French Bedding Sizes: How They Differ From US Standards

Why is a French Queen bed different from an American Queen?

In the US, we think in inches; in France, the metric system reigns supreme. This leads to the “Queen Gap.” A French Queen (Grand Lit) measures 160 cm x 200 cm, which is roughly 63″ x 79″.

In contrast, a standard US Queen is 60″ x 80″. While the difference seems minor, an American fitted sheet will be too narrow for a French mattress, potentially causing the corners to pop off mid-sleep.

Core Size Comparison Table

Why are French pillows square while American pillows are rectangular?

Walk into a luxury suite at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and you’ll notice the pillows aren’t the long rectangles you’re used to. The French favor the 65 cm x 65 cm (26″ x 26″) square format.

Psychologically, square pillows provide better support for sitting up in bed—perfect for that petit déjeuner of croissants and coffee. However, for actual sleeping, many French hotels now provide the oreiller rectangulaire(50 x 70 cm) to mimic the US “Standard” feel.

Pro Tip: If you are buying linens for a French bed, look for “taie d’oreiller” in square dimensions. Your US King cases will look deflated on these European inserts.

How do I choose the right duvet size for a French “Grand Lit”?

The French aesthetic favors a generous “drape.” An American duvet often looks stingy on a high-profile French mattress. For a 160 cm Queen bed, a French person wouldn’t dream of using anything smaller than a 240 cm x 220 cm duvet.

To ensure a perfect fit, you must measure the “drop” of your bed. High-end French mattresses are often deeper than their budget counterparts, requiring extra-deep fitted sheets (bonnet large).

How do I convert French centimeters to US inches quickly?

When browsing a boutique in the Marais or shopping at Yves Delorme, keep this “cheat sheet” in your notes. The goal is to avoid the “buy and regret” cycle common with international travelers.

• 1 cm = 0.39 inches (The golden rule)
• The 200 cm Rule: Most French adult beds are 200 cm long (78.7″), which is slightly shorter than a US Queen/King (80″).
• Fabric matters: French luxury linens often use long-staple cotton which may shrink 3-5% on the first wash. Account for this in your measurements.

What are the most common mistakes when buying French linens?

Even the most seasoned travelers make these three errors when furnishing their overseas properties:

1. Ignoring the “Traversin”: This is a long, bolster-style pillow that spans the width of the bed. It’s very French, but your US sheet sets won’t include a case for it.
2. Assuming “King” is Universal: A US King is almost square (76″ x 80″). A French King is a true rectangle (180 x 200 cm / 71″ x 79″). They are not interchangeable.
3. Thread Count Confusion: In France, quality is often judged by the weave (Percale vs. Sateen) rather than just the thread count number, which can be manipulated.

Local French Brands to Trust

• Alexandre Turpault: The gold standard for heritage linen.
• Yves Delorme: For classic, high-luxury patterns.
• Anne de Solène: Excellent for high-quality everyday use.

FAQ: Your French Bedding Questions Answered

Will my US Queen fitted sheet fit a French bed?

Usually, no. The French Queen is about 3 inches wider. You will likely tear the seams or have the sheet slip off during the night.

What is the “closest” US size to a French 140×190 cm?

The US Full (Double) is the closest, but the French version is often slightly longer or wider depending on the manufacturer. Always check the mattress variations before buying.

Can I find French-sized bedding in the US?

Specialty luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s occasionally carry “European” sizes, but it is much easier to order directly from France to ensure the pillowcase compatibility is 100% accurate.