A Guide to Bed Sizes
Choosing the right bed size is a big decision and raises lots of questions: What are the standard UK mattress sizes? How is the bed frame measured? Will it fit in my bedroom? From singles to super king-size, our guide provides the dimensions of every standard UK bed/mattress size, and offers advice about measuring the bed frame so you can make the right decisions before you buy.
Quick note: UK bed sizes are referred to according to the size of mattress they're designed to hold, but the actual bed frame itself may be slightly larger, depending on its shape and style. Our measuring tips below cover this in more detail if you are buying a mattress and bed frame together.
Standard UK bed sizes
Single bed dimensions
3ft x 6 ft 3 inches (90cm x 190cm)
A standard UK single bed is normally 3ft (90cm) wide and 6ft 3" (190cm) long. It's an ideal choice if you sleep alone or need a bed to fit in a compact space. Comfort isn’t sacrificed with a single bed either, with the same level of quality workmanship given to the smaller size mattresses as you'd expect in the larger sizes. Single beds are a great investment and the perfect choice for young children transitioning from a cot, for older children into their teens, petite adults and guest rooms. Remember to always check the overall external dimensions of the bed frame as these vary between products.
Perfect for:
Children’s bedrooms and small spaces.
Small double bed dimensions
4 ft x 6 ft 3 inches (120cm x 190cm)
A wise choice for couples in a smaller bedroom, the standard UK size for a small double bed is 4ft (120cm) wide and 6ft 3 inches (190cm) long. A small double is also commonly known as a Queen-size bed. For comparison, it's wider than a single bed but not as wide as a standard-size double bed. A convenient solution for guest rooms and those that don't mind sleeping a little bit closer together, small double beds are becoming increasingly popular with people who sleep alone too, as the extra space is great for stretching out! Choose a divan or ottoman style with bags of storage to maximise the usefulness of a small double.
Perfect for:
Smaller bedrooms, single sleepers and occasional guest rooms.
Double bed dimensions
4 ft 6 inches x 6 ft 3 inches (135cm x 190cm)
A standard double bed is 4ft 6" (135cm) wide by 6ft 3" (190cm) long, which provides a comfortable amount of room for most couples to sleep well together. Double beds are the most commonly bought size of bed in the UK, so you'll find a wide range of double-bed styles in our shop's range. Don’t forget, the wider the bed, the better off you'll be when it comes to getting an undisturbed night’s sleep. If you’re a fidget through the night, you’ll definitely want to consider a bigger size bed if you share!
Perfect for:
Couples’ bedrooms and master bedrooms.
King-size bed dimensions
5 ft x 6 ft 6 inches (150cm x 200cm)
Standard King-size beds in the UK are 5ft (150cm) wide and 6ft 6" (200cm) long, so they're not only wider but also longer than double beds. This makes them a firm favourite for couples that enjoy more space when they snooze. King-size beds are also great for taller or bigger-built people, increasing comfort levels to almost guarantee an uninterrupted night's sleep. Choosing a more extravagant design can help the bed to become a focal point in the room too - great news if you're revamping your bedroom or guest space.
You can order this size bed in a dual zip-and-link option if you’re worried about access or turning a mattress.
Remember to always check the overall external dimensions of the bed frame as these vary between products.
Perfect for:
Master bedrooms.
Super-King size bed dimensions
6 ft x 6 ft 6 inches (180cm x 200cm)
Super King-size beds are the ultimate luxury if you crave totally uninterrupted sleep, and love the idea of sleeping together but want your own space. If you’ve got the space in your bedroom, consider treating yourself to a luxurious super-king bed. The best bed for comfort, the super-king can become a real statement piece in a bedroom. Plus, with dimensions of 6ft (180cm wide and 6ft 6" (200cm) long, you’ll never want to go back to that snug little double again!
If you’re worried about access or turning a mattress of this size you can order super-king mattresses in a dual zip-and-link option.
Perfect for:
Master bedrooms with plenty of space.
Other available bed sizes
The standard sizes above are the five most commonly sought-after bed sizes in the UK, but some manufacturers offer beds in different sizes, too. For example, in some ranges at The Bed Specialist you can also find:
- Single bed size variations:
- Long small single (75cm wide x 200cm long)
- Long standard single (90cm wide x 200cm long)
- Emperor size beds (217cm wide x 215cm long)
Bed Size Chart
Here's a handy summary chart for UK bed sizes. There's a PDF version of this chart, too, free to download. View Downloadable UK Bed Size Chart.
Choosing the right size bed
When it comes to quality of sleep, bed size can make a real difference. Comfort should be your priority. Ideally you want as much space as you can to sleep undisturbed, stretch out and relax, especially if one or both partners tend to be restless during the night. If you’re buying a child’s bed, remember they’ll need room to grow, so ideally start with a full-size single option if space allows.
In terms of bed style, the wrong size bed can impact the success of a room's design. Too big and the room can feel overcrowded. Too small and the bed will look out of place. Measuring your space carefully will help you envision the impact of your bed in the room and choose the best size to suit it.
You should also consider the height of your bed. This is often something that's neglected, but it can really impact how crowded the room feels. Measure the height of your room and your chosen headboard carefully, especially if your bedroom has sloping ceilings or awkard angles.
The big question. Will the bed fit?
No one wants the headache of a bed that either won’t fit or won’t work in the space. So before you buy, to avoid disappointment - follow these points…
- Double check the dimensions of the bed and the space it's going into.
It's a common mistake to take into account just the size of the mattress. As mentioned earlier, bed frame sizes are usually referred to by the size of mattress they're made for, e.g. single, double, king-size, etc. The exact external dimensions of a bed frame might be the same as the mattress, but it's often bigger.
For example, for some beds - like wooden or upholstered sleigh beds with beautiful, curved head and foot boards - the overall footprint can vary significantly. With simpler bed styles - such as a divan - the mattress goes all the way to edge of the divan base, so the dimensions of bed and mattress are the same (excluding any headboard).
The dimensions of our beds are clearly written down on each product page so be sure to check that before putting it in your basket.
Top tip: If you’re tall, remember that double beds are only 190cm long (that’s 6'3") and king-size is 200cm (or 6'6") in length. So a bed with a low foot end may be a better idea.
- Check the space of your room
Remember to allow for things like skirting boards, windows and door frames when planning how you want your room to look and feel. It’s important to think about where the rest of your bedroom furniture will go and to make sure you have enough room to be able to access drawers and cupboards.
Top tip: Use masking tape to mark out how much floor space will be taken up by the bedroom furniture you’re planning. It’ll give you a clear picture of the space you have available.
- Check the overall height of your chosen bed
If the bed is going under eaves, a high headboard may restrict how far back the bed can go against the wall and reduce the available space in the room.
Top tip: Divan style beds have detachable headboards, if you buy one with struts you can adapt the height to suit your room and aesthetics.
- And finally, check the access…
This is one of the most important things to check. Will the items you want fit up the stairs and around tight corners with low ceilings? While most beds are self-assembly, some headboards and storage bed bases are very large and bulky. It’s always better to double check than have the hassle of an item that won’t fit, after all – made to order items can’t be returned.
Bed Size FAQs
I'm confused about queen-size beds. Some sources say they are a small double, some say they are wider than a king-size bed! What's correct?
You're right, there are a lot of different points of view out there! For the most part, it's a UK vs US thing. Queen-size beds in the US are closer to our King-size beds, whereas in the UK most bed retailers, if they use the term “Queen-size”, are referring to a small double. The crucial thing is to be aware that these different interpretations exist when shopping for a bed, especially if you're buying online or internationally. Check the physical dimensions of the bed frame or mattress before ordering to be sure you get what you're expecting!
If a King-size bed is only 6 inches wider than a double, will my partner and I really notice much difference?
I know - it doesn't sound much, does it? Somehow, though, it makes all the difference in the world! And don't forget a king-size bed is a little longer, too. So many of our customers, trying a King-size bed for the first time, have been amazed at how much better they've slept and vow to never go back! All we can say is - try it! The expert team at The Bed Specialist can help you find a King-size bed that's right for you; some of our mattresses even come with a free comfort trial period (ask us about qualifying guidelines and replacement delivery costs).
Can I buy a double mattress to go on my existing king-size bed frame?
We don't recommend it, for several reasons. A mattress that's too small for the bed frame can cause instability and make the bed wobble. It may not provide enough support for you, which can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, as well as leading to interrupted sleep, aches and pains over time. If your existing king-size mattress needs to be replaced but you're looking to make economies, you might be surprised at the low prices you'll pay at The Bed Specialist for a tuly comfortable and good quality king-size mattress.
What is the biggest bed you sell?
The biggest standard size bed size we offer here at The Bed Specialist is the Emperor bed size which is 7 ft wide (217cm) by 7 ft long (217cm). Acres of space for you and a partner to stretch out…or cosy Sunday mornings with the whole family (including the dog!)
Can I customise the size of my bed?
Yes! We can make a bed to any size you wish, with various bespoke options available. Just speak to our team over the phone to see what’s possible for the bed or mattress you’ve chosen, or pop along to our lovely showroom for a chat!
Found your ideal sized frame?
It’s time to pair it with the perfect mattress. Our handy guides will easily help you navigate through the options to choose the right one.
Category: Useful Information
