A Buyer’s Guide to Bed Sizes

Published On: February 9th, 2015

Understanding sizing is vital when shopping for beds and mattresses in order to make sure your choice will fit where it’s supposed to, provides you with premium sleep space and is fitted with the right sheets, duvets and accessories. Choosing a new mattress or bed can be a confusing process if you do not know your doubles from your kings, but this simple guide will make it easy to get your dimensions right if you are buying in the UK.

Perfectly Proportioned

Starting with the smallest standard mattress available in Britain, the small single is perfect for little guest rooms or as a child’s first bed. It measures 75cm by 190cm or two foot six inches by six foot three. The single is perfect for solo sleepers and guests, providing a comfortable sleeping area whilst only taking up the minimum amount of space. The dimensions of 90cm by 190cm or three foot by six foot three inches are perfect for an average-sized person. A small double is the ideal choice for smaller rooms, for teenagers or for adults who sometimes share a bed with a child or simply want a little extra space. This bed measures 120cm by 190cm (four foot by six foot three). The standard double is one of the most popular choices on the market, providing plenty of space for an average couple whilst still only taking up the essential amount of space. A UK double mattress measures 135cm by 190cm or four foot six by six foot three inches.

Fit for a King and Queen

A king mattress provides a little extra space for couples who want room to move around in bed or for those who often end up sharing space with offspring — or even more than one of their children. It is 15cm wide and 10cm longer than a double, measuring 150cm by 200cm or five foot by six foot six. This is increasingly the most popular choice for British couples, who find that this size perfectly fits in with their homes and their comfort requirements. A super king mattress or bed is the same length as a king but offers a further 30cm or a whole foot more width. This is the ultimate in night-time luxury but will only suit those people with a large bedroom. It measures 180cm by 200cm, the equivalent of six foot by six foot six, and is an ideal choice for larger couples and people with disabilities who may need room to move, or be moved, around. It is also a good choice for partners who want to get the most sleep possible even if they share a bed with someone who is restless or moves a lot during the night or parents who often welcome their children into the middle.

Customer Stories

Once an order is complete we always encourage customer feedback. Here’s a selection of different projects and customer comments.

Customer Stories
Flooring for complete house

We have used Downs in the past and once again the salesperson was very helpful, answering all my queries. The fitter was equally helpful and able to give knowledgeable advice for a future product. I highly recommend Downs as a local business.

Marian G
Marian G
Customer Stories
Carpet order

From the first enquiry to the fitting of the new carpet, we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff, which helped to make our choice and decisions easy. Carpet came much sooner that originally told but that was great as it meant we could get on with the other changes in the particular room. Many thanks for an excellent service.

Richard M
Richard M
Customer Stories
Kitchen/diner

Customer service is top notch. We have used CMS for all of our flooring requirements to date and will continue to do so throughout the renovation of our house.

Vicky B
Vicky B
Customer Stories
Bedroom carpets

The sales team were really efficient and helpful, taking into consideration our requirements. The fitters worked well, efficiently and cleared up afterwards a real blessing. The choice of flooring was great and the prices very competitive. Recommend CMS carpets and would use them again. Thank you.

Karen P
Karen P

The Downs Difference

At Downs Carpets & Beds, we stay true to our original core values. Take a look at why our customers choose us for their beds and carpets time and time again.

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  • Design consultation: Working collaboratively with you, your designer helps you select the right products.

  • Technical consultation: We will conduct a technical survey, checking all measurements and any unusual angles.

  • Supplying the product: Your chosen product will be ordered and delivered to you in the time frames discussed.

  • Professional Installation: Our expert installers precision fits your product for an exceptional finish.

What Our Customers Say

James Avison
James Avison
Kev, Ash & Mark, our fitters, have been brilliant. Working at light-speed, they've been thorough, meticulous and professional. It's not every group of tradespeople that you'd be happy to recommend, especially in a predominantly female office environment but these three were respectful, thoughtful and good company to have around. We'd be glad to have them back and the quality of their workmanship is excellent. Thank you.
peter brunsden
peter brunsden
Excellent job done, good price and very professional at all times. recarpet of first floor of period property, tricky job well handled. Highly recommended
Debbie Ashworth
Debbie Ashworth
I knew what I wanted when I went in and had the measurements as well. The person serving me was very helpful and we were able to get everything sorted easily.
Ian Fewtrell-Smith
Ian Fewtrell-Smith
Good. There was a small hiccup but quickly resolved.
Carole Horner
Carole Horner
We have found this company to be excellent with their service and with great recommendations for carpets in relevant rooms. So our latest purchase for lounge and 2 flights of stairs and landings. Process was well explained and nothing seemed too much trouble. The fitters were exceptional !
Yvonne Hossack
Yvonne Hossack
Carpets and vinyl lovely. Dave the fitter was so accomplished, he fitted the stair runner brilliantly. Both Dave and his assistant Andy were courteous and helpful
Katherine Singleton
Katherine Singleton
Hi Simon, Thank you for getting all the carpets all sorted, you have been brilliant Simon, its been a pleasure and I appreciate you always being quick to communicate and answer any questions. I am very pleased I came back to you after 18 years! Stress free process and quality carpets and good honest prices! Barry the carpet measuring guy was prompt and has a nice friendly and polite manner. The fitters Kevin & Paul are nice chaps too. All in all a great team from start to finish. I wish all companies operated like you do. Well done and thanks again. Best Regards K
Yoshihiro Sunbeam
Yoshihiro Sunbeam
Had a superb experience when we went in recently looking for a carpet quote. Spoke to Simon and he was very helpful and accommodating, explaining how the prices worked and what the best underlay was for our particular situation. Would highly recommend if in the West Berkshire area.
Judith Curson
Judith Curson
Vinyl for a small space fitted well and at much shorter notice than we expected