as a bottom sheet and can be prone to slipping from their place. However, if you’re striving for a hotel aesthetic, with neatly folded hospital corners, or you want luxurious layering between the covers, then flat sheets offer a versatile addition as they can be used for both.
 
Fitted sheets provide a simple and fuss-free bottom sheet solution, which may be better suited if you like to move around in your sleep as they’re designed to stay in place and not wrinkle or bunch up underneath you. Their smaller surface area means that they cannot be used as a top sheet during hot nights, nor layered with blankets or duvets, so they have a more fixed role in your sheet collection. Ideally, you may want to have a selection of both on-hand.

As sheets serve to provide comfort whilst protecting your mattress and covers, natural cotton is a classic choice. As well as being soft and breathable, cotton fibres have moisture-wicking properties to help keep you cool and fresh at nighttime. Premium-cotton bed linen is durable, long-lasting and simple to wash and keep clean. When looking at thread count, a higher count can be an indicator of better quality, but other factors, such as the kind of cotton used, will also impact the fabric’s feel. Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton and cotton sateen sheets are all popular choices, while pure-silk bedding is naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating, for those seeking a luxurious sleeping experience.

Traditionally, flat sheets were used as bottom sheets, to protect the mattress and covers by adding an extra layer of hygiene, but it’s more common now for the flat sheet to be used between the sleeper and the duvet, blanket or bedspread. This is because fitted sheets offer a simpler bottom sheet option, to keep your mattress protected while adding a breathable layer which stays firmly in place.

In answer to our two main questions – what is a fitted sheet and what is a flat sheet – the key difference is their shape and versatility. A fitted sheet is purely designed as a bottom sheet, to fit neatly around the mattress, adding a comforting layer between you and the mattress. A flat sheet, on the other hand, is a large, rectangular sheet which can be layered both under, or over, the sleeper. Unlike fitted styles, flat ones can be used as top or bottom sheets, depending on your preference, whereas fitted sheets offer a quick and simple solution when making the bed.

Is a flat sheet better than a fitted sheet?

Both are equally great choices, so the question of a flat sheet vs fitted sheet for your bed depends on your personal preference. Flat sheets are more versatile, as they can be used as a top or bottom sheet. However, fitted sheets are simple to use, fit neatly to your mattress and stay in place more easily.

What is the point of flat sheets?

What is a flat sheet used for in modern homes? While many now use a fitted sheet over the mattress, flat sheets still have a place in any linen cupboard. As well as acting as a lightweight cover in warmer seasons, they can also be used to add an extra layer beneath blankets or duvets. Additionally, they are ideal for styling, as they are often finished with a frill or pattern that can be folded back over the top of the duvet. Just place your top sheet upside down on the bed, beneath the duvet, with the top third still visible over the pillows, so any decorative edge will be facing the right way up when folded back.

Do you need a flat sheet if you have a duvet cover?

While not essential, flat sheets can still be very useful. They can serve to encourage airflow, add an extra layer or warmth or wick away sweat in the nighttime and are ideal for using under thinner comforters or bedspreads, which may not be so easily washable. 

Do I need both fitted and flat sheets?

Fitted sheets and flat sheets can be used in tandem, with a fitted sheet on the bottom and a flat sheet on top. Alternatively, you can use two flat sheets, one on the bottom and one as a top sheet, or you can make the bed with just one flat or fitted sheet as a base over your mattress.