Ever found yourself puzzled by the difference between a king size and a super king?
Or perhaps you've struggled to fit a double bed through a door?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain standard bed and mattress sizes, from the compact single bed to the spacious super king.
We use imperial units and dimensions as we find them to be the most accurate.
Written By: Michal Szlas
Michal Szlas is the founder of OTTY Sleep and a lifelong sports enthusiast who understands the critical role quality sleep plays in recovery and performance. With his extensive background in sports and passion for optimizing sleep, Michal is a trusted authority dedicated to helping you achieve better, more restorative sleep every night.
Table of contents
Standard Bed and Mattress Sizes in the UK
Standard Single Bed - 90x190cm
Small Double Bed - 120x190cm
Standard Double Bed - 135x190cm
King Size Bed - 150x200cm
Super King Size Bed - 180x200cm
The Difference Between UK Bed Sizes
Single Mattresses
Single mattresses, often the choice for children's rooms or guest spaces, is the smallest standard size. It provides enough space for one person to sleep comfortably.
Double Mattresses
Moving up the scale, we have double mattresses. This size offers more room and is typically suitable for two people. It's a popular choice for couples or individuals who enjoy extra space while sleeping.
King Size Mattresses
King size mattresses are even larger, providing ample space for couples who value their personal sleeping space
Super King Mattresses
Lastly, super king size mattresses are the largest standard size. It's the epitome of luxury and comfort, offering an abundance of space for those who desire it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Bed and Mattress
Step 1 - Identify Your Bed Type
Start by identifying the type of bed you have. It could be a single bed, double bed, king size bed, super king, or a small single bed.
Step 2 - Measure The Bed Frame
Next, measure the bed frame. This is crucial as the bed frame what size you choose for your mattress will depend on it.
Step 3 - Measure The Mattress
After measuring the bed frame, proceed to measure the mattress. Remember, the size bed and mattress should be compatible for a comfortable sleep.
Step 4 - Record The Measurments
Finally, record your measurements. This will help you when you decide to choose a bed or mattress in the future.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Your Bed and Mattress
Ignoring the bed frame. When measuring your bed and mattress, don't forget to include the bed frame. It can add significant inches to your overall bed size.
Not considering mattress depth. Many people focus on the length and width, but forget about the depth. This is crucial, especially when buying bed sheets or a mattress protector.
Forgetting room size. Before choosing a king size bed or a standard double bed, ensure your room can accommodate it.
Accurate measurement is key to a comfortable sleep.
How to Determine the Right Bed and Mattress Size for Your Room
Choosing the right bed and mattress size for your room can be a bit of a puzzle. It's not just about the bed size, but also about how much space you have in your bedroom.
Firstly, measure your bedroom size. This will give you a clear idea of the space you have to work with. Remember to consider the space needed for other furniture and walking around.
Also consider the height of the bed and check out our guide to mattress heights
Next, consider the bed frame. The size bed you choose will also depend on the bed frame you have or plan to buy. Some frames can add significant inches to your bed size.
How to Check if Your New Bed and Mattress Will Fit Through Your Doorways
Before you shop for a king size bed or a standard double bed, it's crucial to ensure it will fit through your door. The first step is to measure your doorways. Use a tape measure to get the width and height of all the doors the bed will need to pass through.
Next, compare these measurements with the dimensions of the bed frame and mattress size you're considering. Remember, a king size bed or a double bed may need to be tilted to fit through a door.
If you're unsure, a good rule of thumb is that a standard door in the UK is 762mm wide. This should comfortably fit a single bed, but larger sizes may be a challenge.
What to Do if Your New Bed and Mattress Doesn't Fit
It's a common predicament - you've shopped for a king size bed or a standard double bed, only to find it doesn't fit through your door.
Don't panic! There are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue.
Firstly, consider disassembling the bed frame. Most bed frames can be taken apart. This makes it easier to manoeuvre the pieces through tight doorways.
If disassembly isn't an option, you might need to consider an alternative route into your home. Perhaps there's a larger door or a window that the bed and mattress could fit through.
How Bed Frames Can Affect the Size of Your Bed and Mattress
The bed frame you choose can significantly impact the size of your bed and mattress. It's not just about the aesthetics; the frame's dimensions can alter the overall bed size. For instance, a king size bed frame may not necessarily accommodate a king size mattress perfectly.
The bed frame's design can also play a part. Some frames have a border that can reduce the usable mattress area, while others may extend beyond the mattress, increasing the overall bed size.
It's crucial to consider the bed frame when shopping for a new bed and mattress. A mismatch between the frame and mattress size can lead to discomfort and even damage to your mattress.
So, whether it's a single bed frame for a small single bed or a double bed frame for a standard double bed, always ensure the frame and mattress size are compatible.
Choosing the Right Bed Frame for Your Bed and Mattress Size
Here are some tips to help you choose the right bed frame for your bed and mattress size:
Understand Your Bed Size
Whether it's a single bed, double bed, king size bed, or super king, knowing your bed size is crucial. This will guide you in selecting a bed frame that fits perfectly.
Consider the Mattress Size
The size of your mattress should align with the bed frame. A standard double bed mattress won't fit well on a small single bed frame.
Shop King Size Carefully
If you're shopping for a king size bed frame, ensure it's designed to accommodate the larger mattress size.
Check the Frame Dimensions
Always check the bed frame dimensions before purchase. This will ensure your bed and mattress fit snugly, providing you with a comfortable sleep.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Remember, it's not just about the bed size, but also the bed frame and mattress size.
Take the time to measure, collect information, and make an informed decision.
Understanding bed and mattress sizes in the UK is crucial to ensure comfort, maximise space, and avoid any potential issues when fitting your new bed through your door.
Finally, don't forget that the standard size may not always be the best fit for you.
