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April 2023

Bed Size Guide: Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Room

Buying a new mattress can be both exciting and daunting. Knowing where to start can be really confusing, but the very first question to answer is what is the largest size of mattress you can fit in your bedroom. That way you can start with the size of the mattress first and then work out the support or comfort layers you need. So this guide will help give you the minimum room sizes to help you pick the best mattress!

Choosing the right mattress size

  1. How to work out the best mattress for your rooms size
  2. Minimum room sizes per mattress size
  3. Single mattress minimum bedroom size
  4. Double mattress minimum bedroom size
  5. Kingsize mattress minimum bedroom size
  6. Super kingsize mattress minimum bedroom size
  7. Extra kingsize mattress minimum bedroom size
  8. How to choose a mattress in the UK

How to work out the best mattress for your room size?

Choosing the right mattress size for your bedroom is an important decision that can impact your comfort and sleep quality. There is nothing worse than buying a new mattress that barely fits in the room or actually feels too small.

After all the most popular mattress size in the Uk is a King size (150cm x 200cm).

The perfect width for two sleepers to turn, move when they need to and relax each night without causing the other disturbance. This is especially true if you pick a pocket spring mattress that reduces transference.

Here are some steps to help you determine the best mattress size for your bedroom:

1. Measure your bedroom

Start by measuring the dimensions of your bedroom, including the length, width, and height. Consider the layout of the room, the placement of doors, windows, and other furniture, and any other factors that may affect the available space.

Draw this up to scale on a piece of paper and then cut out the bed sizes also to scale to work out where the bed will be placed and if there’s enough space.

A apartment bedroom and mattress

2. Consider your sleeping preferences

Think about your personal sleeping preferences. Do you prefer to sleep alone or with a partner? Do you move around a lot during sleep? Do you have any specific health conditions that may affect your sleep? These factors can influence the ideal mattress size for your needs.

Side sleeper in black and white

3. Determine the mattress dimensions

Familiarize yourself with the standard mattress sizes available in your region, such as single, double, queen, king, super king and extra king. Note down the dimensions of each size, including length, width, and height. Or see our handy table below.

Base SizeDimensions
Small Single 2’ 6” x 6’3” (80cm x 190cm)
Single 3′ x 6’3″ (90cm x 190cm)
Small Double 4″ x 6’3 (120cm x 190cm)
Double 4’6″ x 6’3″ (135cm x 190cm)
Continental Double 4’7” x 6’6” (140cm x 200cm)
King 5′ x 6’6″ (150cm x 200cm)
Continental King 5’3″ x 6’6″ (160cm x 200cm)
Extra King 6’0 x 6’3 (182cm x 190cm)
Super King 6′ x 6’6″ (180cm x 200cm)
*These dimensions are covered by a tolerance of up to 2cm. Bases are usually slightly wider and longer than their counterpart mattress.

 

Bed and mattress sizes UK

4. Allow for additional space

Keep in mind that you may need additional space for bedside tables, dressers, and other bedroom furniture. Consider the overall layout and functionality of your bedroom when determining the appropriate mattress size.

5. Test it out

If possible, visit a mattress store or showroom and physically lie down on mattresses of different sizes to get a feel for their dimensions and comfort. This can help you better understand how different mattress sizes fit your body and your bedroom space.

6. Consider your bed budget

Keep in mind that larger mattress sizes are generally more expensive than smaller ones. So if you’re redecorating an entire room, always keep your bed budget in mind. However, you may find that allocating a decent budget to your mattress will help you sleep better, even if it means fewer decorative features in your new bedroom! After all, sleep is so essential to overall health.

Minimum Room Sizes for each mattress size

Mattress SizeMinimum Bedroom Size (ft)Minimum Bedroom Size (M)
Single7 feet by 10 feet 2.1 meters by 3 meters
Double10 feet by 10 feet3 meters by 3 meters
King Size9 feet by 9 feet 2.7 meters by 2.7 meters
Super King Size12 feet by 12 feet3.7 meters by 3.7 meters
Extra King Size12 feet by 12 feet3.7 meters by 3.7 meters
Working out what size of mattress can fit in your bedroom saves drama trying to squeeze in a mattress that won't fit
Working out what size of mattress can fit in your bedroom saves drama trying to squeeze in a mattress that won't fit
Always consider enough space to move around the bed and open furniture, windows or doors
Always consider enough space to move around the bed and open furniture, windows or doors

What’s the minimum sized bedroom for a single bed?

A room size of at least 7 feet by 10 feet (2.1 meters by 3 meters) is often considered sufficient to accommodate a standard single mattress with enough space for movement and basic furniture arrangements.

Single bed and mattress sizes UK

The minimum room size for a single mattress can vary depending on factors such as personal preferences and intended use of the room.

This size allows for the mattress to fit comfortably in the room with ample space for bedside tables, dressers, and other furniture. It’s important to note that room size requirements may vary based on the specific layout and intended use of the room. It’s always best to consider individual comfort and practicality when determining the appropriate room size for a single mattress.

What’s the minimum room size for a double mattress?

For a double mattress, you will need a room size of at least 9 feet by 9 feet (2.7 meters by 2.7 meters), which is sufficient to accommodate a standard double mattress.

Double bed and mattress sizes UK

Allowing enough space for movement and basic furniture arrangements. Again always check that this allows your own movements and furniture to fit.

What’s the minimum bedroom size for a kingsize mattress?

A room size of at least 10 feet by 10 feet (3 meters by 3 meters) is often considered sufficient to accommodate a standard UK king-size mattress. The biggest concern with kingsize and above beds is the access to get the mattress upstairs, around the hallways and into the bedroom.

King size bed and mattress sizes UK

This is why considering a zip and link mattress in king size and above is always worthwhile. They are far easier to move and maintain than a one-piece mattress.

What’s the minimum room size for a super king or extra king mattress?

A room size of at least 12 feet by 12 feet (3.7 meters by 3.7 meters) is required for a super king or extra king mattress. Extra king size mattresses are only available in a zip and link unless ordered as a bespoke one piece size.

Again a zip-and-link super kingsize mattress is nearly always preferable for moving it up the stairs and maintaining the regular turning of the mattress. A one-piece super king mattress can weigh upwards of 65kg! 

Super King size bed and mattress sizes UK

Extra king mattress and bed sizes UK

How to choose a mattress in the UK

Choosing a mattress can be a subjective and personal decision, as individual preferences and needs can vary. We’ve been helping people in the UK choose the very best mattress for over three decades now. It’s not just a case of setting a budget and then buying whatever meets that. It’s about a mix of mattress type, materials, support, sleeping preference, and finally dodging some of the pitfalls.

Luckily, our site has hundreds of bed-buying guides to help you cut through the confusion. Our video below will teach you in a matter of minutes how to pick a mattress and the additional bed-buying advice below!

Here are some general tips on how to choose a mattress:

1. Determine your bed budget

Mattresses come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to establish a budget beforehand. Consider the long-term investment and value of a mattress, as it can affect your comfort and sleep quality for years to come.

2. Consider your sleep preferences

Think about your preferred sleep position (back, stomach, side) and any specific requirements or health considerations you may have, such as back pain or allergies. Different types of mattresses (e.g., memory foam, innerspring, latex) can offer varying levels of support, firmness, and comfort, so choose one that suits your individual needs.

Back sleeper mattress advice

3. Research different mattress types

Educate yourself about the different types of mattresses available in the market, such as memory foam, innerspring, latex, and hybrid mattresses. Each type has its pros and cons, so research and understand the features and benefits of each type to make an informed decision.

4. Consider mattress size

Think about the size of the mattress that will fit comfortably in your bedroom and accommodate your sleeping needs. Standard mattress sizes include single, double, kingsize, super king etc. Consider the dimensions of your bed frame, room size, and any other furniture in the room when determining the appropriate mattress size.

5. Read reviews and check guarantee or warranties

Look for customer reviews and ratings of mattresses to get an idea of customer satisfaction and durability. Also, check the mattress warranties, which can vary in coverage and length, to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.

6. Ask about return/exchange policies

Inquire about the return/exchange policies of the mattress retailer or manufacturer in case you are not satisfied with the mattress after purchase. Make sure you understand the return/exchange process and any associated fees or conditions.

Mattress guarantees being written by hand

7. Take your time

Don’t rush the decision. Take your time to research, review, and compare different mattresses before making a final decision. Remember that choosing the right mattress can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Summary

Choosing the right size mattress is a really important part of buying a new mattress. By ensuring you get the right size based on your sleeping preferences, room size and bedroom layout, you can create a relaxed bedroom that helps bring the best night’s sleep.

Doing your research before rushing out to buy a new bed will also save you from falling for an unsuitable bed. We always recommend you take the time to read this article to help select the very best mattress and avoid these pitfalls.

If you need further help in shortlisting suitable new mattresses, give our small expert team a call for free advice on 0161 437 4419.

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