Right, let's get one of the most common bedding questions sorted. In Australia, the standard size for a double bed quilt cover is 180cm x 210cm.
If that sounds a bit bigger than your actual double bed mattress, you’re right—and that’s completely intentional. The extra fabric is what gives your bed that perfectly styled, plush look.
Your Quick Guide to AU Double Quilt Cover Sizes
Getting the relationship between your mattress and your quilt cover right is the key to a well-made bed. That difference in size isn't a mistake; it’s designed to give you plenty of coverage and a beautiful drape over the sides.
A bigger cover allows your quilt (or doona) to hang elegantly, preventing annoying drafts and giving your bed that cosy, inviting feel everyone loves. It’s all about comfort and aesthetics.
This generous overhang is standard practice across the Aussie bedding industry. The 180cm x 210cm double quilt cover size was specifically chosen to complement the standard double mattress, which typically measures 138cm x 188cm.
To help you see exactly what we mean, here’s a quick comparison.
Australian Double Bed Standard Dimensions
This table breaks down the size difference between a standard double mattress and its matching quilt cover.
| Item | Width (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Double Mattress | 138cm | 188cm |
| Standard Double Quilt Cover | 180cm | 210cm |
As you can see, a standard double quilt cover gives you an extra 42cm in width and 22cm in length. This is the secret to achieving that perfect drape and avoiding any late-night tug-of-war over the covers.
For a complete rundown of all sizes, from single to super king, our comprehensive bedding size chart for Australia is the perfect resource.
Why Accurate Quilt Cover Sizing Is Important
Choosing the right quilt cover isn't just about looks—it has a huge impact on your comfort and how long your bedding lasts. Get it wrong, and you're in for a frustrating night's sleep and a bed that always looks messy. The right fit is where style meets function.
When you take a moment to get the measurements of a double bed quilt cover right, you're setting yourself up for better sleep. A cover that fits properly holds your quilt in place, spreads warmth evenly, and gets rid of those annoying cold spots. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.
The Problem with an Undersized Cover
A quilt cover that's too small is a classic mistake, and it causes more trouble than you’d think. It squeezes your quilt insert, causing it to bunch up and feel lumpy. That compression doesn't just feel uncomfortable; it crushes the quilt's loft and stops it from trapping air, which is exactly how it keeps you warm.
The result? Your quilt can't do its job properly. You end up with a dense, heavy lump in the middle of the bed and practically no coverage at the edges. Not exactly cosy.
The Trouble with an Oversized Cover
On the flip side, a cover that's too big creates its own set of headaches. All that extra fabric means the quilt insert slides around inside, leaving you to constantly shake it back into place every morning.
Your quilt can get completely tangled or bunched up at one end of the cover, leaving you with empty, cold patches of fabric and a bed that looks like a total mess. It completely defeats the purpose of having a cover in the first place.
A perfectly fitted quilt cover is the foundation of a well-made bed. It ensures your quilt stays flat, looks inviting, and provides consistent warmth, transforming your bed from simply functional to a true sanctuary of comfort.
Ultimately, checking your dimensions before you buy is a small step that saves you from the lumpy, shifting mess of a poor fit. It gives your bedroom that polished, put-together look and makes sure your bedding feels just as good as it looks.
How to Measure Your Bed for the Perfect Fit
To make sure your new quilt cover looks just right, you need to start with the right measurements. It only takes a few minutes with a tape measure, but getting this part right is the key to avoiding a cover that’s too short, too long, or just doesn’t drape the way you want it to. For a bit more background, there are some great guides on choosing the best bed mattress size that can help set the stage.
Before you start, strip the bed of all bedding—sheets and mattress protectors included—to get the most accurate numbers. These three simple measurements will tell you everything you need to know about the measurements of a double bed quilt cover that will work for you.
Measuring Your Mattress Correctly
Your mattress is the starting point. Its width, length, and especially its depth will determine how any quilt cover will sit. This is what you need to measure to figure out the perfect drape.
Here’s how to do it in three simple steps:
- Width: Measure from the left side to the right side of your mattress. Keep the tape measure pulled tight across the top for a straight, true reading.
- Length: Now, measure from the head of the mattress all the way to the foot. Just like with the width, make sure the tape is lying flat.
- Depth (or Height): This one is crucial for getting that lovely drape. Measure from the bottom edge of the mattress seam to the top seam. If you use a plush pillow-top or have an extra mattress topper, be sure to include its height in this measurement.
If your mattress is on the deeper side, often over 30cm, a standard double quilt cover might not hang as low as you'd like. In these situations, it’s often a smart move to upsize to a queen quilt cover to get that generous overhang on both sides.
How to Measure Your Quilt Insert
Already have a quilt insert (or doona) you love? Measuring it directly is one of the best ways to find a cover that fits like a glove. A cover that’s too big or too small can cause the insert to bunch up or slide around inside, which is always frustrating.
To get an accurate measurement, lay your quilt out as flat as you can, either on the floor or on top of your bed. Smooth out all the wrinkles and bunched-up bits so you’re measuring the actual fabric, not the folds.
- Width: Measure from one side edge right across to the other.
- Length: Measure from the top edge down to the bottom.
You’ll often find that a new quilt cover is designed to be 2-5cm larger than the insert itself. This little bit of extra room isn’t a mistake; it makes putting the cover on so much easier and also allows for any minor shrinkage after the first few washes. For a deeper dive into all things quilt-related, we’ve put together a wealth of information in our guide to the standard sizes of quilts.
Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don't measure your quilt while it’s still bunched up in its old cover or draped over a chair. This is a fast track to getting the wrong dimensions. Always lay it completely flat for a proper measurement.
A Guide to Australian Double Quilt Cover Sizes
Here in Australia, we like to keep things straightforward. The standard size for a double bed quilt cover is 180cm x 210cm. This isn't just some random number; it's been carefully chosen to work perfectly with a standard Aussie double mattress, which measures 138cm x 188cm. This consistency makes shopping so much easier and guarantees a great fit across different brands.
The magic is in the generous overhang. That extra 42cm in width and 22cm in length means your quilt drapes beautifully over the sides and foot of the bed. It’s a deliberate design choice that stops drafts, gives two people plenty of coverage, and creates that polished, professionally styled look we all love.
This little infographic breaks down exactly what you need to measure on your own bed to get that perfect fit.
As you can see, getting the width, length, and especially the depth right is the secret to choosing a cover that hangs just the way you want it to.
More Than Just a Double: The Versatility of This Size
The double quilt cover isn't just for double beds. Its generous dimensions make it a fantastic choice for King Single beds too, which typically measure 107cm x 203cm. Popping a double quilt on a King Single gives you an even more luxurious, floor-grazing drape that looks and feels incredibly plush.
This adaptability has made it a staple in so many Aussie homes. In fact, double bed quilt covers make up a huge slice of the Australian bedding market, accounting for roughly 35-40% of total quilt cover sales. It’s the second most popular size right after the queen, which makes sense when you consider that double beds are found in about 30-35% of Australian households. You can dive deeper into these bedding market trends at PuraDown.com.au.
Knowing the Australian standard gives you the confidence to shop smarter. When you see "Double" on the packaging from a trusted local retailer like Manchester Factory, you can be sure it means 180cm x 210cm. No more guesswork, just a flawless fit every time.
Comparing International Double Bed Quilt Sizes
Ever tried buying bedding online from overseas, only to find it doesn't fit? It’s a frustratingly common problem. Sizing standards can vary wildly from country to country, and what’s labelled a ‘double’ in Australia isn’t necessarily the same in the UK or the US. Getting it wrong can be a costly mistake, so understanding the differences is key.
One of the biggest traps is the terminology. In the United States, what we call a double bed is usually referred to as a ‘Full’ bed. While the mattresses are a similar size, the quilt covers are often quite different. This is exactly why you can't rely on the name alone—always, always check the specific measurements in centimetres before you buy.
Regional Size Variations
To avoid disappointment, it pays to compare the exact measurements of a double bed quilt cover across different regions. You'll find that Australian and UK sizes are fairly close, but the US standard is often wider and shorter, designed to fit different mattress dimensions and suit different styling trends.
Here’s a simple, at-a-glance comparison to help you out.
Regional Double Quilt Cover Size Chart (AU vs UK vs US)
This table breaks down the typical dimensions you'll find for a standard double quilt cover in Australia, the UK, and the US.
| Region (Standard Name) | Typical Width (cm) | Typical Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (Double) | 180 cm | 210 cm |
| United Kingdom (Double) | 200 cm | 200 cm |
| United States (Full) | 203 cm | 229 cm |
Just a heads-up: these are standard sizes, and some brands might vary slightly. It's always a good idea to double-check the product label for the precise dimensions.
Why Are They All Different?
These variations aren't just random; they're based on regional mattress sizes and even cultural preferences for how a bed should look. For instance, the longer 210 cm Australian double cover is designed to fit our standard 188 cm long mattresses perfectly, leaving plenty of room for a generous drape at the end. In contrast, some international sizes prioritise extra width over length.
If you're thinking about how sizing can affect the overall look and feel of your bed, especially if you're considering upsizing for that plush, hotel-style drape, our guide on choosing the right size duvet for a queen bed offers some great insights. For a really deep dive into how different bedding products compare, you might want to check out some detailed sizing charts from various retailers to see the full picture.
Achieving the Ideal Drape for a Luxurious Look
The secret to a bed that looks professionally styled isn’t just about the quality of the linen; it’s all about getting the drape just right. This ‘overhang’—the amount of quilt cover that hangs over the sides of your mattress—is what creates that inviting, plush look. Whether you’re after a crisp, modern finish or a more opulent, floor-grazing style, figuring out your ideal drape is actually pretty simple.
Getting this right makes your bed look balanced and complete. The goal is to have enough overhang to cover the mattress depth and part of the bed base, but not so much that it looks messy or too short. A well-calculated drape can transform your bed from just a piece of furniture into the true centrepiece of the room.
Calculating Your Drape
You don't need to guess how much overhang you’ll get. A quick calculation gives you the exact measurement for each side of the bed, letting you visualise the final look before you even buy.
The Drape Formula: (Quilt Cover Width - Mattress Width) / 2 = Drape per side
For a standard Australian double bed, this is straightforward. Using the standard measurements of a double bed quilt cover (180cm) and a double mattress (138cm), you can see exactly how it works out.
- Example Calculation: (180cm - 138cm) / 2 = 21cm of drape per side.
This means a standard double quilt cover will hang 21cm down each side of a standard double mattress. This amount is usually enough to cover most standard mattresses, giving you a neat and tidy finish. But, mattress technology has come a long way, and many modern beds are much deeper.
When to Consider Upsizing Your Quilt Cover
If you have a deep mattress—especially one with a pillow-top or an added memory foam topper—that 21cm of drape might not cut it. A mattress that's 35cm or 40cm deep will leave an awkward gap, exposing the side of the mattress and ruining that plush, cohesive look.
This is easily the most common reason people upsize. Choosing a Queen quilt cover (210cm wide) for your double bed gives you a much more generous overhang, solving the depth issue instantly.
Let's plug the new numbers into the formula with a Queen cover on a Double mattress:
- Upsized Example: (210cm - 138cm) / 2 = 36cm of drape per side.
That extra 15cm on each side guarantees full coverage for even the deepest mattresses, creating a truly luxurious, hotel-style drape. This simple styling choice is a great way to elevate your bedroom’s look, a concept we explore more in our guide on the art of mixing and matching bed linen.
Expert Tips for Bedding Fit and Long-Term Care
Once you’ve nailed down the right measurements of a double bed quilt cover, a little care goes a long way to keep it looking and feeling great. It’s worth remembering that natural fibres like cotton and linen can shrink just a tiny bit on their first wash—don't worry, good manufacturers already factor this into their sizing.
Following the care instructions on the label is always the best move to protect your purchase. A cold, gentle machine wash and line drying out of direct sunlight will help preserve the fabric's integrity, colour, and original shape, ensuring it fits your quilt perfectly for years to come.
Making Bed-Making Easier
Getting your quilt neatly inside its cover can sometimes feel like a workout. There’s a really simple trick for this called the 'burrito' or 'roll' technique. Just lay the cover inside out on your bed, place your quilt directly on top, and roll them up together tightly from the top. Once you have a neat roll, simply invert the cover over the ends and unroll. It's surprisingly easy.
Another feature to look for is quilt covers with internal ties in each corner.
Securing your quilt to these ties is a small step that makes a huge difference. It stops the insert from shifting, bunching, or ending up all scrunched at one end of the cover. This means a smooth, even finish and a much more comfortable night's sleep.
When your quilt is properly secured, you’ll spend less time shaking it out every morning.
For anyone wanting to really master their laundry routine, you can find more great advice in our ultimate guide to caring for your quilt. These simple habits ensure your bedding not only looks fantastic but also provides lasting comfort, protecting its shape and feel, wash after wash.
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Common Questions We Get Asked
Shopping for bedding can bring up a few tricky questions, especially when it comes to getting the size just right. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we hear about double bed quilt covers, so you can choose yours with confidence.
We'll cover everything from styling tricks like upsizing to figuring out international size names.
Can I Use a Queen Quilt Cover on My Double Bed?
Absolutely! This is actually a fantastic styling trick that we recommend all the time. Using a queen quilt cover (typically 210cm x 210cm) on a double bed is a popular way to get a more luxurious, generous drape, especially if you have a deeper mattress.
That extra 30cm of width creates a much more sophisticated, hotel-style finish. Just be sure to use a queen-sized quilt insert to go with it—this ensures the cover is properly filled out and prevents the quilt from shifting around inside.
What Is the Difference Between a Double and a Full Size?
This is a classic point of confusion, especially if you're looking at bedding from overseas. Here in Australia and the UK, we say 'Double'. In the United States, the closest equivalent is called 'Full'.
But here's the catch: while the mattress sizes are pretty close, the quilt cover dimensions can be wildly different. An Australian double quilt cover is a standard 180cm x 210cm. A US Full cover, on the other hand, is often wider and longer, sometimes measuring around 203cm x 229cm. Always, always check the measurements in centimetres instead of just relying on the name.
My Quilt Cover Seems a Bit Larger Than My Quilt. Is This Normal?
Yes, it’s completely normal and a sign of good design. You’ll often find that quilt covers are made a few centimetres larger than the quilt they're designed for.
This small difference, usually around 2-5cm, is intentional. It makes sliding the quilt inside much easier, allows the quilt to lie flat without being squashed (which is better for loft and warmth), and accounts for any tiny bit of shrinkage that might happen after the first wash. It’s all about getting that perfect, long-lasting fit.
At Manchester Factory, we believe the right fit is everything. Explore our huge collection of double bed quilt covers, all designed with precise Australian standards in mind to bring comfort and style straight to your bedroom. Find your perfect match today.