Over the Bed Decor Ideas - How to Use Flat Sheets as Fitted Sheet, Duvet Cover
Flat sheets can be tucked, folded, or layered to make your beddings simplified. You don’t need an elaborate setting to create a bedroom that’s both comfortable and expensive. All you need is a creative streak to use your flat sheet in more than one way for a truly peaceful sleeping experience.
But how to use a flat sheet? Should you use it as a fitted sheet or duvet cover or as both? There has been a long internet debate on this and a lot of people simply do not agree on the matter. If you are one of them who aren’t sure how to use your flat sheet then we will help you explain it in detail so hang on tight!
As we dive into the wonderful world of bed linens let’s first clarify what exactly a flat sheet is because understanding what a flat sheet is and how to use one is essential before you decide which type of bed sheet is best for you.
What’s a Flat Sheet?
A flat sheet is commonly called the top sheet on the bed and is placed between your body and the blanket. The extra layer over the bedding keeps your comforter and blankets dirt and grime. Getting your comforter or blanket laundered every now and then can be quite a painful, expensive, and time-consuming activity. This is where the erstwhile flat sheet comes in as a savior because with a flat sheet you embrace its versatility and style easily.
How can you use a flat sheet?
Use Flat Sheet as Duvet
You can use flat sheets as a duvet if you like the feel of a soft breathable fabric instead of a bulky duvet. It is best for hot summers.
Use Flat Sheet as Blanket
In warm climates or during the summer months, luxury flat sheets are often used instead of blankets to provide a cool and comfortable night's sleep.
Use it as a luxury layer between you and duvet
When making your bed, place your flat sheets with a decorative hem or borders upside down or folded down so that you can display the beautiful finishing of your bedding when the bed is made. Not to forget this luxury layer also feels great on the skin.
Use it as a mattress cover by tucking in the mattress
Instead of a fitted sheet, use a flat sheet above the mattress. It is simple to fold and tuck the corners under the mattress to ensure it remains properly in place.
Use it as a single cover instead of blanket
In many luxury bedding ensembles, flat sheets are used instead of a comforter or a duvet cover. Soft and luxurious top sheets make wonderful bed toppers that feel as good as they look.
Now that you know how you can use a flat sheet, let us demonstrate how you can put a flat sheet on your beddings:
- Step 1: Put on the fitted sheet on the mattress and secure corners
- Step 2: Place the flat sheet over the fitted sheet
- Step 3: On top of the Flat sheet put on the Duvet
- Step 4: After the Duvet is placed, fold both the duvet and flat sheet from the front
- Step 5: Once folded, tuck in the flat sheet and Duvet from all sides
Flat sheet vs Fitted sheet
A bed sheet set typically consists of a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and pillowcases. For help deciding which type of sheet is right for you, here is a comparison of flat sheets and fitted sheets.
- Flat Sheet: Since the invention of sheets in the 15th century, the flat sheet has been used primarily as a top sheet. By design, it is a simple rectangular piece of cloth that can also function as a bottom sheet, in addition to being used as a top sheet.
- Fitted Sheet: In the 1950s, fitted sheets were invented and proved to be incredibly popular due to their ease of use. Rather than being folded and tucked under the mattress like flat sheets, fitted sheets have an elastic hemmed pocket that helps the sheet stay firmly in place on the mattress so it won't come untucked.
In the case of flat sheets, you may be able to estimate the size, due to their loose and generous fit. Nevertheless, when buying fitted sheets, be sure to know the size of your mattress, since they are made to fit the mattress size precisely.
Different ways of tucking a Flat sheet.
There are multiple ways of folding the flat sheet:
Hospital Tuck
- Step 1: Lay the flat sheet on top. Make sure that it hangs evenly on the bed.
- Step 2: Start at one corner at the foot of the bed. Slightly lift the mattress and tuck hanging fabric along the foot of the bed. The excess fabric should now be hanging on the side of the mattress.
- Step 3: Grab hold of the excess fabric. Lift it up and place it on top of the mattress. The edge of the sheet should form a 45-degree angle with the corner of your mattress.
- Step 4: Hold the fabric forming a 45-degree angle. Tuck in hanging fabric along the side of the mattress and let the sheet fall.
- Step 5: Adjust the edge of the sheet to the corner of the mattress and tuck in.
- Step 6: Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the remaining corner.
- Step 7: To continue making the perfect bed, layer with a duvet cover and quilt, and style all sleeping pillows and decorative pillows.
Military Style Tuck
- Step 1: Place the fitted sheet on the mattress Place the fitted sheet on the bed by securing the corner elastic under the corners of the mattress. Tuck all of the edges of the sheet tightly around and under the mattress.
- Step 2: Place the top sheet over the fitted sheet Lay the top sheet over the fitted sheet, with the sheet's top edge even with the top of the mattress. Be sure that the sides of the sheet hang evenly over each side of the mattress.
TIP: Place the edge of the sheet with the longer hem – about 2 inches wide – at the head of the bed. - Step 3: Tuck the bottom of the sheet under the mattress Lift the bottom of the mattress with one hand and tuck the bottom of the sheet between the box spring and the mattress with your other hand. Be sure that the edges of the sheet lay flat under the mattress.
- TIP: Use a long-handled wooden spoon to tightly tuck the sheet if you have trouble lifting the mattress.
- Step 4: Create a diagonal fold at the corner of the top sheet Lift the top sheet about a foot away from the foot of the bed on the bedside. Pull straight up to form a diagonal fold and lay the fold flat on top of the bed.
- Step 5: Tuck the corner and the diagonal fold tuck the piece that is hanging from the corner under the mattress. Smooth the diagonal fold down over the side of the bed, and tightly tuck it under the mattress.
- Step 6: Tuck the sheet to the top of the bed Tuck the side of the top sheet securely under the edge of the bed.
- TIP Don't tuck in the last foot of the sheet near the head of the bed. Fold the top side of the sheet down to form a nice, crisp edge.
- Step 7:Repeat steps on the other side of the mattress do the same on the other side of the mattress, keeping the sheet pulled tight. Center your pillow at the head of the bed and look forward to a good night's sleep.
Conclusion
The ultimate goal is to make the bed comfortably aligned by choosing the right sheets and assembling them in style for that cozy night’s sleep. You can feel the difference in the comfort level when the sheet is tucked neatly in every corner.