A Guide to Mattress Sizes
When it comes to beds, mattresses, and the best possible night’s sleep, all the technology in the world won’t work if you don’t have a bed that’s the right size.
Mattress Sizes: Single, Double, Queen, King, Super King & More
First, there’s the practicality of finding a bed that fits your room and that you know you can get into your room – for example, it’s worth investigating split-king bases if you have a particularly tricky room to fit out or bunk beds if you’re trying to be economical with space for kids’ rooms. And if you’re short on storage, a bed with drawers underneath can offer the perfect solution.
The basic rule of thumb is to go as large as possible—a perfectly comfortable mattress can offer an uncomfortable night’s sleep if it is too small. Tip #1: For Queen, King, Super king, or Californian king beds, there should be 60cm on either side of the bed to make access easy and to accommodate bedside tables, etc.
A single bed 92cm wide and 188cm long is usually the entry-level bed size. It’s easy to find bedding and economical in budget and space if you’re furnishing a child’s bedroom.
A single XL is the same width but offers room to grow at 203cm long, and a king single adds extra width with final dimensions of 107cm wide and 203cm long. Both bed sizes give you the confidence to know you’ve chosen a bed that can last your kids long into their teens.
A standard double bed, 135cm wide and 188cm long, is a good option for a single person wanting more space. Tip #2: Despite its name, it is not really large enough for two sleepers. It is a good option for a sleepout, spare room, or student flat as it takes up less space in a multi-purpose room. A long double measures 188 cm wide and 203cm long. This size is available in some beds; let us know if this size works for you, and we'll find the best solution.
Queen-size beds and mattresses, at 153cm wide and 203cm long, are the minimum recommended for couples. Compared to a double bed, the extra space of a Queen size should guarantee a good night’s sleep for two people, but it is still compact enough for smaller rooms and is easier on the budget than larger sizes.
If your bedroom is large enough, a king-size bed, 165cm wide and 203cm long, provides additional sleep space and comfort. And a super-king size, at 183cm wide and 203cm long, offers the equivalent of two singles side-by-side – certainly enough for any couple in search of the maximum personal sleeping space and a luxurious good night’s rest. In NZ, a California King bed is 203cm wide and 203cm long. These size beds all come with a split base for easy access to your bedroom.
Tip #3: Larger beds make finding a cooler spot on the mattress easier on our scorching summer nights.
Once you are happy with the size that fits in your room, the next stage is to decide what’s right for you. Head to your nearest store and test our range. We will listen to your needs and use our experience to guide you through your choices. Find your local Bedpost store. We'll show you suitable beds and mattress protectors for your specific needs.