Which Bed Size Do I Need? A Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for a new bed? Choosing the right bed size is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make for your bedroom.

It’s a delicate balancing act between having enough floor space to move around comfortably and ensuring you’ve got ample sleeping space to rest and recharge.

While we’d all love a spacious bed to stretch out in, it’s essential to consider how the bed will fit within your room’s overall layout and functionality.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect bed size:

 

 

Choosing a bed if you already have a mattress

If you’re working with an existing mattress that you plan to keep, your path is straightforward – you’ll need to select a bed frame that perfectly matches your mattress dimensions.

Your mattress will conform to either UK or EU sizing standards:

UK mattress sizes:

● UK Single – 90cm x 190cm (3′ x 6’3″)

● UK Small double – 120cm x 190cm (4′ x 6’3″)

● UK Double – 135cm x 190cm (4’6″ x 6’3″)

● UK King – 150cm x 200cm (5′ x 6’6″)

● UK Super king – 180cm x 200cm (6′ x 6’6″)

EU mattress sizes:

● EU Single – 90cm x 200cm (3′ x 6’6″)

● EU Small Double – 120cm x 200cm (4′ x 6’6″)

● EU Double – 140cm x 200cm (4’7″ x 6’6″)

● EU King – 160cm x 200cm (5’3″ x 6’6″)

● EU Super King – 180cm x 200cm (5’9″ x 6’6″)

● EU Emperor – 200cm x 200cm (6’6″ x 6’6″)

Simply match your existing mattress measurements to the corresponding bed frame size, and you’re all set for a perfect fit.

Remember to measure your mattress carefully, as even slight variations can affect comfort and appearance.

Choosing a bed when you also need a new mattress

When you’re in the market for both a bed frame and a mattress, you’ve got much more flexibility to customise your sleeping arrangement.

Here’s a detailed look at the most popular sizes to help you make an informed decision:

Single

A single bed, designed for a 90cm x 190cm (3′ x 6’3″) mattress, is the ideal choice for children’s and teenagers’ bedrooms.

These beds are particularly space-efficient, making them perfect for smaller rooms where maximising floor space is a priority.

The narrow width allows for plenty of room for other furniture, study areas, or play spaces, while still providing comfortable sleeping accommodation for one person.

 

Small double

The small double bed size, accommodating a 120cm x 190cm (4′ x 6’3″) mattress, offers an excellent compromise between space efficiency and sleeping comfort.

While maintaining the same length as a standard double, it’s 15cm narrower, making it a brilliant solution for rooms where a full double bed might feel overwhelming.

It’s also a fantastic upgrade option from a single bed, providing extra width without dominating the room.

This size is particularly popular in urban homes where space is at a premium, but comfort can’t be compromised.

Double

The double bed, accommodating a 135cm x 190cm (4’6″ x 6’3″) mattress, remains the most sought-after choice for bedrooms across the UK.

This popular size strikes an excellent balance between comfort and practicality, making it ideal for couples under 6ft in height.

For those seeking extra legroom, several manufacturers offer extended double beds that provide an additional 10-15cm of length, perfect for taller individuals who don’t require additional width.

King-size

When it comes to luxurious sleeping arrangements, king-size beds take centre stage, featuring a generous 150cm x 200cm (5′ x 6’6″) mattress.

These beds offer a noticeable upgrade in both length and width compared to standard doubles, making them the perfect choice for taller individuals or anyone who values abundant personal space whilst sleeping.

The extra dimensions provide ample room for stretching out, ensuring a more restful night’s sleep without disturbing your partner.

 

Don’t make this common mistake!

Here’s a crucial point that many shoppers overlook: whilst a bed frame might be marketed for a specific mattress size, the actual dimensions of bed frames can vary significantly between manufacturers and styles.

Some frames feature prominent headboards or footboards that extend beyond the mattress dimensions, while others might have a more compact profile.

The height can also differ considerably, affecting both the aesthetic and practical aspects of your bedroom setup.

Top tip: If you’re working with limited space, consider a double bed with storage.

These practical options are designed to match the mattress dimensions almost exactly, with no protruding frames or legs.

As an added bonus, many divan beds come with built-in storage drawers, helping you maximise your bedroom’s storage potential.

 

Measuring your usable bed space

Before you commit to purchasing that stunning king-size bed you’ve been eyeing, it’s essential to conduct a thorough assessment of your bedroom’s dimensions.

Begin by measuring your available bed space, starting with the length from the wall, followed by the width measurement from the end of the length.

When calculating the width, don’t forget to factor in space for bedside tables and ensure there’s comfortable clearance for getting in and out of bed.

Ideally, you should aim to have accessible space on both sides of the bed for ease of movement and making the bed.

Remember that a bed that’s too large for your space can create significant practical challenges.

This might manifest as a footboard that protrudes into walking areas or a width that makes the room feel cramped and uncomfortable.

Consider how the bed will affect the overall flow and functionality of your bedroom.

For most adults, a double bed provides sufficient space for comfortable sleeping, whilst king-size beds are better suited to larger rooms where their generous proportions won’t overwhelm the space.

When furnishing spare rooms or children’s bedrooms, single and small double beds often prove to be the most practical choices, offering comfortable sleeping arrangements while maintaining valuable floor space for other activities.