Bed Size Guide

If you’re in the market for a new bed, you may already have an idea of what you want. Couples aren’t likely to consider a single, and you’re probably not shopping for a super king if you’re looking for a baby. However, even if you have it narrowed down to a single or a queen, there can still be a lot of confusion. Many people don’t know the difference between a long single versus a king single or might underestimate the significant distinction between a king and a super king.

For over 15 years House 2 Home Collection has been an independent family-run business dedicated to providing furniture online and in store, including quality bedding, home décor and more.
As a leading Australian retailer of home furniture, we know that a good understanding of bed sizes is crucial to making sensible choices, and ending up with a bed that is the right size for you, your home, and (importantly) the same size as the mattress and linens you’ve bought to match.

Bed size chart

The following is a metric bed sizes guide, giving you an overview of the measurements you can expect for everything from a king single bed size to a super king bed size. Knowing the measurements is the first step, as this can help you visualise the bed in your room and determine which beds will be way too big, or else way too small.

Below is a more comprehensive breakdown of the different sizes, and what situations they might be appropriate for.

Single bed size

A single bed is ideal for kids, teens or solo sleepers in smaller rooms. If space is limited, like in a guest room or apartment, a single gives you just enough room to sleep comfortably without crowding the floor space.

Long single or single XL

A single XL (also called Long Single) is the same width as a single but longer, making it a great option for taller adults or anyone who finds their feet are always hanging off the end. This size is still compact, but a bit more comfortable for everyday use.

Double bed size

A double bed works well for solo adults who want extra room to stretch, or in guest bedrooms where a little more space than a single is helpful. It’s usually too snug for most couples long term, but great for one person or younger teenagers.

Queen bed size

The queen size is the most popular choice in Australia, and for good reason. This size strikes a nice balance of space and practicality— roomy enough for couples and still fits comfortably in most bedrooms.

King size bed

A king bed gives you generous space for two adults, and is especially appreciated if you’re tall, share with kids or pets, or simply love spreading out. You’ll need a larger bedroom for it to feel balanced, but many find the extra width worth it.

Super king bed size

This is the biggest standard Australian size, and is ideal if you want maximum personal space or share with multiple people or pets. However, this size does require a spacious room so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.

Australian bed sizes vs international bed sizes

House 2 Home is an Australian retailer, based out of Crows Nest, which means we use Australian sizes. However, you should be aware that there’s no single global standard for bed sizes. Every region has its own usual measurements and names. That means a “Queen” or “King” in Australia won’t always match what you expect if you’ve lived overseas or bought bedding internationally.

Because there’s no international bed‑size standard, names like Single, Double, Queen and King don’t always mean the same dimensions in other countries. For example:

·In the United States, a queen mattress is typically about 152 × 203 cm, which is very close to an Australian queen, but a king in the US is often wider and longer than the standard Aussie king.

·In the United Kingdom, a single mattress is usually around 90 × 190 cm— a bit narrower and slightly different in length compared with Australian singles.

·UK king beds are smaller than Australian king beds. For instance, a UK king commonly measures about 150 × 200 cm, while an Australian king is around 183 × 203 cm.

It’s the same story in Europe and other regions: sizes and names differ, and even when the names match, the actual dimensions can vary, which means bedding or frames you have from overseas might not fit a mattress bought here.

Common bed size mistakes

Paying close attention to, and making sure you understand, the above bed and mattress size guide can help you avoid some costly mistakes.

Some of the most common bed size mistakes include:

· Not measuring the room properly. Before you fall in love with a size, measure the actual floor space— including doorways, wardrobes, bedside tables and walkways. A big bed can make a room feel cramped and hard to move around in if there isn’t enough clearance.

· Thinking bigger is always better. It’s easy to assume a larger bed equals better sleep, but a king or super king in a small bedroom can overwhelm the space and limit layout options.

· Ignoring future needs. People often buy a bed based on current needs without thinking ahead. If you plan to share the bed in the future, or you might have pets or children joining occasionally, sizing up now can save a costly upgrade later.

·Choosing mattress and frame sizes separately. Selecting a mattress first and then trying to find a frame (or vice versa) can lead to mismatches. Always confirm that the mattress and bed frame dimensions align so there are no gaps or tight fits.

· Forgetting about circulation space around the bed. Even if a large bed fits in the room, you also need enough space around it to comfortably make the bed, open drawers and walk without tripping. Many people overlook this until after the bed is in place.