Choosing the right bedsheet, blanket, or quilt is obviously less complicated than choosing the right curtain; however, there are some basic insights necessary to make this choice perfect!
The bedding offered in my store comes mainly, but not exclusively, from Canadian manufacturers such as Dominion Textile or Wabasso and dates back to the 1960s/1970s. The abundance of colors, exuberant patterns, and exceptional quality of materials such as cotton, percale, or muslin… Fifty years later, we still long for these perfect linens!
Mattress Dimensions
Picking the right bedsheet for your needs involves knowing the dimensions of your mattress. It is important to measure the mattress and not rely solely on your bed size, as vintage bedding sometimes has non-standardized measurements.
The vocabulary used in our product listings refers to North American measurements:
Twin and Twin XL size bed: commonly called a single bed, suitable for an adult person.
Double or Full size bed: both names are interchangeable. Very common size for two people until the 1960s; this is the most popular size in vintage bedding for two.
Queen size beds: became common in the 1970s/1980s in North America and quickly overtook the full/double size bed in popularity.
King size bed: it's a rarity in vintage bedding, representing only 10% of the market in the 1960s! Interestingly, most King size mattresses are exactly the size of two twin XL mattresses side by side.
Sheets Dimensions
For fitted sheets, the actual size of your mattress is essential. If the depth of the mattress requires a longer or shorter gusset, please contact me so that I can take this measurement for you, as this is not automatically included in the products descriptions.
Standard sizes of fitted sheets:
| Size | Width | Length |
| Twin | 38" | 75" |
| Twin XL | 38" | 80" |
| Full / Double | 53" | 75" |
| Queen | 60" | 80" |
| King | 76" | 90" to 102" |
*Please note that my store does not offer California King Size bedsheets.
Standard sizes of flat sheets:
| Size | Width | Length |
| Twin | 60" to 75" | 90" to 102" |
| Twin XL | 60" to 75" | 102" to 114" |
| Full / Double | 84" to 90" | 90" to 96" |
| Queen | 92" to 102" | 88" to 115" |
| King | 102" to 110" | 88" to 115" |
Flat or top sheets offer more versatility; depending on the desired look, it is possible to use a sheet of a different size for a larger or smaller mattress. For example, flat sheets for double beds can easily be used for a queen bed.
Here, a flat sheet with measurements of 80" wide x 92" long, made for a double/full-size bed, would also fit a queen-size bed with 10" draping on each side. In my store's product descriptions, it's sometimes indicated full/double size bed or queen size bed to inform you of this possibility.
70s flat sheet, double/full size bed, Marbella by Varitex
Pillowcases
Pillow sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, filling, and type of pillow; however, the most common are:
Standard pillow: 20" x 26" (Typically designed for smaller beds, twin size up to full/double size)
Queen pillow: 20" x 30"
King pillow: 20" x 36"
Body pillow: 20" x 54"
Decorative or Bolster pillow: can be any size, up to the length of your bed; some shams are smaller than their regular counterparts and are not meant to be slept on, like this one, for example.
70s decorative ruffled pillow sham
Most of the pillowcases offered are standard size and fit most pillows. However, it is strongly recommended that you measure yours carefully to ensure the perfect fit. A longer pillowcase can fit a shorter pillow, but not the other way around.
Blankets, Quilts, or Bedspreads
Blankets, quilts, or throws come in all sizes and materials, adapting to any decor and bed size, considering your choices and style.
1940s Murray Bay throw blanket,
70s handmade MOD quilt, reversible
For comforters and bedspreads, again, the size of your mattress must be known. However, other factors should be considered: the overall height of your bed from the floor, the type of bed base (platform, integrated headboard or footboard, open framed, etc.).
Unstructured comforters, like this one, are more flexible and fit almost any bed type.
70s comforter, faux patchwork, twin size bed
Fringed or ruffled bedspreads are best suited to beds with open corners, allowing for better draping.
70s yellow quilted ruffled satin bedspread, Wilshire, twin size
Feel free to contact me with any questions; I'm always willing to make your shopping experience as efficient as possible!
Helene