Last Modified 26 March 2024 |
First Added 26 November 2019
Choosing the Right Size Bed
When you’re thinking about what size bed to choose, there are a few important things to consider. From room size to sleeping style, we’ve put together a fool-proof checklist to make sure your find your perfect size bed.
Bed size chart
| Single | Small Double | Double | King | Super King | Emperor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cm W x L | 90 x 190 | 120 x 190 | 135 x 190 | 150 x 200 | 180 x 200 | 200 x 200 |
| feet W x L | 3 x 6’4 | 4 x 6’4 | 4’6 x 6’4 | 5 x 6’8 | 6 x 6’8 | 7’11 x 7’11 |
For more information on sizes and fits, have a look at our Mattress Sizes Explained guide
Two top size tips
- A bed and mattress should be wide enough for you and your partner to lie side by side, hands behind heads, without elbows touching.
- Beds and mattress dimensions should be at least 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.
How to choose the right size bed
There are three main things to think about when choosing the right size bed:
- Your comfort
Being comfortable in bed is your main priority, whether it’s just you in the bed, two of you, or whether you’ve got the kids coming in for a cuddle in the night. So, think about how much space you’ll need to comfortably accommodate those sleeping in the bed. - Your sleeping style
How you like to sleep is also something to think about. Whether your preference is to curl up, starfish in the bed, or if your partner is a restless sleeper, make sure give yourself enough room to sleep comfortably and soundly. - The size of your room
The right size bed will help your bedroom work to its full potential and maximise the design. A bed that’s too big will make the room feel overcrowded and a bed that’s too small will look out of place.
Will it fit?
Once you’ve chosen your bed size, it’s essential to think about its journey through your house and into your room of choice. So, before you buy your bed, follow these steps to make sure it will fit without any problems or frustrations.
- Check the dimensions Make sure you check and write down the precise dimensions of the bed you’re buying as well as the box dimensions (both can be found on the product pages), so you know exactly what you’re working with.
Remember to check headboard height, especially if the bed will sit under eaves.
- Plan out your room
It’s important to visualise the space you’ll have in the room once your bed is in place, so we recommend mapping it all out on the floor with masking tape or sheets of newspaper. You can then walk around the room and see what space you’re left with and decide if you feel it’s enough or not.
Remember to think about other pieces of furniture you might want in there; wardrobes and doors needing to fully open, and plug socket positions for bedside lamps.
- Manoeuvring the bed through your house
It may seem obvious, but one of the most important things to check is whether your chosen bed can fit through doorways, up staircases, round banisters and negotiate any staircase or corridor turns. So, check the dimensions of all doorways and the clearance area above your stairs.
Remember to remove any pictures or freestanding lamps that might get knocked en route.
If you need help choosing your perfect bed, have a read of our Bed Guide that’s full of tips, advice and information.
If you’ve found your perfect bed, perhaps you need a mattress to go with it? Explore our range of blissfully comfortable mattresses or use our ever-so-helpful Mattress Guide to help you find the perfect one.