What is a Fitted Bedspread?

A fitted bedspread is a type of bed covering designed to fit a specific bed size. Shoppers should keep in mind, however, that the style of the fitted bedspread is also relevant to the size. For instance, some bedspreads are meant to cover the entire bed, coming down to the floor at the bottom and sides. Other types of bed coverings are designed to be used with bed ruffles, so may only extend halfway down and sides and bottom of the bed. Though the width and length are essential to finding the correct sized fitted bedspread, buyers need to also consider the thickness of the mattress and box springs and add it to the width and length.

Beds come in various sizes, and generally the largest of these are king sized beds. King sized mattresses and box springs are most commonly found in two sizes. Standard king sized beds measure roughly 75 inches (190 cm) wide by 80 inches (203 cm) long. A larger version, called the California king measures about 4 inches (10 cm) longer than a standard king does.

Queen sized beds are not as large as kings, but are larger than double or twin beds. The typical measurement for the dimensions of queen sized mattresses and box springs are roughly 60 inches (152 cm) wide and 80 inches (203 cm) long. Double beds typically measure 54.5 inches (138 cm) and 75 inches (191 cm) in length. Twin beds are sized for only one person, and usually measure about 39 inches (89 cm) in width and about 75 inches (191 cm) in length. Once again, when measuring for a fitted bedspread, it is important to measure the thickness of the bedding as well as the surface dimensions.

There are many different types of fitted bed coverings. A traditional fitted bedspread is usually one large piece, sized to cover both the bed and the pillows. The bedspread should cover the bed and sides all the way down to the floor. These spreads are often made of chenille, brocade, or chintz. Sometimes cotton blends are used that are lightly backed with polyester filling to increase the warming potential.

For those who want to use complete bed ensembles, a fitted bedspread such as a comforter might be a better choice. Comforters are designed to be used with pillow shams and dust ruffles. Most of the time, comforters have much more filling than traditional spreads, making them warmer, and in many cases, more decorative. Other types of fitted bed coverings include quilts and hand-woven or crocheted spreads.