Buying a bed sounds simple until you're faced with a wall of names — single, small double, king, super king — and none of them tell you the actual centimeters you're working with. UK bed sizing is standardized across almost all manufacturers, so once you know the numbers, choosing the right bed for your room and your sleep style becomes far easier.

This guide sets out the exact dimensions for every standard UK bed size, what each one suits, and how to match a size to your room before you buy.

UK bed size chart

Room size recommendations are guidelines, not hard rules — they assume roughly 60cm of clearance on each side of the bed for walking space and furniture like wardrobes or bedside tables.

Single beds

A single bed measures 90cm wide by 190cm long. It's the standard choice for children's rooms, guest rooms, and box rooms where floor space is limited. If space is even tighter, a small single at 75cm wide works well for bunk beds or younger children, though it's less common in adult bedrooms.

Singles are also a practical option for solo sleepers in small flats or shared houses, particularly when paired with an ottoman base to add storage without needing extra floor space. Browse our Single Beds range to see current options at this size.

Double beds

The double is the UK's most common bed size at 135cm wide by 190cm long. It suits couples in average-sized bedrooms and solo sleepers who want more room to stretch out than a single offers.

Worth noting: at 135cm wide, a double gives each person in a couple around 67.5cm of sleeping space — roughly the same width as a single bed each. If you or your partner move around a lot at night, this is worth factoring in before you buy.

For those who want a middle ground between a single and a full double, a small double at 120cm wide is a popular choice for guest rooms or smaller main bedrooms. See our Double Beds range for current stock.

King size beds

A UK king size bed measures 150cm wide by 200cm long. It's noticeably more generous than a double in both directions — 15cm wider and 10cm longer — making it a common upgrade for couples who find a double too cramped, or for anyone over 6'0" who needs the extra leg room.

The extra 10cm of length matters more than it sounds: a double's 190cm length means anyone taller than around 5'11" may find their feet reaching the end of the mattress. King and super king beds both offer 200cm of length, solving this for taller sleepers. Browse our King Size Beds range to compare current options.

Super king beds

At 180cm wide by 200cm long, a super king is the largest standard UK bed size. It's effectively the width of two single beds side by side, giving couples maximum personal space while sleeping.

Super king beds need a genuinely spacious room to work — allow at least 3.6m x 4m so there's still room to move around the bed and fit other furniture. If your room can't comfortably fit a super king, a king size bed offers much of the same length with a more manageable footprint. Check our Beds collection for current availability at this size.

How to choose the right size for your room

• Measure your room first, not the bed. Note the length and width of the space, then subtract at least 60cm of clearance on each side you'll walk past regularly.

• Account for other furniture. Wardrobes, bedside tables, and chests of drawers all need their own footprint — measure the whole layout, not just where the bed will sit.

• Match the bed to how you sleep. A single sleeper who moves around at night may prefer a double or small double over a single. Couples who each want personal space should look at king or super king.

• Check doorway and stairwell access. Larger bed frames, particularly ottoman and divan bases, can be awkward to manoeuvre into upstairs bedrooms — check dimensions against your access route before ordering.

• Leave room to open doors and drawers fully. A bed that technically fits the floor space but blocks a wardrobe door in daily use isn't a good fit long-term.

Mattress compatibility notes

UK bed frames and mattresses are named after the same standard sizes, so a "double" frame is designed to take a "double" mattress — but a few things are worth checking before you buy:

• Frame and mattress dimensions should match exactly. A mattress that's even a few centimetres out from the frame size can leave gaps or overhang.

• Mattress depth varies by brand, typically between 20cm and 30cm. This affects how a fitted sheet or valance will sit, so check the depth alongside the width and length.

• European sizes differ from UK sizes, even when the names sound similar. A European king, for example, is not the same as a UK king — always check cm dimensions rather than relying on the size name alone, especially with imported mattresses.

• Ottoman and storage beds sometimes have a very slightly different internal frame size to accommodate the lifting mechanism — check the product spec if you're buying the mattress separately from the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a super king bed in cm?

A super king bed measures 180cm wide by 200cm long.

Is a king bed big enough for two people?

Yes. At 150cm wide, a king gives each person about 75cm of sleeping space — more than double — making it a comfortable choice for most couples.

What is the standard UK double bed size?

A standard UK double bed measures 135cm wide by 190cm long.

What's the difference between UK and EU bed sizes?

UK sizes are generally narrower than their European equivalents with the same name, and the naming conventions don't always align. Always compare exact cm dimensions rather than assuming a UK and EU size with a similar name will match.

What size room do I need for a super king bed?

Aim for at least 3.6m x 4m to comfortably fit a super king with clearance on both sides and room for other furniture.

Shop beds by size — browse our Single Beds, Double Beds, or King Size Beds collections directly, or see the full Beds collection to browse everything at once.