The 120 cm mattress holds a place of its own in French bedrooms. Wider than a single bed, less bulky than a double bed, it calls for a cover in a very precise size in order to stay covering.
The right size for a 120 cm mattress
On this intermediate size, the duvet cover for a 120 bed avoids the too-short effect of a single model. The recommended dimension is 200x200, a square size that covers the width of the bed well.
200x200, a square size worth knowing
Unlike the usual rectangular dimensions, 200x200 shows the same measurement in both directions. This square falls symmetrically and gives a balanced look on a 120 cm bed.
The overhang obtained remains generous, around forty centimetres per side. Enough to keep the bed covered even when you move during the night.
Small double: who is it for?
People often speak of a small double bed to describe this sleeping space. The small double duvet cover is therefore aimed at someone who likes to stretch out, or at an adult bedroom of modest dimensions.
This size also appeals to teenagers who have outgrown the child's bed without asking for a large bed. It offers real comfort without monopolising the room.
If 200x200 is out of stock
The square size remains less common than the classic double dimensions. When it is lacking, two fallback solutions exist.
- Opt for a 220x240, larger, which will overhang more but will cover without any trouble.
- First check the exact dimension of your duvet before settling on your choice.
- Favour a household linen retailer that keeps the square size in stock.
Fabric and care
The choice of fabric follows the same logic as for the other sizes. Cotton percale keeps a cool, crisp feel, appreciated by sleepers who run hot.
Cotton satin banks on softness and a silky drape. In both cases, an Oeko-Tex certified cotton rules out any risk of undesirable substances in contact with the skin.
Common mistakes
On this less common size, certain reflexes distort the result. Better to anticipate them.
- Buying a single cover thinking it will do on a wider bed.
- Confusing the square size with a rectangular dimension of similar measurement.
- Overlooking the thickness of the duvet, which needs a little ease to stay fluffy.
A 120 or a 140 duvet on this bed?
Some prefer to put a duvet 140 cm wide on a 120 mattress. The overhang then becomes more generous, almost as on a large bed. This choice is defensible when you like a duvet that hangs low.
In that case the cover must follow the duvet, and not the mattress. You then move back to a double size, provided you accept a marked overhang on a narrow bed.
Measuring properly before buying
As the square size is less common, checking counts double. Measure the duvet laid flat, label in hand, before ordering the cover. A few centimetres of difference remain inconsequential, but a badly estimated size shows immediately.
Comparing with neighbouring sizes
If the 120 cm bed seems tight to you, the large double bed in 140 opens up more space. Our guide to the 140 bed details the dimension suited to that size.
To place this size among all the others, the guide which duvet cover size to choose explains how to decide according to your duvet and your habits.
Frequently asked questions
What size duvet cover for a 120 cm bed?
The recommended size is 200x200, a square dimension. It covers the width of a 120 cm mattress well with a generous overhang. This size avoids the too-short effect of a single cover.
Is 200x200 a square size?
Yes, 200x200 shows the same measurement in both directions. It falls symmetrically on a small double bed. This square remains less common than the classic double dimensions.
What should I do if I cannot find a 200x200 cover?
You can opt for a 220x240, larger, which will overhang more but will cover without any trouble. First check the exact dimension of your duvet before deciding. A retailer specialising in household linen more often offers the square size.
