When it comes to buying a new bed and mattress, choosing the right size is important. You need to look at the width and length, and see what’s the most suitable size for your bedroom.
Because we consume so much American media in the United Kingdom, we frequently confuse US and British bed measurements.
To ensure that everyone is on the same page, here is a comparison of American and British bed sizes.
UK Bed and Mattress Sizes
In the UK the standard mattress and bed sizes are five. They include: single, small double, double, king and super king. The right size for your bedroom will depend on how many people will sleep on the bed and how big your room is.
1. Single Size
UK Single mattress measures 3’0″ x 6’3” (90cm x 190cm). These space-saving mattresses are ideal for a child’s bedroom, as they leave ample floor space for your child to play. These are also suitable for a teen’s bedroom or a guest bedroom.
2. Small Double Mattress
UK Small Double mattress measures 4’0″ x 6’3″ (120cm x 190cm) and is ideal for teenagers or couples with limited room space who cannot accommodate a complete double mattress.
3. Double Mattress
UK Double mattress measures 4’6″ x 6’3″ (135cm x 190cm). This is the most popular mattress among adults because it provides sufficient space for most people to slumber comfortably without taking up excessive bedroom space.
4. King Size Mattress
The dimensions of a UK king size mattress are 5’0″ x 6’6″ (150cm x 200cm). If you have sufficient space, this mattress should be at the top of your wish list.
Not only will you have ample space to stretch out comfortably, but if you are a restless sleeper, a king mattress can help you avoid waking up your companion during the night.
5. Super King Mattress
The dimensions of a Super King mattress are 6’0″ x 6’6″ (180cm x 200cm). Considered the pinnacle of luxury, a super king bed will enable you and your partner to stretch out to your hearts’ content.
There is sufficient space for the entire family to enjoy a lazy weekend morning in bed. If you have the space in your bedroom for a super king mattress, you will not regret it.
There is also an emperor size mattress, which is the biggest and measures 6’6″ x 6’6″ (200cm x 200cm).
Are US and UK bed sizes the same?
US and UK bed sizes are similar, however there is a difference of a few inches in the width and length in each country. In the US the most popular bed sizes are: twin, full, queen, king and California king beds.
There is also an Alaskan King size bed (108″ by 108″), but this is a custom size and is not widely popular.
Let’s see how the US bed sizes compare with the UK ones:
Twin vs. Single Bed
The standard Single bed in the United Kingdom measures 3’0″ x 6’3″. The dimensions of a Twin bed in the United States are 3’2″ x 6’2″. It’s slightly roomier, but it’s still intended to sleep one person only.
Full vs. Double Bed
In the UK, the Double size bed measures 54” x 75” (4’6” x 6’3”), and is the closest to the Full size bed in the US, which measures 54” x 75” (4’6” x 6’3”). It can fit two people comfortably and is ideal for smaller bedrooms.
Queen vs. King Bed
The dimensions of a UK Double mattress are 4’6″ x 6’3″. This is almost the same as US’s Queen size bed, which measures 5’0″ x 6’7″. It’s can sleep two people, giving them plenty of room to stretch out. It’s suitable for average and larger size bedrooms.
California King vs. Super King Bed
The dimensions of a UK Super King bed are 6’0″ x 6’6″. In the US the equivalent would be the California King bed which is 6’0″ by 7’0″ and is extra long. There is plenty of room for two people, plus a pet or child to climb in and sleep together. It’s a preferred choice for larger bedrooms.
How to choose the right mattress size?
First, the length of your mattress should be 10cm longer than the tallest person who will sleep on it. This will prevent anyone’s feet from dangling off the end of the bed and getting cold.
You can also read our guide on IKEA mattress sizes, which are 10cm longer and are suitable for taller individuals.
In addition to the length of the bed you should also consider how wide it should be. In particular, how much space you want to have to stretch on the sides. We all enjoy stretching out in bed, but if there is not enough room, you may accidentally elbow your partner.
To prevent this from happening, lie on your mattress with your forearms tucked beneath your head and your elbows pointing outward. If your elbows are touching your partner or the bed’s edge, you probably require a larger mattress.
Finally, you need to take into consideration how much space you have available in your bedroom. Be sure to measure your room to ensure that the mattress you desire will fit properly. A super king mattress may sound appealing on paper, but it won’t be practical if there is no space for your furniture or for you to walk around the bed in your bedroom.
