If you’ve ever bought a king size duvet cover only to find it hanging short at the sides or bunching awkwardly in the corners, you’re not alone. The confusion usually comes down to a simple but stubborn problem: UK and EU king sizes aren’t the same. A cover that fits perfectly in Germany can sit 15 cm too narrow on a British bed. This guide cuts through the sizing confusion with exact dimensions, regional comparisons, and practical advice for getting the right fit every time.

4 gerelateerde berichten

UK King Standard: 225–230 × 220 cm ·
EU King Common: 240 × 220 cm ·
Width Gap: 15 cm ·
UK Super King: 260 × 220 cm

Quick snapshot

Four key findings emerge from cross-referencing retailer sizing charts and bedding specialist guides.

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Some UK retailers list king at 230 × 220 cm vs 225 × 220 cm — minor variation by brand (per Soak & Sleep)
  • Exact EU country-by-country sizing (Germany vs France vs Netherlands) lacks clear documentation (Soak & Sleep)
  • No official BS EN standardization body for bedding sizes (Soak & Sleep)
3Key pattern
  • EU covers run wider to accommodate 160 × 200 cm mattresses — standard in continental Europe (ZigZagZurich)
  • UK covers designed for 150 × 200 cm mattresses — narrower but marketed under the same “king” label (ZigZagZurich)
4Buying advice
  • Match cover to insert by origin (UK-to-UK or EU-to-EU) to avoid fit problems (Bedding and Blankets)
  • Size up 20–30 cm extra width for deep mattresses or restless sleepers (Bedding and Blankets)
  • Natural fabrics shrink 2–5 % on first wash — factor this into sizing decisions (Bedding and Blankets)

The data reveals a consistent 15 cm width gap between UK and EU king duvet covers across multiple retailer sources.

King size duvet cover dimensions across UK and EU standards
Size label Width (cm) Length (cm) Market origin
UK King 225–230 220 UK / Ireland
EU King 240 220 Continental Europe
UK Super King 260 220 UK / Ireland
EU Super King 260 220–240 Continental Europe
UK Double 200 200 UK / Ireland
EU Double 200 200 Continental Europe

What size is a king size duvet cover in CM?

The answer depends entirely on which market the cover comes from. UK retailers typically sell king duvet covers at 225 × 220 cm or 230 × 220 cm, while continental European retailers list the same “king” label at 240 × 220 cm — a 15 cm difference in width that can make or break the fit on your bed.

UK standards

UK king size duvet covers sit around 225–230 cm wide by 220 cm long. Multiple UK retailers, including Piglet in Bed and Scooms, confirm the 225 × 220 cm dimension as standard for a 150 × 200 cm king mattress. Soak & Sleep lists a 230 × 220 cm variant, which is a common retailer rounding within the UK standard range.

EU variations

Continental Europe settled on 240 × 220 cm for king duvet covers, according to Third Culture Native. The wider cut accommodates EU king mattresses at 160 × 200 cm, which are larger than their UK counterparts at 150 × 200 cm. This sizing mismatch means a 240 cm European cover will drape more generously — or hang loose — on a UK king mattress unless paired with a matching EU-sized insert.

The implication: if you buy a European king duvet cover for use in the UK, budget for a European duvet insert too, or accept that the cover will shift and bunch as the narrower insert rattles inside it.

What duvet size is 240×220?

A duvet cover measuring 240 × 220 cm is the standard continental European king size. It is also sometimes marketed as an oversized UK super king option, or as a “generous king” in brands that bridge both markets. Devon Duvets notes that EU king covers typically run 240 cm wide versus the UK king’s 225 cm — that 15 cm gap is the tell-tale sign of a European-sized cover.

Fit for king beds

At 240 cm wide, this cover drapes an extra 15 cm on each side of a UK king mattress (typically 150 cm wide) compared to a standard UK king cover. The result is a more “hotel-style” look with fuller side hang, but only if the duvet insert inside matches the dimensions. An undersized insert will leave the corners empty and allow cold spots.

Regional differences

Within continental Europe, the 240 × 220 cm standard holds broadly — Frette lists EU king bedding at this size, and ZigZagZurich confirms it pairs with 160 × 200 cm EU king mattresses. Minor country-level variations exist (Germany, France, and the Netherlands may have niche sizing traditions), but no authoritative body documents these differences at scale.

Is 220x240cm king size?

Yes — 220 × 240 cm is simply the same dimensions as 240 × 220 cm with the width and length axes reversed. Both describe a European king duvet cover or duvet insert with 240 cm width and 220 cm length.

Comparison to standards

Checking against the verified data: EU king duvet cover is 240 cm wide by 220 cm long. A product labelled 220 × 240 cm is the same item in landscape orientation. The confusion arises because some retailers list dimensions as length × width rather than width × length, which is the more common convention in the UK bedding market.

Mattress matching

For a proper fit, the cover should be 20–30 cm wider than your mattress on each side. A UK king mattress at 150 cm wide needs a cover at least 190 cm wide; the standard UK king cover at 225 cm provides adequate overhang. A European king mattress at 160 cm wide needs at least 200 cm width; the EU king cover at 240 cm delivers roughly 40 cm of side drape per side — a luxury hotel look but overkill for some aesthetics.

What size duvet cover should you buy for a king size bed?

Buy the cover that matches your insert’s origin. If you have a UK-sized duvet insert (225–230 cm wide), stick with a UK king cover. If your insert is EU-sized (240 cm wide), buy the matching European cover. Mixing systems is the most common cause of poor duvet fit, according to Bedding and Blankets.

Measuring tips

Measure your mattress width first, then add 20–30 cm on each side for adequate drape. For a UK king mattress at 150 cm wide, aim for a cover width of at least 190–210 cm minimum. Most UK king covers at 225–230 cm width satisfy this. If your mattress depth exceeds standard (more than 20 cm thick due to a mattress topper), consider sizing up to the UK super king at 260 cm width.

Oversize recommendations

For deep mattresses or active sleepers who toss at night, Bedding and Blankets recommends sizing up the cover. This prevents the duvet from being pulled off the mattress during restless nights. Duvet covers are intentionally cut 2–5 cm larger than inserts to allow for lofting, so do not size down “to compensate” — the extra room is by design.

The catch

Natural fabrics like cotton and linen shrink 2–5 % on the first wash. If you buy a precisely-fitted cover, it may end up too tight after laundering. Size up or check the pre-wash measurements listed on the label.

What is EU king size?

EU king size refers to the continental European standard for king bedding — a duvet cover at 240 cm wide by 220 cm long, designed to pair with 160 × 200 cm mattresses. The wider cut reflects the larger EU king mattress standard versus the UK’s 150 × 200 cm mattress.

Size charts

Major European bedding retailers consistently list king duvet covers at 240 × 220 cm. Frette, a premium Italian bedding brand, confirms this standard on their official sizing chart. Third Culture Native documents that continental Europe uses 240 × 220 cm for king and 260 × 240 cm for super king — the latter slightly longer than the UK super king’s 260 × 220 cm.

Vs UK sizing

The UK king sits at 225–230 cm wide by 220 cm long — 15 cm narrower than the EU king. UK and EU super kings largely align at 260 cm wide, though the EU version may extend to 240 cm in length. Rohi notes that both UK standards fall well short of the US king at 269 × 234 cm, which is substantially larger than either European system.

Why this matters

The king size duvet is the most popular duvet size in the UK, according to Scooms. This popularity means mismatched sizing affects a large proportion of UK shoppers — especially those buying online from international retailers who do not always clarify which country’s king standard applies.

The pattern becomes clearer when examining the full size spectrum: UK and EU double sizes align perfectly at 200 × 200 cm, while the gap only appears at king and super king levels.

Complete UK and EU duvet cover size reference chart
Size label Width (cm) Length (cm) Recommended mattress width (cm) Notes
UK Double 200 200 Up to 140 Consistent across UK and EU standards
UK King 225–230 220 150 Most popular size in UK; slight retailer variation
EU King 240 220 160 15 cm wider than UK king; hotel-style drape
UK Super King 260 220 180 Aligns broadly with EU super king width
EU Super King 260 220–240 180 May run longer than UK equivalent
US King 269 234 193 Substantially larger than UK/EU equivalents
UK Pillowcase 50 75 — Standard UK pillowcase dimensions
EU Pillowcase 60 70 — Shorter and wider than UK standard

How to choose the right king duvet cover: step by step

Follow these steps to avoid the most common sizing mistakes when buying a king size duvet cover.

  1. Identify your mattress dimensions. Measure the width of your mattress in centimetres. UK king mattresses are typically 150 cm wide; EU king mattresses are 160 cm wide. If you are unsure, measure across the widest point including any mattress topper.
  2. Check your duvet insert label. The insert will list its dimensions — likely either 225 × 220 cm (UK) or 240 × 220 cm (EU). This determines which cover size you need. Never assume the insert label and cover label use the same country’s standard.
  3. Match cover to insert origin. If your insert is UK-sized, buy a UK king cover (225–230 × 220 cm). If it is EU-sized, buy the EU king cover (240 × 220 cm). Mixing a UK cover with an EU insert (or vice versa) causes fit problems like bunching or shifting.
  4. Account for shrinkage. If you are buying natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, add a 5 % buffer to the dimensions. A cover that measures exactly right before washing may fit too tightly after the first few cycles.
  5. Consider your mattress depth and sleeping style. For mattresses over 20 cm deep or for active sleepers, size up to the next cover width (for example, from UK king to UK super king at 260 cm). This prevents the duvet from sliding off during the night.
  6. Verify pillowcase compatibility. UK pillowcases are 50 × 75 cm; EU pillowcases are 60 × 70 cm. Many duvet cover sets include pillowcases that match the regional standard. If you are mixing bedding from different markets, check that your pillowcases fit your pillows.
Bottom line: UK king duvet covers are 225–230 × 220 cm; EU king covers are 240 × 220 cm — a 15 cm width gap that causes fit problems for cross-border buyers. UK shoppers with standard 150 × 200 cm mattresses should stick to UK king covers (225–230 cm wide). Those with deeper mattresses or who toss at night should size up to the super king at 260 cm wide.

Regional comparisons and market availability

UK retailers selling king duvet covers include Soak & Sleep (230 × 220 cm variant), Dunnes Stores, and Harry Corry. European retailers and premium brands such as Frette sell the wider 240 × 220 cm standard. Linen Couture warns that an oversized cover causes the duvet to shift inside — so matching dimensions matters not just for aesthetics but for comfort.

EU king is 240 × 220 cm; UK king is 225 × 220 cm. The EU cover is about 15 cm wider, which looks more hotel-style on a UK king mattress — but only if the duvet insert inside matches that size.

— Bedding and Blankets (Bedding Retailer Guide)

EU King size cover: typically 240 cm wide. UK King duvet: typically 225 cm wide. That is a 15 cm gap — enough to notice, especially if you have mixed your sizing standards.

— Devon Duvets (Duvet Specialist)

The King size duvet is the most popular duvet size in the UK. Getting the right cover size matters more here than in almost any other market, because so many buyers are in this segment.

— Scooms (Bedding Brand)

What this means: cross-border shopping requires confirming exact centimetres before checkout, not relying on the “king” label alone.

What to watch for when buying online

Online retailers sometimes list “king” without specifying whether they mean UK or EU sizing. The English Home notes that European sizes generally run larger than UK equivalents, which means a cover labelled “king” from a European site may arrive wider than expected for a UK bed. Always check the actual centimetre dimensions listed in the product specifications before purchasing.

What to watch

International retailers advertising sales or clearance on king size duvet covers may be selling EU-sized stock to UK customers without clarifying the sizing difference. A 240 cm EU cover on a 150 cm UK mattress provides plenty of drape — but a 225 cm UK cover on the same mattress is a snugger fit that may not leave adequate overhang.

Related reading: UK vs EU king size duvet cover dimensions · duvet cover size guide

Additional sources

casper.com

Related coverage: M&S Ireland king size sales fördjupar bilden av M&S Bedding: Ireland Sales, Sets & King Size Duvet Covers.

Mis deze niet

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between king and super king duvet covers?

UK king duvet covers measure 225–230 × 220 cm. UK super king covers measure 260 × 220 cm — roughly 30–35 cm wider. The super king accommodates wider mattresses (around 180 cm) or those with thick mattress toppers. EU super king covers are similar at 260 cm wide but may run 240 cm in length rather than 220 cm.

How do I know if 200×220 fits my king bed?

A 200 × 220 cm duvet cover is wider than a UK double (200 × 200 cm) but narrower than a UK king (225–230 cm wide). It would provide minimal side overhang on a UK king mattress at 150 cm wide — roughly 25 cm per side, which is at the lower end of acceptable coverage. For adequate drape, a true UK king cover (225+ cm wide) is preferable.

Where to buy king size duvet covers on sale?

Major UK retailers including Soak & Sleep, Dunnes Stores, and Harry Corry stock king size duvet covers. Online marketplaces also carry a wide selection, but always check the listed dimensions in centimetres — “king” alone does not indicate which country’s sizing standard applies.

Do IKEA king duvet covers match standard sizes?

IKEA generally follows continental European sizing for bedding sold in UK stores, which means king duvet covers may be closer to 240 × 220 cm than the UK standard of 225–230 × 220 cm. Always verify the exact dimensions on the IKEA product page before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your existing duvet insert.

What drop length for king size duvet cover?

A good duvet cover should drape 20–30 cm past the mattress on each side. For a UK king mattress at 150 cm wide, this means a cover width of at least 190–210 cm minimum — the standard UK king at 225–230 cm easily exceeds this. For deep mattresses or those with toppers, aim for the upper end of the drop range or size up to super king.

Is quilt size the same as duvet size?

In the UK and Ireland, “quilt” typically refers to the filling or the complete duvet set, while “duvet cover” is the washable fabric shell. In the US, “quilt” can mean a different product entirely. Always check whether a retailer uses “quilt” to mean the cover or the filled insert, and verify dimensions in centimetres to avoid confusion.

How to wash a king size duvet cover?

Most cotton and linen duvet covers are machine washable at 40 °C. Natural fabrics may shrink 2–5 % on the first wash, so consider buying a cover slightly larger than your insert to allow for this. Always check the care label for specific temperature and detergent recommendations.

For UK shoppers who want the most popular duvet size without the sizing confusion, the choice is straightforward: stick with UK king dimensions (225–230 × 220 cm) and match any cover purchase to your insert’s label origin. Those who prefer the fuller hotel-style drape of a European bed can opt for the EU king at 240 × 220 cm — but only if they invest in a matching EU-sized insert to avoid the shifting and bunching that comes from pairing mismatched dimensions.