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January 2023

Bed Sizes UK: Bed & Mattress Size Guides

Choosing the right mattress size to fit your bedroom can be confusing as it can be tricky to work out what mattress size will fit in your home. It's important to check exactly how big and heavy a mattress is, especially if you're wanting to squeeze a slightly larger mattress into your bedroom. After all, who doesn't want a bigger bed? In this article, we'll go into detail all about UK mattress sizes to help you get the best bed for your bedroom.

Updated 2023: Need to know the standard mattress sizes before making the jump to buy a new bed? We’ve gathered all the UK mattress and bed sizes here to help you when shopping online for a new mattress. This article will help you find the right mattress size for your bedroom, whether you are looking to supersize your mattress or find a bed to fit that tiny box room!

A luxury Artisan 1500 mattress in a room
Kingsize mattresses are the most popular UK size.

In brief, the table below shows all the standard bed/mattress sizes in the UK.

Bed & Mattress Sizes UKMetric Dimensions Imperial Dimensions
Small Single 80cm x 190cm2’ 6” x 6’3”
Single 90cm x 190cm3′ x 6’3″
Small Double 120cm x 190cm4″ x 6’3
Double 135cm x 190cm4’6″ x 6’3″
Continental Double 140cm x 200cm4’7” x 6’6”
King 150cm x 200cm5′ x 6’6″
Continental King 160cm x 200cm5’3″ x 6’6″
Extra King 180cm x 190cm6’0 x 6’3
Super King 180cm x 200cm6′ x 6’6″
*All furniture dimensions are covered by a tolerance of up to 2cm.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about mattress sizes and the weights that will help you choose a new mattress. If you’re looking for guidance on mattress bases there’s a handy article here with explains everything about suitable mattress sizes and bases.

Did you know the most popular UK mattress size is a king size mattress?

How to choose the right bed size

Finding the right-sized mattress can be confusing, and, in our experience, most people who don’t check what bed will fit in advance either end up with a bed that’s too small or one that won’t fit up the stairs.

This is where our ultimate mattress size guide can help.

It’s also important to check the weight of your new mattress. All of our own bed bases can accommodate any of our models, whereas some other retailer mattress bases may have an upper weight limit. If you’re asking ‘what size is a mattress?’ then read on for more help.

A deco bed frame by john ryan

Bed & Mattress Sizes UK

The following are the standard UK mattress and bed sizes that we make our mattresses and bed bases in accordance with. Bespoke orders and bespoke size mattresses are available upon request, so please get in touch if that’s something that you think you need.

Bed and mattress sizes UK

What is the most popular bed size?

The most popular UK bed size is now a King size mattress (150cm x 200cm), having finally overtaken the double bed (135cm x 190cm) mattress. This has been made far more accessible for most with the rise in prominence of the zip and link mattresses.

Zip & link beds mean that even smaller houses with difficult access or tight stairwells can now accommodate a king size mattress. These split piece beds allow even super king-sized mattresses to fit into the tightest of loft rooms.

Why choosing the right mattress size is important

When it comes to buying a new mattress, getting the right size is vital. If you play it safe and choose too small a size, you may sleep awkwardly, especially if you share a bed with a partner. If you are too ambitious in choosing a large mattress size, you may struggle to even get it up the stairs, let alone your bedroom!

Choosing the right mattress size is crucial for several reasons:

i) Comfort and Sleep Quality

The size of your mattress directly impacts your comfort and sleep quality. A mattress that is too small may restrict movement and make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. On the other hand, a mattress that is too large for your needs may lead to wasted space and unnecessary expenses.

Hand made mattresses

ii) Support and Spinal Alignment

A properly sized mattress provides adequate support for your body, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. A mattress that is too small may not adequately support your body, leading to discomfort and potential back pain. Conversely, a mattress that is too large may allow for excessive movement, which can also affect spinal alignment.

How to stop back pain in bed

iii) Sleeping Partners

If you share your bed with a partner, choosing the right mattress size is essential for both individuals to have enough space to sleep comfortably. A mattress that is too small for two people may result in disturbances throughout the night, impacting sleep quality for both partners.

A man and woman sleeping on their sides in bed

iv) Room Size and Layout

The size of your bedroom and the layout of your furniture also play a role in determining the right mattress size. A mattress that is too large for your room may make it feel cramped and cluttered, while a mattress that is too small may leave empty space that could be better utilized.

A handmade artisan tailored pocket mattress

v) Lifestyle and Preferences

Your lifestyle and personal preferences should also inform your choice of mattress size. For example, if you enjoy stretching out or sharing your bed with pets or children, you may prefer a larger mattress size to accommodate everyone comfortably.

The UK's most popular size is now a King size bed (150cm x 200cm)
The UK's most popular size is now a King size bed (150cm x 200cm)
It's important to check you have enough access to fit a larger bed in your property, including stairwells and landings
It's important to check you have enough access to fit a larger bed in your property, including stairwells and landings

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.

Small Single bed and mattress sizes UK

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.

Single bed and mattress sizes UK

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.

Small double bed and mattress sizes UK

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!

Double bed and mattress sizes UK

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.

King size bed and mattress sizes UK

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.

Super King size bed and mattress sizes UK

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.

Extra king mattress and bed sizes UK

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!

Side sleeper in black and white

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.

A zip and link mattress being zipped

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!

John Ryan Legacy mattress and Base with throw
Why not move up a size for ultimate comfort in bed? Click to view mattresses for any room size.

Continental & European Bed Sizes

Bed & Mattress Sizes EuropeanMetric Dimensions Imperial Dimensions
Continental/European Single/Twin90cm x 200cm3’0” x 6’6”
Continental/European Small Double 120cm x 200cm4’0” x 6’6”
Continental/European Double 140cm x 200cm4’7” x 6’6”
Continental/European King 160cm x 200cm5’3″ x 6’6″
Continental/European Super King (Same as UK) 180cm x 200cm6’0” x 6’6”

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 SizeOrigins ComfortOrigins ReflexOrigins 1500Origins Latex 1500
Single23kg25kg28kg32kg
Double35kg37kg42kg48kg
King40kg44kg49kg56kg
SuperkingNA51kg58kg67kg

 

Mattress SizeArtisan 1500Artisan Tailored PocketArtisan NaturalsArtisan Latex
Single28kg35kg33kg35kg
Double43kg52kg50kg57kg
King51kg62kg58kg65kg
Superking62kg74kg70kg78kg

 

Mattress SizeArtisan Bespoke 004Artisan LuxuryArtisan BespokeArtisan Bespoke 002
Single35kg35kg39kg36kg
Double52kg52kg58kg54kg
King61kg58kg65kg63kg
Superking74kg74kg78kg75kg

 

Hybrid / Resilience Range
Mattress SizeMattresses5cm Topper7.5cm Topper
Single 16-18kg6-8kg8-10kg
Double 24-26kg10-12kg12-14kg
King 30-32kg11-13kg15-17kg
Superking 35-37kg13-15kg16-18kg

 

Fusion Range
Mattress SizeMattresses5cm Topper7.5cm Topper
Single 25-27kg12-14kg14-16kg
Double 35-38kg20-24kg24-28kg
King 40-45kg22-26kg26-30kg
Superking 45-50kg26-32kg32-38kg

 

Mattress SizeArtisan Bespoke 003Artisan SublimeThe Legacy
Single40kg38kg46kg
Double58kg54kg62kg
King68kg64kg72kg
Superking78kg74kg82kg

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.

Front sleeper mattress advice

Bed Base Sizes

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

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.

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!
A metal slatted bed frame
Always check metal, wooden, antique or custom bed bases as these can be up to 2cm bigger than your chosen mattress size.

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.

Base TypeDepth of BaseDrawer Dimensions / Internal depth
Platform Top12"32″ wide, 20″ deep and 9″ high (Continental drawers 17.5" wide)
Ottoman15"10" internal depth storage
Artisan Sprung (no drawers12"NA
Artisan Sprung (with drawers)12"32″ wide, 20″ deep and 9″ high (Continental drawers 17.5" wide)

Legacy Mattress Sizes

Legacy Mattress SizeDimensionsWeight
Single 3′ x 6’3″ (90cm x 190cm)46kg
Double 4’6″ x 6’3″ (135cm x 190cm)62kg
King 5′ x 6’6″ (150cm x 200cm)72kg
Extra King 6’0 x 6’3 (182cm x 190cm)72kg
Super King 6′ x 6’6″ (180cm x 200cm)82kg

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.

Bespoke Mattress Sizes that can be custom orderedFeet & InchesCentimeters
2ft9 x 6ft291cm x 190cm
3ft x 6ft690cm x 200cm
4ft x 6ft6120cm x 200cm
4ft8 x 6ft3146cm x 192cm
5ft3 x 6ft6
160cm x 202cm
5ft5 x 6ft5170cm x 200cm
5ft5 x 6ft5183cm x 199cm
6ft x 6ft5180cm x 198cm
6ft x 7ft4184cm x 228cm
6ft3 x 6ft6193cm x 203cm
6ft6 x 6ft6200cm x 200cm
6ft6 x 6ft6220cm x 200cm
Bespoke Headboard Sizes can be custom made
40" in total height 20" x 20"
44" in total height 24" x 20"
Bespoke Bed Base sizes can be custom madeCan be made to measure please get in touch
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.

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