Bed Sizes UK: Bed and Mattress Size Guide

A comprehensive guide to UK bed and mattress sizes to help you choose the perfect fit for your needs.

UK bed and mattress sizes chart

What size is a small single bed and mattress?

A small single measures 75cm x 190cm (2’6″ x 6’3″), perfect for young children transitioning from a cot.

Single Bed 3′ x 6’3″ (90 x 190cm)

What size is a single bed and mattress?

A single measures 90cm x 190cm (3′ x 6’3″), ideal for children and adults alike.

Small Double Bed 4′ x 6’3″ (120 x 190cm)

What size is a small double bed and mattress?

Also known as a queen size, a small double measures 120cm x 190cm (4′ x 6’3″), suitable for one adult or cosy for two.

Double Bed 4’6″ x 6’3″ (135 x 190cm)

What size is a double bed and mattress?

A double bed measures 135cm wide and 190cm long.

In imperial dimensions, this is 4 feet 6 inches wide and 6 feet 3 inches long.

Who are double beds suitable for?

Double beds comfortably fit two adults, though each person gets just 2 feet 3 inches of space.

King Size Bed 5′ x 6’6″ (150 x 200cm)

What size is a king size bed and mattress?

A king size measures 150cm x 200cm (5′ x 6’6″), offering extra comfort for two adults. Consider your bedroom space before choosing this option.

Super King Size Bed 6′ x 6’6″ (180 x 200cm)

What size is a super king size bed and mattress?

Super king beds measure 180cm x 200cm (6′ x 6’6″), providing luxurious space. These beds suit larger bedrooms only.

How should you choose what size bed is right for you?

When selecting a bed for two adults, consider both length and width carefully. For length, choose one that’s 10cm longer than the tallest person to prevent feet hanging over the edge.

Most British couples sleep in a standard double bed (135cm/4’6″ wide), giving each person just 67.5cm. This limited space often leads to partner disturbance and poor sleep quality, though some couples prefer the intimacy of sleeping close together.

While small double beds (120cm/4ft wide) can accommodate two people occasionally, they’re better suited for single users, especially considering the UK’s increasing average body size.

To test if a bed offers enough space, lie next to your partner with hands behind your heads and elbows out. If your elbows don’t touch, you have adequate sleeping space.

Can sleeping in separate beds improve your sleep?

More couples are choosing to sleep separately – 12% in 2017 compared to 8% in 2013, according to The Sleep Council’s Great British Bedtime Report. Nearly 25% of couples sleep apart occasionally. For those preferring separate beds while sharing a room, standard single beds (90cm/3ft wide) offer ample personal space.

For larger bedrooms, consider two singles or a zip-and-link set that combines into a super king. However, modern homes often have smaller bedrooms, making super king-size beds impractical for many couples.