When one long side of a bed sits against a wall, the two sides have different jobs. The open side is where the bedding drapes and is seen. The wall side still needs to keep the sleeper covered, without leaving a bulky pile trapped beside the mattress. Decide how each side will be finished before choosing a sheet or duvet size.
Look at the wall side first
Check whether the mattress touches the wall or leaves a gap. Note how much room there is and whether you can comfortably reach the mattress corners. A narrow gap may catch loose bedding; a bed pressed close to the wall leaves little space for a deep drape. Do not assume that matching drops on both sides will work in this position.
Fit the hard-to-reach corners first
If the bed can be moved safely, a little working space can help you fit the wall-side corners of a fitted sheet. Ask for help with a heavy bed or mattress. If moving it is not practical, fit the accessible corners last so the sheet has slack while you work on the far side. Avoid forcing a sheet that is too small or shallow.
Use the mattress width, length and depth with any topper in place. Our bed-measuring guide explains which measurements to send for a custom fitted sheet.
Decide where a flat sheet will tuck
You can tuck the wall side while you have access, or leave it untucked if that is comfortable and it stays in place. Allow for the drop you want on the open side, plus the fabric the wall side needs. Test with an existing sheet before choosing a new width. A neat empty bed does not tell you whether there is enough slack once someone is under it.
Check duvet width and drape
A wide duvet can bunch against the wall or slip into the gap, so you may prefer to position it slightly off-centre, with more fabric on the open side. Before choosing a narrower insert, test how much coverage the sleeper needs, because a narrower duvet is no improvement if it leaves someone uncovered when they turn.
The cover still needs to match the insert. Choose the insert first, then compare its flat edge-to-edge measurements with the cover sizes.
Test the wall-side sleeper's coverage
Make the bed as you intend to use it, then have whoever sleeps by the wall lie down and turn over. Check that they stay covered and that the duvet edge is not trapped in the gap. If you move the duvet off-centre, test again. Pillowcase size still follows the pillows themselves, regardless of where the bed stands.
Before ordering
Write down the mattress dimensions, the insert dimensions and how each side will be finished. Browse our linen duvet covers using the insert measurements. For an unusual size, send the workshop your measurements and a description of the bed position so we can confirm the piece and finished size before you order.
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