Choosing the right bed size starts with measuring your available bedroom space. Once you’ve decided on the dimensions, you can explore different bed styles and sizes available from JMH Beds.
The name of a bed size does not always tell you how much space you will actually need in your bedroom. You also need to think about the mattress dimensions, the overall size of the bed frame, walking space and whether you want room for bedside tables or other furniture.
This UK bed size guide explains the standard bed sizes in the UK, their typical dimensions and what each option could mean for your bedroom.
Whether you’re replacing an old mattress, buying a new bed frame or furnishing a bedroom from scratch, understanding bed sizes and dimensions can make the decision much easier.
UK Bed Sizes at a Glance
Here are the commonly available UK bed and mattress sizes:
| UK Bed Size | Approx. Mattress Dimensions |
| Single | 90 x 190 cm |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 cm |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm |
| King Size | 150 x 200 cm |
| Super King | 180 x 200 cm |
These measurements refer to the mattress size rather than necessarily the complete external dimensions of the bed.
A bed frame can be wider or longer than the mattress because of the headboard, footboard, side rails and other design features.
Always check the exact product measurements before ordering.
Single Bed Size
A standard single bed size in the UK is approximately 90 cm wide by 190 cm long.
Single beds work well in:
- Children’s bedrooms
- Teenagers’ bedrooms
- Guest rooms
- Smaller bedrooms
- Spare rooms
- Rooms where floor space is limited
A single bed provides enough sleeping space for one person without taking up as much floor area as a double or king size bed.
If you have a compact bedroom, a single can leave more room for a wardrobe, desk, chest of drawers or other furniture.
Who Should Choose a Single?
A single is usually suitable for one sleeper who does not need the additional width of a larger bed.
It can also be a practical choice for a guest bedroom where you want to keep plenty of usable floor space.
If the room allows for a larger bed and you want more sleeping space, however, it may be worth comparing the single with a small double.
Small Double Bed Size
A small double bed size is generally 120 cm wide by 190 cm long.
It sits between a single and a standard double, making it a useful option when you want more room than a single but don’t have enough space for a full double.
Small doubles are sometimes called three-quarter beds.
They can work well in:
- Smaller master bedrooms
- Teenagers’ rooms
- Guest rooms
- Compact flats
- Bedrooms where floor space is limited
For one person, a small double provides noticeably more width than a single.
Two people can sleep on a small double, but the available personal space will be more limited than with a standard double.
Double Bed Size UK
The standard double bed size UK shoppers commonly encounter is approximately 135 cm wide by 190 cm long.
The double remains one of the most popular choices for couples and individual sleepers who want extra space.
It offers more width than a small double without taking up as much room as a king size bed.
A double can be a good choice when you want a comfortable sleeping area but need to keep enough floor space for other bedroom furniture.
Is a Double Big Enough for Two People?
A double can comfortably accommodate two people, but the amount of personal sleeping space is less than you would get from a king or super king.
If both sleepers move around a lot or simply prefer plenty of room, consider whether your bedroom can accommodate a king size bed.
King Size Bed Dimensions
Standard king size bed dimensions in the UK are approximately 150 cm wide by 200 cm long.
The additional 10 cm of width compared with a double may not sound like much on paper, but it can make the bed feel noticeably more spacious.
The extra length also makes a king useful for taller sleepers.
A king size bed is often a good middle ground for couples who want more sleeping space but do not have enough room for a super king.
Why Choose a King Size Bed?
A king can give you:
- More sleeping width than a double
- Extra length compared with a standard double
- More room for two sleepers
- A comfortable option for larger bedrooms
- A good balance between sleeping space and floor space
Before ordering, measure the room and consider the complete bed dimensions rather than only the mattress size.
Super King Size Bed Dimensions
The standard super king size bed dimensions are approximately 180 cm wide by 200 cm long.
This makes the super king one of the largest standard bed sizes commonly available in the UK.
The additional width provides plenty of room for two people.
A super king can be particularly appealing if you have a large master bedroom and want the bed to become the main feature of the room.
Is a Super King Worth It?
For couples who enjoy having plenty of personal space, a super king provides significantly more width than a double.
However, the size comes with a practical consideration: you need enough bedroom space around the bed.
A super king mattress may fit into the room, but that does not necessarily mean the finished bed will leave enough space to walk around comfortably.
What Is the Largest Bed Size in the UK?
For standard UK bed sizes, the super king is generally the largest commonly available option at approximately 180 x 200 cm.
However, specialist and custom-made beds can be larger.
If you’re looking for a particularly large bed, always check the actual dimensions rather than relying on the name alone.
A “super king” from one manufacturer can have different external dimensions from another because the mattress may be the same size while the bed frame design differs.
UK Bed Size Comparison
Understanding the differences between sizes is easier when you compare them directly.
| Size | Width | Length | Typical use |
| Single | 90 cm | 190 cm | One person, children’s or guest room |
| Small Double | 120 cm | 190 cm | One person or compact double |
| Double | 135 cm | 190 cm | One or two people |
| King | 150 cm | 200 cm | Couples wanting more space |
| Super King | 180 cm | 200 cm | Couples wanting maximum standard size |
The right option depends on your available space and how much sleeping room you want.
How to Choose the Right Bed Size
When deciding what size bed should I buy, don’t start with the biggest size your budget allows.
Start with the room.
Measure Your Bedroom
Measure the length and width of the room before choosing your bed.
Then mark out the approximate footprint of the bed on the floor.
Don’t forget to leave space for:
- Walking around the bed
- Opening wardrobes
- Opening bedroom doors
- Bedside tables
- Drawers and storage
- Other furniture
A bed should fit into the bedroom without making the room difficult to use.
Consider the Bed’s External Dimensions
This is an important point that shoppers sometimes overlook.
A 150 x 200 cm king mattress does not mean the entire bed will measure exactly 150 x 200 cm.
A large upholstered headboard, wide side rails or footboard can add several centimetres to the overall footprint.
If your bedroom is tight on space, check the product’s full dimensions before purchasing.
Think About Who Will Use the Bed
Your sleeping arrangements should influence your choice.
For one person, a single or small double may provide plenty of space.
For couples, a double, king or super king can offer different levels of sleeping space.
If you’re buying for a child or teenager, think about future use too. A bed that works now may still need to be suitable as they grow.
For a guest bedroom, the available room size and the types of guests you expect may influence whether a single, small double or double makes the most sense.
Bed Size and Mattress Size Are Not the Same
One of the most important things to understand when comparing bed sizes UK is the difference between the mattress dimensions and the complete bed dimensions.
For example, a UK king mattress is approximately 150 x 200 cm.
The complete bed can be larger because of its construction.
This is particularly important with upholstered beds and beds with large headboards.
Before buying:
- Check the mattress size.
- Check the external bed dimensions.
- Measure your bedroom.
- Check access through doors and stairways.
- Make sure your mattress matches the bed base.
These simple checks can prevent problems when your new bed arrives.
What Bed Size Is Best for a Small Bedroom?
If you have limited space, a single or small double can leave more room for other furniture.
A standard double can still work in many smaller bedrooms, but you need to measure carefully.
If you’re choosing between a small double and double, ask yourself whether the additional 15 cm of mattress width is worth the extra floor space.
For one person, the small double can provide a useful balance between comfort and room space.
For two people, a double may be more practical if the room can accommodate it.
What Bed Size Is Best for Couples?
For couples, the choice often comes down to bedroom size and how much personal sleeping space you prefer.
A double gives two people a shared sleeping area while keeping the overall footprint relatively compact.
A king gives you additional width and length.
A super king provides considerably more width and can be a great option for a large master bedroom.
If you’re unsure, lie on mattresses in different sizes where possible. Seeing the dimensions on paper is useful, but experiencing the available space can make the difference much easier to understand.
What About Bed Storage?
Your choice of size can also affect how much storage you can add.
Divan beds are particularly useful when you want storage built into the base.
Depending on the design, you can choose drawer storage or other storage configurations.
JMH Beds offers beds and mattresses across common UK sizes, with options including single, small double, double, king and super king. Its bed collection also includes storage-focused options, including beds with gas-lift storage and divan configurations.
If storage matters to you, consider it before choosing the size and style of your new bed.
JMH Beds and UK Bed Sizes
JMH Beds offers a range of beds and mattresses designed around common UK sizes.
Its product range includes options in:
- 2ft6 small single
- 3ft single
- 4ft small double
- 4ft6 double
- 5ft king
- 6ft super king
The exact sizes and available configurations vary between products, so check each product page before ordering.
JMH Beds also offers different bed styles, including upholstered beds, divan beds and storage options, giving customers flexibility when choosing both the appearance and practical features of their new bed.
Choosing Your Mattress Size
Once you’ve chosen the bed size, you also need the correct mattress.
The mattress must match the sleeping area of the bed.
For example, a standard UK king mattress is designed for a king size bed, while a standard double mattress is designed for a double.
Don’t assume that a mattress will fit because the names sound similar.
Check the exact dimensions before ordering both products.
If you’re replacing an existing mattress, measure it and compare the measurements with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Consider Your Future Needs
A bed is not something most people replace every few months.
Think about how your needs could change.
If you’re buying a bed for a teenager, they may need more sleeping space as they grow.
If you’re moving into a larger bedroom, you may eventually want to upgrade from a double to a king.
If you’re buying for a guest room, think about whether you want to accommodate one person or a couple.
Spending a little more time on the decision now can save you from needing to replace the bed sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the standard bed sizes in the UK?
The most common UK bed sizes are single, small double, double, king and super king. Their approximate mattress dimensions range from 90 x 190 cm for a single to 180 x 200 cm for a super king.
2. What is the difference between UK bed sizes?
The main difference is the width and, for king and super king sizes, the length. A single is approximately 90 x 190 cm, while a super king is approximately 180 x 200 cm. Each step up provides additional sleeping space.
3. What is the standard single bed size in the UK?
A standard UK single mattress is approximately 90 cm wide and 190 cm long. It is commonly used for one person, children’s rooms, teenagers’ rooms and guest bedrooms.
4. What is the small double bed size in the UK?
A UK small double mattress is generally around 120 cm wide and 190 cm long. It offers more width than a single but takes up less space than a standard double.
5. What are the dimensions of a UK double bed?
A standard UK double mattress is approximately 135 cm wide and 190 cm long. It can accommodate one person comfortably or two people who are happy with a more compact sleeping area.
6. What are king size bed dimensions in the UK?
A standard UK king size mattress is approximately 150 cm wide and 200 cm long. The extra length and width can provide more sleeping space than a standard double.
7. What are super king size bed dimensions?
A standard UK super king mattress is approximately 180 cm wide and 200 cm long. It is one of the largest commonly available standard UK mattress sizes and provides substantial space for two sleepers.
8. What is the largest standard bed size in the UK?
The super king is generally the largest standard UK bed size, with a typical mattress measurement of 180 x 200 cm. Specialist manufacturers can also produce larger custom beds.
9. What size bed should I buy for a small bedroom?
For a small bedroom, consider a single or small double if you want to preserve floor space. A double can also work, but measure the room carefully and allow enough space for walking and opening other furniture.
10. Should I choose a king or super king bed?
Consider the size of your bedroom and how much sleeping space you want. A king provides a balance between additional sleeping space and room requirements, while a super king gives couples substantially more width but needs a larger bedroom.
Find Your Ideal Bed Size
Choosing between bed sizes UK shoppers commonly see is much easier when you look at the complete picture.
Start by measuring your bedroom. Then consider who will use the bed, how much sleeping space you want and whether you need built-in storage.
A single or small double can work well in a compact room, while a double offers a practical middle ground. If you have more space, a king or super king can give you considerably more room to sleep.
JMH Beds offers a wide range of UK bed and mattress sizes, including single, small double, double, king and super king options, alongside different bed styles and storage configurations.
Before you order, check both the mattress dimensions and the full external measurements of the bed. That way, you can choose a size that fits your bedroom as well as your sleeping needs.
