Bed & Mattress Size Guide

Across the world, there are many different bed size standards. With a mixture of names, measurements, and metrics, it can be difficult to keep up. 

So, if you’re seeking a new bed and need a quick refresh on the options available, this bed size guide will be sure to help. 

Here, we’ll cover all the standard UK bed sizes available, while also looking overseas to provide an overview of  American and European variations. 

What Bed Sizes Are There?

Bed dimensions can vary slightly depending on their style and the material they’re made of. However, each will be designed to fit a standard-sized mattress. 

There are five common mattress sizes available in the UK, starting at a single, all the way up to a super king.

For a more visual representation, see this bed size diagram covering all the above sizes, plus the emperor.

What Size is a Single Bed?

Great for sleeping solo, or as a step up from a child’s bed, a single bed is the smallest standard bed size available in the UK. Narrower than a small double, they measure 3ft wide and 6ft 3” long. 

In fact, most subsequent bed frames are just as long as a single – the only difference is the width. 

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What Size is a Small Double Bed?

As a jump up from the single, a small double bed adds 30 cm (11.8”) ofwidth, while keeping the same length. 

While a small double technically can be used by two sleepers, the additional width isn’t quite enough for a pair of adults. These beds are often best used in small bedrooms or guest rooms to give solo sleepers a taste of luxury. 

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What Size is a Double Bed?

Pictured: Model 04 - Low Wooden Bed

They’re much more accommodating for two adults, especially compared to the small double. Though, double beds aren’t the largest size available. 

What Size is a King Bed?

For many, a king size bed is the very first taste of luxury. They add a few extra inches of width over a standard double (5.9”, or 15 cm, to be exact), which gives sleepers a touch more freedom to sprawl out, toss, and turn throughout the night. 

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What Size is a Super King Bed?

A super king bed is the largest standard size available in the UK. They clock in at a massive 6ft (180 cm) in width and 6ft 6” (200 cm) in length. This effectively gives the same amount of space as two single frames combined, all in one extra-large bed frame. 

What is a Queen Bed?

Another bed size you may have come across is a queen. In the UK, queen size beds are essentially a small double frame. These frames are more commonly referred to in US bed sizes, which we’ll cover below. 

What Size is an Emperor Bed?

Coming in as both wider and longer than even a super king, an emperor bed is undeniably the most luxurious size you can buy. They add 35 cm (13.7”) of width over the super king, and 15 cm (5.9”) in length.

With such a large footprint, emperor beds are usually reserved for exceptionally large bedrooms where space is no concern. Otherwise, they tend to dominate bedrooms and leave little room for other furniture. 

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European Bed Sizes

Despite having similar names, different parts of the world will have their own classifications for bed frame sizes. European countries will often follow similar naming schemes to the UK, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. 

To prevent confusion, we’ve summarised all the common European bed sizes that you’re likely to encounter.

In here, you’ll see that a European king is roughly 10 cm (3.9”) wider than its UK variant, whereas the European double is around 5 cm (1.9”) wider. Both the European single and double are 10 cm longer than their UK equivalents. 

US Bed Sizes

To confuse bed sizes even further, US bed frames are sometimes named differently to other places in the world. There, for example, a UK king is comparable to a US queen, whereas a UK double is often compared to a full bed. 

Need Help Choosing Your Bed?

Armed with all the standard UK bed sizes available, now comes the time to make that all-important decision: which bed will you choose? 

Knowing the sizes is one part of the puzzle – you must now decide between the different types and styles of bed frame available. Thankfully, to help make that decision a little easier, we’ve created a wooden bed buying guide.

Feeling prepared already? Take the plunge and find a high-quality wooden bed made from the very best materials, with us.