Can You Use a Full-Size Comforter on a Twin XL Bed?

If you’re shopping for bed linens for a new bed, a comforter is a perfect addition for enhanced comfort and a stylish look. But one very important factor to consider when shopping for a comforter is the size, and it can be a bit confusing. If you own a twin XL bed, you might wonder whether you can use a full-size comforter.

You can use a full-size bed comforter on a twin XL bed, but the bedding will be too broad. It might drag on the floor and get dirty. To get the right sized comforter, familiarize yourself with bed/comforter sizes and consider the mattress thickness, the type of down filling, and your height. 

The mattress on a twin XL mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches. A full-size comforter, meanwhile, measures 81 to 84 inches by 86 to 88 inches. Let’s look at what that means in terms of getting the best option for your bed.

What’s the Difference Between a Full and Twin XL Bed?  

A Hotel room

Whether you’re looking to buy a comforter for a college dorm or your home, understanding mattress and comforter sizes will help. Full and twin XL are common bed sizes but buying bedding for these options can be confusing.

If you want to buy a comforter for either of these beds, determining their sizes is the first step. 

A full-size bed measures 54 inches by 75 inches, while a twin XL bed measures 38 inches by 80 inches. This means the full-size bed is the wider option, and the twin XL bed is longer.

A full-size bed is a popular choice in many homes. The larger width provides more room for shared sleeping space. If you want more room to sprawl, this is the right bed size for your bedroom. However, the full-size bed is more expensive and doesn’t provide enough legroom for everyone. 

Twin XL beds are ideal for taller sleepers and those on a tight budget. They’re a good option for tight spaces like dorm rooms. With the reduced width, however, these beds don’t have enough space to share.

So, if you’re after comfort, consider a full bed. For narrow spaces, a twin XL bed is more practical. 

When choosing between full-size and twin XL beds, consider the price, your height, the number of sleepers, comfort, bed accessories, and room size. Using these factors helps you find a bed that fits all your needs. 

Which Comforter Size Fits a Twin XL Bed?

Every bed/mattress size works best with a specific comforter size. The size of your comforter affects your sleeping experience and the look of your bedroom. For a twin XL bed, you need a comforter that’s 68 by 90 inches.

If you buy an oversized comforter, the sides extend to the floor and can collect dirt. An undersized comforter, meanwhile, won’t cover the bed adequately to provide the comfort you desire. 

Since a twin XL bed measures 38 inches by 80 inches, a comforter that’s 68 by 90 inches, like this one from LOVSOUL (on Amazon), should properly cover the sides of the bed.

How to Choose a Comforter Size

Beautiful bedding on a large bed in a king size bedroom

A comforter can revolutionize your sleeping experience, but shopping for one isn’t easy because manufacturers use different sizes. While mattress sizes are standardized, all manufacturers don’t use the same comforter dimensions, making it harder to figure out what you need.

If you’re shopping for a comforter, here are some tips to help you get the right size:

  1. Learn the bed/mattress and comforter sizes: Don’t start shopping for a comforter before you understand the different mattress options out there:
  • Crib mattress: 28 by 52 inches; Crib comforter: 28 to 36 inches by 48 to 52 inches
  • Twin mattress: 38 by 75 inches; Twin comforter: 66 to 68 inches by 86 to 88 inches
  • Twin XL mattress: 38 by 80 inches; Twin XL comforter: 68 by 90 inches
  • Full/Double mattress: 54 by 75 inches; Full comforter: 81 to 84 by 86 to 88 inches
  • Queen mattress: 60 by 80 inches; Queen comforter: 86 to 88 by 96 to 100 inches
  • King/Eastern King mattress: 76 by 80 inches; King comforter: 102 by 86 to 88 inches
  • California King/Western King mattress: 72 by 84 inches; California King comforter: 107 to 110 by 96 to 98 inches
  1. Compare comforter sizes: Don’t pick a comforter that corresponds with the mattress only in name. Some comforters might be bigger or smaller than your bed. For a full-size bed, consider a comforter with less width, such as a twin XL comforter.
  2. Type of comforter: A down comforter might fluff up once on the bed, which reduces the width and length. If you want to buy a down comforter, buy a larger size to be sure it covers everything. 
  3. Mattress thickness: If you have a mattress that’s over 12 inches thick, get a comforter with more width for enhanced comfort.
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