UK Bed Sizes: The Bed and Mattress Size Guide

UK Bed Size Guide

Are you shopping for a new bed? There are many factors to consider, from your height to your sleeping arrangements to the size of your bedroom. Do you need to buy a bed and mattress at the same time? In the UK, mattress sizes determine the bed size, and mattresses are held to a standard measurement. However, bed frames vary in dimensions, depending on their style and shape, so while you do not need to buy them together, you should definitely make sure the frame you are choosing will fit comfortably in your space. Here, we offer a bed size guide, based on UK standard mattress sizes.

Understanding UK Bed Sizes

It can get confusing, deciding between all the different sizes of mattress. Standard mattress sizes in the UK include small single, single, small double, double, king size, and super king size. There are also non-standard and European sizes, along with cot mattresses and toddler mattresses. Adding to the confusion is the fact that, in the UK, mattresses are manufactured using imperial dimensions, but sold using metric measurements. Are you thoroughly befuddled yet? That is why we are happy to offer this UK bed sizes guide.

Mattress Size Guide

Let’s look not only at the dimension of various beds in the UK, but also how they are typically used.

• A small single bed is generally used by younger children or people who are quite petite. Manufactured at 2 feet 6 inches wide and 6 feet 3 inches long, they are sold in the metric 75 cm by 190cm. Perfect for small bedrooms where space is at a premium, they work well as a transition bed for children moving from a cot to a larger bed. They can also work as guest beds for occasional guests, in a pinch, though they are a bit too small to be ideal.
• Single beds provide a bit more room, so are better for adults. They measure 3 feet wide by 6 feet 3 inches long, or 90 cm by 190 cm. Wider than small singles, they are the size most commonly used for children’s beds, and can accommodate growing children all the way through to the teenage years.
• A small double is sometimes called a queen bed. This is different from queen beds in the United States, which are larger than double beds. In the UK, a small double measures 4 feet wide by 6 feet 3 inches long, or 120 cm by 190 cm. While it is wider than a single bed, and can technically be used to sleep two people, two adults may find it a little too cosy for comfort. However, in small rooms where a standard double is too large, a small double works well.
• A double mattress is designed to comfortably sleep two people. Measuring 4 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 3 inches, or 135 cm by 190 cm, it is the most common and widely available sized mattress in the UK. It is perfect for two people and fits nicely into small to average sized bedrooms.
• A king size mattress requires a large bedroom. Measuring 5 feet wide by 6 feet 6 inches long, or 150 cm by 200 cm, it is both wider and longer than a double bed. It provides plenty of room for two adults, and this type of mattress is long enough for tall sleepers to stretch out in bed.
• A super king is the largest of all the standard UK mattress sizes. At 6 feet wide and 6 feet 5 inches long, (180 cm by 200 cm), it provides an abundance of sleeping space. It is perfect for couples who value their personal space, or for families with young children or pets who like to sleep in the parental bed.
• Cots and toddler beds are made for young children. Cot mattresses are 23 inches wide by 47 inches long, 60 cm by 120 cm, designed for babies who sleep in a cot. They can be used for children up to three years old, and they’re generally 10 cm deep and firmer than adult mattresses. Toddler mattresses are slightly larger, 2 feet 3 inches by 4 feet 6 inches, or 70 cm by 140 cm. They are made for children between one and four years old, transitioning from a cot to a single bed.

Mattress width and length are not the only dimensions to consider. Do not overlook mattress height when making your choice. Standard mattress height is between 9 and 12 inches, and most people find this depth comfortable. The depth of the mattress can change based on the material from which it is made, and memory foam mattresses are often on the higher end of the scale. This is because memory foam needs more depth to be supportive, while a pocket spring mattress has supporting springs that do not take up as much space, and only a thin layer of padding. Mattress depth is a personal preference, though deeper mattresses tend to be more durable and better for heavier people.

Considerations When Choosing Bed Sizes

When you are choosing a bed frame, it is important to consider the dimensions of the bed, so that you can make sure it will fit into your room. Bed frames are typically metal or wooden, and the mattress sits within the frame, rather than on the base. The size of the bed will depend on the style of the frame. Divan beds that do not have headboards will have the same dimensions as the mattress, which will sit flush on the divan base. Wooden bed frames tend to be a few centimetres larger than the mattress on each side. Upholstered bed frames differ widely, depending on their shape, amount of detail, and fabric. In addition to choosing a bed that can accommodate your mattress, measure the bed carefully to ensure it will work in your available space and will not block your wardrobe.

Bed and Mattress Accessories

Of course, once you have chosen your mattress and bedframe, you must outfit your bed in linens and accessories. Using a mattress protector is important, because it helps protect the investment you have made in your mattress, keeping it clean from sweat, stains, spills, and more, so that it remains in optimal condition. Using a mattress protector also protects you, because it can be washed, removing allergens and bacteria from your sleeping environment. Mattress toppers are another type of invaluable accessory, helping to contribute to the best sleep of your life. By adding an extra layer of cushioning, they make your bed more comfortable and help alleviate your aches and pains by providing support that conforms to your body’s sleep position. By reducing pressure points, they help you relax fully. Like mattress protectors, they keep your sleeping space more hygienic, protecting the mattress from dead skin cells, sweat, and other allergens. Choose a mattress protector or topper that is the same size as your mattress, so that the fabric does not bunch or pull away from the sides of the bed. Mattress toppers come in different styles, so you can choose a pillow topper, designed to add a soft layer of cushioning, or a memory foam topper, which will contour your body and provide elevated support while you are sleeping.

Choosing the right bed is highly subjective and intensely personal. Before you shop, think carefully about your comfort and the practicalities of your bedroom. Who sleeps in your bed? Is it only you, or do you share with a partner, children, pets, or all of the above? Do you like to spread out when you are sleeping? Sometimes the difference of a few inches is major when it comes to sleeping in comfort. What is your style? You want a bed that fits comfortably into your room, but you also want to enhance your bedroom’s aesthetic appeal, creating a cosy retreat for you to enjoy. Think carefully about the look you want, and make sure to take precise measurements of your room before you go shopping. You can shop online for the perfect mattress and bedroom furniture, but unless you already know exactly what you want, you may be better served by visiting the showroom and trying out the mattresses in person.

Head to Carters Furniture , where for over 47 years our family run business has provided not only a vast selection of furniture but also professional service and highly trained staff. Our stores are open 7 days a week, and our associates are happy to provide you with advice and information to help you choose the right furniture for your home. Even when our doors are shut, we provide customer service through online chat and an email system monitored 24/7 for urgent enquiries. At Carters, we have close business relationships with suppliers, allowing us to source furniture from around the world as well as locally manufactured pieces. From smaller local suppliers to big name brands, the prices at Carters cannot be beaten; our low price guarantee states that we will match or beat any competitors’ price on identical pieces. Shop with us online, or visit our two large showrooms, where large free car parks and customer friendly lifts make shopping convenient. For more information, call Carters furniture store at 05162 540862, Carters Bed City at 01562 66396, or contact us through our website.