Many people are surprised to learn that there are no international standard sizes for mattresses. Due to this, there's a chance that you could buy the wrong size mattress for your bed frame. You then have the inconvenience of returning the item - if you can - and replacing it with a mattress of the correct size.
The confusion doesn't end there: if you buy from overseas or choose imported mattresses, you'll find that the terminology differs from country to country. Standard UK bed sizes and familiar terms (Kingsize bed, twin beds, double mattress, etc.) don't mean the same thing in the US, and the same applies in Europe.
All of this makes choosing bed frames and mattresses a headache you could do without.
To make things easier, we've produced a clear, concise, no-nonsense guide to accurate UK bed and mattress sizes, along with EU and US alternatives.
There are two types of single beds in the UK:
UK Single Bed And Mattress Sizes | |
|---|---|
Small Single Bed |
Standard Single Bed |
75 x 190 cm (2'6" x 6'3") |
90 x 190 cm (3'0" x 6'3") |
Single beds are an excellent choice for children and teens, fitting well into smaller bedrooms and allowing adequate space around the bed to move freely. Standard singles are suitable for seniors and can be used as guest beds. They're also a good option if you prefer your own bed but still want to share a room with your partner (research shows that one in six couples prefer this arrangement)
The only UK bed sizes smaller than these are cot mattresses (60 x 20 cm) and toddler beds (70 x 140 cm). These don't take up too much space and are perfect for nurseries and box rooms.
White Antique French Style Sleigh Bed
Arabella Mattress
Bakersfield Grey Antique French Style Bed
Azarra Budget 3' Mattress
Emmanuelle Antique French Style Bed
Pearl Ortho Sealy Mattress
We also have two double bed sizes in the UK, which is where people usually have a problem. Many customers have bought a double mattress only to find that it doesn't fit the frame or the base. This is why it is essential to measure your frame and check that you are buying the correct mattress size.
A double mattress can comfortably accommodate two adults. However, humans come in many different shapes and sizes, and some prefer extra sleeping space:
UK Double Beds And Mattresses | |
|---|---|
The Small Double Beds(also known as the 'Queen Bed') |
The Standard Double Bed and Mattress |
120 x 190cm (4'0" x 6'3") |
135 x 190cm (4'5" x 6'3") |
The standard double bed is most popular with couples, although many people prefer to use a double bed for themselves as they like the extra room. A small double bed (queen bed, or queen sized bed) can take two adults, although it is perhaps better suited for one person.
Either double bed size is great for extra storage if you opt for a divan or ottoman base, and they'll both fit into an average-sized bedroom.
Antique French Style Bed
Pocket Sprung 3 Zone Orthopaedic Mattress
Chesterfield Wooden Bed Frame
Pocket Sprung Euro Top Mattress
Lincoln Four Poster Antique French Style Bed
Pillow Top Pocket Sprung Mattress
This is a popular choice among those who need extra leg room and space. You'll probably need a larger bedroom to fit one of these beds in, as they are significantly bigger than standard double mattresses:
UK King Size Bed And Mattresses | |
|---|---|
Standard King Size Bed |
Super King Size Bed |
150 x 200cm(5'0" x 6'6") |
180 x 200cm(6'0 x 6'6") |
If you or your partner are taller than average, then either King sized bed is an ideal choice! The Super King size bed has an extra foot of space in terms of width, giving you a wider sleeping area to stretch out in.
This is the largest bed and mattress size in the UK, measuring 215 x 215 cm (7'0" x 7'0"). This is a luxurious, super-sized mattress, perfectly suited for spacious bedrooms. With a sleeping space of seven square feet, you will have more than enough room for an excellent night's rest.
It should be noted that some retailers sell 200 x 200 cm (6'0" x 6'0") mattresses as Emperors. In reality, these should be labelled Small Emperors. It's very important to check your bed frame size against the mattress size when you purchase an 'Emperor' mattress to ensure that it is the right size for your frame.
Silver Antique French Style Crushed Velvet Bed
Tight Top Pocket Sprung Mattress
French Style Ornate Detailed Bed
Pocket Sprung 3 Zone Orthopaedic Mattress
Crushed Velvet Silver Antique French Style Bed
Pocket Sprung Euro Top Mattress
Although most retailers sell UK beds and mattresses, there is a chance that you'll find European imports. Stores such as IKEA sell both, so you need to check sizes carefully before buying.
EU Bed And Mattresses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Euro Single |
Euro Double |
Euro Standard King Size |
Euro Grande King Size |
Euro Super King |
|
90 x 200cm (3'0" x 6'5") |
140 x 200cm (4'6" x 6'5") |
160 x 200cm (5'2" x 6'6") |
160 x 200cm (6'0" x 6'6") |
200 x 200cm (6'6" x 6'6") |
There's only one size of European single bed and mattress: 90 x 200 cm (3'0" x 6'5").
Again, this is a good choice for kids. The European single is the same width as the UK version but 10 cm longer, making it a sensible option for teens who are growing rapidly. It is sometimes referred to as the 'twin bed' as they are often found in hotels on the continent, where they can be pushed together to form a double bed.
The Euro version of the double bed measures 140 x 200 cm (4'6" x 6'5"). As you can see, it is slightly longer and wider than the Standard UK double beds.
There are three European king sizes:
This mattress measures 160 x 200 cm (5'2" x 6'6")
Similar to the UK Super King, the Grande measures 180 x 200 cm (6'0 x 6'6")
The European Super King size mattress matches the smaller Emperor mattress in the UK sizes, at 200 x 200 cm (6'6" x 6'6")
All three king size mattress size options are made for two, and at six feet six inches long they'll need space in your bedroom to allow you to move around freely.
You might be after a US size bed and mattress, and this could cause you a few problems as the measurements are different to UK and European ones. Also, US mattresses are measured in inches rather than centimetres, so the sizes can seem odd to UK and European customers.
Thankfully, some retailers and bed specialists do manufacture and sell US sizes here in the UK. Alternatively, some mattresses are imported directly from the US.
US Bed And Mattress Size | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
The US Single Bed |
The US Double Bed |
The US Queen Bed |
The US King Size Bed |
The US California King Bed |
|
98 x 189cm (3'2" x 6'2") |
98 x 189cm (4'5" x 6'2") |
98 x 189cm (5'0" x 6'6") |
98 x 189cm (6'3" x 6'6") |
183 x 212cm (6'0" x 7'0") |
The smallest size US mattress is the single, measuring 98 x 189 cm (3'2" x 6'2"). As you can see, this is 8 cm wider than the UK and Euro single bed, but shorter by 1 cm. If you tried to fit this onto a bed frame designed for the UK or European mattress, it would be too wide. This bed is excellent for children growing up fast, but with not much bedroom space to spare.
The US version of the double bed mattress measures 136 x 189 cm (4'5" x 6'2"), roughly the same size as a UK version. It's a good space-saver for the smaller bedroom, especially for solo sleepers, but it will comfortably take two average-sized adults.
At 152 x 202 cm (5'0" x 6'6") the US Queen size is the same as the UK Standard King Size. A spacious alternative to the double, this is a good choice for anyone who needs a little extra room to sleep well, without compromising too much space in the bedroom.
Measuring 193 x 202 cm (6'3 x 6'6"), this beats both the UK Super King and the EU Grande King. You'll need a pretty big bedroom to ensure you have enough space around the bed.
Surprisingly, the California King only measures 183 x 212 cm (6'0" x 7'0"). We'd probably imagine the biggest American mattress to be significantly bigger than its UK or EU counterparts. However, it's a whole 12 inches narrower than the UK Emperor mattress.
Even so, it's a big mattress that needs a lot of space. At seven feet long, it takes up a fair amount of room, so keep this in mind when buying.
Most UK mattress manufacturers use metric dimensions when designing and making their products. However, many people still use imperial dimensions out of habit, so be sure to get the conversions right. It might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often such a simple error catches customers out.
You should also take into account the type of bed frame you are using. For example, mattresses sit flush on the top of divan beds, whereas most wooden, metal, or resin bed frames (including sleigh shaped and upholstered beds) will generally be bigger by several centimetres.
When you buy a bed frame, the dimensions generally describe the mattress size it is made for, not the overall size of the frame. It is vital that you allow for the fact that the frame will be larger than this to ensure that there is adequate space around the bed, especially in small bedrooms.
Also, some bed frames allow the mattress to sit within them, so be sure to take the measurement from inside the frame. The dimensions of the mattress must be a precise fit.
If the mattress is too small, there will be a gap between it and the frame. Too big, and it will be a tight squeeze. Either way, it may affect the quality of your sleep.
You might have noticed that some of the measurements given above don't convert exactly from centimetres to inches, some have been rounded up or down for the sake of convenience. Even so, the sizes are as accurate as possible. It shouldn't be too much of a problem if your mattress and bed frame sizes differ by a centimetre or two, but any more than this could cause difficulties.
While it might not seem like a major decision, choosing a new bed and mattress can have a significant impact on your health; remember, you'll be using this mattress every night for several years (ideally, you should change your mattress every 6 to 8 years).
Get it wrong and you may have sleepless nights that could affect how you function during he day. You may also succumb to back and neck pain that could affect your daily life as well as your frame of mind.
Therefore, it's essential to buy the right mattress to help you sleep comfortably. It is also important to choose the correct size mattress for your bed size, as we've already seen.
Using this guide, you should be able to select the ideal mattress for your bed frame. But when it comes to buying a suitable type of mattress, it's always a good idea to seek advice from the experts.
There are dozens of different types of mattress, including memory foam, traditional spring, innerspring, and hybrid. A mattress specialist can help you to select the best option, giving you the peace of mind to know that you'll have years of restful sleep.
As we've learned, bed frames come in a variety of sizes and styles, with some small enough for a tiny box room and others suitable for the largest and luxurious bedrooms.
Although we have listed most of the standard bed and mattress size options, this list doesn't include all the bed sizes out there. You may find other listings that include several different names and sizes - especially in the US. Some companies even offer a bespoke mattress-making service and will design and manufacture them to your specifications.
When you arrange for delivery, keep in mind the weight and size of your mattress. The Emperor, Standard Super King, and California mattresses each weigh around 100kg. Even a small double bed weighs around 50kg. Delivery staff will need clear access with as few obstacles as possible to reduce the risk of accidents or breakages.
We hope this UK bed and mattress guide has enlightened you and helped to navigate some of the problems associated with choosing your perfect mattress.
Finally, it's worth saying again: measure your bed frame carefully and double-check the mattress size before you buy.
