The perfect bed that gently yet firmly supports your body and spine makes all the difference. However, choosing the ideal bed for you can be challenging because of the many factors you must consider, such as bed size.

This brings us to one of the most frequently asked questions about bed sizes: what’s the difference between king size and double? Doubles are often the standard size in the UK and are perfect for two people. However, a king-size bed is better if you want more space. 

The size of a bed is determined by the mattress it holds. However, the actual measurements of a bed vary depending on the style and shape of its frame. The size and shape of your bed will also affect which duvets and pillows you buy.

Read on to discover more about the differences between these bed sizes and other factors to remember when shopping for a bed.

How big is a double bed?

Bed frame size: 4.4ft x 6.2ft (135cm x 190cm)

Mattress size: 4.4ft x 6.2ft (135cm x 190cm)

Duvet size: 6.5ft x 6.5ft (200cm x 200cm)

Double beds are some of the most common in the UK. They make for great options for couples with a medium-sized bedroom but only a little space to work with. A double bed and mattress give a couple plenty of room to share a bed.

How big is a king-size bed?

Bed frame size: 5ft x 6.6ft (150cm x 200cm)

Mattress size: 5ft x 6.6ft (150cm x 200cm)

Duvet size: 7.2ft x 7.5ft (220cm x 225cm)

As you can see, a king-size mattress is more spacious than your standard doubles, making it an excellent choice for taller adults with relatively large bedrooms. Ensure you have enough space for this bed before purchasing it, as not all rooms will accommodate king-size bed dimensions.

What other bed sizes are available in the UK?

UK bed sizes

Bed sizeBed frame dimensionsMattress dimensions Duvet dimensionsIdeal forPillows needed
Single 90 x 190 cm90 x 190cm135 x 200 cm1 person. A room 2.1m x 3m.1-2
Queen 120 x 190cm120 x 190cm223 x 228 cm1-2 people. A room 2.5m x 3m.2-4
Double135 x 190cm135 x 190cm200 x 200 cm2 people. A room 3m x 3m.2-4
King150 x 200cm150 x 200cm225 x 220 cm2 people. A room 3.5m x 3.5m.2-6
Super King180 x 200cm180 x 200cm260 x 220 cm2 people. A room 3.7m x 3.7m.2-6

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Single beds

A single bed is designed to fit one sleeper. They're an excellent choice for people living independently in a small home.

In the UK, a single bed's dimensions are 90 x 190 cm.

Small double beds

As you can see from the data, small double beds are a slight upgrade from single beds. A small double bed is ideal for someone alone, with a medium-sized room that likes to spread out when sleeping.

The dimensions of a small double bed are 120 x 190cm.

Super king-size beds

Super king-sized beds are a considerable step up from your king-sized bed. They look fantastic in large rooms and are perfect for couples who like plenty of space for bedtime.

The dimensions of super king-size beds are 180 x 200cm.

Why is choosing the right bed size important?

There's more to choosing the right bed size than meets the eye, so it pays to make sure you make the right choice.

Depending on your sleeper type, you'll need a different-sized bed. Are you someone who likes to spread out? Try out an Emporer size for optimum comfort. If you're the kind of person to get cosy in the fetal position, you won't need to waste unnecessary bedroom space with an oversized bed.

It also helps to choose the right bedside for future planning. Let's face it: bed frames can be expensive! It could save you money if you stick with a frame you're 100% on instead of replacing it prematurely down to poor planning.

Factors to consider when choosing the right size bed and mattress

When choosing the right bed frame and mattress, there are some main points to consider. See below for some assistance regarding your next purchase.

  • How many people will be sleeping in the bed: If more than one person is sleeping in your bed, you will need more space.
  • Whether you tend to toss and turn a lot while sleeping: If you move a lot in bed, you may need a wider one.
  • Your bedroom space: How much room you have in your bedroom will affect the amount of space you can dedicate to a bed. 
  • Your existing bedding/mattress topper: If you don’t want to replace them, pick a size bed that suits them.
  • Storage requirements: If your storage is limited, you might want to consider Divan beds.

Find the perfect bedding to compliment your mattress at Sleepseeker.

Here at Sleepseeker, we understand how much sleep matters. Our sleep experts have hand-picked our range, meaning you can rest easy knowing that your bedding is of the highest quality.

Browse our feather duvets, luxury duvets and more to find the perfect duvet for your bed.

Why stop there? We offer soft, cosy mattress toppers, high-quality pillows, and so much more to help you get some rest.

Need a bit of extra warmth in the winter months? Try out our heated blankets.

FAQs

How big is a super king-size bed?

A super-king bed and mattress size is 180cm x 200cm or 6ft wide and 6ft 6in long. These beds are perfect for large master bedrooms: as the extra width creates a whole extra foot of sleeping surface for individuals or couples.

What is a good size bed for average-sized bedrooms

If you're living on your own in an average to smaller-sized bedroom, a single bed and mattress will allow you to keep extra space free in your bedroom.

If there is more than one of you in the room, you can also opt for a smaller double bed, which measures 120 x 190cm.

Are UK mattress sizes different to US

Although the information around this can seem misleading, UK and US bed sizes are roughly the same measurements. In some cases, they are named differently. As a rule, American bed sizes are generally slightly larger, but variations between the two overall are slight.