What's the Point of a Flat Sheet?

Posted: 20 July 2025

If you’ve ever made your bed and wondered whether that extra layer (a flat sheet) is really necessary, you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most commonly asked bedding questions: Do I need a flat sheet? Or more specifically, what’s the point of a flat sheet?

Let’s break it down.

French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Beige Gingham

What Is a Flat Sheet?

A flat sheet, also known as a top sheet, is the rectangular piece of fabric that sits between you and your quilt, blanket, or duvet. Unlike fitted sheets, which cover your mattress, a flat sheet is designed to provide a barrier between your body and your top layer of bedding.

Styled With French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Marine Blue

What Are the Benefits of Using a Flat Sheet?

French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Blush

1. A Flat Sheet Keeps Your Quilt or Duvet Cleaner for Longer

One of the biggest reasons people use a flat sheet is to keep their quilt or duvet cover cleaner for longer. Rather than washing your bulky doona cover every week, a flat sheet catches most of the body oils, sweat, and skin cells while you sleep, so you can wash it more frequently and extend the life of your top layer.

French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Creme

2. Flat Sheets Help with Temperature Regulation

In warmer months, a flat sheet can be used on its own when a quilt feels too heavy. In cooler months, it adds an extra layer of warmth and helps regulate temperature while you sleep. Because flat sheets are usually made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton, they can improve airflow and comfort all year round.

Styled With French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Hazelnut

3. A Flat Sheet Adds a Little Luxury

There’s something undeniably nice about slipping into bed and feeling the smooth layer of a flat sheet between you and your duvet. It creates that hotel-bed feeling, crisp, layered, and neatly made. If you love a beautifully styled bed, a flat sheet adds that finishing touch.

4. A Flat Sheet Can Make Your Bed Look Neater

A flat sheet helps your bed look neater by adding an extra layer between you and your quilt or doona. It hides any lumps or creases from the fitted sheet and gives everything a more polished, put-together feel. Whether you tuck it in tightly or let it hang loose, it instantly makes the bed look more intentional, like you’ve made a bit of extra effort (even if you haven’t).

Styled With French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Sage

French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Lilac

Do I need a flat sheet?

Technically, no. You don’t need a flat sheet to get a good night’s sleep. But if you like the idea of less frequent quilt washing, better temperature control, and that extra layer of comfort, it might be worth trying. Once it’s part of your bedding routine, you might find you never want to go without it again.

Do you sleep over or under a flat sheet?

It depends on where you put the flat sheet on your bed, it can be used as a bottom sheet or as a sheet that goes in between you and your quilt. Most people choose to sleep under their flat sheet.

Do you tuck in a flat sheet?

Flat sheets are generally used as a top sheet between you and your quilt or blanket. You can tuck a flat sheet in at the side so it looks neater and it doesn't move around.