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
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
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
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 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
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

> 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.

30cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain anthracite La percale francaise acier
La percale francaise acier
30cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain anthracite
Fitted sheet h30 anthracite cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
30cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain blue La percale francaise ocean
La percale francaise ocean
30cm cup fitted sheet cotton percale plain blue
Fitted sheet h30 blue cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Drap housse b35 cotton percale plain white Giulia blanc
Giulia blanc
Drap housse b35 cotton percale plain white
Fitted sheet h35 white cotton percale
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain grey Ava uni souris
Ava uni souris
40cm cup fitted sheet cotton sateen plain grey
Fitted sheet h40 grey cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Drap housse b35 cotton percale plain ivory Giulia ivoire
Giulia ivoire
Drap housse b35 cotton percale plain ivory
Fitted sheet h35 ivory cotton percale
Drap housse b50 cotton sateen plain grey Ava uni glacier
Ava uni glacier
Drap housse b50 cotton sateen plain grey
Fitted sheet h50 grey 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 printed white beige Flower power white
Flower power white
Flat sheet cotton sateen printed white beige
Flat sheet white cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Flat sheet cotton percale plain brown Olana pin
Olana pin
Flat sheet cotton percale plain brown
Flat sheet brown cotton percale 90 threads/cm²
Flat sheet cotton gauze prewashed plain brown Malia houblon
Malia houblon
Flat sheet cotton gauze prewashed plain brown
Flat sheet brown cotton gauze prewashed
Flat sheet cotton percale plain green La percale francaise verde
La percale francaise verde
Flat sheet cotton percale plain green
Flat sheet green cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Flat sheet cotton percale plain pink Giulia petale
Giulia petale
Flat sheet cotton percale plain pink
Flat sheet pink cotton percale
Flat sheet cotton percale plain white Giulia blanc
Giulia blanc
Flat sheet cotton percale plain white
Flat sheet white cotton percale

> 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 jacquard pattern white Vibrato blanc
Vibrato blanc
Duvet cover cotton sateen jacquard pattern white
Duvet cover white 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
Duv.cover+p.cases blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton percale plain pink Giulia petale
Giulia petale
Duvet cover cotton percale plain pink
Duvet cover pink cotton percale
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain grey Ava uni glacier
Ava uni glacier
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain grey
Duvet cover grey cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • New
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue Poesie aqua
Poesie aqua
Duvet cover cotton percale printed blue
Duvet cover blue cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain blue Ava uni bleu nuit
Ava uni bleu nuit
Duvet cover cotton sateen plain blue
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²

> 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.

  • -30%
Pillowcase cotton sateen printed black Suzie nocturne
Suzie nocturne
Pillowcase cotton sateen printed black
Pillow case black cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Pillowcase cotton sateen plain green Ava uni vert d'eau
Ava uni vert d'eau
Pillowcase cotton sateen plain green
Pillow case green cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Pillowcase cotton sateen embroidered blue Pistil bleu nuit
Pistil bleu nuit
Pillowcase cotton sateen embroidered blue
Pillow case blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
2 pillowcases cotton percale plain green La percale francaise emeraude
La percale francaise emeraude
2 pillowcases cotton percale plain green
2 pillow cases green cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
2 pillowcases cotton gauze prewashed plain brown Malia houblon
Malia houblon
2 pillowcases cotton gauze prewashed plain brown
2 pillow cases brown cotton gauze prewashed
Pillowcase silk plain ivory Jouvence ivoire
Jouvence ivoire
Pillowcase silk plain ivory
Pillow case ivory silk

> 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.

  • -30%
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 cotton blend prewashed 520 gsm plain beige nude Manosque stone
Manosque stone
Coverlet cotton blend prewashed 520 gsm plain beige nude
Top sheet beige coton and other fibers prewashed
Coverlet cotton blend prewashed 520 gsm plain Manosque perle
Manosque perle
Coverlet cotton blend prewashed 520 gsm plain
Top sheet coton and other fibers prewashed
  • -30%
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
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

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. 

Duvet cover cotton percale plain orange red La percale francaise rouille
La percale francaise rouille
Duvet cover cotton percale plain orange red
Duvet cover red cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed pink yellow Citrons de menton romance
Citrons de menton romance
Duvet cover cotton percale prewashed printed pink yellow
Duvet cover pink cotton percale 80 threads/cm² prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover cotton percale printed white yellow Annabelle mimosa
Annabelle mimosa
Duvet cover cotton percale printed white yellow
Duvet cover white cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale printed beige green Nenuphars parchemin
Nenuphars parchemin
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale printed beige green
Duv.cover+p.cases green cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton percale plain green La percale francaise verde
La percale francaise verde
Duvet cover cotton percale plain green
Duvet cover green cotton percale 80 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale prewashed stripes yellow beige Honfleur paille
Honfleur paille
Duvet cover + pillowcases cotton percale prewashed stripes yellow beige
Duv.cover+p.cases yellow cotton percale 80 threads/cm² prewashed

> 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
Duvet cover cotton sateen 115 gsm printed blue green Le printemps azur
Le printemps azur
Duvet cover cotton sateen 115 gsm printed blue green
Duvet cover green cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed yellow Mesanges curry
Mesanges curry
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed yellow
Duvet cover yellow cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed blue green Maelys satin canard
Maelys satin canard
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed blue green
Duvet cover blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
  • -30%
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed navy blue orange Mist nocturne
Mist nocturne
Duvet cover cotton sateen printed navy blue orange
Duvet cover navy blue cotton sateen 120 threads/cm²
Duvet cover cotton sateen 115 gsm printed yellow gold Soleil d'or dore
Soleil d'or dore
Duvet cover cotton sateen 115 gsm printed yellow gold
Duvet cover gold 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.

  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain beige brown Le lin lave taupe
Le lin lave taupe
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain beige brown
Duvet cover beige 100% linen prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain blue Le lin lave bleu celeste
Le lin lave bleu celeste
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain blue
Duvet cover blue 100% linen prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain grey Le lin lave gris perle
Le lin lave gris perle
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain grey
Duvet cover grey 100% linen prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain brown Le lin lave ebene
Le lin lave ebene
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain brown
Duvet cover brown 100% linen prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain green Le lin lave cedre
Le lin lave cedre
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain green
Duvet cover green 100% linen prewashed
  • New
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain blue Le lin lave denim
Le lin lave denim
Duvet cover 100% linen prewashed 165 gsm plain blue
Duvet cover blue 100% linen prewashed

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