Mattress Sizes Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Shoppers

Updated: November 24, 2024

Written by

Daniel Zvi

Choosing the right mattress size is crucial to ensure comfort, fit, and functionality in your bedroom. The best mattress size for you depends on various factors, including room dimensions, the number of sleepers, and personal comfort preferences. This guide will explore UK mattress sizes in detail, from compact singles to spacious super kings, along with tips on selecting the perfect size for your needs. Whether you’re furnishing a small guest room or upgrading your master bedroom, this guide will help you make the right choice.

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Why Mattress Size Matters for Comfort and Style

A mattress is more than just a place to sleep—it influences your comfort, health, and even the aesthetic of your bedroom. Selecting the right size can maximize room space, improve sleep quality, and add functionality to any bedroom. In the UK, standard mattress sizes cater to diverse needs, from compact spaces to large master suites, ensuring there’s an ideal size for every household.

When buying a mattress, consider the room’s layout, your height, whether you sleep with a partner or alone, and any future needs. Choosing the best mattress size for your situation will provide a better night’s sleep and help you get the most out of your bedroom space.

UK Mattress Sizes Chart: A Quick Reference Guide

To give you a comprehensive overview of UK mattress sizes, here’s a breakdown of the most common options, including their dimensions, suitability, and the types of rooms they best complement.

Mattress Size	Dimensions (cm)	Dimensions (inches)	Ideal For
Single	90 x 190	36 x 75	Kids, solo sleepers, guest rooms
Small Double	120 x 190	48 x 75	Cozy for couples, ideal for singles needing more space
Double	135 x 190	54 x 75	Couples, larger guest rooms
King	150 x 200	60 x 78	Couples needing extra room
Super King	180 x 200	72 x 78	Spacious master bedrooms, maximum comfort for couples

Single Mattress: Compact and Versatile

Dimensions: 90 x 190 cm (36 x 75 inches)
Best For: Kids’ rooms, solo sleepers, and small guest spaces
Overview: The single mattress is the smallest standard size in the UK, making it highly versatile and ideal for tight spaces. It’s popular in kids' rooms, guest bedrooms, and even small apartments where space is limited. The single mattress is also a common choice for bunk beds and daybeds, providing adequate sleeping space for one person.
Pros: Affordable, fits easily in small spaces, lightweight and easy to handle.
Cons: Limited space for adults, not suitable for couples or people who prefer more room to move.

Small Double Mattress: A Cozy Solution for Compact Bedrooms

Dimensions: 120 x 190 cm (48 x 75 inches)
Best For: Singles needing more room, small bedrooms, and cozy spaces for couples
Overview: Known as the “three-quarter” mattress, the small double is slightly larger than a single but narrower than a standard double. This size offers a comfortable sleep surface for one person or a snug fit for two. Small double mattresses are popular for apartments and compact rooms where maximizing floor space is a priority. They’re also great for teenagers and young adults who want more room than a single but don’t need a full double bed.
Pros: Extra width for solo sleepers, fits compact bedrooms, versatile for single sleepers or cozy couples.
Cons: Can feel cramped for couples over time, limited bedding options.

Double Mattress: A Popular All-Rounder

Dimensions: 135 x 190 cm (54 x 75 inches)
Best For: Couples, average-sized guest rooms, individuals who enjoy extra space
Overview: The double mattress is one of the most popular choices for UK households. It provides ample sleeping space for couples and a comfortable option for single sleepers who enjoy spreading out. The double mattress fits well in most rooms, offering a balance between size and functionality. It’s commonly used in guest rooms, providing a comfortable solution for visitors, or in master bedrooms where a larger bed isn’t needed.
Pros: Comfortable for single sleepers, suitable for couples, widely available in various styles.
Cons: May feel slightly cramped for two if used long-term, less room for additional bedroom furniture.

King Mattress: Extra Comfort for Couples

Dimensions: 150 x 200 cm (60 x 78 inches)
Best For: Couples, master bedrooms, taller individuals
Overview: The king-size mattress offers increased space in both length and width, making it ideal for couples who value extra room. It’s particularly beneficial for taller individuals and couples who need additional space to move comfortably during the night. The king mattress is also a favorite for master bedrooms, as it adds a luxurious feel to the room without overwhelming the space.
Pros: Provides ample space for couples, great for taller individuals, luxurious look and feel.
Cons: Requires more room, may not fit well in smaller bedrooms, higher price compared to smaller sizes.

Super King Mattress: The Ultimate in Luxury and Space

Dimensions: 180 x 200 cm (72 x 78 inches)
Best For: Large master bedrooms, maximum comfort for couples, family-friendly sleeping arrangements
Overview: The super king is the largest standard mattress size available in the UK, designed to provide spacious comfort for couples or even small families. This size is perfect for couples who prefer extra room or for families with young children or pets who occasionally join in bed. The super king requires a sizable bedroom to fit comfortably, but it offers the ultimate in luxury and sleep quality.
Pros: Unmatched comfort, spacious enough for families or couples, creates a luxurious sleep experience.
Cons: Requires significant space, challenging to move and set up, generally more expensive.

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Mattress Types Available for Each Size

Selecting the right mattress type is essential to ensure maximum comfort and support. Each UK mattress size is available in different types, catering to various sleep preferences and needs:

Memory Foam: Known for its pressure relief and contouring abilities, memory foam mattresses are ideal for those who need joint support. They’re available in all UK mattress sizes, and budget-friendly options are often found in single and double sizes. This mattress type can trap heat, so opt for gel-infused memory foam if you tend to sleep hot.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses provide a firmer, more responsive surface with better airflow, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Double, king, and super king innerspring mattresses are widely available, providing comfort and support for couples or individuals who prefer a traditional mattress feel.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam or latex with an innerspring core, providing balanced support and comfort. Available in all UK mattress sizes, hybrids are especially popular in king and super king sizes for couples, as they offer excellent motion isolation and a comfortable balance of firmness and softness.
Latex: Latex mattresses are durable, responsive, and naturally cooling, making them suitable for all sleep positions. Available in double, king, and super king sizes, latex mattresses provide a resilient surface that maintains shape over time. They tend to be pricier, so they’re a great investment if longevity is a priority.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Size for Your Room

Choosing the right mattress size depends on the size of your bedroom, your sleeping habits, and the intended use of the room. Here are tips for selecting the right size:

Measure Your Room: It’s essential to measure your room and ensure there’s enough space for your desired mattress size. Allow at least 24 inches (60 cm) around the bed for easy movement, especially if you’re considering a king or super king mattress. This ensures that the room won’t feel cramped and there’s space for additional furniture.
Consider Your Height and Sleeping Preferences: Taller individuals should consider king or super king sizes for the extra legroom. Side sleepers may also prefer a larger bed, as it provides more room to move and find a comfortable position.
Plan for Future Needs: Think about how the bed might be used in the future. If it’s a guest bed, a double or king provides flexibility. For a growing family, a king or super king can offer extra room for kids or pets that may join you in bed.
Consider Room Functionality: Smaller rooms or guest rooms benefit from single or small double mattresses, leaving more space for storage or other furniture. In master bedrooms, a king or super king creates a luxurious and comfortable sleep environment.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress Size Based on Lifestyle

Single Sleepers: Solo sleepers can often find comfort in smaller sizes like single or small double mattresses, depending on their sleep preferences. A double or larger mattress offers more space for spread-out sleepers who prefer extra room.
Couples: For couples, double mattresses can work, but king or super king sizes provide greater comfort, especially if one person is a restless sleeper. These sizes also accommodate pets or children who might share the bed occasionally.
Families with Young Children: If you have young children or pets who share the bed, a super king provides plenty of space. It’s large enough for multiple sleepers and ensures everyone has room to sleep comfortably.

Selecting the Best Mattress Size for Your Needs

Choosing the right mattress size is essential for creating a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing bedroom. From singles for compact spaces to luxurious super kings for large bedrooms, there’s a UK mattress size for everyone. Use this guide to determine the best mattress size for your space, sleep preferences, and future needs.

For further guidance on selecting the ideal mattress size, along with reviews of top-rated mattresses in each size, visit our mattress review section. Discover the best mattresses in the UK for every room, lifestyle, and budget!

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