Choosing the right size for your bed and mattress is arguably the most important decisions you’ll have to make considering your bedroom. Bed and mattress sizes can differ between countries, which is why we’ve included UK standard sizes as well as EU standard sizes.
To help you decide, we put together a comprehensive article for Mattress and Bed Size Guide in the UK. We’ll discuss sizes, how to choose a specific one and which options are the most popular out there. So let’s get started!
What are the standard mattress and bed sizes in the UK?
The first thing you have to check is if the length and width of your mattress match your bed frame. With that said, don’t forget about your bedroom size as well, since you want your bed to be able to fit inside. First, we will talk about UK bed and mattress sizes. They are the following:
Small Single Size
A small single mattress or small single bed usually measures 75cm wide and 190cm long, which is the same as 2 feet 6 inches wide and 6 feet 3 inches long. This size is often recommended for kids bedrooms or small spaces and guest rooms.
Single Size
The single bed and single mattress size in the UK is 90 cm wide and 190 cm long, which in the imperial chart measures 3 feet and 6 feet 3 inches long. Single sized products are designed for one person, as the name implies. They are suitable for kids, teens, and young adults.
Small Double Size
Next, we have the smaller alternative to a double bed or mattress with set dimensions: 120 cm wide and 190 cm long (imperial: 4 feet wide and 6 feet 3 inches long). Since it is a small double, it is mainly used by one person, but two thinner people would also be able to fit.
Double Size
The double bed size and the double mattress size in the UK measure up to 135 cm wide and 190 cm long, which is 4 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 3 inches in imperial size. It is one of the most popular sizes because it can comfortably fit two people. This option is typically used in small and average-sized rooms.
King Size
The standard king-sized bed or mattress is the most favoured choice when it comes down to sleeping, measuring at 150 cm wide and 200 cm long or be 5 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long. This size is 10cm longer, which can be quite beneficial for a taller person that wants to avoid his feet hanging off the end. It also accommodates two persons comfortably, but don’t forget to check if the frame can fit through your door frame.
Super King Size
The super king bed or mattress is considered the largest standard size in the UK. It measures at 180 cm wide and 200 cm long (imperial: 6 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long). We recommend this option for people who enjoy the extra sleeping space. They can also be a popular choice for parents with children that want to snuggle up after a scary dream.
Emperor Size
Lastly, we have emperor mattress size, which is even larger, measuring at 180 cm wide and 200 cm long or 6 feet 6 inches wide and 6 feet 6 inches long. It is the biggest you can get with customizing your bed. Two larger-than-average individuals can utilize this option. Keep in mind that emperor size beds can be an expensive investment.
What are the standard mattress and bed sizes in the EU?
Even if you live in the UK, you might find yourself EU size mattress and bed. Here is a brief summary of EU sizes:
Euro Single Size
A standard European single, also known as a twin, stands at 90 cm wide and 200 cm long, which in imperial measurements is 3 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long. It is 10 cm longer than UK’s single size, making both EU mattresses and beds a little longer while keeping the same width.
Euro Small Double Size
European small doubles measure 120 cm wide and 200 cm long or 4 feet by 6 feet 6 inches long. Like their UK equivalent, they can be used by two people and can fit smaller spaces such as children’s bedrooms or guest rooms.
Euro Double Size
A European double bed and mattress usually have set dimensions: 140 cm wide and 200 cm long (imperial: 4 feet 7 inches wide and 6 feet 6 inches long). They’re the most common EU bed size because they offer plenty of sleeping space without taking up too much of your bedroom or living area.
Euro King Size
A European king size is bed 160cm wide and 200cm long, which is equivalent to 4 feet 7 inches wide and 6 feet 6 inches long. This option offers a luxurious amount of space for a couple that loves spacious sleeping surfaces.
Euro Super King Size
Finally, we have the Euro super king at 180cm wide and 200cm long, which is the same as the UK super king standing strong at 6 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long. This way, you get to choose mattresses and beds from both the UK and EU sizes, since in this case, they match!
What mattress size do most people have?
If you have the option of choosing any size you want, but you don’t know which one will suit you best, you can always look at the most popular choices. Which? Has created a survey that shows that more than three in four people choose a king-size or double mattress and bed. Recently, super king mattresses have gained up some popularity, standing in the third position. Here is the rest:
How to choose the right mattress for your bedframe?
After we explained mattress and bed sizes, it’s time to talk about choosing the right mattress for your bedframe because every standard mattress has a corresponding bed frame. A double-sized mattress should fit onto a double bed frame, but you have to understand that there might be some wiggle room since manufacturers design their beds differently.
Here are the most common bed frame styles, which may affect the fit:
Wooden Frames
Wooden bed frames are a popular option for homeowners because they are sturdy and long-lasting. Usually, they have attractive designs on their headboards and footboards while having a base made from sturdy slats. They can be slightly bigger than their corresponding mattress, meaning you shouldn’t worry about the small gaps around the edges.
Upholstered Beds
Upholstered bed frames are covered with additional materials like velvet, faux leather, and suede. Due to the added materials, they are padded, which can inevitably affect the mattress’s fit. Keep in mind that this type of bed can come in the ‘sleigh’ shape, and that means you might need a low-profile mattress, so you should account for the detail, shape, and amount of fabric on the frame.
Divan Beds
Divan beds are typically made from two separate parts, with most models having wheels to make them easy to move around. However, if this type of bed has a headboard, you should consider how it can affect the fit.
Ottoman Frames
Lastly, we have ottoman bed frames that come with additional storage space when lifted up. They don’t need a mattress, but if you still want to add one, we recommend opting for a lighter one so that it can fit on the frame. Anything too heavy and bulky can make it hard to lift, which can be a struggle.
Overall, you should always double-check the dimensions of your bed frame before purchasing your mattress so that it can fit perfectly. In this case, sizing down or up isn’t necessarily a good idea!
Bottom line
Remember always double-check the measurements and make sure that the type of bedframe can sometimes affect the fit of your mattress. We hope we were able to help you in your venture of understanding mattress and bed sizes. Now it’s our turn to hear from you if any questions regarding the subject were left unanswered. If you want to share some information, we would gladly hear about it in the comments below.