UK Bed & Mattress Sizes Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Choosing the right mattress size matters just as much as choosing the right comfort. Whether you're furnishing a compact guest room or a spacious main bedroom, the right size means you sleep comfortably and still have room to move. At Bedworld we offer every standard UK size, from small single to emperor.

Use the quick guide below to compare sizes, then read on for who each size suits best.

UK mattress sizes at a glance

These are standard UK sizes. European and US mattress sizes are different, so always check the measurements match your bed frame or divan base.

Each mattress size explained

Small Single (2ft 6in x 6ft 3in)

A small single is perfect for compact spaces such as children's bedrooms, bunk beds and small guest rooms. Its slim size suits younger children or occasional use, giving a cosy place to sleep without taking up much floor space.

Best for: young children, compact bedrooms, bunk beds. See our kids' mattresses.

Single (3ft x 6ft 3in)

A single gives one sleeper enough room while fitting into most rooms. It's the most versatile small size, used in children's and teenagers' bedrooms as well as day beds and guest beds.

Best for: solo sleepers, children and teens, guest rooms.

Small Double (4ft x 6ft 3in)

Sometimes called a "three-quarter" size, a small double is wider than a single but narrower than a standard double. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms where a double would feel too big, or for one adult who likes extra room to spread out.

Best for: solo sleepers who want more space, smaller double rooms.

Double (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in)

The double is one of the most popular sizes in the UK. It gives two people room to sleep without dominating the bedroom, and it fits a wide range of bed frames and divan bases.

Best for: couples, guest rooms, average-sized bedrooms.

Double vs king: a king is 15 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a double, which makes a real difference for couples and taller sleepers.

King Size (5ft x 6ft 6in)

A king size mattress is wider and longer than a double, so it's ideal if you like room to stretch out, you're on the tall side or you and your partner want more personal space.

Best for: couples, taller sleepers, larger bedrooms.

Super King (6ft x 6ft 6in)

A super king gives couples the most sleeping space of the standard sizes. It suits larger main bedrooms and families who like to share a lazy weekend morning, giving both sleepers plenty of room for an undisturbed night.

Best for: main bedrooms, couples who want extra space, families.

Super King Zip & Link (6ft x 6ft 6in)

Many of our mattresses and divan beds also come in a 6'0 Super King Zip & Link size: two 3ft wide mattresses that zip together and, on divan beds, two single bases that link together. Use it as one super king, or split it into two single beds for a guest room. Our zip and link mattresses come in extra sizes too, including 6ft 3in lengths.

Emperor (7ft x 7ft)

For the ultimate sleeping space, an emperor mattress measures a generous 7ft x 7ft (215 x 215 cm). Most of our emperor mattresses come as zip and link: two halves that are much easier to get into your home and zip together in the bedroom. Some are also available in one piece, so check the size options on each mattress.

Best for: large main bedrooms and anyone who wants the most room possible.

King vs queen: UK and US sizes

Queen is a US size, not a UK one. A US queen (about 152 x 203 cm) is closest to a UK king (150 x 200 cm), and a US king (about 193 x 203 cm) is wider than a UK super king (180 x 200 cm). Our mattresses and beds are made to UK sizes, so if your bed frame was bought abroad, measure it before you order.

Bed size vs mattress size

A bed is named after the mattress it holds, but the bed itself can take up a little more room:

• Divan and ottoman beds are very close to the mattress size, because the upholstered base is made to match it.
• Bed frames are usually a few centimetres wider and longer than the mattress, as the frame sits around it.
• Headboards are often slightly wider than the bed, and floor standing headboards add depth at the head end.

Every bed on our website lists its dimensions in the Dimensions section of the product page, so you can check the exact size before you order.

How much room do you need?

As a rule of thumb, allow about 60 cm (around 2ft) of clear space on each side you need to walk around, and at the foot of the bed. Then add space for storage:

• Drawers: leave room in front of each drawer for it to open fully and for you to stand while you use it.
• Ottoman beds: an end opening ottoman needs space at the foot of the bed, and a side opening one needs space at the side, so you can lift the base and reach inside.

A quick way to check is to mark the size of the bed on the floor with masking tape and walk around it.

How to choose the right mattress size

• Measure your room. Leave enough space to walk around the bed and open doors, wardrobes and drawers. Allow for a headboard and any storage drawers too.
• Think about who's sleeping in it. One adult, a couple, or a couple plus children and pets on a Sunday morning? A double gives each of two sleepers 67.5 cm of width, a king 75 cm and a super king 90 cm, the width of a single bed.
• Consider how you sleep. If you sprawl out or you're over six foot, a king or super king gives you more room.
• Plan ahead. For a growing child or a spare room with more than one use, pick a size that will still work in a few years.

Mattress types to choose from

Once you know your size, choose the feel that suits you. We offer a wide range of mattress types:

• Pocket sprung mattresses: individual springs that contour to your body and reduce partner disturbance.
• Memory foam mattresses: mould to your body shape to relieve pressure points.
• Hybrid mattresses: springs for support combined with foam comfort layers.
• Gel mattresses: memory foam with cooling gel for a fresher feel.
• Hand made natural mattresses: luxury natural fillings such as wool for a breathable, cosy feel.

Find your perfect mattress

Whatever size you need, you'll find it in our range, with a choice of fillings and comfort levels and free delivery. Browse all mattresses and find the right fit for your home.