Bedding Size Guide: UK vs European Duvet & Duvet Cover Dimensions Explained (EU-First)

Why an EU-first guide helps in the UK & Ireland

European bedding doesn’t always line up with UK & Ireland sizing. The differences are small on paper but noticeable in real use - especially around EU king 240×220 cm vs UK king 225×220 cm, and with pillowcases. This guide keeps EU sizes first and shows the nearest UK/IE equivalents so you can pick the right duvet cover set, match a suitable insert, and avoid returns.

What’s in a duvet cover set - and how it’s sized

A duvet cover set typically includes one duvet cover and one or two pillowcases. Our store focuses on EU-first sets and, unless stated otherwise, supplies 60×70 cm pillowcases in each set. That size is widely used across the Netherlands and Belgium, and it plays nicely with the popular EU 50×70 cm pillow used by many UK/IE homes that buy continental bedding.

Covers are usually cut slightly larger than the matching insert (about 2–5 cm) so the duvet can loft and fill the corners. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen can shrink ~2–5% on the first warm wash, after which the size stabilises. Keep these tolerances in mind when pairing an EU cover with a UK insert.

EU vs UK/IE duvet & cover sizes - explained in plain English

Think about width and length separately:

• Singles: EU singles are often 140 cm wide, while UK singles commonly use 135 cm. Both are usually 200 cm long. If you’re tall or like extra coverage at the feet, EU 140×220 cm or 155×220 cm “long single” covers are a smart choice.

• Doubles: 200×200 cm is a true cross-standard match. It’s the easiest size to shop across regions.

• Kings: Here’s the classic trap. EU king is 240×220 cm; UK king is 225×220 cm. The EU cover is ~15 cm wider, which looks more “hotel-style” on a UK king mattress but needs the right insert for a tailored finish.

• Super/Grand: 260×220 cm is typically the same in both systems and suits a 180×200 cm Super King bed.

Quick rule: Match the cover and insert by label (EU ↔ EU, UK ↔ UK) whenever possible. If you mix them, use inner corner ties or clips to stabilise a smaller insert inside a wider cover; avoid forcing a larger insert into a smaller cover.

Picking the right duvet cover set for UK/IE mattresses

Start with your mattress size and decide how much side drape you prefer:

• Single 90×190–200 cm: Choose 135×200 or 140×200. Pick 140×220 (or 155×220) for extra foot length.

• Double 135×190 / 140×200 cm: Choose 200×200 for balanced coverage that works in both systems.

• UK/IE King 150×200 cm: Choose EU 240×220 for generous, hotel-style width or UK 225×220 for a neater frame-fit.

• Super King 180×200 cm: Choose 260×220 for full side drop and easy insert matching.

When to size up the cover: deep mattresses and toppers reduce side drop; active sleepers and cooler rooms often feel better with extra width or the 220 cm length.

Cover ↔ insert compatibility without the jargon

• Best practice: Pair a 240×220 cover with a 240×220 insert, a 200×200 cover with a 200×200 insert, and so on.

• Acceptable compromise: A bigger cover over a slightly smaller insert (e.g., 240×220 cover over 225×220 insert) can work if the cover has inner corner ties; add corner clips if needed.

• Avoid: A smaller cover over a bigger insert. It stresses seams and creates cold spots as the fill can’t loft properly.

Remember that 2–5 cm cutting tolerance and 2–5% first-wash shrinkage are normal, especially with natural fibres.

Pillowcases: 60×70, 50×70, and 50×75 cm - what UK/IE shoppers should know

Pillowcases should match the pillow, not the bed. Here’s how our set standard interacts with UK/IE preferences:

• Our standard: 60×70 cm pillowcases are included with most sets.

• Great fit: 60×70 case ↔ 60×70 pillow (true EU match).

• Clean, reliable fit: 60×70 case ↔ 50×70 pillow (EU rectangle). The extra width (~10 cm total) is absorbed by the envelope/zip closure; result is neat and full. A 50×70 pillow protector can add grip and crisper corners if you like a hotel-tight look.

• Reality check for UK/IE standard 50×75 pillows: A 60×70 case is 5 cm shorter than a 50×75 pillow. It can work only as a compromise with soft, compressible pillows and a generous envelope or zip. For foam/firm pillows - or if you want perfect edge-to-edge coverage - use 50×75 pillowcases or consider 50×70 pillows when you buy EU-sized sets.

Takeaway: UK/IE customers who already use 50×70 pillows (common among EU-brand buyers) are fully covered - our 60×70 cases fit them well. If your household uses the classic 50×75, choose pillowcases in that size for a precise finish, or switch to 50×70 pillows to keep everything in the EU system.

Common situations - and the simple fix

You bought an EU 240×220 cover for a UK king bed (150×200):
Pair it with a 240×220 insert for a tailored look and fewer mid-night tug-of-wars. If you only have a 225×220 insert today, use the cover’s inner ties and add corner clips; plan to upgrade the insert for the best result.

Guest room that hosts tall visitors:
Choose 140×220 or 155×220 for single beds so feet stay covered. Add pillowcases that match your pillows (60×70 or 50×70 / 50×75 as needed).

Two-duvet setup on a double:
Use two 140×200 (or 140×220) covers/inserts. It’s common across Scandinavia/Germany and eliminates blanket-tugging.

Rentals/Airbnbs:
Standardise sizes across the property - e.g., 200×200 for doubles, 240×220 or 260×220 for larger beds - and label shelves by centimetres to avoid laundry mix-ups.

Step-by-step checklist before you buy

1. Measure the mattress (width × length). Decide on neat vs generous drape.

2. Pick the cover set in EU sizing that maps cleanly to your bed (see guidance above).

3. Match the insert like-for-like with the cover label for the best fit.

4. Choose pillowcases that match the pillows you actually use:

   • Our sets include 60×70 pillowcases.

   • Ideal: 60×70 pillows, or 50×70 pillows (neat fit).

   • For 50×75 pillows, use 50×75 cases for a perfect finish.

5. Check fabric & care: cotton percale (cool/crisp), sateen (smooth), linen (breathable). Close fastenings before washing; expect a small first-wash settle on natural fibres.

FAQs (quick, practical answers)

Is EU 240×220 the same as UK king?
No. EU 240×220 is about 15 cm wider than UK 225×220. Pair covers and inserts by the same label for the cleanest result.

Are UK and EU super king the same?
Often yes at 260×220, but always confirm the label.

Do 60×70 pillowcases fit 50×70 pillows?
Yes - cleanly. The extra width is taken up by the envelope/zip closure; a 50×70 protector adds a crisp, “hotel” finish.

Do 60×70 pillowcases fit 50×75 UK/IE pillows?
Only as a soft-pillow compromise because the case is 5 cm shorter. For foam/firm pillows or a perfect edge-to-edge look, use 50×75 cases or switch to 50×70 pillows when buying EU-sized sets.

What’s best for tall sleepers?
EU long sizes 140×220 or 155×220, or any duvet rated at 220 cm length.

Conclusion

Choosing EU-sized bedding in the UK & Ireland is straightforward when you match like-for-like: pick the cover set that suits your mattress and drape preference, pair it with a same-size insert, and select pillowcases that match your pillows. Keep an eye on the key difference - EU king 240×220 vs UK king 225×220 - and remember that our 60×70 cm pillowcases deliver a neat fit on 50×70 cm pillows while remaining a compromise for 50×75 cm pillows. With those details lined up, your duvet will drape correctly, your pillows will look crisp, and your bed will feel as good as it looks.