Valance Sheets Explained: What They Are and Whether You Need One
Valance sheets are the bedding item most UK shoppers know they should probably understand but never quite get round to looking up. Here's the plain-English version.
What a valance sheet is
A valance sheet is a fitted sheet with an extra panel of fabric that drapes from the top of the mattress down to the floor, hiding the base of the bed and any storage underneath. Think of it as a fitted sheet plus a bed skirt, sewn together.
You put it on the bed first, before the duvet cover and any flat sheet. It stays on – you don't change it as often as your other bedding.
Valance sheet vs fitted sheet vs flat sheet – what's the difference
| Type | What it covers | How it stays on |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted sheet | The mattress only | Elasticated corners that grip the mattress |
| Valance sheet | The mattress AND the base of the bed (down to the floor) | Fitted top section + a frill that drapes |
| Flat sheet | Goes on top of you, under the duvet | Tucked in at the bottom and sides |
You'd typically have all three on a fully made bed: a valance sheet on the mattress, a flat sheet on top of you, and a duvet cover over your duvet.
Do you actually need one?
It depends on three things.
Does your bed have a divan base?
Divans (the upholstered base style common in the UK) almost always benefit from a valance sheet. The divan base is rarely meant to be on display – a valance hides it and finishes the bed neatly.
Do you store anything under the bed?
Storage boxes, suitcases, the kids' toys you can't find anywhere else – a valance hides all of it. If your bed frame leaves room underneath that you use for storage, a valance is the easiest way to make the room look tidy without doing any actual tidying.
What's the bed frame style?
Modern, low-profile, sleigh or upholstered bed frames usually look better without a valance – the frame is the design feature.
Older or basic metal/wood frames almost always look better with one.
What size valance sheet should you buy?
Valance sheets are sized to your mattress, not your room – same as fitted sheets. Standard UK sizes:
- Single: 91 × 190 cm (with a 25 cm drop frill)
- Double: 137 × 190 cm (with a 25 cm drop frill)
- King: 152 × 203 cm (with a 25 cm drop frill)
- Super King: 183 × 203 cm (with a 25 cm drop frill)
The 'drop frill' is how far the fabric hangs down from the top of the mattress. 25 cm is the UK standard – covers most divan bases without dragging on the floor. If your bed sits unusually high, you may want a deeper drop.
Frilled vs straight-edge
A frilled valance has gathered fabric at the drop – looks soft and traditional. Pairs well with country, cottage, and traditional bedrooms.
A straight-edge (also called platform) valance has plain box-pleat fabric. Looks more modern and minimal.
The SAIMAZ valance is a frilled valance in soft polycotton, machine washable at 40 °C.
Care
Valance sheets don't need washing as often as your fitted sheet because they don't touch your skin. Most UK households wash theirs every 4–6 weeks. Polycotton valances tolerate machine washing at 40 °C; tumble dry on low.
Quick decisions
- Divan base + storage underneath → valance sheet, every time.
- Modern bed frame, no storage → fitted sheet alone is fine.
- Guest room you want to look hotel-finished → valance sheet.
- Kids' bunk beds → just a fitted sheet – a valance becomes a hazard.
Browse our UK bed sheets collection – fitted, flat and valance sheets in single, double, king and super king. Free UK delivery on every order.
