Buzz
Some people value the top sheet for protecting their duvet cover, while others consider it an unnecessary addition that just gets bunched up at the foot of the bed. The decision to use or skip the top sheet might seem trivial (after all, don’t we have bigger issues to tackle?). However, we soon discovered that people are quite passionate about this topic. To determine if there’s truly a ‘right way’ to make the bed, we explored the history of bed linens and consulted with some bedding experts for their perspectives on the matter.
In traditional European-style bedding, a duvet paired with a fitted sheet is sufficient for a well-made bed, while American-style bedding includes an additional flat sheet (the 'top sheet') in between. Once upon a time, all sheets were flat, and people simply wrapped them around the mattress. Then in 1959, Bertha Berman patented a design for a fitted sheet with elastic corners, which neatly tucked around the edges of the mattress. Berman's invention became a global hit and can now be found on beds worldwide.
Historically, a duvet is the preferred cover when only a fitted sheet is used, as it can easily be washed. When a top sheet is added, it's easier to use more difficult-to-clean bedding like blankets and comforters, as the middle sheet acts as a hygienic barrier. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, habits, and how often you're willing to launder your bedding—some people find it more convenient to throw the entire comfortable sheet set in the wash, rather than dealing with the hassle of refitting their duvet into its cover.
Still curious about how experts in the bedding and design world feel on the subject? We reached out to several key figures to get their thoughts on the matter.
You Might Be Too Low-Maintenance for a Top Sheet
"I love the look of a top sheet, but usually find it either shoved to the end of the bed or tangled around my ankles. It’s like those decorative pillows—they look nice, but in the end, I’m too lazy and low-maintenance to bother with making the bed, so they end up causing me more stress than comfort."—Emily Henderson, interior designer, and stylist. Take a tour of her beautiful L.A. home to see her effortlessly chic style in action.
Your Partner Might Have a Say in the Matter
"I tend to run hot, and my husband is always freezing, wrapped in cashmere socks with a hot water bottle at hand. We need a top sheet to help balance our temperature differences. I can be roasting under just the top sheet, while he’s shivering under every blanket we own. This way, we’re both equally uncomfortable!"—Jonathan Adler, potter, designer, and author. Cooling sheets might be a good solution for those who sleep warm, while still offering that extra layer for a partner who feels the cold.
Why Pay for Something You Don’t Need?
"At Parachute, we see the top sheet as a personal choice—there if you want it, but not a must. Personally, I don’t prefer it. It feels like an extra layer that just ends up tangled at the foot of the bed! Since 40 percent of Americans skip the top sheet, we offer it separately from our sheet sets. Why pay for something you might not even use?"—Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute. Known for its modern bedding, the brand’s linen, percale, and sateen sheet sets come without a top sheet, as seen above.
Your Preference May Shift With the Seasons
"There’s no right or wrong when it comes to top sheets—it’s all about personal preference! In summer, a light blanket paired with a top sheet can be ideal instead of a duvet or comforter, while in winter, you may choose to forgo the top sheet entirely! Everyone has their own unique sleep preferences, and we aim to accommodate them all."—Vicki Fulop, co-founder and CCO of Brooklinen. If you’re ditching the top sheet, consider the Starter Sheet Set with two pillowcases and a fitted sheet. For those who prefer the top sheet, the Classic Core Sheet Set is perfect. Eucalyptus sheets offer an eco-friendly and breathable option for warmer nights.
It Undermines the Purpose of a Duvet
"A duvet is meant to float gently over your body. A top sheet disrupts that lightness—if you tuck it in, it restricts the duvet, and if you leave it loose, it drapes awkwardly over the bed. Either way, it makes bed-making unnecessarily complicated when it could just be as simple as flicking the duvet back into place. The real frustration is when you wake up with the sheet tangled around your legs. While a top sheet works fine with blankets or on hot nights (though I’d prefer a summer cover), it’s completely counterproductive with a European-style duvet."—Tricia Rose, founder of Rough Linen
Sometimes It’s Just Extra Cozy
"We’re both huge fans of the top sheet! It’s part of our multi-layer approach to everything, and there’s nothing quite like sinking into a perfectly made bed with all the right elements to turn it into a cozy sanctuary at the end of the day."—Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas, principal interior designers at Cloth & Kind Interiors. Crisp, cool cotton percale sheets offer the ideal combination of softness and breathability that make you look forward to curling up in bed.
