The European Bedroom Habit That Surprises Most Americans

Why Ditching Your Top Sheet Might Just Change the Way You Sleep

Walk into a hotel room or home in most of the United States, and you’ll find a familiar sight: a made bed topped with a flat sheet, a blanket, maybe a comforter, and—if you’re lucky—decorative pillows you’ll toss on the floor before crawling under the covers. The flat sheet, also known as the top sheet, sits between you and your duvet or blanket and is considered by many Americans to be an essential part of a “properly” made bed.

Now walk into a bedroom in Denmark. Or France. Or Germany. Or the Netherlands. Or Spain.

No top sheet.

Just a fitted sheet on the mattress, and on top? A duvet in a washable cover—sometimes two, if you’re sharing the bed with someone who prefers their own blanket.

It’s a quiet cultural shift that leaves many American travelers baffled. Where’s the top sheet? they ask. Is this lazy housekeeping? A hotel oversight? But for most Europeans, the absence of a top sheet isn’t a mistake—it’s a deliberate choice, and one that many believe is cleaner, more efficient, and simply better.

So why does this simple European habit rarely make its way into American homes? And should more Americans consider adopting the “duvet-only” lifestyle?

Let’s explore the logic, history, controversy, and practicalities behind the anti-top-sheet movement—and whether it really is the sleeping upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe

Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe

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Quick & Easy Tips for Trying This European Bedroom Habit

Ditch the top sheet – Instead of layering with a flat sheet, try sleeping with just a fitted sheet and a duvet with a washable cover, as many Europeans do. It simplifies bed-making and feels cozier.

Use individual duvets – If sharing a bed, consider using separate duvets for each person. This avoids tug-of-war over covers and improves sleep quality — a common practice in Scandinavian countries.

Opt for breathable fabrics – Europeans often favor natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for duvet covers and pillowcases. This keeps the bed cool and comfortable without extra layers.

Make the bed the European way – Instead of elaborate pillows and decorative layers, keep it simple with a neatly folded duvet and minimal fuss. It saves time and still looks tidy.

Wash the duvet cover often – Treat your duvet cover like an American would treat a top sheet — wash it regularly to maintain hygiene without the need for extra bedding layers.

Many Americans believe that a top sheet is a bedroom essential a tradition passed down through generations. However, in much of Europe, the top sheet is considered unnecessary, and skipping it is seen as more practical and hygienic since the duvet cover can be easily washed. This habit challenges long-held beliefs about what constitutes a “proper” bed.

Another common misconception is that separate duvets in a shared bed signal relationship trouble. In truth, many European couples find that using individual duvets leads to better sleep and fewer nighttime disturbances. It’s a practical solution, not a sign of distance or disconnect.

Lastly, the European minimalist approach to bedding often surprises Americans used to layered, decorative beds. What Americans see as “unfinished” or “too simple” is valued in Europe for its efficiency, comfort, and easy maintenance. It’s a cultural difference that highlights how deeply personal and varied our ideas of home comfort can be.

The American Obsession with the Top Sheet

In the U.S., the top sheet is treated almost like a moral imperative. Generations have been taught to make their beds “properly”—which means:

Fitted sheet on the mattress

Top sheet tucked in tightly (preferably with hospital corners)

Blanket or comforter on top

Bedspread or throw for good measure

To skip the top sheet feels…wrong. Messy. Improper.

Why the devotion? Much of it stems from:

Hygiene beliefs: The top sheet acts as a barrier between your body and the blanket, keeping your comforter “clean.”

Hospital and hotel norms: Institutions often emphasize top sheets for sanitation and laundering reasons.

Tradition and upbringing: Most Americans grew up with a top sheet, and changing that feels unnatural.

But the top sheet also comes with complaints:

It tangles easily

It often slides off during the night

Tucking and re-tucking it every morning is a chore

It adds extra layers and heat, especially in warmer climates

The European Duvet-Only Setup

In contrast, most European households make their beds like this:

Fitted bottom sheet

Duvet with a removable, washable cover—often with no additional top sheet

In countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, it’s also common for each sleeper to have their own duvet, even when sharing a bed. This helps avoid midnight tug-of-wars and allows individuals to control their own temperature and coverage.

Why Europeans Prefer This System

Simplicity: Making the bed takes seconds—just fluff and fold the duvet.

Cleanliness: The duvet cover is removed and laundered regularly, just like a top sheet.

Comfort: No tangled sheets; just one breathable, cozy layer

Efficiency: Less laundry sorting—no matching top and bottom sheets

For many Europeans, the idea of a separate top sheet is redundant and outdated. If your duvet cover is washable, why not just use that?

The Controversy: Americans React

Bring up the duvet-only method in an American setting—especially among traditionalists or older generations—and you’ll likely spark a debate.

Common objections include:

“But how do you keep the comforter clean?”

“Isn’t that unhygienic?”

“I need the layering to regulate my body temperature.”

“I just can’t sleep without a top sheet.”

To be fair, the top sheet can provide benefits:

A cooler barrier in summer nights when the duvet is too warm

Layering options in fluctuating climates

A place to tuck your feet or feel more “secure” under multiple layers

But for many younger Americans and design-conscious sleepers, the European setup is starting to catch on.

Practical Considerations: Is One Method Cleaner?

One of the top sheet’s biggest defenders will point to hygiene. “If you don’t use a top sheet,” they argue, “you’re getting your body oils all over your comforter every night.”

And it’s a fair point—if your duvet has no cover. But European-style bedding assumes that your duvet has a removable, washable cover, just like a pillowcase.

So the hygiene breakdown is:

Top sheet + non-washable comforter = U.S. standard

No top sheet + washable duvet cover = European standard

Frequency of washing matters more than layers.

And let’s be honest—how many people in the U.S. are washing their comforters more than once every few months?

The Laundry Argument: Who Wins?

European method:

One fitted sheet

One duvet cover

= Fewer items to wash, especially for single sleepers

American method:

Fitted sheet + top sheet

Blanket or comforter (usually not washed regularly)

= More components, more potential laundry

However, duvet covers can be a pain to remove and replace, especially if you don’t have the technique down. Many Americans hate the process and would rather just wash a flat sheet.

But once you learn the roll-up duvet cover trick, you may never go back.

Bedroom Design and Minimalism

There’s also an aesthetic side to this debate.

Modern European bedrooms often look:

Sleek

Minimal

Effortlessly tidy

Why? Because a duvet folded at the end of the bed looks clean and uniform. There’s no need for excessive layering, matching sheets, or throw pillows. For fans of minimalist design, the duvet-only method fits right in.

Meanwhile, many American beds resemble hotel setups—multiple layers, tucked corners, decorative throws—making them appear “complete” but often requiring more time and effort to maintain.

Climate and Cultural Influence

Geography plays a role, too.

In warmer regions (like southern Spain), many households sleep with just a top sheet in summer and swap in the duvet for winter.

In colder climates (like Sweden or Germany), duvets are thick and essential, and layering isn’t always practical.

Americans in hot, humid areas may prefer the lightness of a sheet. But in temperate or cold climates, a single duvet layer feels more appropriate—and a top sheet can feel excessive.

Psychological Comfort and Habit

Ultimately, bedding is about habit, comfort, and ritual. Many Americans have grown up with top sheets and feel something’s missing without one.

Just like Spaniards can’t imagine breakfast without tostada con tomate, or Italians shudder at pineapple on pizza, Americans have deep emotional ties to their top sheets.

But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be challenged.

Could America Be Changing?

Yes—and slowly, it is.

More American millennials and Gen Z consumers are:

Buying European-style duvet sets

Opting for minimalist bed setups

Skipping the top sheet entirely

Focusing on ease and practicality over tradition

Bedding brands are taking notice, too. Companies like Brooklinen, Parachute, and Buffy now offer bedding “bundles” that include optional top sheets—or none at all.

Google Trends data shows increasing searches for “do I need a top sheet?” and “how to sleep without a top sheet.”

The resistance, though, remains strong among traditionalists.

So, Should You Ditch the Top Sheet?

Let’s break it down.

Go duvet-only if:

You want to simplify your laundry routine

You prefer a minimalist look

You’re willing to wash your duvet cover regularly

You hate making your bed

Keep the top sheet if:

You like having a cooling layer between you and the blanket

You’re used to tucking in for that “wrapped” feeling

You live in a hot climate where a duvet is too much

You don’t want to wash your comforter cover often

There’s no “correct” answer—just a question of what works best for your climate, habits, and comfort level.

Final Thoughts: Sleep Is Cultural, Too

What we put on our beds says a lot about how we live. The top sheet vs. duvet-only debate may seem trivial, but it’s part of a broader conversation about tradition, comfort, efficiency, and global influence.

Exploring a simple European bedroom habit reveals how deeply sleep routines are shaped by culture rather than comfort alone. While Americans often maintain traditional setups based on familiarity, European approaches tend to prioritize practicality and personal well-being. Trying a new habit doesn’t require a full lifestyle change it simply invites curiosity about what might improve your nightly rest.

Adopting even a small part of this routine can spark meaningful changes. Many people discover that individualized bedding or a cooler, more minimal sleep space leads to fewer disturbances and a more restorative night. The beauty of this habit is that it is easy to test without any major investment or renovation. Small adjustments often produce surprising results.

Ultimately, the value of this European bedroom habit lies in its simplicity. It challenges assumptions about what a “normal” bedroom should look like and encourages people to prioritize comfort over tradition. Whether or not the habit becomes part of your long-term routine, exploring it opens the door to better sleep and a deeper understanding of how cultural differences shape our everyday lives.