College Bedding Buying Guide
Planning for a college dorm room can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding bedding that fits those tricky dorm room beds. Start by choosing a bedding style or theme, then decide what dorm bedding essentials to add to your shopping list. Twin XL mattresses are the standard for most dorms, but they can be challenging to shop for, but don’t worry: If you don’t know where to start when buying dorm bedding, our guide has you covered. We’ll answer common questions about college bedding size and offer tips for layering a dorm bed, so you can send your student to school in comfort and style.
How Big Is a Twin XL Dorm Bed?
Before you purchase bedding, remember that the size of a Twin XL dorm bed is different from a regular Twin mattress: At 39 inches by 80 inches, Twin XL dorm room beds are the same width, but five inches longer, than a regular Twin mattress. This extra length ensures the bed is long enough for students taller than six feet and allows plenty of space for shorter students to stretch out. However, it a dorm bed also requires specially sized bedding. Before your college kid gets their heart set on specific dorm room sheets or bedding, be sure you’re looking at the right size.
What Size Sheets and Bedding Do I Need for a Dorm Bed?
The safest bet when shopping for the dorm is to buy bedding that is sized specifically for Twin XL college beds. It’s worth noting, however, that the extra length isn’t essential for every layer—only layers fitted to the mattress, including the bed skirt, mattress topper, and fitted sheet or sheet set.
Here are our expert answers to frequently asked questions about dorm bed sheet size and more college bedding queries.
Will Twin Sheets Fit a Twin XL Mattress?
Our generously sized Twin flat sheets will work on a dorm mattress, but standard Twin fitted sheets will not: They aren’t sized to accommodate the extra length. If you’re purchasing sheet sets, opt for Twin XL to ensure every piece fits.
Will a Twin Comforter Fit a College Dorm Bed?
A Twin comforter will fit a Twin XL bed, but you can choose a Twin XL comforter if you prefer the extra length. We offer Twin/Twin XL comforters that measure 70 inches wide by 90 inches long to fit either mattress size.
Will a Full-Size Comforter Fit a Twin XL Bed?
At 84 inches wide by 90 inches long, a Full-size comforter can fit a Twin XL mattress; the extra length on either side just means it may touch the floor, depending on the height of the bed. For those in the top bunk of a lofted bed, this extra length may hang into the lower bunk, encroaching on the roommate’s space.
Dorm Bedding Size Guide
Twin XL sheets and bedding are sized specifically to accommodate the extra length of dorm room beds, but in some instances, standard Twin bedding is sufficient. Explore our handy college bedding size chart to help you choose the best sizes for a dorm mattress.
| Item | Twin | Twin XL |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Skirt | X | |
| Mattress Topper | X | |
| Fitted Sheet | X | |
| Flat Sheet | X | X |
| Sheet Set | X | |
| Comforter | X | X |
| Duvet Insert + Cover | X | X |
| Blanket | X | X |
| Quilt | X | X |
College Prep Checklist: What Dorm Room Bedding Do I Need?
Now that you know what size bedding is right for dorm mattresses, it’s time to tackle what your student needs. With social-media-shareable dorm rooms becoming the norm, the secret to helping your student make a statement with their style lies in magazine-worthy layers. Whether they want to go all-out with their aesthetic or prefer to focus on just the basics, use this checklist to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Mattress Topper
Dorm room beds are designed to be practical, but may not be as comfortable as their mattress at home, so start with a Twin XL mattress topper to make it softer, more supportive, or both. Choose a topper in memory foam, wool, down, or down alternative to suit your student’s sleeping style and make their dorm mattress more comfortable. Some dorm beds feature a waterproof shell, but to protect the topper, you can also add a waterproof mattress pad that creates a barrier against accidental spills.
Sheet Sets
Easy-care Twin XL sheets. Jersey knit is a favorite material for dorm room bedding because of its casual look and soft, lived-in feel, but any durable, breathable cotton sheets will do.
- White or ivory sheets are classic options, and they’re easy to coordinate with other bedding layers or a roommate’s decor. However, they also show stains more easily than colored or patterned bedding.
- Pattern sheets add the perfect personality beneath a more neutral comforter or duvet. Or, go all out and mix and match multiple bedding patterns on each layer.
- Choose solid sheets in a favorite color, or opt for hues that coordinate with other bedding layers or dorm room decor.
How many sets of sheets do you need for college? We recommend stocking up for the college dorm with two sets of sheets. This way, your student can have one set in the laundry and one on the bed. If space allows, three sets may be best for messy or spill-prone students.
Top Bedding Layer
The top bedding layer is where personal style really comes into play: The comforter, quilt, or duvet cover is a major focal point that influences how a dorm room looks. A matching comforter and sham set makes it easy to create a coordinated look for the college dorm, but a duvet cover and insert may make laundry day easier as only the cover needs to be washed regularly. Quilts are lightweight, classic, and available in a variety of patterns and solid color designs to appeal to a range of tastes.
How many comforters do I need for the college dorm? Whichever top bedding layer you choose—comforter, quilt, or duvet-and-insert pairing—you only need one. Anything more will be hard to store in a dorm room’s limited space.
Bed Pillows
Don’t forget the pillows. A comfortable, supportive pillow is a must for restful sleep. Help your student choose a single bed pillow to suit their preferences, and add a protective cover to guard against airborne allergens or accidental spills. An optional second pillow paired with a sham adds a polished finishing touch to the dorm bed.
Blankets
Round it out with a blanket or two they love—a true college bedding essential. Students can use a blanket as an extra layer on cool nights, wrap themselves up when studying or hanging out with friends, and fold it at the foot of the bed when not in use.
Decorative Pillows
A few throw pillows help students express their personal style and are perfect for cuddling with for extra comfort when needed. Choose solid-color or patterned decorative pillow covers that complement their dorm room bedding. A reading wedge or bed rest pillow with arms creates a supportive backrest, allowing your student to comfortably sit up in bed and read, have a snack, do their homework, or hang out with friends.
After exploring these frequently asked questions about Twin XL sheets, comforters, and college bedding, let your dorm-bound kid mix and match colors, patterns, and materials to design a look they love. Or, choose a bedding bundle that offers an (almost) all-in-one approach to prepping for the dorm. Find more bedding advice and ideas for kids, teens, and adults in our other Guides.