Choosing your bed linen

Are you looking to buy new, high-quality bed linen ?  

Your choice of bed linen, as well as the quality of your mattress, duvet and pillows, will have an important effect on the quality of your sleep. 

Written with the help of our linen experts, this page gives you the keys to choosing your bed linen:

1. What items do you need for a cosy bed?
2. How do you choose the right-sized bed linen?
3. What materials will give you the best night's sleep? 
4. Each season is an opportunity to redecorate your bedroom.

1. What items do you need for a cosy bed ?

> Mattress protector: essential for preserving your bedding

If you don't already have one, we recommend that you get yourself a mattress protector, which will guarantee the life of your bedding. Mattresses are rarely designed to be washed, so to keep your room clean, we recommend choosing a good quality mattress protector. 

A hygienic choice: a waterproof mattress protector will protect the mattress from children's little nighttime accidents as well as possible marks caused by perspiration. 

If you choose a waterproof protection, often lined with a polyurethane layer, make sure that it is micro-breathable. It should remain soft, flexible and above all silent during use. 

For additional comfort: waterproof or not, mattress protectors are always made of fleece to offer a thin layer of 100% cotton that helps improve the comfort of your bed. A soft and breathable natural fibre, cotton is ideal for household linen.

For a well-dressed, well-protected bed, it's important that your mattress protector fits your mattress perfectly and stays in place during the night. At Garnier-Thiebaut, you can choose the size of mattress protector to suit you, depending on the thickness of your mattress :

  • Thick mattress: 40 cm pockets
  • Standard mattress: 30 cm pockets
  • Articulated mattress: an H-shaped mattress protector for perfect support
Duo mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton blanc
Molleton blanc
Duo mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white
Duo matress cover white 100% cotton
30cm cup mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton blanc
Molleton blanc
30cm cup mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white
Mattress cover h30 white 100% cotton
2 pillow covers 100% cotton 135 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton blanc
Molleton blanc
2 pillow covers 100% cotton 135 gsm cotton fleece white
2 pillow protectors white 100% cotton
40cm cup mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton blanc
Molleton blanc
40cm cup mattress pad 100% cotton 230 gsm cotton fleece white
Mattress cover h40 white 100% cotton
Bolster cover 100% cotton 135 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton blanc
Molleton blanc
Bolster cover 100% cotton 135 gsm cotton fleece white
white 100% cotton
30cm cup mattress pad lyocell waterproof 110 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton impermeable lyocell
Molleton impermeable lyocell
30cm cup mattress pad lyocell waterproof 110 gsm cotton fleece white
Mattress cover h30 white lyocell waterproof
40cm cup mattress pad lyocell waterproof 110 gsm cotton fleece white Molleton impermeable lyocell
Molleton impermeable lyocell
40cm cup mattress pad lyocell waterproof 110 gsm cotton fleece white
Mattress cover h40 white lyocell waterproof

> Fitted sheet: for additional comfort

As with mattress protectors, fitted sheets are available with different sized pockets to ensure that they fit your mattress perfectly. To choose the right sized pocket, simply add 5–7cm to the thickness of your mattress. 

At Garnier-Thiebaut, the majority of fitted sheets are made in 120 threads/cm² satin, a quality fabric that is soft and supple

H-shaped sheets, specially designed for articulated beds, are also available. 

In its single version, this fitted sheet measures 80 x 200 cm with additional elastic to ensure optimal support. 

In its double version, the 160 x 200 cm fitted sheet has 8 pockets to ensure that it stays perfectly in place on the mattress.

Split topper fitted sheet cotton percale plain yellow La percale francaise safran
La percale francaise safran
Split topper fitted sheet cotton percale plain yellow
Split topper fitted sheet yellow cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain pink Olana petale
Olana petale
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain pink
Fitted sheet h40 pink cotton percale 90 threads/cm²
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain pink Ava uni rose fume
Ava uni rose fume
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain pink
Fitted sheet h40 pink cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Drap housse b50 cotton percale plain white La percale francaise neige
La percale francaise neige
Drap housse b50 cotton percale plain white
Fitted sheet h50 white cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain blue Ava uni bleu nuit
Ava uni bleu nuit
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain blue
Fitted sheet h40 blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Drap housse b50 cotton sateen plain brown Ava uni mordore
Ava uni mordore
Drap housse b50 cotton sateen plain brown
Fitted sheet h50 brown cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²

> Flat sheet: that little extra

Although fewer people now opt for flat sheets, many still appreciate them for the extra comfort they provide. The sheet is in direct contact with your skin and contributes to your well-being all night long.

Plain or patterned, flat sheets are specially designed to complement bed linen

Sheets come in different sizes to fit the size of your bed.

Flat sheet cotton sateen plain blue Ava uni bleu ardoise
Ava uni bleu ardoise
Flat sheet cotton sateen plain blue
Flat sheet blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Flat sheet cotton sateen jacquard pattern white Alexandria diamant
Alexandria diamant
Flat sheet cotton sateen jacquard pattern white
Flat sheet white cotton sateen
Flat sheet cotton sateen plain beige Ava uni glaise
Ava uni glaise
Flat sheet cotton sateen plain beige
Flat sheet beige cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Flat sheet cotton sateen plain ivory Ava uni angora
Ava uni angora
Flat sheet cotton sateen plain ivory
Flat sheet ivory cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Flat sheet cotton sateen jacquard pattern white Allegria neige
Allegria neige
Flat sheet cotton sateen jacquard pattern white
Flat sheet white cotton sateen
Flat sheet cotton percale plain nude La percale francaise blanc casse
La percale francaise blanc casse
Flat sheet cotton percale plain nude
Flat sheet nude cotton percale 80 threads/cm²

> Duvet cover

Finding the ideal duvet size take the size of your mattress and add 40 cm overhang.

The duvet cover should be exactly the same size as your duvet. Whether you choose plain or patterned, damask or printed, will depend on the decor of your room and your favourite materials for your bed.

A duvet that overhangs the bed by at least 40 cm on each side makes for an attractive bedroom. 

The price of your duvet cover will depend, first of all, on its size and also, of course, on the material you choose: percale, satin, linen, etc.

Duvet cover cotton sateen plain beige Ava uni taupe
Ava uni taupe
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain beige
Duvet cover beige cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern blue Vibrato bleu nuit
Vibrato bleu nuit
Duvet cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern blue
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen
  • -30%
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton sateen 115 gsm printed blue Rosalia turquoise
Rosalia turquoise
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton sateen 115 gsm printed blue
Set duv.cover+p.cases blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue grey Osaka givre
Osaka givre
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue grey
Duvet cover blue cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain brown Ava uni mordore
Ava uni mordore
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain brown
Duvet cover brown cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed multicolor beige Bois de mystere parchemin
Bois de mystere parchemin
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed multicolor beige
Duvet cover beige cotton percale 80 threads/cm² prewashed

> Pillowcase: choose shape and number

Square or rectangular? In Europe, pillows are generally square and measure 65 x 65 cm and the corresponding pillowcases are sold in 63 x 63 cm to ensure the pillows stay plump. 

In the UK and US, pillows are more usually rectangular and measure 50 x 70 cm.This format is particularly popular with hotels, which add pillows in a cascading arrangement on their beds.

A little or a lot! 

The trend is for an abundance of pillows on the bed. A well-furnished bed is inviting: it will make you want to throw yourself into it! In addition to the pillows used for sleeping, you'll find a whole collection of cushions designed to complete your bedroom decor.

Pillows are bedding and decorative accessories that enable you to add a creative touch to your bedroom by mixing sizes, colours, designs, etc.

Pillowcase cotton percale printed blue grey Osaka givre
Osaka givre
Pillowcase cotton percale printed blue grey
Pillow case blue cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Pillowcase cotton sateen printed blue brown Rainforest bleu dore
Rainforest bleu dore
Pillowcase cotton sateen printed blue brown
Pillow case blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Pillowcase cotton sateen jacquard pattern white Alexandria diamant
Alexandria diamant
Pillowcase cotton sateen jacquard pattern white
Pillow case white cotton sateen
2 pillowcases cotton sateen plain beige Ava uni lin
Ava uni lin
2 pillowcases cotton sateen plain beige
2 pillow cases beige cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
  • pure organic cotton
Pillowcase pure organic cotton printed multicolor Jardin vagabond printemps
Jardin vagabond printemps
Pillowcase pure organic cotton printed multicolor
Pillow case multicolor pure organic cotton
2 pillowcases cotton percale plain anthracite La percale francaise acier
La percale francaise acier
2 pillowcases cotton percale plain anthracite
2 pillow cases anthracite cotton percale 80 threads/cm²

> bed throw: what size to choose for a well-decorated bedroom ?

Other important decorative elements for your bedroom, bedspreads, throws and quilts come in different sizes to suit all styles of bedroom. Discover our entire collection of quilts, throws and bedspreads.

Quilt cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern yellow Cheval aile curry
Cheval aile curry
Quilt cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern yellow
Quilt cover yellow cotton sateen
  • -30%
Quilt cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern grey Esmeralda opale
Esmeralda opale
Quilt cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern grey
Quilt cover grey cotton sateen
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm stripes white beige Gordes blanc
Gordes blanc
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm stripes white beige
Top sheet white 100% cotton prewashed
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm plain white Zoa neige
Zoa neige
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm plain white
Top sheet white 100% cotton prewashed
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm stripes white beige Luberon naturel
Luberon naturel
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm stripes white beige
Top sheet beige 100% cotton prewashed
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm plain green Zoa sauge
Zoa sauge
Coverlet 100% cotton prewashed 450 gsm plain green
Top sheet green 100% cotton prewashed

2. How do you choose the right-sized bed linen? 

In this table, you will find the sizes recommended by our experts.

Guide: choosing the right-sized bed linen (see our bed-linen sets)

The size of your bed linen must be suitable for the size of your bed:

Mattress protector Fitted sheet Flat sheet Duvet cover

Bedspread

For a 90 x 190 cm bed

90x190 cm

90x190 cm

180x300 cm

140x200 cm or

200x200 cm

180x260 cm

For a 140 x 190 cm bed:

140 x 200 cm

140 x 200 cm

240 x 300 cm

200 x 200 cm or

240 x 220 cm

230 x 250 cm

For a bed of 160 x 200 cm:

160 x 200 cm

160 x 200 cm

270 x 300 cm

240 x 220 cm or

260 x 240 cm

240 x 260 cm

For a bed of 180 x 200 cm:

180x200 cm

180x200 cm

270 x 300 cm

260 x 240 cm or

280 x 235 cm

240 x 260 cm

For a double bed composed of two articulated beds of 80 x 200 cm:

80x200 cm

80 x 200 cm

or a double version of 160 x 200 cm with a small pocket(20 ou 30cm)

270 x 300 cm

240 x 220 cm or

260 x 240 cm

240 x 260 

Plus précisément, quelle taille de housse de couette pour un lit 140x190 ?

La dimension de housse de couette communément utilisée est 240x220 cm. Cela donne, suivant l’épaisseur de la couette glissée à l’intérieur, une retombée de 40 à 45 cm de chaque côté du lit. Cependant, certains lits étant plus hauts que d’autres, notamment, en fonction de l’épaisseur du matelas, il est possible d’utiliser une housse de couette 260x240cm afin d’avoir une retombée plus couvrante. Cela confère également plus d’aisance pour les utilisateurs, car chacun peut s'emmitoufler avec la couette sans risquer de gêner son/sa voisin(-e).

See also: how to choose the right duvet Its size, its composition

3. What materials will give you the best night's sleep? 

Which ones are best for a good night's sleep? 

> Cotton percale: soft, matt and light, it is our customers' favourite fabric.

This material, which we also call 'weave', has an 80 to 90 threads/cm2 weave. The density of threads per cm² also indicates the quality of the bed linen. The higher the density, the stronger the fabric. 

  • New
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale 115 gsm printed white yellow Annabelle mimosa
Annabelle mimosa
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale 115 gsm printed white yellow
Set duv.cover+p.cases white cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue grey Osaka givre
Osaka givre
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue grey
Duvet cover blue cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • New
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale 115 gsm printed red teal Naia arc en ciel
Naia arc en ciel
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale 115 gsm printed red teal
Set duv.cover+p.cases red cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton percale printed multicolor Poppy carmin
Poppy carmin
Duvet cover cotton percale printed multicolor
Duvet cover multicolor cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed green nude Giardino naturel
Giardino naturel
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed green nude
Duvet cover nude cotton percale 80 threads/cm² prewashed
Duvet cover cotton percale plain yellow La percale francaise safran
La percale francaise safran
Duvet cover cotton percale plain yellow
Duvet cover yellow cotton percale 80 threads/cm²

> Cotton sateen: very soft and silky, this is the material most often requested by the hotels we supply. 

Plain or jacquard satin bed linen reflects more light because it is denser. With a weave of 120 threads/cm², cotton sateen produces a fabric whose quality can be felt: sateen is smoother than other weaves.

Duvet cover cotton sateen plain set white Suite grand luxe bleu
Suite grand luxe bleu
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain set white
Duvet cover white cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton sateen plain set white Palace bourdon vert d eau
Palace bourdon vert d eau
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton sateen plain set white
Set duv.cover+p.cases white cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen embroidered blue Pistil bleu nuit
Pistil bleu nuit
Duvet cover cotton sateen embroidered blue
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain blue Ava uni lagon
Ava uni lagon
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain blue
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern white Vibrato blanc
Vibrato blanc
Duvet cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern white
Duvet cover white cotton sateen
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed blue brown Rainforest bleu dore
Rainforest bleu dore
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed blue brown
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²

>Cotton gauze: Lightweight, soft and supple, this is a great material for summer.

Generally lined for the manufacture of bed linen, gauze is distinguished by its naturally embossed, slightly crumpled aspect.

> Washed linen: cool in summer and soft in winter.

Linen is the ultimate all-season material. Also very appreciated for its authentic, natural touch, linen is washed to soften its fibres. Linen is not a material that needs to be ironed.

4. Each season is an opportunity to redecorate your bedroom.

Live with the seasons ... From fresh and summery to soft and cocooning, Garnier-Thiebaut's designs are inspired by the upcoming season's fashion trends, creating colourful and original collections that will set the tone in your interior. 

Discover the new bed-linen collection

Plain bed linen: If you like timeless plain bed linen, you'll be all the more sensitive to its textures. At Garnier-Thiebaut, we offer a large choice of different fabrics that will give you the ultimate in nighttime comfort. (see our material guide described earlier in the article)

To add a creative touch, opt for original pillowcases or decorative cushions that you can change with the seasons.

If you're looking for original bed linen, we recommend that you take a look at our designs:

Jacquard bed linen: the plain version is a good compromise between a simple traditional plain design and more creative sheets. The tone-on-tone woven jacquard design is discreet and very elegant. This bed linen will help to create an elegant and timeless room.

Pour plus d'informations, reportez-vous à notre guide des matières