So you’re buying a new bed or mattress, but you’re not sure about what the different bed sizes are. "Is there a standard size?" "Do I have to buy my bed frame and mattress at the same time?" "How big are king size bed dimensions compared to a standard double?"
It’s enough to stress anyone out, which is why we thought we’d put together this quick-reference guide to help you out. If we’ve missed anything out or you’d like to know more please do comment below or tweet us at @FullRangeFurni and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.
In the UK, bed sizes are measured according to the size of the mattress they hold, which is a standard measurement. However, the actual dimensions of the bed frames can vary according to their shape and style, which is what can often cause confusion. A common mistake is to use the mattress size measurements for the required space, but you should always look at individual bed frame dimensions for exact measurements, as they will vary from frame to frame, and almost always be slightly larger than the mattress dimensions.
Most modern beds/mattresses sold in the UK (and Ireland) are constructed using imperial dimensions but are generally sold in their approximate metric equivalents:
| Bed/Mattress Size | Dimensions (Imperial) | Dimensions (Metric) |
| Small Single | 2’6” x 6’3” | 75 x 190 cm |
| Single | 3’0” x 6’3” | 90 x 190 cm |
| Small Double (Queen) | 4’0” x 6’3” | 120 x 190 cm |
| Double | 4’6” x 6’3” | 135 x 190 cm |
| King Size | 5’0” x 6’6” | 150 x 200 cm |
| Super King Size | 6’0” x 6’6” | 180 x 200 cm |
Ideal for younger children or the petite, ‘small single’ (2’6”) bed frames and mattresses work well in smaller bedrooms where space is tight. They are also a good ‘transition’ bed for young children moving from a cot into their first ‘grown-up’ bed.
Suitable for both children and adults, ‘single’ (3’0”) beds are wider than ‘small singles’ and provide a good amount of room for a single sleeper. This is the most common size for children’s beds, including bunk beds.
A ‘small double’ (4’0”) bed (also known as a ‘Queen’ or a ‘Three Quarter’) is wider than a single bed but smaller in width than a double. It provides plenty of space for one or enough room for two (although two adults may find it a little ‘cosy’). Great for smaller bedrooms and guestrooms where a standard double won’t quite fit.
A ‘double’ bed (4’6”) is designed to sleep two adults comfortably. This is the most common and widely available size for all bed types in the UK.
A standard ‘King Size’ (5’0”) bed includes a longer length than the standard ‘double’ (6’6” instead of 6’3”). A king size bed will provide plenty of room for two adult sleepers, but should only be used in larger bedrooms with more space.
These are the standard sizes of beds and mattresses in the UK, but be sure to always double check – just in case. Some retailers have their own bed and mattresses, which is REALLY annoying because it means you have to buy both the bed frame and the mattress from the same store, instead of being able to mix and match.
| IKEA Bed/Mattress Size | Dimensions (Imperial) | Dimensions (Metric) |
| IKEA Single | 2’6” x 6’6” | 90 x 200 cm |
| IKEA Double | 4’7” x 6’6” | 140 x 200 cm |
| IKEA King Size | 5’2” x 6’6” | 160 x 200 cm |
| IKEA Super King Size | 6’0” x 6’6” | 180 x 200 cm |
