A guide to UK bed sizes to find your perfect bed

Large Rococo French style bed in a spacious white bedroom. Considering we spend a third of our lives asleep, it’s important to find the perfect bed to rest our heads. As the central feature of a bedroom, it’s only natural to crave a piece of furniture that is as comfortable as it is stylish. Whether you’re relocating, redecorating or simply think it’s time for an upgrade, choosing a new bed should always begin with finding the right size. First things first, obtain the proper measurements of your bedroom to see what your potential bed size could be. If the bed is intended for two adults, it’s recommended to opt for one at least 10cm longer than the tallest person. Bed sizes in the UK are usually measured by the size of the mattress they hold. However, always go by the size of the bed frame when you are using them for how much space you can afford since they will always be slightly bigger than the mattress size. Note that some retailers have their own size guide for their products which may differ from typical measurements. This handy table gives some of the standard dimensions for most modern mattresses:  
Name of bed/mattress Imperial Size Metric Size
Small single 2’6” x 6’3” 75 x 190 cm
Single 3’ x 6’3” 90 x 190 cm
Small double 4’ x 6’3” 120 x 190 cm
Double 4’6” x 6’3” 135 x 190 cm
King 5’ x 6’6” 150 x 200 cm
Super King 6’ x 6’6” 180 x 200 cm
 

What is the biggest bed size?

  The super king bed is the largest of all UK bed sizes. A huge 6’ x 6’6”, a super king provides copious amounts of space, perfect for families to lounge on as a Sunday morning alternative to the sofa. Couples also sleep better in a bigger bed. If your partner is prone to tossing and turning and disturbing you in their sleep, you’ll have the room to migrate across your expansive mattress. If you have a grandmaster bedroom, a super king will fit seamlessly as the centrepiece of the room. There are plenty of styles and models, such as sleigh beds and rattan frames available to help you achieve your desired aesthetic.  

How big is a super king size bed?

As mentioned above, a super king bed measures at 6’ x 6’6”. A UK super king is the same size as a European super king. It’s globally acknowledged that if people had the choice, they would opt for an extra few inches of comfort to promise a good night’s sleep. Whether you need more room to sprawl out or you simply like the grandeur associated with a bigger bed, you can’t go wrong with the abundance of space offered by the mammoth of the bed world.  

What size is a standard double bed?

The most common and widely available bed size is the standard double, measuring at 4’6” x 6’ 3”. The double was designed in order for two people to sleep together comfortably, although their popularity is largely down to the fact that they can accommodate adults, couples and teenagers. For single sleepers, doubles provide ample space if more room than a single bed is required.  

How big is a queen size bed?

The dimensions of a queen size bed can be quite ambiguous, as many people consider a small double to be a queen, although others disagree and deem them to be the same as a king size bed. In the UK, a small double measured at 4’ x 6’3” is often referred to as a queen or a three-quarter bed, in the way that it is wider than a standard single bed but not as wide as a double. It’s the ideal choice for those who sleep alone but would prefer more legroom, or even couples who prefer being closer together during their sleep. Queen size beds are often placed in smaller bedrooms or guest rooms as an alternative to a standard single or double.

Is a queen bed bigger than a king?

A queen-sized bed in the UK, measuring in at 4’ x 6’3,” is smaller than a king sized bed which boasts more space at 5’ x 6’6”. A queen bed is a small double bed and the perfect solution for those who would benefit from a wide sleeping space but have a bedroom where floor space is limited. Note that the phrase ‘queen size’ originates from America, which unlike the UK, considers queens to be either the equivalent size or slightly smaller than a king, so there are often overseas examples of queen size measuring over 5’.  

What are the dimensions of a king size bed?

A standard king size bed is 5’ x 6’6”. Typically, the length of any double, or smaller bed, is 6’3”. The king size is the longest in length out of all of the beds, along with the super king, with the dimension of 6’6”. A king size bed provides more room than a double for two adults and is often favoured for bigger bedrooms which have the space to facilitate a larger bed.  

Make the most of the space you have. Fern xx

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