Why Don’t Europeans Use Fitted Sheets? A Surprising Look at Bedding Differences

After traveling through several parts of Europe—including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland—I couldn’t help but notice something curious: the bed sheet situation was totally different from what I’m used to in the United States. In nearly every place I stayed, I found a flat sheet tucked around the mattress instead of a fitted sheet. At first, I thought I was just using the bed wrong—mistaking the flat sheet as the top sheet, only to realize I had pulled off what was actually being used as the bottom sheet. It made me wonder: do Europeans avoid fitted sheets because they’re hard to fold and store? Is it a space-saving thing? Or is it just a cultural difference? I did a little digging and discovered some fascinating reasons behind these European bedding habits—and I’m sharing them with you in this post.

This boho-style bedroom, which reflects American design, was created by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. 3D rendering produced by Stuccco.

A Quick Look at Bedding Styles: Europe vs. USA

In the United States, it’s standard to use a fitted sheet with elastic edges that hugs the mattress tightly. A flat sheet goes on top, followed by a blanket or comforter. In many European countries, though, fitted sheets are much less common—especially outside the UK and Ireland. Instead, people typically use a flat sheet tucked snugly around the mattress or skip it altogether in favor of a mattress protector or cover and a duvet with a washable cover.

Cultural Traditions Shape Bedding Preferences

One of the biggest reasons for this difference comes down to tradition. In parts of continental Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, the typical bedding setup involves a bottom sheet (often a flat sheet or stretchy cover) and a duvet with a removable cover. There’s no top sheet, and there’s rarely a fitted sheet unless it’s a spannbettlaken (a jersey-style fitted cover that stretches tightly over the mattress).

This minimalist style is clean, easy to manage, and deeply ingrained in many European cultures.

This is an AI-generated image of an example of what some European hotel rooms I stayed in looked like.

Practicality and Laundry Habits

Flat sheets are easier to wash, press, and fold. In regions where people still iron their bed linens—or where professional laundry services are common—flat sheets make the process more efficient.

Fitted sheets, with their elastic edges and bulky corners, are harder to handle and fold neatly. Anyone who’s tried to fold one knows how tricky it can be to get it to lay flat! When living in homes with limited storage space, as is often the case in older European buildings, having linens that stack nicely matters.

Storage Space Is Often Limited

Most European homes don’t have large linen closets. In fact, some don’t have built-in closets at all. Linens are often stored in wardrobes, under beds, or in compact drawers. Flat sheets take up less space and are easier to organize, making them a space-efficient choice.

More Mattress Size Variability in Europe

Unlike in the U.S., where mattress sizes are standardized (Twin, Full, Queen, King), European mattresses come in more varied sizes depending on the country and manufacturer. This makes flat sheets a more flexible option—they don’t have to fit an exact mattress size or depth, so households and hotels can use the same sheets for multiple beds.

Hotels Prefer Flat Sheets for a Reason

The hotel industry throughout Europe also favors flat sheets for ease of laundering and bed-making. They can be washed and pressed quickly, folded into crisp stacks, and reused in a variety of room types. For hospitality settings, they’re simply more cost-effective and efficient.

What About the UK and Ireland?

The United Kingdom and Ireland tend to follow more American-style bedding habits, with fitted sheets being relatively common. However, even in these countries, you may still find places that use flat sheets on the bottom—especially in older homes or hotels with traditional setups.

This is an AI-generated image of a Scandinavian-style bedroom similar to the design approach often found in Nordic hotels and homes.

So, Do Europeans Hate Fitted Sheets?

Not exactly—they’re just not as common or culturally ingrained. You’ll find fitted sheets in some European stores, and many modern homes use them. But they’re far from the norm, especially in central and northern Europe, where practical traditions, compact living, and minimalism often win out.

Final Thoughts

It’s fascinating how something as simple as bed sheets can reveal so much about cultural values and lifestyles. While fitted sheets are popular in the U.S. for their snug fit and convenience, Europeans often choose flat sheets for their flexibility, ease of storage, and timeless tradition. Next time you make your bed—or travel abroad—you’ll know exactly why things look a little different.