Bed Sizes UK: Bed & Mattress Size Guides

What size is a small single bed and mattress?

The size of a small single mattress is 80cm x 190cm / 2’ 6” x 6’3”. A small single is generally preferable for saving space or for use within spare rooms. They also fit the more narrow children’s bed frames that are available to buy for young children.

What size is a single bed and mattress?

The size of a single mattress is 90cm x 190cm / 3” x 6’3”. As you’d expect, singles are ideal for one person, and are suitable for a child all the way from around 4 years old into their teens.

What size is a small double bed and mattress?

The size of a small double mattress is 120cm x 190cm / 4″ x 6’3″. Small doubles are sometimes known as a queen size bed, although that’s actually a US measurement for a bed size that more closely matches a UK standard double. These beds are perfect for smaller than average bedrooms, but can still accommodate two adults.

What size is a double bed and mattress?

The size of a double mattress is 135cm x 190cm / 4’6″ x 6’3″.

Historically the most common size of bed/mattress in the UK (but interestingly not in as many as 16 other countries, where 160cm by 200cm has been more usual for some time!), the majority of bedrooms are designed to comfortably take a double bed.

However, do keep in mind that a standard double bed for two sleepers only gives each person the same amount of room as a cot gives a baby (about 67.5cm, or 2’3″). Realistically, you may need something larger!

What size is a King size bed and mattress?

The size of a Kingsize mattress is 150cm x 200cm / 5′ x 6’6″. A Kingsize is now the UK’s most common mattress, and is perfect for taller people or for couples who are going to appreciate a bit of extra sleeping room.

What size is a Super king size bed and mattress?

The size of a Super King size mattress is 180cm x 200cm / 6′ x 6’6″. A Super King is great for those who like plenty of space, or for families who love to snuggle up when they’re relaxing.

What size is an Extra king size bed and mattress?

The size of an Extra King size mattress is 180cm x 190cm / 6’0 x 6’3.

Does a larger mattress mean better sleep?

A larger mattress can help you sleep better as they allow for less sleep disturbance if you share a bed. Sharing a smaller mattress (such as a double) can sometimes lead to nightly disruptions as a result of your other half moving around in bed. With a larger mattress (such as a king size or super kingsize mattress) there’s more free space, so you’re not as close together.

Ergonomic studies from the National Bed Federation (1995) also show that a full 50% of couples would buy a larger bed once they’d actually tried one out. We spend a third of our lives in bed (16 years by the time we turn 50!) and over 7 years every £100 spent on a new bed equates to a nightly cost of less than 4p. That’s well worth considering!

When a pocket sprung mattress is chosen, this can further help to drastically reduce nocturnal interruptions as each pocket spring works individually to reduce transference (that characteristic bounce or movement you’ll feel across a mattress).

This means that, when one sleeper moves, there’s less chance of you being woken up at night.

Zip & Link mattress sizes

Zip & link mattresses are two mattresses that seamlessly zip together, offering the ultimate sleep flexibility and customisation. They offer ultimate flexibility in mattress sizes and in sleep preferences.

Zip and link beds are ideal for differently-weighted sleepers or if you want to be able to divide the bed periodically. Zip and links also make turning your mattress far easier.

• King Size Zip & Link 5’x 6’6 (Each half measuring 2’6 x 6’6)
• Super King Size Zip & Link 6′ x 6’6″ (Each half measuring 3’0 x 6’6)
• Extra King Size Zip & Link 6′ x 6’3 (Each half measuring 3’0 x 6’3)

Zip & link mattresses offer a number of benefits, including split tension spring units if you and your partner require different tensions in your bed. The zips are recessed (so you won’t feel them) and it makes turning your mattress far easier each month. We have a very handy guide below to explain exactly how zip and link mattresses work.

What mattress & bed sizes are best?

There are a number of different mattress size conventions across the world. This post details all the UK sizes (including mattress bases) so you can see which bed will fit in your bedroom, but you may come across other international measurements too.

As we’ve said, the UK’s most popular mattress size is a king size, which allows ample space for two people sleeping next to each other when compared to the snug fit of a double.

If you’ve got restricted access, narrow staircases or low ceilings, then you can get your mattress made as a zip & link model, enabling practically any sized house to have the ultimate dream mattress!

As a general rule, the best mattress size is usually the largest bed you can comfortably fit into your bedroom. However, when you’re buying, you should consider questions like:

• Who are you buying it for?
• How tall is the sleeper (the ideal bed would be 10 cm longer than the tallest person who sleeps in it)?
• How much does the sleeper weigh?
• Will the bed be shared?
• How much space do you have?

We also want to stress the importance of checking dimensions. And when we say dimensions, we mean all dimensions!

The Dimensions of Your Bed – The overall dimensions of a bed frame are usually bigger than the mattress. Also, if you’re tall it’s worth remembering that even a king-sized bed is only 6’6″ in length, so you may wish to consider choosing a bed with a low foot end.

The Dimensions of Your Room – Keep in mind skirting boards, door frames and bedroom furniture. You don’t want to leave insufficient room to open drawers and cupboards. You can use sheets of newspaper to plan out how much floor space will be taken up by your furniture, and you may want to establish if the layout of your plug sockets is still going to be practical with a new bed too.

The Dimensions of Your Headboard – A high headboard can be restrictive if you have limited space, so make sure to check this first

The Dimensions of Your Access – Lastly, once you’ve got everything measured, check that your mattress and bed frame will fit through doors, around bannisters, and generally play ball with your access routes. It sounds obvious but – even though most beds need assembly – some items like headboards can be very large, so they’re worth preparing for.

A king-size mattress for 2 people affords you a generous space (regardless of your sleeping position) without making the mattress impossible to turn. Larger sizes are usually better as a zip and link mattress, which we stock in all our ranges.

As we said at the start of this post, we also offer a bespoke mattress-making service, so if you’ve got an unusual size requirement we can accommodate that too! Why not get in touch for the ultimate hand made mattress just for you!

Continental & European Bed Sizes

Mattress depths

Our Origins range are 12-13 inches deep, 30-33cm and the Artisan range are 11-12 inches deep 27-30cm. The Fusion, Hybrid and Resilience depths are all stated on their respective product listings.

Mattress Size Guide Approximations

Please be aware that, unlike other manufacturers, we don’t class the mattress cover in the overall mattress depth. Other companies will add 1-3cm to the overall depth of the mattress using the cover and quilt undulations as part of the foam, which we find to be quite misleading.

We don’t think this is a fair practice, so we don’t count this 1-3cm in the overall depth of the mattress. Remember that, when choosing your mattress, it may be slightly deeper than listed due to the cover and undulations.

We advise you to wait until your mattress arrives before purchasing additional covers and sheets to make sure they fit. It will also take up to 4 weeks for you to adjust and get used to your new mattress, a bit like a new pair of shoes. So please bear this in mind.

Bed Base Sizes

How big are mattress bases? Check out our dimension table to assist.

Mattress Size Vs the Bed Frame Size

When choosing a new mattress you also need to consider the mattress base that it will sit on. In particular, if it will fit into both your bedroom and also up the stairs!

Your mattress size should always correspond with the bed size you are also buying. If you have a king-size bed (like most of the UK) then you will need a kingsize mattress. However, each bed frame type may be slightly larger than the mattress depending on the design that you need to take into consideration.

Bed frame sizes dependant on style

The dimensions of your bed will vary depending on which style of bed frame or bed base you choose:

• Divan beds should be the exact same dimensions as your mattress, so they sit flush.
• Metal bedframes may be up to 2cm wider to accommodate the mattress in the lip.
• Wooden bed frames are also a couple of centimetres bigger than your mattress around each side, again sitting within the frame.
• Sleigh beds, upholstered bases, antique and custom-made bed bases can have really different proportions and dimensions, so always triple check!

Mattress bases drawer dimensions

People often ask “how big are mattress drawers” and enquire about the depths of them. It’s important to know what you could fit in them, as mattress base drawers can offer hidden storage for smaller bedrooms. Here is a guide for our John Ryan Mattress bases.

Legacy Mattress Sizes

Which way are divan bases split?

Weights of Mattresses

Our mattresses weigh between 23-78kg, depending on mattress model and size.

This is an approximate guide for the weight of our mattresses. Please be aware there is a sometimes a variance and we can’t guarantee an exact weight for the mattresses. This is why we sometimes give a range. You need to know the weight of the mattress to check that your base can support it.

Cheap mattresses may weigh as little as 20kg for a king-size, whereas a hand made mattress full of Natural mattress fillings can weight up to 80kg! 

Under our Bespoke Service

We can make mattresses to a number of non-standard sizes, especially if you have antique bed frames, require beds for yachts or have any other bespoke mattress requirements. However, there is a price increase for bespoke work, and it’s not covered by the love it or return it guarantee. Please get in touch for more details.

• Ikea Double 4’7” x 6’6”  (140cm x 200cm)
• Ikea King  5’2″ x 6’6″ (160cm x 200cm)

European / Ikea sizes are usually slightly longer and wider than standard UK bed equivalents.  At present, John Ryan don’t offer an Ikea Single equivalent as this is 6’6″ inches long, whereas a small single is 6’3″.  Our bespoke service can take orders of non-standard services such as this.

Summary

Understanding mattress sizes is key in choosing the perfect bed to sleep well at night. We always recommend getting the biggest bed for the size of your room, as this allows you the most freedom to sleep during the night. With smaller beds, you may find your partner disturbs you too frequently during the night.

Zip & link models make an excellent choice for restricted access and offer completely customized spring tensions for each sleeper. They allow you the freedom of having a larger mattress size without worrying about it getting stuck up the stairs or not bending around a tight corner!

Do you need a different size or shape of mattress altogether? If so, then please get in touch and we can provide expert advice and guidance through our bespoke service.

We have plenty of experience in making bespoke mattresses for antique bed frames, houseboats, caravans, motorhomes and other custom sleeping arrangements.