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Twin XL ...Get the 411 On Dorm Bedding! Your Options Aren't As Limited As You May Think...
by Christi Leslie, Founder & CEO of DormSmart.com, Creator of Dorm411.com
on 4/29/2010 to Dorm Room Bedding
Comfortable and attractive bedding is a must in your dorm room so let’s make sure you’re prepared to select the right dorm bedding for you!  

How big is your dorm room mattress? 

Before purchasing bedding for your dorm room, you need to know the size of your dorm mattress. Common bed sizeds found in dorm rooms or surrounding campus housing are:
  • Twin Mattress (39 x 75 inches): The smallest of all the mattresses, sleeps one.
  • Twin XL Mattress (39 x 80 inches): Found most often in college dorm rooms, the Twin XL (Twin Extra Long) is longer than the standard Twin BUT the width remains the same.
  • Full Mattress (54 x 75 inches): Often referred to as a double bed, sleeps two.
  • Queen Mattress (typically 60 x 80 inches): Roomier than the full-size mattress, sleeps two.

Common Sheet Sizes

The measurements below are for fitted sheets and will help ensure a proper fit to your dorm bedding.
  • Twin Sheets (39 x 75 inches)
  • Twin XL Sheets (Twin Extra Long) (39 x 80 inches) - Most common size found in dorm rooms.
  • Full Sheets (54 x 75 inches)
  • Queen Sheets (60 x 80 inches) 
NOTE: If you are purchasing your dorm sheets separately versus in a set, you only need to order a Twin XL fitted sheet. A standard twin flat sheet is 66" x 96" and will fit either a twin or twin XL bed. You can use these dimensions as a guide for mattress pads as well.

Before investing in a mattress pad or sheets for your dorm bed, know your mattress depth.

Pillow Top and Extra Deep mattresses have become very common. Before selecting your sheets and mattress pads, it is important to know the depth of your mattress. Below are some dimensions to use as a guide.
  • Standard (7 to 9 inches)
  • Deep (10 to 15 inches)
  • Extra Deep (16 to 22 inches) 
NOTE: Generally a Dorm Twin XL Mattress is standard depth but if you plan to squeeze a larger bed in your campus housing, measure your mattress.

Mattress Pad Depths

Once you determine the depth of your dorm mattress you’ll need to select the proper depth mattress pad. Below are some approximate depths to follow.
  • Standard (7 to 14 1/2 inches) 
  • Deep (Up to 15 inches) 
  • Extra Deep (16 to 22 inches) 

Comforters

Listed below are the dimensions of most comforters to use as a general guideline. These are approximate sizes. Some manufacturers may run slightly smaller or produce oversized comforters.
  • Twin (68 x 86 inches) Fits Twin XL dorm bed 
  • Full (80 x 90 inches) 
  • Full/Queen (88 x 88 inches)
  • Queen (86 x 94 inches)
NOTE: DO NOT stress over shopping for Twin XL Comforters, you may not find many and when you do the selection may be limited / disappointing. Consider purchasing a twin size comforter that fits your dorm décor! You can adjust the length and fill in with lots of pillows; a dorm must have to turn your bed into daytime seating. Pull the length of your comforter toward the foot of the bed to add an inch or two, make a small fold at top (turn down) then fill in with your pillows! If you plan to raise your bed with bed risers (bed raisers), consider purchasing a full, queen, or a full/queen size comforter or duvet to accommodate the height versus purchasing a bed skirt (just make sure the pattern works, a solid color or a pattern that repeats versus a border pattern). Since most dorm beds are against the wall, you can adjust your bedding to the desired width (side length).

Down Comforters

Listed below are the dimensions of most Down Comforters to use as a general guideline. These are approximate sizes. Some manufacturers may run slightly smaller.
  • Twin (68 x 88 inches) Fits Twin XL dorm bed 
  • Full/Queen (90 x 98 inches) 
NOTE: While you may not be allergic to down, your dorm mate may be allergic so consider purchasing a down alternative or hypoallergenic comforter for your dorm bed. It will feel just as good without the allergies!

Blankets

Blanket sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Listed below are the general dimensions; most blankets should fall close to these sizes.
  • Twin (66 x 90 inches) Fits Twin XL dorm bed 
  • Full/Queen (90 x 90 inches)
  • Throw (50 x 60 inches) 

Duvets

Listed below are the dimensions of most Duvets to use as a general guideline. Some manufacturers may run slightly smaller. Duvets are easy to clean, protect your down or down alternative comforter, and can easily change the look of your room! Just remember when selecting a duvet for your dorm bedding, be sure to match your comforter's size to the appropriate duvet size.
  • Twin (68 x 88 inches) Fits Twin XL Dorm Bed 
  • Full/Queen (88 x 88 inches)

Bed Skirts

Twin XL Bed Skirts can be difficult to find. A standard twin bedskirt will leave a small gap at the head of the bed but can be used. Another option would be to raise your bed with bed risers (bed raisers) and purchase a Smart Cart then store all your stuff under your bed in decorative bins that coordinate with your bedding. It is practical, fun, and makes a statement! Also, consider using a flat sheet or a purchasing a larger size duvet/comforter (see note under Comforters).

Pillows (One of those must have dorm essentials)

Dorm living requires many pillows! The right pillow provides a good night’s sleep while all those extra pillows turn your bed into a piece of furniture during the day! Remember, your dorm room is a complete living space so make use of pillows and remember to order extra pillowcases to coordinate.
  • Standard (20 x 26 inches) uses a Standard size pillowcase. 
  • Queen (20 x 30 inches) uses a Standard size pillowcase. 
NOTE: There is no Queen Size pillowcase. If you like your pillows to look full, then order queen pillows with standard pillowcases.

Feel free to call DormSmart.com at 1-877-616-DORM, if you need help selecting the right dorm bedding.
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