We know the world of beds and mattresses can be confusing, so we’re going to try simplify it a little.
Your bed and mattress are an investment that should last many years, promoting healthier sleep and leaving you feeling refreshed each morning. Choose one too small, you may struggle to sleep, or one too large, you will not have bedroom space for anything else.
This handy guide should help you find the right bed and mattress for you.
| Bed/Mattress Size | Imperial | Metric |
| Single | 3’ x 6’3” | 90 x 190cm |
| Small Double | 4’ x 6’3” | 120 x 190cm |
| Double | 4’6” x 6’3” | 135 x 190cm |
| King | 5’ x 6’6” | 150 x 190cm |
| Super King | 6’ x 6’6” | 180 x 190cm |
Your mattress should fit your bed frame like a glove. Deciding on the right size depends on room size and the number of people snuggling into bed. Here are some things to consider:
As life evolves, sleeping patterns will change and your sleep environment needs to advance and adapt accordingly. Adults will require a certain size mattress depending on their height, weight and build whereas children will require smaller alternatives.
The variety in our range is unique. We stock mattresses from single size right up to super king size. In addition to the standard UK size offering, we also offer the option of designing and ordering bespoke sizes. You can contact us (hyperlink) for more information.
The height of the sleepers may influence mattress choice, especially if you have an irrational fear of your feet overhanging past the mattress. King size and super king size mattress all have a length of 6’6”/200cm, perfect for a taller individual.
Similarly, you may require a small bed and mattress when restricted by space. We also have you covered in this aspect through our offering of smaller mattresses.
When it comes to choosing your bed and mattress, the size of your room is always going to impact your decision. We would all love a huge bed but sometimes space does not allow. We attempt to help you make an informed decision on what the best size is given your circumstances and to help choose between sizes if you’re in two minds.
Generally, an equivalent size mattress will fit the corresponding bed frame, but it is always good to check exact sizing as European and other sizes can be confused for standard UK bed sizes. Bed frames are often a little bigger than mattresses enabling the mattress to sit inside the bed frame whereas on a divan bed base, the base and mattress will have equivalent sizes and the mattress will sit flush on top of the divan base.
It is recommended by the NBF that your bed should be wide enough to allow all sleepers to lay side by side, arms behind your head, elbows out and not touching. A standard double bed provides the same space for an adult that a baby has in a cot. So, you may find double beds and mattresses are not quite big enough for couples. A king or superking size mattress may provide a more comfortable sleep.
Super king size mattresses are the largest standard UK size available on the market. If you’re someone that wants tons of extra space or have a large bedroom, then a super king may we be the right choice.
Super king beds and mattress dimensions are 180cm wide and 200cm long (6ft wide by 6ft 6in in length. This is the largest bed we have available, which is perfect for families who like to squeeze in for breakfast in bed, or those who value a lot of space! Our super king mattresses are available in memory foam and pocket spring options amongst others.
A king size mattress is 150cm wide by 200cm long (5ft x 6ft6). King size beds are wider and longer than a double bed, making them ideal for taller folks or couples in need of a spacious upgrade from that old double bed. It is advised that king size beds be used in larger bedrooms as there is readily more space available to accommodate their larger structure.
Double beds and mattresses are 190cm long and 135cm wide (4ft6” wide and 6ft3” long). The double is the most popular bed size in the UK market. They are ideal for two people and will generally fit into most bedrooms. If you’re looking to make the most of the space available – a double bed with storage is ideal to maximise your bedroom space.
A small double base and mattress are typically 120cm wide and measure 190cm in length (4ft x 6ft3). They are commonly referred to as queen size and best suited to a single sleeper but can accommodate two adults if necessary. Small doubles are usually the best solution when you have a smaller than average room so you can maximise sleeping and storage space. Alternatively, for sleepers who want something larger than a single bed find a small double is a good fit. It provides plenty of space for one or enough room for two (although two adults may find it a little ‘cosy’). Where space is at a premium, small double’s that maximise storage (such as ottoman or divan bases) are an ideal choice.
Single beds and mattresses are 90cm wide and 190cm long (3ft wide and 6ft3ins long). Suitable for both adults and children, they provide a good space for single sleepers. Singles are the most common size for children’s beds, including novelty beds and bunk beds. They account for regular growth spurts in children from when they move out of the cot right up to their teenage years.
Total bed dimensions of bed frames will differ depending on the style of bed you decide to go for.
We always advise checking the dimensions of the bed frame against the space you have available to ensure it will be a good fit and that there is adequate space for you to move around your bedroom.
A common problem we encounter when delivering beds and mattresses is that customers do not ensure there is enough room to carry their new items through their homes into the room of choice. We are aware that every home is different and not all landings and staircases are the same. That’s why ensuring that the bed you have chosen fits up stairs and doorways could avoid a lot of issues and disappointment on delivery day.
Use masking tape to mark out the area of the bed to see you have adequate space for the frame and to walk around it. Check all the sizes before you order because divan bases and upholstered frames will vary in measurements.
Allow enough space around your bed. Don’t forget to take wardrobes, drawers and doors into consideration to ensure the bed is not going to hinder your use of any of these.
If you’re ordering a divan bed with drawers, you need to ensure they fully open. We advise allowing a minimum space of 55cm for the storage drawers to be pulled out.
By using the bed’s widest dimensions as a guide, check that the bed base will fit through your doorways and up the stairs without damaging walls, paintwork and accessories.
Stairs will always cause the biggest problems. All that needs to be done is measuring the shortest. Measure distances to any low or oddly shaped ceilings, especially those that are at a 90° angle to the staircase. Clearance space should be more than the width of the bed frame or mattress.
The size of bed and mattress you choose can make huge differences in the quality of your sleep as well as the practicality of your bedroom. Comfort should always be at the forefront of your mind. We advise considering how many people will be sleeping in the bed as well as the types of sleepers they are.
Don’t forget about style. Finding the right size and style of bed is key to creating that warm cosy feel in your bedroom. If you’re buying a bed for kids, like their clothes, we advise investing in a larger size so that it can last them into their teenage years.
Choosing the correct bed and mattress size is about striking the balance between style, practicality, and comfort.
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