Comforter Sizes Chart
- Comforter sizes can vary by brand, so it’s essential to check actual dimensions rather than relying solely on labeled sizes.
- Choosing a properly fitting comforter ensures adequate coverage, especially for thicker mattresses or taller bed frames.
- Bed-in-a-Bag sets offer a convenient, coordinated solution with items that match standard mattress sizes and eliminate the need to buy bedding pieces individually.
As a thick, quilted blanket, a comforter can provide warmth through the night. Choosing the correct one, however, can be tricky. While mattresses come in standard sizes, comforter sizes can vary from brand to brand, featuring differing lengths and widths. For this reason, it’s important to rely on the actual dimensions of a comforter to guide you, not just the labeled size.
In this post, we’re sharing common comforter sizes, how to choose the best size for your mattress, and tips for properly measuring your bed.
Comforter Sets for Every Bed
When shopping for comforters, you have the option to choose a single-piece comforter or go for a more convenient package known as a “Bed-in-a-Bag” set. These sets are available for all standard mattress sizes commonly found in the US.
A typical set includes a comforter, two sheets – one flat and one fitted, pillowcases, and occasionally pillow shams. For luxury bed sets, additional items such as a bed skirt and decorative pillows are often included.
One thing to note is that the number of pillowcases varies depending on the mattress size. Larger mattresses come with more pillowcases compared to smaller ones. For example, a Bed-in-a-Bag set for a king or California king bed includes a king-sized comforter, two sheets, and two king-sized pillowcases, while the same set for a twin mattress will include just one pillowcase.
Benefits of Choosing a Complete Bedding Set
- Each bedding set comes with a comforter, pillowcases, two sheets, and often pillow shams. Some sets also offer a bed skirt and additional pillows for a complete look.
- These sets are not only economical but also highly practical. They eliminate the hassle of searching for sheets and pillowcases that perfectly fit standard mattress sizes. Simply know your mattress dimensions, purchase the set, and avoid the complications of individual bedding shopping.
- Every item in the set is color-coordinated, allowing you to effortlessly match your bedding with your bedroom’s décor. This coordination adds a stylish, cohesive look to your interior design.
Comforter Sizes
There aren’t set standard sizes for comforters, but they are usually available in common lengths and widths. The below size chart shows typical comforter measurements you may come across when shopping for bedding.
Bed Size | Mattress Dimensions | Ideal Comforter Width | Ideal Comforter Length |
---|---|---|---|
Twin | 38 inches by 75 inches | 66 to 68 inches | 86 to 88 inches |
Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches | 68 inches | 90 inches |
Full | 54 inches by 75 inches | 81 to 84 inches | 86 to 88 inches |
Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches | 86 to 88 inches | 96 to 100 inches |
Eastern King | 76 inches by 80 inches | 102 inches | 86 to 88 inches |
California King | 72 inches by 84 inches | 107 to 110 inches | 96 to 98 inches |
Unlike standard mattress dimensions, comforter sizes are not uniform across manufacturers. In fact, bedding companies typically design comforters to be larger than the mattress they’re intended to cover in terms of both length and width. This is to ensure a proper fit and an elegant drape over the sides of the bed.
Unlike fitted sheets, which are made to fit just the depth of the mattress, a comforter is designed to extend beyond the mattress and cover the sides of the bed frame. This is the ideal fit for a comforter on any type of bed frame.
For instance, if you have a queen bed with a mattress measuring 60 inches by 80 inches, don’t expect the comforter to match those exact dimensions.
As an example, a California king bed measures 72 inches by 84 inches, but a California king comforter should typically measure around 107 inches by 96 inches. Attempting to use a king-size comforter on a California king bed would result in an improper fit, as the comforter wouldn’t adequately cover the bed.
Twin vs. Twin XL Comforter: What’s the Difference?
How big is a twin comforter?
A Twin comforter is designed to fit a standard Twin mattress (38 inches by 75 inches), while a Twin XL comforter is longer to fit the extra length of a Twin XL mattress (38 inches by 80 inches).
- Twin Comforter: Better suited for younger children or shorter beds. The comforter will typically cover the mattress with a small amount of overhang.
- Twin XL Comforter: Ideal for taller individuals, college dorms, or guest rooms with Twin XL beds. A Twin comforter on a Twin XL bed will leave part of the mattress exposed at the foot of the bed, while a Twin XL comforter on a Twin bed will be too long.
Full vs. Twin XL Comforter: Can They Be Used Interchangeably?
A Full-size comforter is wider than a Twin XL comforter but not as long.
- Full Comforter: Ideal for a full (double) bed (54 inches by 75 inches). Using a Full comforter on a Twin XL bed will create a lot of overhang on the sides but might be too short at the foot of the bed.
- Twin XL Comforter: While it is the right length for a Twin XL mattress, a Twin XL comforter is too narrow to cover the width of a full bed, leaving the sides exposed.
King vs. Queen Comforter: Key Differences
A king-size comforter is noticeably wider than a queen-size comforter to properly cover the larger dimensions of a king mattress. A queen-size comforter won’t provide enough coverage for a king bed, leaving little room for sleepers to share.
On the other hand, a king-size comforter can be used on a queen mattress, though the excess material hanging down on both sides may create a less tidy, unrefined look.
Full vs. Queen Comforter: How to Choose?
Though some comforters are marketed as fitting both Full and Queen mattresses, the sizes are not exactly the same.
- Full Comforter: Best for Full beds (54 inches by 75 inches). A full comforter used on a Queen bed (60 inches by 80 inches) will likely be too short in both width and length.
- Queen Comforter: What size is queen comforter? Typically, 86–88 inches wide and 96–100 inches long and fits a Queen mattress much better. On a Full bed, it will create a lot of overhang, giving a more luxurious look, but it may feel bulky.
Queen vs. Full Size Comforter: Finding the Right Fit
Some comforters are designed to fit both full and queen mattresses. In these cases, knowing the exact dimensions of your mattress is essential to ensure a good fit.
When bedding manufacturers make a clear distinction between full and queen sizes, a queen-size comforter is generally a bit longer and wider.
While you can use a queen-size comforter on a full-size bed, it will likely drape more on the sides. On the flip side, using a comforter made for a full-size mattress on a queen-size bed will result in insufficient coverage.
King vs. California King Comforter: Finding the Perfect Fit
The California King mattress is longer but narrower than the Standard King mattress. A King-size comforter might not provide enough length for a California King, leaving the foot of the bed uncovered.
- King Comforter: What size is king comforter? Wider (typically 102 inches) and shorter (86–88 inches) to fit a standard king bed, which is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.
- California King Comforter: Often longer (96–98 inches) to accommodate the extra length of a California King mattress (72 inches by 84 inches). A regular king comforter may hang too short on the sides and leave the ends of a California King bed uncovered.
Standard vs. Oversized Comforters: What’s the Difference?
Some bedding manufacturers offer standard comforter sizes, while others offer oversized versions for more drape and coverage.
- Standard Comforter: Provides adequate coverage with a slight overhang on the sides. It is best suited for those who like a neat and tailored appearance.
- Oversized Comforter: Provides more overhang on all sides of the bed, perfect for taller or thicker mattresses (especially with a topper). This is ideal if you prefer a more luxurious look or need more material to tuck in.
King Comforter vs. Oversized King Comforter: For Extra Comfort
While a King-size comforter fits standard King beds, an oversized King offers additional drape for thicker mattresses.
- King Comforter: Typically, 102 inches wide and 86–88 inches long, suitable for most King mattresses.
- Oversized King Comforter: Wider and/or longer, with dimensions up to 120 inches wide and 100 inches long, perfect for those with extra-deep or pillow-top mattresses that require more fabric for coverage.
How to Choose the Right Size Comforter
Comforter sizes can vary significantly between brands, so it’s essential to research and find the right fit for your bed. While standard mattress size labels on bedding can be a good starting point, it’s also important to verify the exact dimensions and compare them to your mattress before making a purchase.
As mentioned earlier, some comforters are labeled as “full/queen,” and these can range in width from 81 to 88 inches, with lengths from 86 to 100 inches. This broad range can lead to sizing complications. For instance, if you have a full-size bed, such comforters may be too long and could end up dragging on the floor.
Conversely, if you have a queen-size bed, a comforter with a “full/queen” label may not offer enough width to cover the mattress adequately. For full beds, aim for a comforter that’s between 81 and 84 inches wide, while queen beds will benefit from a width of 86 to 88 inches.
For twin-size mattresses, twin comforters may not provide sufficient length for twin XL beds, which are five inches longer. A comforter measuring at least 90 inches long is recommended for twin XL beds to ensure the extra length is covered.
Similarly, king and California king comforters are not interchangeable due to size differences. California king mattresses are longer but narrower than standard king beds, meaning a king comforter may touch the floor or offer inadequate foot coverage.
On the flip side, using a California king comforter on a regular king bed may leave extra fabric at the foot of the mattress. Despite these nuances, jumbo king comforters may be used on both Western and Eastern king beds, though the drape may vary slightly between the two.
If you are purchasing a down comforter, keep in mind that down tends to expand once placed on the bed. This can result in less coverage on the mattress sides and foot. To counteract this, you might want to size up or choose an oversized comforter when buying down bedding, particularly if you are using a duvet cover.
A few simple steps like measuring your mattress, considering bed frame height, mattress thickness, budget and fill power will help you to find the perfect size comforter for you.
How to Measure Your Mattress
The first step in determining a proper comforter size for your bed is to measure your mattress. While mattress sizes are standard in terms of length and width, the thickness can vary. Pillow top mattresses and those with extra comfort layers can create much thicker mattresses. These will require comforters with extra width in order to hang down long enough on the sides.
To measure your mattress, simply add the width and mattress thickness on each side together. Let’s say you have a queen size mattress that’s 60 inches wide and 12 inches tall. A properly fitting comforter will need to be at least 84 inches wide.
Measuring your mattress before you purchase a comforter will give you an idea of the dimensions to look for when shopping. A simple step like this will make sure you choose one that’s not too short or too long for your bed.
a. Consider Bed Frame Height
Like the thickness of your mattress, the frame’s height and the overall bed height can also affect how a comforter drapes over the sides. If you have a very tall or short bed frame, it’s best to take this into consideration when measuring your mattress and choosing the right comforter size.
Extra-high bed frames require wider comforters, otherwise, they may fall too short on the sides. And with shorter bed frames, you may find your comforter is far too long and droops onto the floor, looking too much like a bed skirt for some sleepers.
b. Drape Length
How low you like your comforter to sit is primarily determined by personal preference; however, most people prefer their comforter be long enough to fully cover their bed frame but short enough to not drag along the floor. If you have a box spring or mattress foundation with a bed skirt, try to keep one-third to one-half of the skirt visible for the cleanest look.
c. Considering Mattress Thickness
The thickness of your mattress also plays a role in how well the comforter fits. Standard mattresses are typically between 9 and 12 inches thick, and most comforters are designed to work with these measurements.
However, if your mattress has additional features such as a pillow top or extra comfort layers, its thickness can increase to anywhere from 15 to 20 inches. In this case, you’ll need a comforter with more width to ensure full coverage.
On the other hand, if your mattress is on the thinner side, between 6 to 8 inches thick, a comforter with less width may be better to prevent the bedding from dragging on the ground.
d. Budget Considerations
Comforters come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to set a budget before shopping. Larger comforters tend to be more expensive, and materials like down or cooling fabrics can raise the cost even more.
Down comforters, for instance, are often more expensive due to the quality of the fill and their insulating properties. It’s worth considering what you’re willing to spend and how the material will affect both comfort and price.
e. Understanding Fill Power
Fill power refers to the amount of insulating material in one ounce of fill. It directly affects the loft, or height, of the comforter.
If you opt for a wool comforter with high fill power, even an oversized comforter might not drape as well over the sides, as it will have a higher loft. In contrast, synthetic fillings with similar fill power might provide a longer drape.
Duvet covers can also add bulk to your comforter, increasing its loft. Keep this in mind when deciding on the size of both your comforter and duvet cover.
The intended use of the comforter should also be considered—if you anticipate cold or sub-zero temperatures, a wool comforter with higher fill power will offer better insulation. However, for milder conditions, a fabric with lower fill power might suffice, as long as it still retains warmth.
Choosing the right comforter involves more than just picking a size off the shelf. By carefully considering factors like bed size, mattress thickness, material, and insulation needs, you can find the perfect comforter for a good night’s sleep.
Is a Comforter the Right Choice for You?
If you’re looking for warmth but don’t want the thickness of a comforter or duvet, you might want to explore other options like quilts. Quilts offer a bit more padding than a standard blanket, but they’re much lighter and less bulky than a comforter, making them a good alternative.
There are also technological solutions to keep you warm at night. Some smart mattresses come with built-in heating features that provide a cozy sleeping surface, though these high-tech mattresses can be quite expensive.
A more budget-friendly option is a heated mattress pad, which fits beneath your fitted sheets and warms up the bed when it’s time to sleep.
For those who want to avoid thick bedding but still stay warm, an electric blanket might be the way to go. Electric blankets come with adjustable heat settings and safety features, such as automatic shut-off timers after a few hours, providing warmth without the need for heavy layers.
Additional Considerations for Choosing a Comforter
Selecting the correct size is just the beginning when it comes to finding the perfect comforter. Since its primary function is to keep you cozy during colder months, you’ll want one that’s sufficiently heavy and thick to provide adequate warmth. The ideal thickness and weight for your comforter will depend on the climate where you live and the typical temperature in your bedroom.
If you’re unsure about which weight to choose, it’s usually best to opt for a lighter comforter. You can always layer on a flat sheet or an additional thin blanket if you feel too cold. On the other hand, if your comforter is too heavy, there’s no way to make it lighter, and you may find yourself uncomfortably warm.
The comforter’s fill and fabric also play a role in how breathable it is. A breathable comforter allows air to circulate, helping to prevent overheating while still keeping you warm. Natural materials like cotton, wool, and down tend to be more breathable compared to synthetic fibers such as polyester. However, if you’re working with a limited budget, a comforter made from synthetic materials can still provide ample warmth.
Lastly, consider the design of your comforter. While some people may not prioritize appearance, others find that a lively pattern or color can brighten their morning routine. Although down comforters are typically white, you can always enhance their appearance with a colorful or patterned cover to suit your style.
Practical Tips for Comforter Shopping:
- Measure Twice: Before shopping, measure the exact dimensions of your mattress, including any toppers or additional padding.
- Check the Return Policy: Always verify the return policy when purchasing bedding online to avoid hassles in case the comforter doesn’t fit properly.
- Opt for Machine-Washable Fabrics: Especially for everyday use, it’s convenient to choose a comforter that is easy to clean.
FAQs
What is an oversized comforter?
An oversized comforter offers more width without any extra length. These comforters are ideal for anyone with a particularly thick mattress, especially those with pillow tops or additional comfort layers.
Mattresses like these require more material width-wise because they are so thick. A queen comforter will usually measure 86 to 88 inches in width, while an oversized queen comforter will measure roughly 115 inches wide.
How do you properly wash a comforter?
Generally, comforters only need to be washed two to three times a year. Before tossing yours in the washing machine or heading to the dry cleaner, it’s essential to check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Depending on the material, some comforters need to be hand-washed, while others can go through a washing machine cycle. The care tag will tell you all the important details, such as the appropriate water temperature and how to dry it. Keep in mind, though, that larger comforters might not fit in a standard home washer, and you may need to visit a laundromat with larger machines.
What’s the difference between duvet covers and a comforter?
Duvets and comforters are both filled with down, feathers, or synthetic fibers, making them fluffy and plush. Comforters typically aren’t filled as much as duvets are, making them less fluffy and insulating. Since they’re not as “full” or puffy, they’re typically larger and lighter and hang over the bed’s edge more. Moreover, comforters are commonly used with other blankets and top sheets, while duvets and duvet covers are designed to be used alone.
Most people find using a comforter to be much easier than using a duvet because it doesn’t require a cover. Duvets are actually designed to fit inside a duvet cover. While these covers can be easily removed and thrown into the washing machine, putting them back on can be challenging—the process is similar to putting a pillowcase back on a pillow, except on a much larger scale. To ensure the duvet stays in place within the cover, clips or ties in the cover’s corners are attached to the duvet itself. Since a duvet and the cover can be quite big, finding and attaching these ties may require extra patience, and can be a hassle to some.
Are full and queen comforters the same size?
Some brands sell comforters in a full/queen size, even though the two are very different sizes; a full size mattress measures 54 by 75 inches and a queen bed measures 60 by 80 inches. These full/queen comforters can range anywhere from 81 to 88 inches in width and 86 to 100 inches in length. The wide range in sizing can lead to a poorly fitting comforter for either size mattress.
If you have a full size bed, look for a comforter between 81 and 84 inches wide, and 86 to 88 inches long. For queen size mattresses, a comforter ranging from 86 to 88 inches in width and 96 to 100 inches in length will fit the best.
Will a queen-size comforter work on a full bed?
Yes, you can absolutely use a queen-size comforter on a full-size bed. However, keep in mind that the extra fabric will cause it to hang lower on the sides, potentially reaching the floor.
This can be a stylish way to hide any under-bed storage or simply create a more elegant, draped look. In addition, the longer drop of a queen comforter can also serve as a substitute for a bed skirt, offering a finished and tidy appearance.
What size king comforter should I get for a California king?
A king comforter that will properly fit a California king bed will measure somewhere between 107 to 110 inches wide, and 96 to 98 inches long. A king comforter this size will provide enough coverage for a Cal king size mattress which measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
You can always measure your mattress to make sure you purchase the correct size comforter. To determine the best width of an oversized comforter, measure how wide your mattress is, and how thick it is on both sides. These measurements added together will determine the necessary minimum width of a comforter.
How should a comforter fit on a bed?
A comforter should drape over the edges of your bed, but it shouldn’t touch the floor, or else the bottom of the comforter will get dirty. How far you’d like your comforter to drape is entirely based on personal preference, but generally, most people want their comforter to at least cover their bed frame. If your mattress is on a box spring with a bed skirt, you’ll want to keep one-third to one-half of the bedskirt still visible.
What are the available comforter sizes, and are there options larger than a king size?
Comforter sizes vary depending on the brand, but some manufacturers offer comforters even larger than a king size. These oversized comforters are designed for mattresses like the Texas or Wyoming king, which are much bigger than standard options. Finding comforters in these dimensions may take some extra searching, so it might be more practical to opt for a regular king size comforter instead.
Conclusion
Comforter sizes, unlike standard mattress sizes, can differ greatly depending on the brand or manufacturer. Even though a comforter label may state it fits a certain mattress size, that may not be the case. And remember, mattress size and thickness are important to keep in mind as both these factors will affect how wide a comforter you’ll need
Simply measuring your mattress before shopping will help you determine the best comforter dimensions to fit your bed. Then, when it comes time to make a purchase, all you have to do to find the perfect size comforter is compare your numbers with the specs of various comforters. Doing this will ensure you choose one with enough length and width to fit your mattress. Properly fitted bedding can not only make your bed visually appealing but also provide maximum comfort for a good night’s sleep.