Flat Sheet or No Flat Sheet? The Great Debate

What's the better way to make your bed, with a flat sheet or without? This is the great bedding debate.

Whether you swear by perfect American-style hospital corners or whether you join Europeans in asking, what's the point? we know everyone has strong opinions on this bed linen. Before we settle this debate once and for all, let's get on the same page about what the purpose of a flat sheet and a fitted sheet really is. First, we need to answer the important questions: What is a fitted sheet? And what is a flat sheet?

What is a fitted sheet?

Less controversial than the flat sheet, the purpose of the fitted sheet is to cover the mattress. When covered in an organic Boll & Branch Signature Fitted Sheet, you can ensure a soft, smooth sleeping surface. Plus, firm elastic and deep pockets ensure a snug fit on even the most plush mattresses!

What is a flat sheet?

The Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Flat Sheet, also called the top sheet, is placed on top of the fitted sheet, and in between yourself and your blanket or duvet cover. Its purpose is both to keep you warm and to protect your blanket or duvet cover from getting dirty. However, it does take some extra time to make your bed, especially if you like to tuck in both sides. And if you’re sleeping with a flat sheet, you’ll of course want to make sure you’re washing it regularly, like you would with the fitted sheet.

The great debate: flat sheet vs. fitted sheet

On one hand, sleeping without a flat sheet helps remove an extra step in making your bed and gives you one less sheet to wash on laundry day. But without using this protective layer between yourself and your duvet cover, that means you’ll need to wash your duvet cover more frequently. What difference does it make sleeping with or without a flat sheet? We surveyed the Boll & Branch staff and asked them to tell us which sleeping method they prefer. Here’s what we found.

Flat sheets by the numbers

The majority of the Boll & Branch team is in the pro-flat sheet camp. And we agree with our sleeping partners—at least most of the time.

Do you sleep with a flat sheet?

- Yes: 63.6% - No: 22.7% - Sometimes: 13.6%

Does your partner agree with your bed-making style?

- Yes: 81% - No: 4.7% - Sometimes: 13.6%

We like routine, but we're also open-minded

Many of us choose our bed-making methods simply because we’ve always done it this way. But we’re not 100% stuck in our ways either!

When did you start making your bed this way?

- "I’ve always made my bed this way.” - "That’s how my mom did it.” - "I didn’t know there way any other way to make a bed.”

Would you ever change your mind and make your bed a different way?

- Yes: 4.6% - No: 63.3% - Sometimes: 31.8%

The pro-flat sheet argument

- "The flat sheet is smoother and cooler than a blanket. Love it!” - "I like layers on my bed no matter what season it is. If I get too hot with my duvet during the summer, I can still fold it down and use the top sheet as a thin layer.” - "A flat sheet is much easier to clean. Taking apart a duvet and re-assembling it is more time-consuming and takes longer to wash and dry.” - "I LOVE to feel fully tucked in and can't achieve that without a flat sheet.”

The anti-flat sheet argument

- “Since discovering the ease of not using a flat sheet, I have become more inclined to make my bed this way. And it helps if a you’re a hot sleeper.” - “I find the flat sheet always gets pushed to the bottom of the bed. I don’t see the point in having one.” - “My husband refuses to use it! He's from Scotland and apparently was raised not to use them on the bed.” - “The flat sheet makes making the bed 1000x more annoying.”

The verdict

Our Sheet Sets are the best value, as they come with a Fitted Sheet, a Flat Sheet, and Pillowcases. You can make your bed both ways and decide what you like. We also sell Fitted Sheets, Flat Sheets, and Pillowcase Sets separately, so you can stock up on what you need or ditch what you don’t. Finally, no matter which way you make your bed, you’ll need a Duvet Set to finish the final look.