Advice and buying guides
Bed Buying Guide
Bed & Mattress Size Guide
What size bed should I buy?
There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing a bed size:
- The size of your mattress - Match the bed frame to your existing mattress size to avoid your mattress sliding or bending.
- The size of your room - Ensure the bed fits your space, leaving enough room to move around comfortably.
- Whether or not you sleep with a partner - If you share a bed, you may want to consider upsizing to a double, king size or superking bed.
What are the different bed sizes?
We stock a variety of different bed sizes, ranging from small single beds to superking beds.
Below are all of the mattress sizes we have available, along with their metric and imperial measurements and who they’re best suited for:
| BED SIZE | METRIC | IMPERIAL | WHO THEY’RE BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small single beds | 75cm x 190cm | 2ft 6in x 6ft 3in | This size is ideal for small studio or loft living spaces, or growing children. |
| Single beds | 90cm x 190cm | 3ft x 6ft 3in | The perfect bed size for anyone who sleeps alone, including children and teenagers. |
| Small double beds | 120cm x 190cm | 4ft x 6ft 3in | Ideal if you sleep alone and want an extra bit of space to stretch out in. |
| Double beds | 135cm x 190cm | 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in | The UK’s most popular bed size for adults, perfect for those who sleep alone or couples who like to cuddle together in bed. |
| King size beds | 150cm x 200cm | 5ft x 6ft 6in | The best bed size for couples who sleep together with plenty of space to stretch out. |
| Superking beds | 180cm x 200cm | 6ft x 6ft 6in | Made specifically for master bedrooms with luxurious sleeping space. |
What size bed do most adults sleep in?
For adults, the most popular size is a double bed. However, for couples, a double bed may feel cramped, offering only 65.7cm of space per person - which is smaller than a baby’s cot!
A king size bed provides an extra 7.5cm per person, offering more space to spread out while you sleep.
What is the biggest bed size?
The superking is the largest bed size available in the UK, measuring 180cm x 200cm (6ft x 6ft 6in). It’s an ideal option for spacious master bedrooms or for those mornings when kids and pets join you in bed.
How long is a bed?
Most beds in the UK are 190cm in length, with differences mainly in width. However, king and superking beds are the exception, offering a longer length of 200cm
Which bed type should I buy?
We offer a variety of beds here at Mattress Online. We’d like you to consider the following factors so you can find the bed that’s perfect for you.
1. Divan beds vs bed frames
There are several styles of beds to choose from, with divans and bed frames being the two most popular options.
Divan beds
Divan beds are made up of two separate bases that can be clipped together. They feature a strong timber frame and are finished with fabric upholstery.
Aesthetic
All divan beds are covered in fabric upholstery and have a classic, boxy design. While they offer a traditional look, most divan models tend to have a similar appearance.
Assembly
Divan beds provide customisation options like headboard design, colour, and storage features—choices that bed frames usually don't offer. They are versatile and arrive mostly pre-assembled in large sections, such as the base, headboard, and storage units, making setup quicker and easier than with a standard bed frame.
Storage
Divan beds feature an open wooden frame base, making them suitable for a range of storage options such as side-lift ottomans, end-lift ottomans, and built-in drawers, which are explained in more detail below.
Bed frames
Aesthetic
Bed frames are ideal for style-focused choices, offering a mix of materials, textures, and detailing to match any bedroom aesthetic.
Assembly
Unlike divan beds, bed frames require a lot more self-assembly and arrive with many individual parts and materials for you to build.
Storage
Most bed frames do not include built-in storage options like divan beds. However, they have a certain amount of underbed clearance for storing larger items or storage boxes.