To sheet or not to sheet, that is the question. When it comes to getting a good night's kip, the type of sheets you choose plays a bigger role than you might think. Like picking the perfect mattress, selecting the right sheets can be the difference between waking up refreshed or spending the night wrestling with fabric.

Flat sheets and fitted sheets each have their special place in the bedroom lineup. One hugs your mattress with elastic corners, while the other lies flat, ready to be tucked in with military precision. Both serve different purposes and come with their own set of pros and cons.

Whether you're a sheet traditionalist who loves the classic sandwich approach (fitted bottom, flat top, duvet) or a modern minimalist who's ditched the top sheet altogether, this guide will help you navigate the world of bedding. 

We'll break down everything from practical considerations to styling tips—because at Koala, we believe your sleep deserves the very best.

Content

• What Are Flat and Fitted Sheets?

• Choosing the Right Sheet for Your Sleep Style

• Finding Your Perfect Sheet Match

• Extending the Life of Your Sheets

• Making Your Final Decision

Key Takeaways

Flat sheets add versatility and elegance, serving as a breathable top layer that can protect your duvet and enhance your bed’s visual appeal.

Fitted sheets offer convenience and fit securely, with elastic corners that hug the mattress tightly, ideal for restless sleepers.

Material matters more than sheet type for temperature regulation—TENCEL™ Lyocell, bamboo, and cotton blends all offer breathable, moisture-wicking comfort.

Your sleep style should guide your choice—fitted for active sleepers, flat for hot sleepers, and both for those who crave flexibility.

Koala’s thoughtful sheet designs include deep corners, anti-slip bases, and labelled corners, making bed-making easier and frustration-free.

Proper care and storage can extend sheet life, while Koala’s sustainable options support both your comfort and the planet.

What Are Flat and Fitted Sheets?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of which sheet reigns supreme, let's make sure we're all tucked in with the basics.

What is a Flat Sheet?

A flat sheet, also known as a top sheet, is simply a piece of fabric with a rectangular shape and no elastic or special corners. It's the OG of bed linens. The sheet that started it all.

Traditionally, a flat sheet serves as the middle layer in your bed setup, sitting between you and your duvet or blanket. This creates a nice little sleep sandwich with you in the middle. The top sheet acts as a barrier, keeping your duvet cover cleaner for longer and giving you an extra layer you can kick off when you get too toasty in the night.

Flat sheets come in a range of fabrics that'll make you say "oh sheet!" from crisp cotton to luxurious linen and even silky bamboo blends. They're typically sized to be larger than your mattress, giving you that extra fabric to tuck in under the mattress (if you're into hospital corners) or let drape over the sides.

What is a Fitted Sheet?

Enter the fitted sheet—the game-changer that revolutionised bed-making forever. A fitted sheet features elastic corners that fit snugly around your mattress, creating that seamless, wrinkle-free base we've all come to love.

The primary job of a fitted sheet is to protect your mattress while providing a smooth, comfortable surface to sleep on. It's like a protective, comfy hat for your mattress, keeping it safe from drool, sweat, and all those other bodily fluids we'd rather not think about.

Like their flat cousins, fitted sheets come in various materials from cotton to bamboo to linen, each offering different feels and benefits. When it comes to sizing, things get a bit more specific—you'll need to consider not just the dimensions of your mattress (single, double, queen, king) but also its depth. A standard fitted sheet might not cut it for a plush 31cm Koala Luxe Mattress, for instance.

With households generally having less time for domestic chores, the fitted sheet offered a quicker way to make the bed while still maintaining that crisp, clean look. No more complex tucking and folding—just stretch, pop, and you're done!

When choosing between a flat sheet and a fitted sheet, it's helpful to understand their differences in fit, ease of use, and care. The table below compares the two to help you decide which is best for your bedding needs:

Choosing the Right Sheet for Your Sleep Style

Sleep isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—same goes for your sheets. Whether you’re a restless sleeper, tend to overheat through the night, or just love a bed that looks as good as it feels, picking the right sheets can seriously lift your sleep game.

For Restless Sleepers

If you're the type to toss and turn all night, your sheet choice might be more important than you think. Fitted sheets are generally the champion for restless sleepers, as their elasticated corners grip the mattress firmly, preventing that frustrating middle-of-the-night bunching.

For active sleepers, look for fitted sheets with deep pockets and strong, quality elastic that maintains its grip even after repeated washing. Our Koala fitted sheets feature extra-strong corner elastics specifically designed with restless sleepers in mind.

Securing techniques can make a world of difference, too:

• Use sheet suspenders or clips for flat sheets if you prefer them

• Try the "hospital corner" tuck technique for top sheets to create a tighter fit

• Consider a sheet tucker tool that pushes excess material firmly between mattress and base

When it comes to materials, breathable fabrics that move with you are essential. Cotton blends with a touch of elasticity can accommodate movement without restricting it, while still maintaining its position on the bed.

For Those Who Sleep Hot

Temperature regulation can make or break your sleep experience. If you tend to sleep hot, your sheet choice plays a crucial role in managing body temperature throughout the night.

Top sheets offer more breathability options as they drape loosely over the body, allowing for better air circulation compared to fitted sheets, which hug the mattress. However, the real temperature regulation comes down to the material more than the sheet type.

How does each sheet type affect temperature?

• Fitted sheets: Direct contact with your body means material choice is crucial

• Flat sheets: Can be easily adjusted or removed during the night if you get too warm

• Combined approach: Layer a lightweight flat sheet over a fitted bed sheet for summer, allowing you to push off the duvet but maintain some coverage

For hot sleepers, we particularly recommend our sheets made with TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres, which help absorb and release moisture, making nodding off a breeze. These sheets provide excellent temperature regulation regardless of whether you choose flat or fitted options.

For Those Who Value Aesthetics

There's nothing like the visual satisfaction of a beautifully made bed. For the style-conscious, both sheet types offer unique aesthetic advantages.

Flat sheets create that classic, clean hotel look when folded over the top of the duvet or blanket. This fold-over provides an opportunity to introduce a complementary colour or pattern to your bedding ensemble without committing to a full duvet change.

For a visually striking bed:

• Layer sheets of varying but complementary colours

• Use a crisp white flat sheet folded over a more colourful duvet for contrast

• Consider the texture – a linen flat sheet adds organic visual interest against a smoother fitted bed sheet

Our Koala sheet collection features beautiful, contemporary colours inspired by the Australian landscape that can transform your bedroom. The Aussie landscape-inspired colours like Ocean Salt or Blush Sunset can add a subtle pop of style while maintaining that laid-back Aussie vibe we're famous for.

For that magazine-worthy look, try this styling trick: iron just the visible portion of the flat sheet that's folded over the duvet. This gives the appearance of perfectly pressed bedding without the full effort – because who has time to iron entire sheets? That's what we call the perfect blend of lazy and luxe.

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Finding Your Perfect Sheet Match

After all this sheet chat, you're probably wondering what Koala has to offer. We've taken everything we know about quality sleep and packed it into our range of bedding. No stuffing around—just better sheets designed with the world in mind.

Our Flat Sheet Options

At Koala, we believe flat sheets should be anything but flat in terms of quality and comfort. Our flat sheets come in a range of options to suit different sleep styles and preferences.

Our TENCEL™ Lyocell flat sheets are a customer favorite, offering that perfect balance of silky smoothness and breathability. Made from sustainable wood sources, these sheets help absorb and release moisture, making nodding off a breeze on those warmer nights.

We offer our flat sheets in a range of earthy, Australian-inspired colours, including:

• Crisp whites for that hotel-luxury feel

• Calming blues like Ocean Salt and Currawong Grey

What sets our flat sheets apart? Unlike other brands, our flat sheets feature a slightly larger size than standard, giving you extra material for those perfect hospital corners or simply more sheet to snuggle under. And yes, they're designed to pair perfectly with our mattresses—because we've thought of everything.

Our Fitted Sheet Range

If wrestling with bed sheets isn't your idea of a good time, our fitted bed sheets are here to save the day—and your sleep. Unlike flat sheets, our fitted sheets feature extra-deep corners with strong, durable elastic that grips your mattress like a koala to a gum tree.

Each sheet is sized specifically to match Koala mattress dimensions, taking the guesswork out of finding the right fit. From Single to King, we've got your mattress covered—literally.

Our sheets aren't just comfy; they're clever too. 

With subtle labels indicating which corner goes where, making your bed has never been easier. No more spinning the sheet around four times to find the right orientation!

Complete Sets: The Best of Both Worlds

Why choose between flat sheets and fitted sheets when you can have both? Our complete sheet sets offer the perfect bedding solution with everything you need for a full bedding refresh.

Each set includes:

• 1 fitted sheet

• 1 flat sheet

• 2 pillowcases (1 for Single sets)

Buying a complete set isn't just convenient—it's cost-effective too, compared to purchasing items separately. Our sets ensure perfect color matching between pieces, creating that cohesive, put-together look that makes your bedroom feel like a luxury retreat.

For the indecisive sleeper, our mix-and-match approach lets you create your own bedding story. Try a crisp white fitted bed sheet paired with a colorful flat sheet for a pop of personality, or go tonal with complementary shades for a sophisticated look.

 

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Extending the Life of Your Sheets

Let’s be real – quality sheets aren’t cheap. Whether you’ve got Koala’s luxury bedding or another fave, proper care will keep your sheets comfy, crisp, and in top shape for years.

Washing and Drying Tips

Different fabrics need different TLC.

• Cotton: Wash in cool to warm water (30–40°C) with mild detergent. Skip bleach—use white vinegar to brighten whites without damage.

• Bamboo & Eucalyptus: Cold wash on delicate. Avoid harsh detergents—these sustainable fabrics love a gentle touch.

• Linen: Wash in cold to lukewarm water with mild detergent. Gets softer with every wash.

Fitted Sheet Elastic Care

• Turn inside out before washing

• Gentle spin cycle

• No bleach or fabric softener near the elastic

• Don’t hang by the corners

Flat Sheet Wrinkle Tips

• Remove from the dryer slightly damp

• Smooth by hand, fold or place on the bed right away

• For extra polish, a quick iron on cotton setting works wonders

• Tumble dry on low or line-dry when you can—your sheets (and energy bill) will thank you.

Storage Solutions

Proper storage prevents creases and keeps sheets fresh.

Fitted Sheets

• Lay flat, elastic up

• Fold in thirds lengthwise, then widthwise

• Tuck into a matching pillowcase

Flat Sheets

• Fold lengthwise, then into a neat rectangle

Store in a cool, dry cupboard—don’t overstuff. Keep sheet sets bundled in a pillowcase and label by size if needed. Rotate seasonally and always wash before storing.

When to Replace Your Sheets

Time to part ways when you see:

• Thinning fabric

• Stubborn yellowing

• Slack elastic

• Holes, tears, or heavy pilling

When it’s time, recycle or repurpose old sheets—cleaning rags, pet bedding, garden covers—you name it.

At Koala, we’re all about sustainable swaps. Our sheets, made with TENCEL™ Lyocell and eco-friendly fabrics, feel amazing and do better by the planet. With a little love, your sheets will keep you snoozing in style for years.

Making Your Final Informed Decision

We’ve covered the great flat vs fitted sheet debate: fitted sheets offer a snug, stay-put fit, while flat sheets bring versatility and that classic layered look. Fitteds are easy to use; flats are multi-talented.

The right choice depends on your sleep style. Restless sleeper? Go fitted. Hot sleeper? Use a flat sheet. And hey—there’s no rulebook on your smooth sleeping surface. Use both, switch it up seasonally, or skip one altogether.

Our take? Try both and see what suits you best. You might find you’re a winter-fitted, summer-both kind of sleeper.

The bloody brilliant thing about Koala sheets? Our 120-night trial lets you sleep on it—literally. If our sheets don’t hit the mark, we’ve got you covered with easy returns.

Whether you’re Team Fitted, Team Flat, or a proud mix of both, what matters is waking up refreshed. Because the best sheets help you sleep like a koala—peacefully and comfortably.