When looking to update your bedroom, choosing the right size bed and mattress is crucial. However, this can often feel like an extremely daunting task due to the many sizes and types available. This handy guide will hopefully, help make this task easier, detailing everything you need to know about bed sizes and who they are most suited to.
UK Mattresses and Bed Sizes
In order to ensure your new product fits comfortably in your room, it is advisable to check the dimensions of your room before you buy a new bed or mattress. We also recommend you check your bed frame is the correct size for your mattress as bed frame sizes can vary significantly. As a general rule of thumb, metal and wooden bed frames tend to have larger dimensions than divan beds without a headboard, as the mattress tends to sit within the frame rather than on top of a base. The dimensions of fabric bed frames differ hugely depending on the shape, style, fabric used and the amount of detail included.
| Bed/Mattress size | Cot Bed | Toddler Bed | Small Single | Single | Small Double | Double | King size | Super King size | Super King size Zip and Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width x Length (cm) | 60 x 120 | 70 x 140 | 75 x 190 | 90 x 190 | 120 x 190 | 135 x 190 | 150 x 200 | 180 x 200 | 2 x 90 x 200 |
| Width x Length (feet) | 23″ x 47″ | 2’3″ x 4’6″ | 2’6″ x 6’3″ | 3’0″ x 6’3″ | 4’0″ x 6’3″ | 4’6″ x 6’3″ | 5’0″ x 6’6″ | 6’0″ x 6’6″ | 2 x 3’0″ x 6’6″ |
European Bed Sizes
The biggest difference between European and UK size categories is that European sizes tend to be slightly bigger, supplying a slightly larger sleeping area.
| Bed/Mattress size | Euro Single (Twin) | Euro Small Double | Euro Double | Euro King |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width x Length (cm) | 90 x 200 | 120 x 200 | 140 x 200 | 160 x 200 |
| Width x Length (feet) | 3’0” x 6’6” | 4’0” x 6’6” | 4’7” x 6’6” | 5’3” x 6’6” |
Non Standard Bed Sizes
| Bed/Mattress size | Small Single Long | Long single | Small Double Long | Double Long | Small Emperor | Emperor |
| Width x Length (cm) | 75 x 200 | 90 x 100 | 120 x 200 | 135 x 200 | 200 x 200 | 215 x 215 |
| Width x Length (feet) | 2’6″ x 6’6″ | 3’0″ x 6’6″ | 4’0″ x 6’6″ | 4’6” x 6’6” | 6’6″ x 6’6″ | 7’0″ x 7’7″ |
Small Single Beds/Mattresses…
Small single beds and mattresses are a great choice for younger children or smaller sleepers making them a popular ‘transition’ bed (moving from a cot bed to a ‘big bed’). Measuring 75cm x 190cm (2’6″ x 6’3″) small single bed frames and mattresses work well in rooms where space is tight.
Single Beds/Mattresses…
At 90cm x 190cm (3’0″ x 6’3″) they are the most common size for children as they can account for growth spurts from toddler days through to teenage years. Being suitable for both children and adults alike, full size single beds are ideal for children’s beds, guest beds, and rooms with smaller spaces.
Small Double Beds/Mattresses…
Being wider than a single bed but smaller in width than a double, small doubles measure 120cm x 190cm (4’0″ x 6’3″). Best suited to solo sleepers, small doubles make a great choice for children and teenagers looking to spread out in bed. Where room space is at a premium, small doubles are a smart choice, especially if choosing a small double ottoman bed as this will provide maximum storage. It is important to note that two adult sleepers might find a small double bed a little cozy with little room for stretching.
Double Beds/Mattresses…
Designed to comfortably sleep two adults, a standard double bed/mattress is the most common and widely available size for all bed types in the UK (135cm x 190cm / 4’6” x 6’3″).
King Size Beds/Mattresses…
Longer and wider than a standard double bed and mattress, king size beds and mattresses supply plenty of space for two adult sleepers, especially those in need of extra leg room, and taller than 190cm (6’3″). Best suited to larger bedrooms where more space is available, a king size mattress measures 150cm x 200cm (5’0″ x 6’6″).
Super King Size Beds/Mattresses…
Providing an abundance of space (180cm x 200cm/6’0″ x 6’6″) super king size beds are best suited to large rooms. They are perfect for families who like to squeeze in for a morning cuddle, or those who just value a lot of space.
Choosing the right bed size!
It is difficult to decide the ‘right’ mattress for individuals without taking into consideration a person’s sleeping position, body type and size, the number of sleepers using the bed each night, and personal preferences (soft, medium firm tension). The length and width of your bed frame must also be taken into consideration when making a purchase.
More information can be found in our guide: How to choose the best mattress for me.
Additional information when buying a new mattress/bed…
A common mistake when buying a new mattress is to use the mattress size measurements for the required space and not the bed frame measurements. As bed frame measurements vary from frame to frame, and almost always are slightly larger than the mattress dimensions, it is important that you know exactly how much space you have to play with in your room. Where possible, we recommend buying the largest size bed/mattress you can fit in your room.
New bed and mattress purchases should be seen as an investment and if chosen well and looked after properly, mattresses and beds should last for many years. (The National Bed Federation recommends replacing your bed/mattress every 7-8 years.) To help ensure the longevity of your mattress, we recommend using a mattress protector.
Our team of award-winning bed experts are on hand to help you find the right bed for you. Give them a call today on 01928 242829 or email sales@landofbeds.co.uk Alternatively, use the chat feature on our website. Our staff are ready to share their knowledge and their outstanding customer service skills come as standard!