European Duvet Sizes: Charts in cm, and UK and US Matches

European duvet sizes are metric and built around the mattress width. Common sizes are 135 x 200 cm, 140 x 200 cm, 200 x 200 cm and 220 x 240 cm. They are squarer than most UK and US duvets, so a cover or sheet from one market does not always fit an insert from another. This guide lists the sizes, shows how to match covers, inserts and sheets, and explains how UK and US sizing differs.

Sizes below are typical retail sizes. Brands round and trim in different ways, so always check the measurements on the product page before ordering.

Key Takeaways

• European duvets are sold in centimetres and are usually squarer than UK and US ones. Typical sizes: 135 x 200, 140 x 200, 200 x 200, 220 x 240 cm.
• Match the cover to the duvet insert, not to the bed name. “Double” and “King” mean different things in each market.
• European mattresses are often 90, 140, 160, 180 or 200 cm wide and 200 cm long. Sheets follow mattress size and depth.
• Measure the insert, the mattress width, length and depth before buying. Keep a few centimetres of margin for a full, well-filled look.
• Mixed-market bedding can leave cold spots or bunched fill. Order cover and insert from the same sizing system when possible.

Table of Contents

• What makes European duvet sizes different
• European duvet sizes in cm and inches
• How European duvet cover sizes match duvet inserts
• European sheet sizes and mattress sizes
• European duvet sizes vs UK and US sizes
• How to measure before you order
• Matching size to fabric and style
• Roomie Design bedding in the size you need
• Our view on choosing the right size
• FAQ
• Sources

What makes European duvet sizes different

Three things set European sizing apart.

Metric labels. Sizes are written as width x length in centimetres, for example 200 x 200 cm. UK retailers also use centimetres, but add names such as double, king and super king. US retailers use inches and names such as twin, full, queen and king.

A squarer shape. Continental duvets are often square or close to it. US duvets and covers are traditionally longer than they are wide. One comparison chart notes that European covers are often more square-shaped, while US covers are traditionally longer, which can lead to cold spots or bunched inserts when sizes are mixed.

Size by person, not by bed. In much of continental Europe, a couple often sleeps under two single duvets on one double mattress. Each person has a duvet of around 135 x 200 cm or 140 x 200 cm. In the UK and US, one large duvet over the whole bed is the norm. This is why European size charts list so many single-width duvets and so few very wide ones.

European duvet sizes in cm and inches

The table lists common continental duvet sizes. Inches are rounded conversions (1 inch = 2.54 cm).

Three notes help when reading any chart:

• The same name can mean different sizes. “King” may be 220 x 240 cm in one catalogue and 240 x 220 cm in another. Check the actual numbers.
• Width comes first in most European listings, then length. A few listings reverse the order.
• Some covers are cut slightly larger than the insert on purpose, so the duvet sits full and the cover does not look tight.

Is 220 x 240 cm a king size?

In many continental ranges, yes: 220 x 240 cm is sold as a king size duvet for a 180 cm or 200 cm wide mattress. In UK ranges, a king duvet is commonly listed around 225 to 230 cm wide and 220 cm long, so the two are close but not identical. Compare the cm figures, not the name.

How European duvet cover sizes match duvet inserts

A cover should be the same size as the insert or slightly larger. A cover that is too small stretches the fill and leaves corners empty. A cover that is much too large lets the insert slide around and bunch in the middle.

A simple matching approach:

1. Find the exact size of your insert, in cm, from the label or by measuring it flat.
2. Look for a cover with the same width and length. A difference of 0 to 5 cm in each direction is usual.
3. Check that the cover has corner ties or a similar fastening if the insert tends to shift.
4. If the numbers sit between two sizes, choose the slightly larger cover for a relaxed look, or the matching size for a fuller look.

The Roomie Design guide on finding the right duvet cover size covers fit and drape in more detail.

European sheet sizes and mattress sizes

Sheets follow the mattress, and European mattresses are usually 200 cm long. Common widths are 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200 cm.

Fitted sheets and depth

A fitted sheet needs the right width and length and enough depth for the mattress. Measure the mattress from the top surface to the base. Add the depth of any topper. A sheet listed for 30 cm depth will pull at the corners on a 35 cm mattress with a topper.

Flat sheets

Flat sheets are sized larger than the mattress so they can be tucked in or hang evenly. For a 160 x 200 cm mattress, a flat sheet of around 240 x 270 cm gives a generous tuck on all sides. Many European households skip the flat sheet and sleep directly under the duvet and cover, which is why fitted sheets dominate many continental ranges.

Choosing a sheet feel

Once the size is right, the fabric sets the feel. Cotton sheets in higher thread counts, in the 400 to 1000 range, are woven for a dense, smooth surface that feels soft against the skin and holds up well through repeated washing. Lower counts give a lighter, crisper hand. Sateen weaves feel silky, percale weaves feel cool and crisp, and linen has a relaxed, textured finish. Each is a premium option with its own character. See the full range of sheets and pillowcases to match your size.

European duvet sizes vs UK and US sizes

This is where most ordering mistakes happen. The table compares typical sizes by bed name. Figures are approximate and vary by brand.

What this means in practice

• UK to Europe: the gap is small for singles and doubles. The main difference is that continental sizes are often squarer and a cover for a king bed may be shorter or longer than a UK king by 10 to 20 cm.
• US to Europe: US duvets are listed in inches and are longer than they are wide, whereas a European duvet is closer to square. A US queen duvet in a European cover will usually hang differently, and a European king can feel short at the foot of a US king bed.
• UK to US: a UK king bed is a different size from a US king bed, so a UK king duvet does not match a US king cover. Always compare cm or inches, never the name.

What size duvet goes on a queen bed?

A US queen mattress is about 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm). A duvet or cover of about 88 x 92 inches (224 x 234 cm) is typical, and a European 220 x 240 cm is the closest metric match. A European 160 x 200 cm mattress is a near neighbour of the queen, so a 200 x 220 cm or 220 x 240 cm duvet usually suits it.

How many cm is a UK king-size duvet?

UK king duvets are commonly listed at around 225 to 230 cm wide by 220 cm long. UK super king duvets are commonly around 260 x 220 cm. Check the product page, as some ranges differ by a few centimetres.

Sizes by country

A rough guide to the pattern by region:

• Germany and much of central Europe: single-width duvets of 135 x 200 or 140 x 200 cm, and a double of 200 x 200 or 200 x 220 cm. Covers follow the same sizes.
• France, Italy and Spain: a mix of metric single-width and double sizes, with a wide variety of mattress widths such as 140, 160 and 180 cm.
• UK and Ireland: named sizes (single, double, king, super king), with centimetre dimensions that sit close to continental sizes.
• US and Canada: twin, full, queen and king, labelled in inches, with longer proportions.

If you are ordering across borders, use the cm or inch measurement of your own insert as the anchor. The Roomie Design bedding size guide and the guide on how to size bedding correctly help with this.

How to measure before you order

Follow these steps and the size name stops mattering.

1. Measure the mattress. Record width, length and depth in cm. Include any topper.
2. Measure or read the insert. Lay it flat and measure edge to edge. Note whether the label gives width first.
3. Decide on the drop. The drop is the length of fabric that hangs past the mattress edge. A drop of 25 to 35 cm per side looks tidy on most beds. A larger drop gives a layered look.
4. Choose the cover. Match the insert size, or pick one size up for a looser fit.
5. Choose sheets. Match the mattress width and length, then check the depth rating.
6. Wash allowance. Natural fibres can relax or tighten slightly after the first wash. Follow the care label and choose the size that leaves a few centimetres of margin.

Matching size to fabric and style

Size is one decision. Fabric and design are the next. Roomie Design bedding is offered in cotton, mulberry silk, linen and lyocell, across minimal, floral, plain dye, reversible, farmhouse and luxury collections.

• Cotton: a classic choice for everyday bedding, in plain dye and printed designs.
• Mulberry silk: a smooth, lustrous finish for a premium bedroom.
• Linen: textured and relaxed, with a lived-in look.
• Lyocell: a soft, fluid drape.

A reversible duvet cover gives two looks in one set, which suits a bedroom that changes with the season. An embroidered cover adds detail and works well with plain sheets.

Roomie Design bedding in the size you need

Roomie Design offers duvet cover sets, duvets and bedspreads, sheets, pillows and pillowcases, with size guides on the site and international shopping in multiple currencies. Browse the duvet cover sets to compare designs and sizes, or look at the Victoria embroidered duvet cover set and the Elysee ivory embroidered duvet cover set for a more detailed look. For inserts, see duvets and bedspreads. For a silk finish, see mulberry silk bedlinen.

Check the size selector on each product page and match it to your own measurements.

Our view on choosing the right size

Size is the first filter in bedding, and it is the one most often guessed. A well-chosen duvet cover sits full and even, the sheet lies flat, and the bed looks finished. A mismatched size does the opposite, whatever the fabric.

Our approach is to treat sizing as a measurement task. Use the centimetres or inches of your insert and mattress, then choose fabric and design. Cotton, mulberry silk, linen and lyocell all work in the sizes above, and each offers its own texture, from crisp to silky to relaxed.

For sheets, higher thread count cotton gives a dense, smooth surface with a soft, luxurious feel, and it is designed to look and feel good wash after wash. Whatever the thread count, the right size is what lets that fabric show its best.

We publish size guides and show dimensions on each product so international shoppers can match bedding to their own beds, whether it is a European 160 x 200 cm, a UK king or a US queen.

Roomie Design

FAQ

What is the most common European duvet size?

For one person, 140 x 200 cm is the most common single size, and 135 x 200 cm is also widespread. For two people sharing one duvet, 200 x 200 cm and 200 x 220 cm are the usual double sizes. Check the figures on the label, as ranges differ by brand.

Can I use a UK duvet cover on a European duvet?

Often yes, when the centimetre dimensions match. A UK double and a European 200 x 200 cm duvet are close, and a UK single and a European 135 x 200 cm duvet are close. Match the numbers rather than the names. For king and super king, compare carefully as continental sizes can be squarer.

Do European sheets fit UK and US mattresses?

It depends on the mattress, not the market. A 140 x 200 cm European fitted sheet fits a 140 x 200 cm mattress, and UK ranges also sell this size. US mattresses are measured in inches and are different widths, so check the mattress size and depth in cm first.

Is a 220 x 240 cm duvet a king size?

In many continental ranges, yes, it is sold as king for a 180 or 200 cm wide bed. UK king duvets are commonly around 225 to 230 x 220 cm, so the shape differs. Compare cm figures when you order.

What size duvet goes on a queen bed?

A US queen is about 60 x 80 inches, and typical queen duvets are around 88 x 92 inches. The closest European match is 220 x 240 cm. For a European 160 x 200 cm bed, a 200 x 220 cm or 220 x 240 cm duvet suits it.

Sources

• Duvet Cover Size Chart: US, EU, UK & IKEA Conversions

Recommended

• Find the perfect duvet cover size for style and comfort
• Euro Pillow Size: Dimensions in cm and Inches
• How to size bedding correctly: a complete guide