What Size Bed Do You Need?
Buying a bed is much easier when you know the sizes. A bed that is too small leaves you cramped, and a bed that is too big leaves no room to walk around it. This guide explains every common UK bed size in plain words, with the width and length in centimetres and in feet, so you can measure your room and choose with confidence.
At Kensley Home in Dewsbury, we sell divan beds from £130, ottoman beds from £250, sofa beds from £250 and mattresses from £170, with free delivery and pay on delivery. You can see the full range at Kensley Home
UK Bed Sizes at a Glance
Here are the standard UK sizes. A single bed is 90cm wide by 190cm long (3ft by 6ft3). A small double bed is 120cm wide by 190cm long (4ft by 6ft3). A double bed is 135cm wide by 190cm long (4ft6 by 6ft3). A king size bed is 150cm wide by 200cm long (5ft by 6ft6). A super king size bed is 180cm wide by 200cm long (6ft by 6ft6). An emperor size bed is 200cm wide by 200cm long (6ft6 by 6ft6). Always measure your room before you order, and leave at least 60cm of space on each side of the bed so you can get in and out comfortably.
Double Bed Size and Double Bed Dimensions
The double bed size in the UK is 135cm wide by 190cm long, which is 4ft6 by 6ft3 in feet and inches. The double bed dimensions suit two adults who are happy to sleep close together, and they are the most popular size we sell. A double bed fits well in a medium bedroom, and it leaves room for bedside tables on both sides in most rooms. If you want a double bed with storage underneath, look at our divan beds and ottoman beds, which use the space under the mattress instead of wasting it. See our divan beds
Small Double Bed Size
The small double bed size is 120cm wide by 190cm long, which is 4ft by 6ft3. The small double bed dimensions are 15cm narrower than a standard double, but they still give one adult plenty of room to stretch out, and they work for a couple who do not mind sleeping close. A small double size bed is a good middle step between a single and a double, and it is a smart choice for a spare room, a teenager's room or a smaller main bedroom. The small double width of 120cm gives you 30cm more sleeping space than a single bed, which makes a real difference on a good night's sleep.
The measurement of a 3 4 bed is 120cm wide by 190cm long, because a three quarter bed is the old name for a bed of this size. A three quarter bed size and a 3 quarter bed size mean exactly the same thing, so if you see either phrase while shopping, you are looking at a 4ft bed. A small double is also a good match for a divan base with drawers, since the drawers give you storage without taking up extra floor space.
King Size Bed Size
The king size bed size is 150cm wide by 200cm long, which is 5ft by 6ft6. A king size bed gives each person 75cm of width, which is nearly as much as a single bed each, and the extra 10cm of length suits taller sleepers. If your room is at least 3 metres wide, a king size bed will fit with space to walk around it. King size beds work well as divan beds and as ottoman beds, where the lift-up storage holds bedding, clothes and spare pillows. See our ottoman beds
Super King Size Bed Dimensions
The super king size bed dimensions are 180cm wide by 200cm long, which is 6ft by 6ft6. The super king size bed size in cm is 180 by 200, so each person gets 90cm of width, the same as a full single bed each. A super king suits a large bedroom and couples who want the most space possible. Measure your doorways and stairs before you order a super king, because the mattress and base are wide and need a clear path into the room. A super king divan base often comes in two halves, which makes delivery and moving much easier.
Emperor Size Bed Size
The emperor size bed size is 200cm wide by 200cm long, which is 6ft6 by 6ft6. An emperor bed is the widest standard bed you can buy, and it needs a very large bedroom. It is a good choice if you have a big room and want maximum space, but for most homes a king or super king is more practical. Emperor mattresses and bedding can also be harder to find, so check that you can buy sheets and covers in that size before you order.
European Double Bed Size
The European double bed size is 140cm wide by 200cm long, which is slightly wider and longer than a UK double. European sizes are common on beds made on the continent, and they use a 200cm length as standard. If you buy a European size bed, make sure your mattress and bedding match, because a UK double mattress at 135cm wide will leave a gap. At Kensley Home we sell UK standard sizes, so your mattress, sheets and covers will all fit without any guesswork.
Short Double Bed Size
A short double bed size is 135cm wide by 180cm long, which is the same width as a normal double but 10cm shorter. Short beds suit rooms with limited length, such as a box room or a room with a low sloping ceiling, and they suit people who are shorter and do not need the full 190cm length. Always check the length before you buy, because a bed that is too short is uncomfortable no matter how wide it is.
Sofa Bed Sizes
Sofa bed sizes vary more than ordinary bed sizes, because the bed folds away inside a sofa. When open, most double sofa beds measure about 135cm wide, and the bed size sofa beds open out to depends on the model, so always check the open measurements before you buy. A sofa bed size queen is about 150cm wide when open, which is the same width as a king size bed. Sofa beds are a smart choice for a living room or guest room where you need a sofa by day and a bed by night. See our sofa beds
How to Choose the Right Size
Start by measuring your room, then think about who will sleep in the bed. One adult sleeps well in a single or a small double. Two adults are comfortable in a double, and very comfortable in a king or super king. Taller people should look for the 200cm length of a king or super king. If your room is small, a small double or a double with storage drawers gives you sleeping space and storage in one piece of furniture. Do not forget the mattress: a good mattress matters as much as the bed frame, and our mattresses start from £170. See our mattresses
Summary
The right bed size is the one that fits your room, fits the people sleeping in it, and leaves space to move around. A single suits one person in a small room, a small double suits one person who wants more room, a double suits most couples, a king suits couples who want space, and a super king or emperor suits a large bedroom. Measure twice, choose once, and enjoy a better night's sleep. If you need help, visit Kensley Home online, with free delivery and pay on delivery on every bed.
