What Is a Shorty Single Bed? Size Guide & Best Sheets

Q: Can I use shorty fitted sheets on a normal single bed?

No — shorty sheets are shorter and won’t fully cover the extra length of a standard single mattress.

18 Feb

Posted By Jen 0 Comment(s) 2124 View(s) Single Bed Sizes

If you’ve ever struggled to find sheets that fit a shorter mattress perfectly, a shorty single bed might be the reason why.

This guide explains what a shorty single bed is, where you’ll commonly find it, and how to choose the right bedding — including our top recommendations.

What Is a Shorty Single Bed?

A shorty single bed is a variation on the traditional single bed that’s shorter in length.

While a standard UK single mattress measures 90 x 190 cm, a shorty single typically measures:

90 cm wide
175 cm long

This shorter length makes shorty beds ideal for:

Children’s bedrooms
Small guest rooms
Caravans, campervans and tiny homes

The reduced length helps save space while still offering a comfortable sleep surface for many situations.

Shorty Single vs Standard Single

Feature	Shorty Single	Standard UK Single
Width	90 cm	90 cm
Length	175 cm	190 cm
Best For	Small spaces, children, caravans	Most bedrooms and adults

Although both beds are 90 cm wide, that extra 15 cm in a standard single makes a big difference in sheet fit.

Shorty Single Beds in Caravans

Shorty single beds are especially popular in caravans and campervans. Because space is limited, a standard single bed would often be too long. The slightly shorter 90 x 175 cm size fits compact layouts while still providing a comfortable sleep surface for children or smaller adults.

If you’re planning caravan bedding, make sure to choose sheets designed for shorty singles — standard single sheets will be too long and may bunch at the ends.

We’ll cover caravan-specific shorty bedding in more detail in a dedicated blog soon.

Why Shorty Bedding Is Different

The biggest challenge with shorty beds is finding sheets that fit snugly.

Standard single bedding is designed for a 190 cm mattress length, so it can look baggy or bunch at the end of a 175 cm shorty mattress.

That’s why it’s essential to choose bedding made specifically for shorty beds — so corners stay tight and your sheets stay in place overnight.

Shorty Single Sheet Sizes to Choose

Shorty fitted sheets – cut to the correct length so they fit 90 x 175 cm mattresses perfectly.
Pillowcases – standard UK pillow sizes still work fine.
Duvet covers – choose the right size for your duvet; for kids or compact rooms a smaller duvet is often preferred.

Always check mattress depth too — if you have a topper or an extra-deep mattress, you’ll need a deeper fitted sheet.

Best Sheets for Shorty Single Beds

Find high-quality shorty bedding at Victoria Linen:

Shop Shorty Bed Bedding

Soft, breathable cotton fitted sheets in multiple colours
Deep and extra-deep shorty fitted sheet options
Matching pillowcases and duvet covers for shorty sizes

Choosing sheets specifically sized for shorty beds keeps them snug and comfortable — no annoying extra fabric dangling at the end.

How to Measure Your Shorty Mattress

To ensure you buy the correct bedding:

Measure width – across the mattress from left to right
Measure length – from head to foot
Measure depth – from top to base (important if you have a topper)

Record the largest measurement in each category, then match it to the sheet size you plan to buy. When in doubt, always choose the size closest to your mattress rather than a standard size that’s too big.