Do You Really Need a Flat Sheet for Your Bed?

Flat sheets look neat in a linen closet because they're easy to fold, but do they do anything for a bed or the sleeper? The topic of the flat sheet has become divisive lately, with some eschewing the flat sheet entirely from their bedding. "A flat sheet helps to keep the bed clean and comfortable, and adds another layer of warmth, which may help with the quality of your sleep," says Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute Home. "With that said, it's most important to consider your lifestyle and preferences with your bedding choices."

We polled our Instagram followers to find out whether they truly think it's necessary to sleep with a flat sheet, and the results were pretty overwhelming. Out of 7,500 people that responded, 79 percent say they "always" sleep with a flat sheet, while just 15 percent "never" do. Only 6 percent "sometimes" sleep with a flat sheet.

If you've been wondering if you should ditch—or adopt—your flat sheet, we also asked the experts for the pros and cons of using a top sheet.

What Is a Flat Sheet?

A flat sheet is the layer of fabric that lies between your comforter or duvet and the mattress. Most sheet sets come with both a flat sheet and a fitted sheet. A flat sheet keeps the bed fresher—it serves as a sanitary buffer between your body and the comforter. You'll find flat sheets referred to as "top sheets" as well.

Pro: Why You Should Use a Flat Sheet

Proponents point out that a flat sheet saves time. "I prefer washing a flat sheet every week to washing a duvet cover every week," says Sabrina Alfin, owner of Sabrina Alfin Interiors in San Francisco. "You can keep the duvet on the bed longer." If you perspire at night, you can wash the flat sheet fairly quickly.

Using a flat sheet also gives you options for temperature regulation while you sleep. "Flat sheets can be used as an extra layer of warmth or for hot sleepers as the primary layer for warm nights," says Kaye.

A flat sheet also feels good. "I like having something between me and the covers," says Alfini. "You may not always have a smooth material on you—it could be like a wool blanket." Unlike a fitted sheet, which is difficult to fold, a flat sheet has no elastic to muck up being neatly folded for its stay in the linen closet. If you put a cover on your comforter or duvet, that cover could take the place of a flat sheet since it essentially is a flat sheet with a button closure or zipper.

Con: Why You Shouldn't Use a Flat Sheet

Non-believers view a flat sheet as a time waster. For those who make their bed every morning, having just one entity—a blanket or comforter—to pull up and straighten out makes the job go faster. "Sleepers may opt against a flat sheet because it becomes an unnecessary layer that just gets tangled at the bottom of the bed," says Kaye. "If you don’t need extra warmth and the upkeep of cleaning and making a bed with a flat sheet, it will most likely not provide any additional value." 

Not having a flat sheet also means there's one less item to wash every week. And if you don't have to buy a flat sheet, you'll save money. You won't be able to get the discount that a full bedding set (flat sheet, fitted, and pillowcases) would offer, but it might work out to be the same monetary output if you're buying one less piece.

Using a Flat Sheet: Yes or No?

It all comes down to personal preference, says Kaye. Depending on the time of year, you might even have both: a light blanket in the spring and summer with a flat sheet; in the fall and winter, a comforter and duvet cover, with or without a blanket.

Weigh the pros and cons, make the right choice for your bed, and sleep soundly.