UK duvet and duvet cover size guide showing single double king and super king beds

UK Duvet and Duvet Cover Size Guide: Single to Super King

Choosing a duvet cover should be straightforward, but UK bedding sizes can become confusing surprisingly quickly. A king mattress and a king duvet do not have the same measurements, a double duvet is considerably wider than a double mattress, and a cover that is only slightly too large can leave the filling gathering in one corner.

The simplest rule is to match the duvet cover to the size of the duvet inside it—not directly to the mattress. A standard double duvet should go inside a double duvet cover, a king duvet inside a king cover and so on.

This UK duvet and duvet cover size guide lists the standard measurements for single, double, king and super king bedding. It also explains how to measure an existing duvet, when sizing up can work and how to avoid ordering a cover that does not fit properly.

UK duvet and duvet cover sizes at a glance

The most common UK duvet and duvet cover measurements are:

UK size Duvet and cover size Approximate size in inches Typical mattress size
Single 135 × 200 cm 53 × 79 inches 90 × 190 cm
Double 200 × 200 cm 79 × 79 inches 135 × 190 cm
King 230 × 220 cm 91 × 87 inches 150 × 200 cm
Super king 260 × 220 cm 102 × 87 inches 180 × 200 cm

These are the standard measurements used by most UK bedding retailers. Individual products can vary slightly, particularly imported or specialist bedding, so checking the dimensions on the label remains important.

Should a duvet cover be the same size as the duvet?

Yes. In most cases, the labelled size and measurements of the duvet cover should match the duvet placed inside it.

For example:

  • A 200 × 200 cm double duvet needs a 200 × 200 cm double duvet cover.
  • A 230 × 220 cm king duvet needs a 230 × 220 cm king duvet cover.
  • A 260 × 220 cm super king duvet needs a 260 × 220 cm super king duvet cover.

A cover that is much larger than the duvet leaves empty fabric around the edges and gives the filling room to slide into one area. A cover that is too small compresses the duvet and prevents it from spreading and lofting naturally.

You can choose a larger duvet for your bed, but the cover must also be increased to the same duvet size. For example, a king duvet and king cover can be used on a double bed for extra overhang.

Why is a duvet wider than the mattress?

Duvets are deliberately wider than the mattresses they are normally paired with. The additional width allows the duvet to hang over both sides of the bed and cover the people sleeping beneath it.

A standard UK double mattress is approximately 135 cm wide, while a double duvet is approximately 200 cm wide. This provides around 32 cm of theoretical overhang on each side when the duvet is centred.

The actual drop can be affected by:

  • The depth of the mattress.
  • Whether a mattress topper is fitted.
  • How high the bed frame sits.
  • Whether one or two people share the bed.
  • How far the duvet is pulled towards the head of the bed.

This is why it is better to select a duvet cover according to the duvet rather than relying only on the mattress measurements.

What size is a single duvet?

A standard UK single duvet measures approximately 135 × 200 cm, or around 53 × 79 inches.

It is normally paired with a standard single mattress measuring approximately 90 × 190 cm. A single duvet provides sufficient width for one sleeper while allowing some fabric to fall over each side of the mattress.

Single duvets are commonly used for:

  • Children’s beds.
  • Guest rooms.
  • Bunk beds.
  • Day beds.
  • Standard single adult beds.

Browse our UK single duvets in 4.5, 10.5, 13.5 and 15 tog ratings.

What size is a single duvet cover?

A standard UK single duvet cover also measures approximately 135 × 200 cm. It should be paired with a duvet carrying the same single-size measurements.

Single bedding sets often contain one matching pillowcase, while some retailers or designs may include two. Always check the contents listed on the individual product page rather than assuming that every single set has the same number of pieces.

Browse the complete Stoftly bedding collection to compare available UK sizes and designs.

What size is a double duvet?

A standard UK double duvet measures approximately 200 × 200 cm, or around 79 × 79 inches.

Unlike the other main UK sizes, a double duvet is square. This means its width and length look identical when measured flat, so it can be easy to turn the duvet without immediately noticing.

A double duvet is normally paired with a UK double mattress measuring approximately 135 × 190 cm. It can also be used on some small double beds when additional overhang is preferred.

Browse our UK double duvets in 4.5, 10.5, 13.5 and 15 tog ratings.

What size is a double duvet cover?

A standard double duvet cover measures approximately 200 × 200 cm. A double cover should be paired with a double duvet carrying the same dimensions.

Stoftly double duvet cover sets are sized at 200 × 200 cm and include two matching standard Housewife pillowcases.

Will a double duvet fit a small double bed?

A small double mattress is typically narrower than a standard double mattress, but many households still use a standard double duvet because a dedicated small double duvet size is not as widely offered.

The standard double duvet will hang further over the sides of a small double mattress. This can create a fuller appearance and provide more coverage, although it may feel generous on a narrow bed.

Measure the mattress and consider how much overhang you prefer before deciding.

What size is a king size duvet?

A standard UK king size duvet measures approximately 230 × 220 cm, or around 91 × 87 inches.

It is normally paired with a UK king mattress measuring approximately 150 × 200 cm. Compared with a double duvet, the king is 30 cm wider and 20 cm longer.

That additional width can make a noticeable difference for two people sharing a bed, particularly when one person tends to pull the duvet during the night.

What size is a king size duvet cover?

A UK king size duvet cover measures approximately 230 × 220 cm. It should contain a king duvet of the same size.

Stoftly king duvet cover sets include a 230 × 220 cm cover with two matching standard pillowcases.

Can a king duvet be used on a double bed?

Yes. A king duvet and matching king cover can be used on a double bed when you want more fabric to fall over the sides.

This arrangement may be useful when:

  • Two people share the duvet.
  • The mattress is particularly deep.
  • A thick mattress topper adds extra height.
  • You prefer a fuller, hotel-style appearance.
  • The existing double duvet does not provide enough side coverage.

Remember that both pieces must be sized up. Do not place a king duvet inside a double cover or a double duvet inside a king cover.

What size is a super king duvet?

A standard UK super king duvet measures approximately 260 × 220 cm, or around 102 × 87 inches.

It is normally paired with a super king mattress measuring approximately 180 × 200 cm. The duvet is the same standard length as a king duvet but is 30 cm wider.

This extra width provides more individual coverage on a large bed and can help reduce arguments over the duvet when two people share it.

What size is a super king duvet cover?

A UK super king duvet cover measures approximately 260 × 220 cm. It should be paired with a super king duvet of the same dimensions.

Explore super king duvet cover sets for designs supplied with two matching pillowcases.

Will a king duvet fit inside a super king cover?

It will physically fit, but it is not recommended. A king duvet is 30 cm narrower than a standard super king cover, leaving excess fabric along the sides.

The duvet may slide, bunch or leave parts of the cover feeling empty. Matching the labelled sizes creates a much neater and more comfortable result.

How to measure a duvet correctly

Measuring an existing duvet is useful when the label has faded, been removed or cannot be found.

  1. Remove the duvet cover.
  2. Lay the duvet flat on a bed or clean floor.
  3. Spread the filling evenly without stretching the fabric.
  4. Measure horizontally from one side seam to the other.
  5. Measure vertically from the top seam to the bottom seam.
  6. Compare the measurements with the UK size chart.

A small difference of a few centimetres can occur because soft filling and fabric do not always lie perfectly flat. Choose the closest standard UK measurement.

How to tell which way a duvet goes inside the cover

Single and double duvets can be particularly confusing because some measurements are equal or close to square.

Before inserting the duvet, identify the top and side seams. For king and super king sizes, the longer measurement is normally the width across the bed:

  • King: 230 cm wide × 220 cm long.
  • Super king: 260 cm wide × 220 cm long.

Align the top two corners of the duvet with the closed corners of the cover before fastening the opening. If the duvet feels too short across the bed, it may have been inserted in the wrong direction.

Should you choose a larger duvet than your bed?

Sizing up is a matter of preference rather than a requirement.

A larger duvet can provide:

  • More coverage for couples.
  • A deeper drop over the sides of the mattress.
  • A fuller and more luxurious appearance.
  • Additional coverage over deep mattresses or toppers.

Possible disadvantages include:

  • More fabric to manage when making the bed.
  • A larger cover to wash and dry.
  • Too much overhang on a low or narrow bed.
  • A higher purchase cost.

Common size-up combinations include a king duvet on a double bed or a super king duvet on a king bed. The duvet and cover should always remain the same size as each other.

What is included in a duvet cover set?

A duvet cover set normally includes the removable cover and one or more matching pillowcases. The filled duvet itself is usually sold separately.

The exact contents vary between brands and sizes. Many larger UK sets contain:

  • One duvet cover.
  • Two matching pillowcases.

Stoftly’s double, king and super king duvet cover sets include one duvet cover and two matching 50 × 75 cm Housewife pillowcases. The duvet filling is purchased separately, allowing you to choose the tog rating suitable for your bedroom.

Choosing a duvet cover fabric and design

Once the size is correct, the next decision is how the cover should feel, look and perform during regular use.

Easy-care microfibre

Microfibre is lightweight, smooth and relatively quick to dry. It also tends to resist heavy creasing, making it a practical choice for busy households and frequently changed guest bedding.

Reversible bedding

A reversible duvet cover provides two coordinated looks in one set. Turning the cover over can change the appearance of the room without replacing the bedding.

Browse designer bedding sets for reversible florals, checks, botanical designs and contemporary prints.

Pintuck and deluxe pintuck

Pintuck bedding uses stitched folds or pleats to create texture across the surface. Standard pintuck designs offer a clean raised pattern, while deluxe pintuck styles generally use more detailed or pronounced pleating for a fuller decorative appearance.

Seersucker

Seersucker has a lightly puckered surface that creates texture without relying on a printed pattern. The raised finish can also help reduce the appearance of everyday creasing.

Check each individual product listing for its exact fabric composition, fastening and washing instructions, as specifications can vary between collections.

How to stop a duvet moving inside its cover

A duvet that constantly gathers at one end is usually caused by incorrect sizing, poor corner alignment or uneven filling.

Try the following:

  • Confirm that the duvet and cover carry the same size.
  • Place each duvet corner fully into the corresponding cover corner.
  • Shake the covered duvet from the top edge after fastening it.
  • Redistribute the filling before making the bed.
  • Avoid placing a smaller duvet inside an oversized cover.
  • Use internal corner ties where the product includes them.

Matching the dimensions correctly is normally the most effective solution.

How to care for a duvet cover

Always follow the care label attached to the bedding. Fabric type, dye, decorative details and fastening can affect the recommended wash and drying method.

Stoftly’s easy-care microfibre duvet cover sets can be machine washed, while reversible, pintuck, deluxe pintuck and seersucker products should be checked individually for their precise care requirements.

Before washing:

  • Remove the duvet from the cover.
  • Fasten buttons, poppers or zips.
  • Turn printed bedding inside out where advised.
  • Avoid overfilling the washing machine.
  • Dry the set according to the product label.

Finding the right Stoftly duvet cover size

Stoftly offers bedding across the main UK sizes, with reversible prints, easy-care finishes, pintuck, deluxe pintuck and seersucker styles available across the wider range.

Use these collections to continue shopping:

Qualifying orders include free tracked 48-hour UK delivery, making it easier to refresh your bedding without an additional standard delivery charge.

Frequently asked questions

What are the standard UK duvet sizes?

The main UK sizes are single at 135 × 200 cm, double at 200 × 200 cm, king at 230 × 220 cm and super king at 260 × 220 cm.

What size is a single duvet cover?

A standard UK single duvet cover measures approximately 135 × 200 cm and should be paired with a single duvet of the same dimensions.

What size is a double duvet cover?

A standard UK double duvet cover measures approximately 200 × 200 cm. It is square and designed for a double duvet of the same size.

What size is a king size duvet cover?

A UK king duvet cover measures approximately 230 × 220 cm. The wider 230 cm edge should run across the bed.

What size is a super king duvet cover?

A standard UK super king duvet cover measures approximately 260 × 220 cm and should contain a duvet carrying the same measurements.

Is a duvet cover the same size as the mattress?

No. A duvet cover is considerably wider than the mattress because it needs to hang over both sides of the bed. Match the cover to the duvet, not directly to the mattress.

Can I put a king duvet in a double duvet cover?

No. A king duvet is larger than a double cover and will become compressed or folded inside it. Use a king-size cover with a king-size duvet.

Can I put a double duvet in a king duvet cover?

It may fit inside, but excess fabric will remain around the edges and the duvet is likely to move or bunch. Matching the two sizes gives a better fit.

Does a duvet cover set include the duvet?

Usually not. A duvet cover set normally includes the removable cover and matching pillowcases. The filled duvet is purchased separately unless the product description specifically says otherwise.

How many pillowcases come with a duvet cover set?

The number depends on the product and size. Stoftly’s double, king and super king sets include two matching standard pillowcases. Check individual single-set listings for the exact contents.

Should I use a king duvet on a double bed?

You can use a king duvet and matching king cover on a double bed when you prefer more side coverage or a fuller appearance. Consider the mattress depth, bed height and how much fabric you want hanging over the sides.

Final size check before ordering

Before purchasing a new duvet cover, check the label or measure the duvet itself. Do not rely only on the size of the mattress, particularly when the duvet was bought separately or has been used for several years.

The standard UK measurements are:

  • Single: 135 × 200 cm
  • Double: 200 × 200 cm
  • King: 230 × 220 cm
  • Super king: 260 × 220 cm

Once the size is correct, you can choose the material and design that suit your bedroom, whether that means an easy-care reversible print, classic pintuck detailing or a textured seersucker finish.

Shop duvet covers at Stoftly

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