Mattress sizes in the UK
Around the world, when we're looking at finding the correct size for our bed we're actually talking about mattress size. When you buy a 5'0" bed (or 150cm for Europeans), you're actually saying that the mattress size would be 5'0" and the bed would be sized appropriately by the manufacturer to fit the mattress size. When we're talking about bed sizes we really just want to know whether it would be too big for the room, or in certain conditions too small.
Identifying a mattress size is a lot more personal and you want to make sure it's the right size that it's not too cramped. This can quite negatively affect sleep and cause unnecessary tension if there are more than one person is sleeping on the bed. Personally, I've also found that beds which are too big can feel a bit isolating.
Standard UK Mattress Sizes Overview
All UK bed and mattress sizes are listed below in both imperial and metric measurements. Bed sizes are named after the mattress they take, so a 4'6" bed frame is built to fit a 4'6" double mattress.
| Size | Imperial | Metric | Typically suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 2'6" x 6'3" | 75cm x 190cm | Young children, bunk beds, very compact rooms |
| Single | 3'0" x 6'3" | 90cm x 190cm | One sleeper, children's rooms, guest rooms |
| Small Double | 4'0" x 6'3" | 120cm x 190cm | One adult wanting more room, teenagers, students |
| Double | 4'6" x 6'3" | 135cm x 190cm | Two adults, standard main bedrooms |
| King | 5'0" x 6'6" | 150cm x 200cm | Two adults with more space, taller sleepers |
| Super King | 6'0" x 6'6" | 180cm x 200cm | Maximum space, larger master bedrooms |
What size is a Single mattress?
A single sized mattress is 90cm x 190cm or 3'0" x 6'3" in the UK and 90cm x 200cm in the EU.
Shop our Single Mattresses
What size is a Small double mattress?
The size of a small double mattress is 120cm X 190cm or 4'0" x 6'3". The 120cm x 190cm size is also available in Europe and is compatible with mattresses in the UK. Europeans also have a longer three quarters mattress (120cm x 200cm).
Shop our Small Double Mattresses
What size is a Double mattress?
The size of a double bed and mattress is 135cm X 190cm or 4'6" x 6'3". The european equivalent would be the 140cm x 190cm or the 140cm x 200cm but these are less popular in the UK.
Shop our Double Mattresses
What size is a King mattress?
A king size mattress is 150cm X 200cm or 5'0" x 6'6". This size is not common in Europe and the equivalent size would be the 160cm x 200cm. If you're pairing it with a new frame, our king size bed range covers metal, upholstered, wood and brass.
Shop our King Size Mattresses
What size is a Super King size mattress?
A super king size mattress is 180cm X 200cm or 6'0" x 6'6". While not as popular in United Kingdom, super king size mattresses are becoming more popular with people who have extra large rooms.
Emperor Mattress Size
The emperor is a speciality size above super king, typically measuring 200cm x 200cm (6'6" x 6'6"), though dimensions vary between manufacturers as it isn't a standardised UK size. Emperor mattresses and the bedding to fit them are difficult to source in the UK, and the size demands a genuinely large room. We don't stock emperor as standard, but we can make any of our bed frames to a custom size if you have a mattress of this size already.
Shop our Super King Size MattressesRoom Size Requirements for Each Mattress
The right mattress size depends as much on your room as on who's sleeping in it. As a general rule, allow at least 60cm of clearance on each side you need to walk down, and leave room for wardrobe doors and drawers to open fully.
| Mattress size | Suggested minimum room size |
|---|---|
| Small Single | 7ft x 9ft (2.1m x 2.7m) |
| Single | 7ft x 10ft (2.1m x 3m) |
| Small Double | 9ft x 10ft (2.7m x 3m) |
| Double | 10ft x 10ft (3m x 3m) |
| King | 10ft x 12ft (3m x 3.6m) |
| Super King | 12ft x 12ft (3.6m x 3.6m) minimum, larger preferred |
These are guides rather than rules. A bed pushed against a wall needs clearance on fewer sides, and a low footend design will make any bed size feel less imposing in a smaller room. Factor in your other bedroom furniture before committing to a larger size.
Ikea and European Sizes vs UK Standard
European and IKEA mattresses are generally longer than their UK equivalents, at 200cm rather than 190cm, and the widths don't line up cleanly either. A UK mattress won't sit properly in a European frame, and vice versa.
| EU / IKEA size | Metric | Closest UK size | UK metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90cm x 200cm | Single | 90cm x 190cm |
| Three quarter | 120cm x 200cm | Small Double | 120cm x 190cm |
| Double | 140cm x 200cm | Double | 135cm x 190cm |
| King | 160cm x 200cm | King | 150cm x 200cm |
| Super King | 180cm x 200cm | Super King | 180cm x 200cm |
Super king is the one size where UK and European dimensions match exactly. Everywhere else there's a difference of between 5cm and 10cm, which is enough to leave a mattress sitting loose or refusing to fit at all. We can customise our natural pocket sprung mattresses to European sizes if you have a continental frame.
Custom and Non-Standard Mattress Sizes
Not every room or bed frame suits a standard size. Awkward alcoves, box rooms, loft conversions and antique or inherited frames often call for something bespoke.
We make our natural pocket-sprung mattresses to custom sizes, whether that's a shorter length for a room with limited floor space, a European size for a continental frame, or a non-standard width. Our bed frames can also be made to a custom size to fit a mattress you already own.
If you need a custom size, get in touch with your dimensions, and we'll confirm what's possible and what it costs.
What depth of mattresses are available?
Mattresses come in a number of depths. The standard depths that you'll find are 4", 6", 8", 10" and 12". You do get mattresses over 12" as well but they are rarer.
Quality pocket sprung mattresses are between 8 inches and 12 inches. Our mattresses are 12 inches in depth.
How to choose the size of your mattress?
The size of your mattress depends on the size of your bed frame. You can look at our guide on how to choose a bed frame size which suits your lifestyle and room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common mattress sizes in the UK?
The single bed, double bed and king size bed are the three most common sizes in the UK. A single (90cm x 190cm) suits one sleeper and works well in children's rooms and guest rooms. A double (135cm x 190cm) is the standard size for two adults and fits most main bedrooms comfortably. A king (150cm x 200cm) gives couples noticeably more width and length, and has become the popular choice for anyone with the room for it. Small double and super king sit either side of these as less common options.
How much space do I need around my mattress?
Aim for at least 60cm of clearance on any side of the bed you need to walk down. That's enough to move comfortably without turning sideways. If the bed sits against a wall, you only need clearance on the accessible sides. Beyond walking space, allow room for wardrobe doors and chest drawers to open fully, since these are the measurements people most often forget. Measure your room before ordering and mark out the bed's footprint on the floor with tape if you're unsure.
Do I need to match my mattress size exactly to my bed frame?
Yes, bed frames are built to fit a specific mattress size, so a mattress that's too small will shift around and leave gaps at the edges, while one that's too large won't sit properly in the frame. Our bed frames take a standard UK mattress of the corresponding size from any supplier, not just ours. If you have a non-standard or European mattress, we can make a frame to fit it.
What's the difference between UK and US mattress sizes?
US sizes don't map cleanly onto UK ones, and the names are used differently. A US queen (152cm x 203cm) sits close to a UK king in width but is longer, and there's no UK size called a queen at all, though a small double is sometimes loosely referred to as one. A US king (193cm x 203cm) is wider than a UK super king. If you're buying bedding or a mattress from a US retailer, always check the measurements in centimetres rather than relying on the size name.
