Will Full Sheets Fit a Queen Bed?

No one wants to spend the night struggling with thin, scratchy sheets. High-quality bedding may cost more, but you’ll notice the difference in the feel. If cost is a concern for you, you may be wondering if there’s a workaround – like buying a smaller size. For example, using full sheets on a queen bed. In this guide, we’ll answer the question “will full sheets fit a queen bed” and provide you with some helpful tips.

Are Full and Queen the Same Size?

The first thing you may be wondering is whether a full mattress is the same size as a queen. A full mattress, sometimes called a double, is typically 55 inches wide and 76 inches long. A queen, on the other hand, is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That’s a difference of 5 inches in width and 4 inches in length. It may not seem significant, but the difference matters when it comes to bedding.

Will Full Sheets Fit a Queen Bed?

Maybe, but it’s not recommended. A queen-sized bed is both longer and wider than a full, so if you try to use full-sized sheets they probably won’t fit.

That being said, certain sheet sets might be larger than others. If you purchase an extra-deep fitted sheet, for example, you might have a bit more wiggle room in terms of size than a standard fitted sheet. It’s also worth noting that there is no standard width or length for top sheets, so some may be larger than others and could very well fit a queen mattress.

All that really matters when it comes to finding the right bedding is choosing sheets that are long enough and wide enough to tuck in at the sides and the bottom. If you’re just trying to cover the bed and aren’t concerned about keeping the sheets in place, a full-size set might work on a queen.

Pros and Cons of Using Full Sheets on a Queen

Though full sheets won’t fit a queen mattress well, there may be cases where you can make it work. The question then is whether you should.

There are two primary advantages to doing so:

  •  Full-size bedding is likely to be cheaper than queen size bedding
  • You don’t have to purchase new bedding if you upgrade your mattress

While you might be able to make full sheets fit a queen bed, it’s probably not the best option. Using inappropriately sized bedding is unlikely to damage your mattress, but it can be rough on your sheets. You’ll probably end up stretching or even tearing the sheets which isn’t good for longevity. If the sheets don’t fit properly, they probably won’t stay in place overnight either and you could find yourself tangled in the bedsheets in the middle of the night.

How to Use Full Sheets on a Queen Bed

will full sheets fit a queen bed

If you’re determined to make your full-size sheets work on a queen bed, there are a few things you can try. Keep in mind that sheet sets may vary in size, so the results are not guaranteed.

Here are some tips for using a full sheet on a queen bed:

Leave the Fitted Sheet Untucked

Before you try using full sheets on a queen bed, know that you’ll probably have to remove anything that makes the bed wider or taller. This includes mattress pads and toppers and may even apply to a mattress cover if it has padding on it. Start with the fitted sheet and place it over the top right corner of the mattress then move to the bottom corner on the same side.

If you make it to the other side and find that the sheet simply won’t fit, you can try untucking the corners. Leaving the corners untucked will give you a little more wiggle room, just know that the sheet probably won’t stay in place as well.

Use Flat Sheets Only

When using full sheets on a queen size bed, you’re likely to have more trouble with the fitted sheet than the flat sheet. If you’re using an extra-deep fitted sheet, it might give you the added room you need to stretch it over the bed. If not, however, you might not be able to make it work.

An alternative is to use a flat sheet in place of the fitted sheet. Again, flat sheets aren’t standard in length or width so if you have one that’s extra-wide or long, you may have enough to tuck under the edges of the bed. You will, of course, need a second flat sheet.

Try Using Sheet Straps

Whether you’re leaving the fitted sheet slightly untucked or using a flat sheet in place of a fitted sheet, sheet straps can help keep things where they’re meant to be. Also known as sheet suspenders, sheet straps clip to the edges of the fabric to keep the sheet from shifting.

Make Some Alterations

If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you may be able to alter a full sheet set to fit a queen. The fit probably won’t be perfect, but by letting out the seams you might be able to gain a little room. You can even add extra fabric from another sheet set you’re not using.

When it comes to adding fabric to a fitted sheet, you may be better off adding it to the middle of the sheet than the edges. Measure the width and depth of the mattress then add the two numbers together, doubling the depth, to determine how much more fabric you’ll need to add. Cut a strip of fabric two inches wider than the size difference in the appropriate length then sew it into place, using a 1-inch seam allowance on either side.

Bottom Line

To answer the question “Do full sheets fit queen beds,” the answer is: some of them. While mattress sizes are pretty standard, the same isn’t true for bedding. Fitted sheets come in standard and extra-deep sizes and flat sheets can vary in length and width. So, you could very well find a full sheet set that fits a queen bed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice.

If you’re wondering will a full-size sheet fit a queen bed, think about why you’re asking the question in the first place. Is it about cost or convenience? Quality bedding can be pricey, but it’s worth the investment. If it’s just about having an extra set of sheets on hand, it’s probably just better to buy an extra set of the right size.

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