How to Choose the Right Bed Size for Your Room
, by Asad Shabbir, 2 min reading time
How to Choose the Right Bed Size for Your Room
Buying a new bed is an exciting investment in your comfort, but getting the size right is crucial. Choose a bed that is too small, and you might compromise your sleep quality. Choose one that is too large, and your bedroom will feel cramped and difficult to navigate. To help you make the perfect choice, we have put together this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right bed size for your room.
1. Know the Standard UK Mattress Sizes
Before you start measuring, you need to know the standard UK mattress dimensions:
- Single: 90cm x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in)
- Small Double: 120cm x 190cm (4ft x 6ft 3in)
- Standard Double: 135cm x 190cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in)
- King Size: 150cm x 200cm (5ft x 6ft 6in)
- Super King Size: 180cm x 200cm (6ft x 6ft 6in)
2. Account for the Bed Frame
This is the most common mistake buyers make. The dimensions listed above are for the mattress only. The actual bed frame will be larger. Upholstered beds, particularly scroll beds with rolled footboards or wingback beds with wide headboards, will add significant length and width to the overall footprint. Always check the full external dimensions of the specific bed frame you are purchasing.
3. The Golden Ratio of Bedroom Space
Interior designers generally recommend that your bed should take up no more than one-third of your bedroom's floor space. This ensures the room feels balanced and relaxing rather than cluttered. While this is not a strict rule, it is a helpful guideline to keep in mind.
4. Leave Room to Move
You need enough space to comfortably walk around the bed and access your other furniture. As a general rule, aim for at least 60cm to 75cm (24 to 30 inches) of clearance on the sides and at the foot of the bed. Do not forget to account for the swing of wardrobe doors and bedroom doors. Make sure they can open fully without hitting the bed frame.
5. Consider Who Is Sleeping in the Bed
- Solo Sleepers: A single or small double is usually sufficient, though many adults prefer the extra space of a standard double.
- Couples: A standard double is the minimum, but a king size is highly recommended if you have the space, as it provides significantly more personal sleeping area and reduces sleep disturbance.
- Tall Individuals: If you are over 6 feet tall, strongly consider a king size or super king size bed, as they are 10cm longer than standard doubles.
6. Try the Masking Tape Trick
If you are unsure how a bed will fit, use masking tape or newspaper to map out the exact external dimensions of the bed frame on your bedroom floor. This visual aid is the best way to understand exactly how much space the bed will occupy and how it will affect the flow of the room.
By carefully considering your space and your sleeping needs, you can confidently choose the perfect bed size for a comfortable and harmonious bedroom.