Inside: The Ultimate Guide to Adult Bed Sizes. Collaborative post.
Adult bed sizes include single, small, double, double, king and super-king sizes, but there are several misconceptions about bed sizes and things you need to know.
For example, ‘bed size’ only denotes the compatible mattress size – the bed frame dimensions can be significantly more. This is the most common reason bed frames do not fit in small spaces and take up too much room.
Our ultimate guide to adult bed sizes covers everything you need to know so you can specify the perfect bed for your bedroom.
Let’s jump in!
Adult bed sizes
There are five main adult bed sizes:
- Single – mattress size 90 x 190cm
- Small double (also known as a three-quarter bed) – mattress size 120cm x 190cm
- Double – mattress size 135 x 190cm
- King – mattress size 150 x 200cm
- Super-king – mattress size 180 x 200cm
As mentioned before, these denote compatible mattress sizes. Bed frame dimensions differ between models, so it is impossible to provide average sizes. However, all bed frames are at least 3cm wider and longer than the mattress.
Singles
At 90 x 190cm, single beds are the smallest adult bed size. They are popular with older couples sleeping separately and people living alone.
A single bed also provides plenty of sleeping space for children aged five or six after they grow out of their toddler beds.
Most people have a single bed in guest rooms or a children’s bedroom. Some people also prefer single sleepers because it feels cosier.
Small doubles
At 120cm x 190cm, small doubles are the minimum for a couple. They are a popular choice with teenagers and smaller couples and are a fantastic option for smaller rooms or shared bedrooms such as dorm rooms.
The 30cm extra width is equal to a person on their side, so a small double provides enough space for small couples.
Teenagers and young adults also love a small double bed because they provide much-needed lounging space without eating into too much floor space.
Doubles
The most common bed size is 135 x 190cm for double mattresses, which provide enough room for two people to sleep without overlapping, depending on sleep style.
Doubles are the most popular mattress size for adults living alone and couples because they provide lots of space. The 135cm width is enough for three adults sleeping on their side, so two people are well-served.
However, doubles offer limited space for couples wanting more personal space and two back/front sleepers, which is why some people prefer king size beds for a good night’s sleep.
Kings
At 150 x 200cm, kings offer 15cm more width and 10cm more length than doubles. Tall people prefer a king-size mattress because they are longer and they are a great option for many people with young children – preferring them for the extra sleeping space.
With a king-size bed, you can sprawl out without touching your partner, and you will rarely meet the edge of the bed.
However, the size advantage of king-size beds can also be a disadvantage, taking up more vertical and horizontal floor space in small bedrooms.
Super kings
Nothing beats a super king bed when you have the luxury of a big master bedroom. At 180 x 200cm, super kings are the most oversized beds you can get without strapping two doubles or kings together to create an enormous spread.
The 180cm width can reduce intimacy but is perfect if you want to stretch out and never reach the edge. Super kings are the best choice for large couples, taller individuals, people sleeping with pets, and parents with many young children.
Balancing size and space
A giant bed sounds fantastic for extra sleeping space, but you must sacrifice floor space to achieve it. A bigger bed can also mean sacrificing your room’s layout and removing furniture if you have a small bedroom so personal preferences and available space will dictate final choices.
It is better to err on the side of small rather than large if you have a small bedroom to have space to move around and get dressed.
A king or super king is a worthwhile upgrade if you have a big bedroom, but remember that you will pay more for mattresses and bedding.