Bed and mattress sizes can be a bit of a minefield. Terminology that can include metric and imperial measurements or just common names can leave you scratching your head. Throw in some American or European sizes and things can quickly become very confusing.
We thought that it would be useful to post a definitive guide to the standard bed and mattress sizes and terminology used in the UK market.
When discussing sizes we always use the mattress dimension which would also match the divan base dimension. Remember though, bed frames are available in all sorts of designs and can often be larger than the mattress that they support. When choosing a bed frame check the individual bed frame dimensions for suitability to your bed room.
Bed/Mattress Size Metric Imperial
Small Single 2’6″x6’3″ 75x190cm
Single 3’0″x6’3″ 90x190cm
Three Quarter 4’0″x6’3″ 120x190cm
Double 4’6″x6’3″ 135x190cm
King 5’0″x6’6″ 150x200cm
Super King 6’0″x6’6″ 180x299cm
Small Single Size – Great size for a spare bed where space is at a premium. Popular for a child’s first bed when transitioning from a cot bed. Not really big enough for an average adult to sleep in every night.
Single Size – A good size for one person to sleep comfortably whether a child or an average build adult.
Three Quarter Size (Small Double) – Very popular and versatile size. Can sleep two adults for short periods so can be a good spare bed where space is limited. Or gives extra room for a solo sleeper to stretch out and really relax. Taller people can also lie diagonally to avoid hanging over the edge of the mattress. We find this is a popular size for teenage bedrooms.
Double Size – Standard double size suits two average size adults without over crowding an average bedroom. It’s worth bearing in mind that each sleeper has just 67.5cm of individual sleep space. That’s less than a baby would have in a cot (70cm). We always stress the importance of upgrading on size wherever circumstances allow.
King Size – Being both wider and longer than a double, a king size offers a surprising 16% more sleep area than a double. The extra space helps you get an undisturbed and ultimately more restful night of sleep.
Super King Size – The same length as a king size but a whole foot (30cm) wider. Both sleepers really can stretch out in comfort in a super king. Obviously, you’ll need quite a large bedroom but also consider access up your staircase if you select this super luxurious option.
One of the most common sleep disruptors that we hear about is partner disturbance. The bigger the bed the less chance you have of being disturbed by your partner. And the greater the chance of a straight eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
