What Size Duvet Do You Need for a Shorty Bed?

A standard UK Single duvet, measuring approximately 135 × 200cm, is normally the best duvet size for a Shorty bed. It provides comfortable coverage across the narrower mattress while giving enough length to tuck around the feet without overwhelming the bed.

Although a Shorty bed has a smaller mattress than a standard Single, you do not usually need a specially shortened duvet. In this guide, we explain which size to choose, how it will fit and what else to consider when buying a duvet for a Shorty bed.

What size is a Shorty bed?

A typical UK Shorty single mattress measures approximately:

• 75–76cm wide
• 175cm long
• 2ft 6in × 5ft 9in

This makes it narrower and around 15cm shorter than a standard UK Single mattress, which normally measures 90 × 190cm.

Some cabin beds, guest beds and space-saving bedsteads use slightly different dimensions. Before ordering any bedding, measure the mattress itself rather than relying solely on the bed’s product name.

Our complete UK Shorty bed size guide explains the most common dimensions in greater detail.

What is the best duvet size for a Shorty bed?

For most Shorty single beds, we recommend a standard UK Single duvet measuring approximately 135 × 200cm.

This size is wider than the mattress, allowing the duvet to drape comfortably over both sides of the bed. It is also slightly longer than the mattress, providing plenty of coverage without creating an excessive amount of fabric.

Duvet dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so you may occasionally see a Single duvet described as 135 × 200cm, 138 × 200cm or 54 × 78 inches. These small differences should not normally affect its suitability for a Shorty bed.

Shop duvets suitable for Shorty beds

Do you need a special Shorty duvet?

Not usually. A specially shortened duvet could leave the sleeper with insufficient coverage, particularly if they move during the night. A standard Single duvet provides more flexibility and is easier to replace when required.

The fitted items underneath the sleeper need to match the mattress accurately. This is why it is important to use correctly sized Shorty fitted sheets and Shorty mattress protectors.

The duvet does not have to fit around the mattress corners, so using a standard Single size normally works well.

Will a Single duvet be too long?

A 200cm-long duvet is approximately 25cm longer than a typical 175cm Shorty mattress. This additional length is useful because it provides coverage around the sleeper’s feet and allows the duvet to be tucked in if preferred.

If the bed has a solid footboard, tuck the duvet lightly around the mattress rather than forcing a large amount of fabric between the mattress and frame. On an open-ended bed, the extra length can simply drape naturally over the foot.

Can you use a Double duvet on a Shorty bed?

You can, but a Double duvet will usually be unnecessarily wide for a 75cm Shorty mattress. It may hang close to the floor, make the bed difficult to arrange and feel bulky on a compact cabin bed or in a small bedroom.

A standard Single duvet generally provides ample coverage while keeping the bed neat and proportionate.

Which duvet tog should you choose?

The appropriate tog depends on the season, room temperature and the sleeper’s individual preference:

• 2.5–4.5 tog: a lightweight option for summer or a warm bedroom.
• 10.5 tog: a versatile choice for spring, autumn and many centrally heated homes.
• 13.5–15 tog: warmer options for winter and cooler bedrooms.
• All Seasons: two separate duvets that can be used individually or joined together.

Children can overheat more easily than adults, so consider the temperature of the room and follow appropriate sleep-safety guidance when choosing their bedding.

Which duvet filling is best?

There is no single filling that suits everyone. The best option depends on the warmth, weight, breathability and care routine you prefer.

Hollowfibre

A practical and comfortable choice that is generally easy to care for. Modern hollowfibre duvets can provide warmth without feeling excessively heavy.

Wool

Wool is naturally breathable and can help regulate temperature through changing seasons. It is a good option for sleepers who prefer bedding made with natural fibres.

Feather and down

Feather and down offer natural insulation and a soft, luxurious feel. A higher proportion of down generally produces a lighter duvet with excellent warmth.

What size duvet cover fits a Shorty bed duvet?

Choose a duvet cover that matches the dimensions stated on the duvet. A duvet measuring 135 × 200cm will normally require a standard UK Single duvet cover of the same size.

Do not choose a Shorty-sized fitted sheet as a duvet cover. The fitted sheet must match the mattress, while the duvet cover must match the duvet.

Complete your Shorty bed

For the most secure and comfortable fit, measure the mattress before ordering each fitted item. You can then combine:

• A correctly sized Shorty fitted sheet
• A Shorty mattress protector
• A standard UK Single duvet
• A matching standard UK Single duvet cover

Explore our complete Shorty bed bedding collection to find bedding designed for compact and hard-to-find mattress sizes.

Frequently asked questions

What duvet size fits a 75 × 175cm bed?

A standard UK Single duvet measuring approximately 135 × 200cm is normally the best choice for a 75 × 175cm Shorty bed.

Can I use standard Single bedding on a Shorty bed?

A standard Single duvet and duvet cover will normally work well. However, fitted sheets and mattress protectors should match the Shorty mattress dimensions rather than a standard 90 × 190cm Single mattress.

Is a Shorty duvet the same as a Single duvet?

The term “Shorty duvet” commonly refers to a duvet suitable for a Shorty bed. In most cases, this will be a standard UK Single duvet rather than a specially shortened duvet.

Should a child’s duvet be longer than their Shorty mattress?

Some additional length is normal and helps provide comfortable coverage. Choose the duvet’s tog according to the child’s age, room temperature and relevant sleep-safety recommendations.

How do I measure a Shorty bed for bedding?

Remove the existing bedding and measure the mattress from edge to edge for its width, length and depth. Use these measurements when ordering fitted sheets and protectors.