We’re all searching for the perfect bed: a relaxing haven in our home, or a port in a storm. But to get there, there’s a few practical considerations we need to make - like bed style, colour, storage and finding the best bed size for us. To help make this process as smooth (and fun) as possible, we’ve put together a handy guide on bed sizes. UK bed sizes do differ from European ones, so before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to take a few measurements, like the width, length and height of the area you’ll be placing your new bed to compare to any bed dimensions you learn. When you’re happy, it’ll be time to explore a premium bed range that ticks all your boxes.
Wondering what bed size is right for you? Read our guide to bed sizes, from smallest to biggest.
Cot bed
Beds aren’t just for adults; growing kids need the same – if not more – support for their growing shapes and developing sleeping styles. And for that, a cot bed is the ideal choice. Made to match a standard UK cot bed mattress, it’ll often have tall sides to stop little ones rolling off when they sleep and to help them stand in the mornings. In terms of measurements, most cot beds will be up to 70x140cm, but many smaller cot frames exist. To avoid a mismatch between your mattress and cot, always double check dimensions for both before you buy. The best kind of cot mattress will grow with your baby into toddlerhood, so your child always enjoys adequate support for their changing shape and sleeping style. Like the Simba Cot Bed Mattress, which features a firm side for babies and a softer, more cushioned side for toddlers thanks to its unique, double-sided design.
Small single
Next up, the small single bed. Slightly narrower than your average UK single at 75x190cm, it’s a good stepping stone up from a cot bed for growing children thanks to the extra length. You might also go for a small single if you’re limited on bed space, especially if you’re setting out somewhere as a guest room.
Single
Single beds might be one of our unsung heroes. Small by name but big in impact, they’re a well-loved choice for kids and guest spaces for a reason. Offering just the right amount of sleep space for one person, a single bed measures at 90x190cm and gives more than an adequate level of support – so long as you’re teaming it with a supportive mattress. You can also buy storage beds in a single size if you need to double your guest rooms up for extra storage, or if you’re working with a smaller living space.
Small double
A step up from the single bed, a small double slots between single and double in size. For those asking what is a queen bed? In the UK, it’s the small double. Also known as a three-quarter bed, queen size bed dimensions come in at 120x190cm, making them ideal for older kids or a single adult who needs a little more space. It’s not often recommended for two adults sharing, as it can be a little cramped; if you’re lucky enough to have premium guest room space, a small double could be your best bet.
Double
The moment you move from a single to a double bed is one you never forget. As one of the most popular bed sizes, it’s a good choice for one adult to sleep on, allowing for ample room to stretch out across 135x190cm. They’re also designed to comfortably fit two adults, although you may want to consider a bigger bed size if you need some extra space to accommodate two people spreading out in while you sleep. Wondering what is double bed size storage like? There’s a whole host to choose from; divan beds will often have handy drawers built into the base for easy access storage space.
King
King size beds are… well, king when it comes to premium sleep space. A level up from a double bed, they’re the main option for couples who might need some extra space to relax in thanks to the roomy 150cm width. They’re also ideal if you’re on the taller side, since their length comes in at 200cm. There’s nothing to say you can’t go for one if you sleep alone, however: the extra space can help sleep feel like even more of a treat.
Now for one of the most asked questions in the bed world: is a Queen bed bigger than a King? It depends; in the UK, a Queen bed is the same size as a small double, but an EU Queen bed measures 160x200cm. So if you’re hoping for a bigger bed, we’d suggest going for an EU Queen or Super King one. If you’re ever unsure, make sure to refer to this measurement before you make your choice.
Super King
What is the biggest bed size? Coming in second, it’s the sumptuous Super King. At 180x200cm, they’re the same length as a king size bed, but slightly wider, making them the perfect size for indulging in a truly luxurious sleep every night of the week. To keep this feel going through your whole bedroom, make sure you invest in some high quality sleep accessories to match – like our Hybrid® Duvet and Pillows. If you’ve sacrificed room space for bed space, or want somewhere to store all your bedding safely, you’ll need an Ottoman bed for additional storage. It’s the largest kind of under-bed storage, and easily accessible for whenever you need it.
Emperor
Ever wondered what bed size is 200x200? Enter the Emperor bed, the largest of standard UK bed sizes. The height of luxury, it’s got more than enough space for two people, so while it’s the perfect choice for a couple who wants ample space to stretch out in, it’s also great for families where the kids might sneak in in the night. For a 200x200 bed size, you may need to buy a specialist mattress to fit – so make sure you’re committed before you begin your search.
Need even more space? There is such thing as an Alaskan King Bed. Measuring 9 feet by 9 feet, it’s not widely available in the UK, but in the off chance you can find one, it can fit four full-sized adults comfortably and is the ideal bed size for full family lazy days.
How to measure a bed
First things first, you’ll need to grab a tape measure. You’ll either be starting with a fresh space or upgrading your old bed to a new one. If you’re upgrading, you can take the height, length and width of your current bed to help you choose the right size for your new one. Starting afresh? Measure your room to see how much space you’re working with, then compare them to UK bed size measurements to find your perfect match. If you want a headboard, bear in mind the width of some wooden bed and upholstered bed models may be larger than the width of your bed, so it’s worth remembering this before you buy.
If you find a UK bed size isn’t the one for you, EU bed sizes might be more aligned to what you’re looking for. And if that is what you go for, make sure to check out our range of EU Single, EU Double or EU Queen mattresses for optimum comfort.
