The Ultimate Mattress Size UK Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit Today

Advice Guides, Bedroom, Duvet Cover, Pillow & Mattress Protectors

Choosing the right bed and mattress size is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. The perfect bed and mattress combination not only enhances the quality of your sleep but also complements the overall aesthetics and functionality of your bedroom. A bed that’s too small can lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality, while a bed that’s too large might overwhelm your room and limit your available space for other furniture and movement.

This guide is designed to simplify the process of selecting the right bed and mattress size. We’ll provide you with clear measurements and practical tips to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a single bed for your child, a double bed for a guest room, or a super king bed for the master bedroom, this guide will help you find the perfect fit. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of UK bed and mattress sizes, how to measure your space accurately, and the considerations to keep in mind to ensure your new bed fits perfectly in your home.

UK Mattress Sizes & UK Bed Sizes

How To Measure Bed Size

Measuring your bed size correctly is essential to ensure that your new mattress fits perfectly. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get accurate measurements:

Measure the Length: Start at the headboard and extend your tape measure to the foot of the bed. Record this measurement.
Measure the Width: Measure from one side of the bed to the other. Ensure the tape measure is straight and level for an accurate reading.
Measure the Height / Depth: If you’re also interested in the bed frame’s height, measure from the floor to the top of the mattress. This can help you assess the bed’s overall profile in your room. It is important to know the exact depth of your mattress for accurately measured fitted sheets.
Consider the Bed Frame: Remember that bed frames can add extra width and length. If you’re measuring for a bed frame, include these additional dimensions in your calculations.

Standard UK Bed Dimensions

Understanding the standard UK bed and mattress sizes will help you choose the right fit for your needs. Here are the common UK bed sizes along with their dimensions in both centimetres and feet:

BED SIZE	WIDTH (CM)	LENGTH (CM)	WIDTH (FT & IN)	LENGTH (FT & IN)
Single	90 cm	190 cm	3’0″	6’3″
Double	135 cm	190 cm	4’5″	6’3″
King	150 cm	200 cm	5’0″	6’6″
Super King	180 cm	200 cm	6’0″	6’6″
Metric King	200 cm	200 cm	6’6″	6’6″
Emperor	215 cm	215 cm	7’0″	7’0″

UK Bed And Mattress Size Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick comparison chart for UK bed and mattress sizes:

BED/MATTRESS	DIMENSIONS W X L (CM)	DIMENSIONS W X L (FEET)
Single	90 x 190 cm	3’0″ x 6’3″
Double	135 x 190 cm	4’5″ x 6’3″
King	150 x 200 cm	5’0″ x 6’6″
Super King	180 x 200 cm	6’0″ x 6’6″
Metric King	200 x 200 cm	6’6″ x 6’6″
Emperor	215 x 215 cm	7’0″ x 7’0″

Using these tables, you can easily determine the right mattress and bed size for your space, ensuring both comfort and a perfect fit in your bedroom. Always double-check the measurements of your bed frame and room dimensions to guarantee a smooth and stress-free purchase and delivery experience.

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

Single

Perfect for: Children’s bedrooms, guest and spare rooms with limited space where you want comfort but don’t want to take up too much space in the room.
Dimensions: Length: 190 cm, Width: 90 cm

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

Double

Perfect for: Teenagers and those with limited space in their bedroom. A double bed has the benefit of giving you extra space to sleep. You can even enhance and maximise the space of your bed by choosing an Ottoman storage bed.
Dimensions: Length: 190 cm, Width: 135 cm

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

King

Perfect for: King size beds and mattresses are popular with couples and adults and ideal for taller individuals who want to utilise the greater space in their room. It’s important to note that there is a jump in size from a double bed; it is 11% wider and 5% longer.
Dimensions: Length: 200 cm, Width: 150 cm

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

Super King

Perfect for: Super king beds are perfect for master bedrooms as the extra width creates an additional foot of sleeping surface for couples.
Dimensions: Length: 200 cm, Width: 180 cm

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

Metric King

Perfect for: Those who have a lot of space to utilise and want their bed to be a statement piece. Ideal for Sunday sleep-ins for a big family.
Dimensions: Length: 200 cm, Width: 200 cm

Image courtesy of And So To Bed

Emperor

Perfect for: If you want to create impact, a large emperor bed will do just that. Similar to those who choose an emperor bed, this is also great for large families and luxurious & grandeur bedrooms.
Dimensions: Length: 215 cm, Width: 215 cm

Ensuring Safe And Efficient Delivery

Measure Your Room

Importance of Fitting the Mattress in Your Bedroom
Before purchasing a new mattress, it is crucial to ensure that it will fit comfortably in your bedroom. This includes not only fitting the mattress itself but also allowing enough space to move around the bed and accommodate existing furniture. Proper measurement helps you avoid any inconvenience during delivery and ensures a smooth setup process.

Consideration of Existing Furniture and Movement Space
Take into account all the existing furniture in your room, such as nightstands, dressers, and wardrobes. Ensure there is adequate space to move around the bed without feeling cramped. Measure the area where you plan to place the bed, considering any additional space that the bed frame might require.

Measure Your Doorways

Ensuring Doorways are Large Enough for Mattress Delivery
Doorways can often be a bottleneck during mattress delivery. Measure the width and height of your doorways to ensure the mattress can pass through without any issues. The height of the doorway should be greater than the width of the mattress to allow easy passage.

Measuring Diagonally for Accurate Fit
For added accuracy, measure the diagonal distance from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner of the doorway. This diagonal measurement should be greater than the mattress’s width to ensure it can pass through at an angle if necessary.

Measure Your Stairway

Navigating Tight Staircases
Staircases can be tricky areas for moving a mattress, especially if they are narrow or have low ceilings. Measure the width of the staircase and the height of any overhead obstacles, such as low ceilings or light fixtures.

Measuring for Low Ceilings and Other Obstacles
Check for any tight spots along the staircase where the mattress might need to bend or manoeuvre around. Ensure there is enough clearance for the mattress to pass through without getting stuck or damaged.

Measure Any Corners

Ensuring the Mattress Can Turn Around Corners
If your mattress needs to be manoeuvred around corners, such as in hallways or staircases, measure the space to ensure it can make the turn. Consider the length and depth of the mattress when measuring corners.

Tips for Measuring Against Mattress Length and Depth
Pro Tip: If the mattress fits across a corner at a 45° angle, it will turn all the way around without issues. This is also a good opportunity to remove any hanging pictures, mirrors, or other decorations that could be damaged during the move.

Can You Fold a Mattress?

Risks of Folding or Bending a Mattress
Folding or bending a mattress can cause significant damage to its internal structure, particularly to the springs and comfort layers. This can void the warranty and reduce the lifespan of your mattress.

Ensuring Safe Delivery Without Bending
Plan your delivery route carefully to avoid the need to bend or fold the mattress. A small amount of flexibility is expected, but it is best to keep the mattress as flat as possible during transit. Ensuring safe delivery without bending will help maintain the integrity and comfort of your new mattress.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bed and mattress size is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. Proper measurement and selection are key steps in this process, helping you avoid potential issues with fit and delivery. By accurately measuring your room, doorways, stairways, and corners, you can ensure that your new mattress will not only fit perfectly in your space but also be delivered without any hassle.

At Reed Family Linen, we understand the significance of making an informed decision when it comes to your bedding. The right mattress can enhance your sleep quality, improve your overall well-being, and contribute to a more stylish and functional bedroom. We encourage you to take the time to measure carefully and consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect mattress and bed size.

By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can confidently select the right mattress that suits your space and lifestyle, ensuring years of comfortable and peaceful sleep. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our expert team at Reed Family Linen is always here to help.

FAQs

What is the difference between a King and a Metric King mattress?

A King mattress measures 150 cm x 200 cm (5’0” x 6’6”), while a Metric King mattress measures 200 cm x 200 cm (6’6” x 6’6”).

Can I fold a mattress to fit it through narrow doorways or staircases?

Generally, no. Folding or bending a mattress can cause significant damage to its internal structure and void the warranty. It’s best to plan your delivery route carefully to avoid bending the mattress.

What is the best mattress size for couples?

For couples, a King (150 cm x 200 cm) or Super King (180 cm x 200 cm) mattress is ideal, providing ample space for both individuals to sleep comfortably.

What size bed is best for a small bedroom?

For small bedrooms, a small double bed (120 cm x 190 cm) or a standard single bed (90 cm x 190 cm) is ideal. These sizes provide enough space for a comfortable sleep without overwhelming the room.

How do I ensure my new mattress will fit in my bedroom?

Measure your room, doorways, stairways, and any corners carefully. Ensure there is enough space for the mattress and that it can be delivered without any issues.

What size mattress is best for a guest room?

A Double (135 cm x 190 cm) or Small Double (120 cm x 190 cm) mattress is typically suitable for guest rooms, offering comfort without taking up too much space.

Are there specific mattresses for tall individuals?

Yes, taller individuals may prefer a King (150 cm x 200 cm) or Super King (180 cm x 200 cm) mattress for the extra length.

Is there a size larger than a Super King?

Yes, the Metric King (200 cm x 200 cm) and Emperor (215 cm x 215 cm) sizes are larger than the Super King, providing even more space.

How can I maximize storage space with my bed?

To maximise storage space, consider choosing an Ottoman storage bed or a divan bed with built-in drawers. These options provide additional storage without taking up extra floor space.

What factors should I consider when choosing a bed frame?

When choosing a bed frame, consider the style and size of the frame, the height of the headboard and footboard, the type of support (e.g., slats or solid base), and any additional features such as storage options. Ensure the bed frame dimensions are slightly larger than the mattress to accommodate it properly.