UK Bed Sizes | Choosing the Right Bed Size

A Guide to Bed and Mattress Sizes

Getting the right bed size can be tricky. What is the right bed size for your bedroom? This guide outlines what you’ll need to consider along the way.
All of the bed and mattress sizes below reflect what is generally available in the UK.

Mattress size	Width x length - metric	Width x length - imperial	Also known as..
Single	90cm by 190cm	35in by 75in
Small double	120cm by 190cm	47in by 75in	"Queen"
Double	135cm by 190cm	53in by 75in	"4 foot 6"
European double	140cm by 190cm	55in by 75in	"Continental double"
King size	150cm by 200cm	59in by 79in	"5 foot"
European king size	160cm by 200cm	63in by 79in	"Continental king"
Super king size	180cm by 200cm	71in by 79in	"6 foot"
Emperor	200cm by 200cm	79in by 79in	"Small Emperor"
Large Emperor	210cm by 210cm	83in by 83in
Large Emperor	214cm by 214cm	84in by 84in	"7 foot"

All of the dimensions below are based on the mattress sitting on any type of bed (for example, bed frame, divan or ottoman bed) with a 10cm deep headboard
- the bed lengths below are therefore all 10cm longer than the mattress lengths shown above.

Single Bed

A single bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 90cm wide by 190cm long, or 3 feet wide by 6 feet 3 inches long in imperial terms.

A single bed is typically 92cm wide by 200cm long. Single beds are often perfect for children’s bedrooms or spare rooms. In fact, most children move from their cot to a single bed, so picking the right one is important. We advise you choose something strong and solid. You won’t have to buy something new too soon, so your kids can pillow fight, build dens and jump on the bed to their hearts’ content.

Small Double size bed

A small double bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 120cm wide by 190cm long, or 4 feet wide by 6 feet 3 inches long.

A small double bed is typically 122cm wide by 200cm long. They provide plenty of space for a single sleeper, but will be a tight squeeze for two adults - only advisable for the best of friends. Small double beds are commonly used in a child's room where there is space available, or guest bedrooms where a full size double bed won’t be able to fit.

Double size beds

A double bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 135cm wide by 190cm long, or 4 feet 6 inches wide by 6 feet 3 inches long.

A double bed is typically 137cm wide by 200cm long. Love snuggling up at night or spreading out while sleeping alone? Then a double bed is a great choice. Of course, it’s also perfect for couples with a smaller room, or for teenagers (who always love a lie in).

King Size beds

A king size bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 150cm wide by 200cm long, or 5 feet wide by 6 feet 6 inches long.

A king size bed is typically 152cm wide by 210cm long. Wider and longer than a double, the king size bed offers 10cm of extra comfort at the bottom. It’s ideal if you’re tall or just don’t want to feel the edge of the bed. King size beds are our most popular bed size.

European King Size beds

A European king size bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 160cm wide by 200cm long, or 5 feet 3 inches wide by 6 feet 6 inches long.

A European king size bed is typically 162cm wide by 210cm long. Being slightly wider than a standard UK king size mattress, a European king size mattress is ideal if you need a little extra space and comfort in bed. Roomy and comfortable, European mattresses give you more space to sleep at night. They're a great option if you share your bed with a restless sleeper. Note, however, that you may have a narrower range of of beds to choose from.

Super King Size beds

A super king size bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 180cm wide by 200cm long, or 6 feet wide by 6 feet 6 inches long.

A super king size bed is typically 182cm wide by 210cm long. Enjoy night after night of luxury with a super king size bed. There’s no better way to sleep at night. If you have the room and the budget, it’s the perfect choice: space for you, your partner, the kids, the dogs, whatever floats your boat.

Emperor Size beds

An Emperor bed consists of a headboard and a bed base that takes a mattress measuring 200cm wide by 200cm long, or 6 feet 6 inches wide by 6 feet 6 inches long. Emperor sizes can vary, so best to check.

An emperor bed is typically just over 200cm wide by 210cm long. The emperor mattress size can vary from retailer to retailer, however, most often an emperor size bed is 200cm x 200cm. Two people can sleep very comfortably on an emperor bed, even with pets or a couple of small children. However, it will definitely be cramped with three adults.

Things to consider

For your main bed you should aim to buy the biggest bed that your bedroom will allow. At the very least, you should aim for a space of 75cm or 2ft 6in between the sides and end of the bed and your nearest wall or piece of large furniture, for example (excludes bedside tables). And don't forget to check where you plug sockets and light fittings are, so that you can access them easily.