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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Our bespoke service

  • 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

Andrew Thomson
Andrew Thomson
2023-11-25
Downs were brilliant, we will be back next time we need a carpet. We got three new carpets all supplied and fitted by Downs. When the sitting room carpet turned out to be supplied too short (a manufacturer's fault) they sorted out the problem in 2 days. Simon was also very patient when we kept having to delay the fitting date due to various headaches with the bedroom renovation. Thank you to Simon for all his help and patience during the delayed building work.
A J
A J
2023-11-16
I can highly recommend Downs Carpets and Beds and will using again for our upcoming renovations. Special thanks to Adrian in store, also Gavin and Steve who did a great job fitting.
Nicky Lewendon
Nicky Lewendon
2023-11-12
Great service, Excellent carpet fitter, I would highly recommend.
Mike
Mike
2023-11-08
Cannot fault Downs or their fitters. Special thanks to Simon who has been our contact. We've had all bar one our whole bungalow brought and fitted through Downs. Price is reasonable, lots of range and no sales pitch. Very knowledgeable too. Thank you.
Sarah Fox
Sarah Fox
2023-11-07
Excellent service from start to finish. Knowledgeable staff gave brilliant advice on my choice of carpet, were very competitive against independent carpet suppliers and the fitters did a great job.
Sinead Dowling
Sinead Dowling
2023-11-06
Brilliant customer service and delivery service plus excellent comfortable bed and good value too
Jason Owen
Jason Owen
2023-11-06
We had the carpet stairs replaced. Great quality carpet. The fitter were very professional and fitted the carpet quickly.
Valerie Walker
Valerie Walker
2023-11-06
Really helpful and welcoming the minute we walked in. And the fitters made an excellent job of the bathroom and kitchen,and now the conservatory will be done. Thank you Downs of Newbury, highly recommended to anybody who is thinking of carpeting or flooring.
David Glare
David Glare
2023-11-06
Always efficient service from Downs carpets, thanks .
Amanda Dobbs
Amanda Dobbs
2023-11-04
We had an excellent experience here today. The salesman was knowledgeable and very kind. There's a huge selection to choose from as well.