Bed and Mattress Sizes Guide UK

The first thing you need to know about mattresses and bed sizes is they are different: mattresses have no headboard or protruding legs, so they usually have smaller dimensions. Measuring your space for a bed frame rather than a mattress is best.

The second thing is that some UK retailers sell mattresses in EU sizes, which, again, are different: UK mattresses are smaller in width, length, and sometimes both, so you need one or the other. We only sell UK sizes.

With that out of the way, things get simpler.

The most popular UK bed and mattress sizes are single, double, and king, but you can also get small single, small double, and super-king.

We provide more colour on these bed and mattress sizes below, with expert advice on what size you should buy for your bedroom.

Standard Mattress Sizes

UK Bed Size Chart

What size is a small single bed and mattress?

A small single mattress is 75cm wide and 190cm long – 15cm narrower than a standard single but the same length.

Small single divan bases without a headboard are the same width and length as the mattress, allowing the bed to fit the size of the mattress neatly. However, if opting for a standard bed frame instead, be aware that the protruding frame can add 10-20cm to the overall dimensions compared to the mattress.

Who should get a small single?

Small singles work in these situations:

• Narrow spaces like box rooms.
• Rarely used guest bedrooms.
• Children's bedrooms up to around 8 years old.
• Twin bedrooms where two standard singles won't fit – you can also push them together to create the same width as a king-size bed.

What size is a single bed and mattress?

Single mattresses are 90cm wide and 190cm long, the same length as a small single but 15cm wider. That might not sound a lot, but it is when stretching out.

Singles are wide enough for two people to sleep on their side together, but only as a temporary sleeping arrangement.

As with small singles, you can get divan bases around the same width and length as the mattress to save floor space. Headboards add around 10cm in length, or you can get a bed frame 10-20cm wider and longer.

Who should get a single?

We recommend a standard single for:

• Older couples who sleep separately.
• Standard twin bedrooms, like those in hotels and B&Bs.
• Children's bedrooms - bunk beds and high sleepers are ideal for older children.

Overall, single beds are the most popular small standard bed size, with small singles being more of a niche product for very small spaces (or people).

What size is a small double bed (queen) and mattress?

Small double mattresses – or queens – are 120cm wide and 190cm long, 30cm wider than standard singles. That's equivalent to a very large person sleeping on their side, giving you much more room to spread out.

Small doubles are a favourite with teenagers, and they are ideal for small bedrooms where a standard double takes up too much space.

Small double divan bases are typically equal to the mattress dimensions for a tidy fit, while standard bed frames can extend the width by 10-20cm over just the mattress size.

Most bedrooms are 'single' or 'double', although 'double' is debatable in many cases - it simply means you can cram a double in. If a double bed takes up more than 50% of your usable floor space, a small double might be better.

Who should get a small double bed and mattress?

Small doubles work great in these situations:

• Teenager’s bedrooms.
• Double bedrooms where space is tight.
• Guest bedrooms where you sleep couples for one or two nights.

Although they lack the width of a standard double, small doubles still offer plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy a good night's sleep. Small double ottoman beds are also a fantastic space-saver in small bedrooms.

What size is a double bed and mattress?

Doubles are 135cm wide and 190cm long, so 15cm wider than small doubles. They are also our most popular bed size because they perfectly balance sleeping space and preserve floor space in boxy bedrooms.

The extra sleeping space over a small double is perfect for couples and larger people, and it is considered the default in most bedrooms.

Who should get a double?

Double beds work best for:

• Most standard double bedrooms.
• Couples and those with regular partners.
• Guest bedrooms for medium- and long-term stays.

What size is a king-size bed and mattress?

King-size mattresses are 150cm wide and 200cm long, so they have a 15cm width and 10cm length advantage over doubles.

Most people used to a double bed adore sleeping on a king-size bed thanks to the extra space to sprawl out – especially useful if you have a partner.

Another great thing is that king-size divan bases often work out around the same width and length as standard double bed frames, so it's sometimes possible to fit a king-size bed into a double bedroom without eating into more floor space.

The additional 10cm length is useful if you are over 6ft 2, and the extra 15cm width is ideal if you are easily disturbed by your sleeping partner.

Who should get a king?

King-size beds are perfect for:

• Couples.
• Those with young children.
• People who are easily disturbed by their partner.
• Tall people.
• Large bedrooms.

What size is a super king-size bed and mattress?

Super king mattresses are 180cm wide and 200cm long, firmly in the land of giants. Would you believe some celebrities buy two and push them together? You'd need a very long bedroom to make that happen.

Super Kings offer more sleeping space than any other standard bed size, with 30cm more width and the same length as a king. They can easily sleep four or five adults, making them a luxurious choice for master bedrooms.

Who should get a super-king bed?

Super-king beds are enormous, so they work well in:

• Luxury homes.
• Open plan layouts.
• Large master bedrooms that are at least 250cm wide.

What size is a zip and link bed and mattress?

Zip and link beds join two small single or single mattresses to make one large bed, either a king or super-king size.

Two small singles equal a king, and two singles equal a super-king, giving you the option to create a sleeping space for couples or individuals.

Most zip and link beds have a large, heavy-duty zipper that runs along the edges of the mattresses. By unzipping this, the two mattresses can be joined together tightly. Some also contain rigid metal link bars along the zipper edge.

Who should get a zip and link bed?

Zip and link beds are perfect for:

• Guest bedrooms for a modular sleep layout.
• Hotels and holiday lettings offering twin and king/super-king rooms.

What size bed and mattress should I buy?

Most couples do fine with a double bed, although a king-size bed is better for those with young children. King-size beds are also useful for those disturbed by their partner, especially mixed-weight couples who feel every movement.

Single beds are the best choice for children aged five because they can grow into their beds, but a small single is fine up to around 8. Small singles also work well for elderly people, although single beds are preferable for most.

How to make sure your mattress fits your bed

All you need to do is buy a UK-size mattress for a UK-size bed – do not mix and match UK products with EU or US products. Stick to UK mattress sizes and UK bed sizes. They will fit together like peas in a pod if you match them properly.

Another factor to consider is mattress height, which can impact the amount of headboard you can sit up against and the effectiveness of safety rails on bunk beds - guardrails on bunk beds usually call for a mattress less than 20cm thick.