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UK Bed & Mattress Size Guide
In the UK, a bed's named size describes the size of mattress the frame is designed to hold - the frame itself is always a little larger, and frame dimensions vary between designs. The table below lists the standard UK mattress sizes our frames are made for, with a suggested room size for each. Before ordering, always check the product specifications - and if you are keeping an existing frame, measure its internal sleeping surface rather than relying on the name alone.
All of our bed frames and mattresses are made to these standard UK sizes, so matching sizes pair together as intended.
On this page
Standard UK Bed Sizes
| Size | Metric (cm) | Imperial | Best for | Suggested room size* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 75 x 190 cm | 2ft 6in x 6ft 3in | Children, small guest rooms, box rooms | 7ft x 9ft |
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | 3ft x 6ft 3in | Children, teens, one adult | 7ft x 10ft |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 cm | 4ft x 6ft 3in | One adult who likes space, couples in compact rooms | 8ft x 10ft |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm | 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in | Couples, the most popular UK size | 9ft x 10ft |
| King Size | 150 x 200 cm | 5ft x 6ft 6in | Couples who want extra width and length | 10ft x 11ft |
| Super King | 180 x 200 cm | 6ft x 6ft 6in | Maximum sleeping space, taller sleepers, families who co-sleep | 11ft x 12ft |
The metric figures above are the nominal values most UK retailers quote; UK beds are traditionally dimensioned in feet and inches, so metric figures vary slightly between sources. The dimensions printed on each product page are the ones that govern for that product. King and super king mattresses are also longer than other sizes - worth knowing if you are tall.
Naming caveat: some UK retailers call a small double a "queen" - but the name is used inconsistently (a few even use it for super king), and it is never the same as a US queen (152 x 203 cm). Always go by the dimensions, not the name.
*Planning suggestions, not requirements. Each figure is the mattress footprint plus about 60 cm of walking space on each accessible side and at least 60 cm at the foot; add a further 50-60 cm in front of any divan drawers so they can open fully. Your room's shape, door swings, radiators and wardrobe space matter more than the total floor area - an ottoman bed lifts vertically and needs no drawer clearance (allow standing room at the lift side and headroom for the open lid).
The dimensions above are the standard sizes used across UK bed retailers - an industry convention rather than a legal standard. If you are pairing with a second-hand or imported frame (European sizes differ), measure the frame before ordering.
How to Choose the Right Size
Measure your room first. Leave at least 60 cm of walking space on each accessible side of the bed - more if you plan drawers on a divan base, since each drawer needs about 50-60 cm of clearance to open fully. An ottoman storage bed lifts vertically, so it needs no drawer clearance - but allow standing room at the foot (end-lift) or side (side-lift) to work the mechanism, and make sure the raised lid clears light fittings and sloped ceilings.
Go as big as the room allows. Most people sleep better with more space. If your room fits a king comfortably, the upgrade from a double is 15 cm of extra width and 10 cm of extra length per person.
Check the access route, not just the bedroom. Measure stairwells, landing turns and doorframes before ordering a king or super king. Our double, king and super king divan bases are delivered as two separate halves that join in the room, which makes tight British staircases far easier to navigate.
Match the mattress to the frame size exactly. A UK king mattress (nominally 150 x 200 cm) is made for a UK king frame. European sizes (IKEA and some imports) differ - a European double is 140 x 200 cm and will not fit a UK frame properly. When in doubt, measure.
Mattress Depth & Fitted Sheets
Mattress depth is separate from length and width. Our own mattresses run 23-28 cm deep (see each product page for the exact figure); deep pillow-top and hybrid models elsewhere can reach 30-35 cm. If you choose a deeper mattress, buy deep-fitted sheets (usually labelled 30 cm or 38 cm / "extra deep") so the corners stay put.
Firmness is personal rather than standardised - there is no official UK firmness scale, so one brand's "medium-firm" can feel like another's "firm". If you are unsure, our team can talk you through the options on WhatsApp before you order.
Common Size Questions
Will a new UK mattress fit my existing bed frame?
Almost always. Named sizes refer to the mattress the frame is designed to hold, and UK mattress sizes are consistent across manufacturers - but frames vary in design, so measure your frame's internal sleeping surface and compare it with the mattress dimensions before ordering, especially with older or imported frames.
Is a small double big enough for two adults?
It works for compact rooms, but each person gets only 60 cm of width - less than a single bed each. For everyday use by two adults, a standard double or king is more comfortable.
What is the difference between a queen and a small double?
In the UK they are the same thing: 120 x 190 cm (4ft). "Queen" is the older high-street name; "small double" is the modern one. It is not the same as a US queen size.
Do king and super king bases come in one piece?
Our king and super king divan bases are made as two halves that bolt together in your room, so delivery through tight hallways and staircases is straightforward. Headboards arrive separately and attach with standard fittings.
Further Reading
For impartial, industry-wide buying advice, the National Bed Federation's Bed Buyers' Guide (the UK bed industry's trade association) covers choosing mattresses, bed bases and pillows in more detail. For our own policies, see delivery information and returns policy.
Ready to choose?
Browse the full collection - the sizes offered for each frame are listed on its product page, all with free mainland UK delivery.
Ready to Choose Your Size?
Pieces from the current collection - sizes, colours and options are listed on each product page.
