Choosing the right size quilt can feel a bit tricky, but it’s simpler than you might think. First things first, in Australia, the terms 'quilt' and 'doona' mean the exact same thing, so a Queen doona is identical to a Queen quilt. This guide will help you confidently pick the perfect fit for your bed, no guesswork needed.
Understanding Quilt Size vs Bed Size
So, you're trying to figure out what size quilt to buy? It all starts with the basics. While bed sizes are fairly standard, quilt dimensions are always intentionally larger. This is to make sure you get that cosy, comfortable drape over the sides of your mattress.
Without that extra fabric, your quilt would just sit awkwardly on top, barely covering the surface. The goal is to find a quilt that gives you generous coverage for a great night’s sleep and a polished, styled look for your bedroom.
Australian Quilt/Doona Size Chart
In Australia, our standard quilt sizes are designed to fit the country's specific mattress dimensions, which means you’ll always have plenty of options. The most common sizes you'll come across are Single (140 cm x 210 cm), Double (180 cm x 210 cm), Queen (210 cm x 210 cm), King (245 cm x 210 cm), and Super King (270 cm x 240 cm).
And since the queen bed is the most common size in Aussie homes, it’s worth getting familiar with the specifics of queen size quilt measurements in Australia.
This chart really helps to visualise just how much wider a quilt needs to be as you go up in bed size.
As you can see, a King quilt is almost double the width of a Single one. It’s a great reminder of how crucial it is to match your quilt to your bed to get that perfect drape and coverage.
To make things even easier, here’s a quick reference chart that puts it all together.
Australian Mattress and Recommended Quilt Size Chart
This table breaks down the standard mattress dimensions and pairs them with the ideal quilt size for that perfect, generous overhang.
| Bed Size | Mattress Dimensions (cm) | Recommended Quilt Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 cm x 188 cm | 140 cm x 210 cm |
| King Single | 107 cm x 203 cm | 180 cm x 210 cm |
| Double | 138 cm x 188 cm | 180 cm x 210 cm |
| Queen | 153 cm x 203 cm | 210 cm x 210 cm |
| King | 183 cm x 203 cm | 245 cm x 210 cm |
| Super King | 203 cm x 203 cm | 270 cm x 240 cm |
Keep this chart handy when you're shopping, and you’ll never have to second-guess your choice again. It’s all about making sure you have enough quilt to snuggle under without playing tug-of-war all night
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Style
The size of your quilt is way more than just a practical choice—it’s one of the most powerful styling tools you have for setting the whole mood of your bedroom. The way your quilt drapes over the bed can make a room feel like a lavish, cosy retreat or a sleek, modern sanctuary.
This is your chance to be the designer of your own space, using fabric and dimension to nail a specific look.
Creating a Luxurious Look by Upsizing
One of the easiest and most popular interior styling tricks is to 'upsize' your quilt. It’s exactly what it sounds like: choosing a quilt one size larger than your bed. Think a King quilt on a Queen bed. This simple move creates a dramatic, generous overhang that cascades down the sides, making the bed instantly look more plush and inviting.
By selecting a larger size, you achieve that coveted five-star hotel feel, where the bedding looks incredibly full and luxurious. It's an easy yet impactful way to elevate your bedroom's comfort and style.
This approach works especially well for beds with a tall ensemble base, as the extra fabric neatly conceals the base and creates a seamless, elegant profile. Plus, it has the very practical benefit of ending the nightly tug-of-war for covers. We get into all the benefits of doing that in our guide on the top reasons to upsize your quilt.
Achieving a Minimalist and Modern Style
On the other hand, if you’re after a neat, tailored appearance, sticking to the standard quilt size for your bed is the way to go. This look is perfect for minimalist or contemporary designs, especially with those low-profile platform beds where you want the clean lines of the bed frame to really stand out.
A correctly sized quilt gives you just enough drape to cover the mattress without hiding the frame, which keeps everything looking crisp and uncluttered. It’s all about balance; the bedding should complement the bed, not overwhelm it.
So, whether you want an opulent feel or a streamlined finish, the size of your quilt is your starting point. You can also explore how different bedding types influence your style in our comparison of quilts vs coverlets for style and comfort.
Navigating Australian vs International Quilt Sizes
Shopping for bedding online opens up a world of beautiful options, but it can also be a recipe for confusion. It's a classic mistake: you see a "Queen" or "King" quilt from an overseas retailer and assume it’ll fit your Australian bed perfectly.
Unfortunately, international sizing isn't universal. Far from it.
What’s the difference between an Australian and US quilt size?
The difference is most noticeable when you compare Australian and US sizing. American beds—and by extension, their quilts—are often wider and sometimes shorter than what we’re used to here. For example, a US Queen quilt is typically wider but shorter than an Australian Queen, which is perfectly square.
Understanding these little differences is the key to avoiding that sinking feeling when your new quilt just doesn't fit. An ill-fitting quilt not only looks awkward but can leave you without enough coverage, ruining the cosy, well-styled bed you were going for.
Before you click "buy" on an international website, always, always check the specific measurements in centimetres.
Relying on size names like 'Queen' or 'King' alone is a recipe for disappointment when shopping globally. The actual dimensions in centimetres are the only numbers that truly matter for getting the right size of quilts.
To show you what we mean, this quick comparison table highlights the approximate differences you'll come across.
Comparing Australian vs US Quilt Sizes (Approximate)
| Bed Size | Australian Quilt Size (cm) | Standard US Quilt Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Queen | 210 cm x 210 cm | 229 cm x 229 cm |
| King | 245 cm x 210 cm | 229 cm x 259 cm |
As you can see, the measurements can be miles apart. Being aware of these regional quirks means that whether you're buying locally or from an international brand, you’ll end up with a quilt that fits your Australian bed just right, every single time.
Pairing Your Quilt with the Right Cover & Bedding
Finding the perfect quilt is only half the battle. To get that perfectly made bed, you need the right cover to go with it. A quilt cover, or doona cover, isn't just there to look good—it’s a practical layer that protects your quilt from dust, spills, and general wear and tear, making it so much easier to keep everything fresh and clean.
Think of it like a pillow and a pillowcase. You wouldn't put a king-sized pillow into a standard case, right? It's the same deal with your quilt. If the cover is too big, your quilt will get lost inside, bunching up and leaving you with sad, empty corners. Go too small, and the quilt gets compressed into a lumpy, uncomfortable mess that will never lie flat.
How do I choose the right quilt cover size?
The golden rule here is incredibly simple: your quilt cover should be the same size as your quilt. A Queen quilt needs a Queen cover. A King quilt needs a King cover. This ensures a nice, snug fit where the quilt insert stays exactly where it should, giving you that smooth, inviting look every time you walk into your bedroom.
This is especially true here in Australia, where around 70% of households have a Queen-sized bed. That makes the 210 cm x 210 cm Queen quilt our most popular size by a long shot. While it’s easy to find a matching cover, sticking to the right size is what makes the difference between a tidy bed and a messy one. You can read a bit more on Aussie sizing preferences in this Australian size guide.
A well-fitting cover is the key to a beautiful bed. It ensures your quilt lies flat and even, preventing the dreaded "bunching" that can ruin both the look of your bedroom and your night's sleep.
To get the specifics spot-on for your bed, you can learn more about the exact measurements of a double bed quilt cover. It's a simple step that helps you get it right from the very start.
Comforters: The Ultimate Alternative to Quilts?
While quilts (or doonas) are a staple in Australian bedrooms, it’s worth knowing about their close cousin: the comforter. A comforter is a single piece of bedding, meaning the filling and the decorative outer shell are stitched together into one unit. Unlike a quilt, which needs a separate cover, a comforter is ready to go right out of the bag.
This all-in-one design makes for a fluffy, lofty appearance and is incredibly convenient for making the bed. However, cleaning can be trickier, as the entire bulky item needs to go in the wash. Sizes for comforters also tend to follow quilt dimensions, but it's always smart to double-check the label, especially since they're more popular in the US market. For most, the versatility of a quilt and cover combo remains the preferred choice. You can dive into the long history of bed linen to see how these different styles evolved.
A Few Common Questions We Get Asked
Even after you've measured everything, a few lingering questions can pop up. Getting these sorted helps you choose a quilt with total confidence, so your bed ends up looking and feeling exactly the way you imagined. Let's tackle some of the most common ones we hear.
Are doona and quilt sizes the same in Australia?
Yes, they absolutely are. Here in Australia, we tend to use ‘doona’ and ‘quilt’ to mean the exact same thing: the fluffy insert that keeps you warm.
They follow the same standard sizing, so a Queen doona is identical to a Queen quilt. You can treat the terms as interchangeable when you're shopping. Discover more insights about how quilting traditions influenced Australian quilt sizes.
Can I use a King quilt on a Queen bed?
Definitely! This is actually a super popular styling trick that we recommend all the time. Using a larger King quilt (245 cm x 210 cm) on a Queen bed gives you a much more generous drape over the sides.
The result is that plush, luxurious look you see in high-end hotels. It's also a simple, practical way to end the nightly tug-of-war for the covers.
Upsizing your quilt is one of the easiest ways to instantly make your bedroom feel more comfortable and look more styled. It adds a sense of opulence and guarantees there's always plenty of warmth to go around.
Why does my doona look small after washing?
This is a common one! If you have a quilt with natural fillings like cotton or wool, a tiny bit of shrinkage after the first wash is normal. But more often than not, the culprit is clumping. The filling has simply bunched up, making the quilt look smaller than it really is.
The fix is usually pretty simple. First, make sure it's 100% dry—popping a few dryer balls in can really help fluff everything up and speed things along. Once it's dry, give it a good, firm shake from all four corners. This helps redistribute the filling and restore its original lofty size.
At Manchester Factory, we don’t think finding the perfect quilt should be a hassle. Take a look through our huge collection of high-quality quilts in every size to find the ideal fit for your bed. Visit us at https://www.manchesterfactory.com.au to find your ultimate comfort.