Here’s a secret: your college student doesn’t need a Twin XL duvet. Instead, I recommend investing in a more flexible Twin Set (from Amazon) and a queen-sized quilt (also at Amazon) that will make their room look cleaner, and stick with them through their early adulthood.
As we hurtle towards fall, college dorm room checklists become one of the biggest sources of anxiety. Your college-aged child needs a seemingly endless list of items for their room, many of which are only of use in a college dorm.
Chief among them is Twin XL bedding for a mysteriously long Twin XL bed. Although Twin XL comforter sets (available on Amazon) are one of the most popular choices online, these products overlook a key point: the only specifically sized piece of Twin XL bedding is the fitted sheet.
Thus, parents are better served to purchase an individual twin fitted sheet, paired with regular twin and queen bedding that will last far beyond four years in college. A full bedding set that’s designed to fit a Twin as well as a Twin XL bed, like the Amazon Basics 5 Piece Lightweight Microfiber Comforter Set, can also be an affordable and long-lasting option.
This unbelievably affordable set includes a comforter, flat sheet, fitted sheet, sham, and pillowcase all for under $40. Since it’s in a regular twin size, it can be used on a twin bed long after college.
The one constant in my career has been learning about the best bedding. My first job at 15 was as a salesgirl at a boutique luxury linens shop, Fig Linens and Home. After college, I re-joined the team as the head of content.
Now, as an editor at Homes & Gardens, I’m still thinking about and writing about beautiful bedding almost every day. Throughout my time in the industry, I learned that most people are completely mystified by bedding sizes. Luckily, I’m here to help.
If I were to purchase one item for a college bed, it would be a queen quilt. In my experience, block prints and Indian-style patterns, like this one from Amazon, were the most popular.
This textural quilt boasts premium craftsmanship and brushed microfiber softness. With more than 30% for Prime Day, it’s a no-brainer.
Why a queen quilt for a twin bed?
Though this might sound counterintuitive, I’ve found college students love something longer folded at the end of the bed because it covers under bed storage.
With the size of dorm rooms, it’s likely that your teen will have at least a few boxes and bags shoved in the space under their risers. Not only does a queen quilt cover this, but it’s easy to bring to their first apartment after college. Amazon dorm bedding sales are always a good place to look.
If these choices aren’t your taste, here are a few other college bedding choices I swear by. From stylish decorative pillows to the best sheet sets, they are all chosen with comfort and style in mind.
I swear by using a euro pillow for the back of a pillow stack on a twin bed. It creates a mock headboard, giving the room instant height and visual depth. This simple stitched design would look fabulous in any dorm.
Keep your child comfy even on the most rock solid of dorm beds with this best selling memory foam mattress topper. The gel infused surface ensures ultimate coolness and relaxation.
Add a touch of personality to your college student’s bed with a monogrammed boudoir pillow. This tiny pillow sits on the front of their pillow stack for timeless style.
Though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to college bedding, understanding the intricacies of sizing can help you make the best looking and most affordable options. With prime day still going strong, now is the perfect time to shop.
