How to Choose the Right Bed Size for Your Room (UK Guide)

Choosing the right bed size is one of the most important decisions when furnishing your bedroom. The wrong size can make your room feel cramped, unbalanced or difficult to move around. The right size, however, will transform your space and improve your sleep quality instantly.

This UK-focused guide will help you measure your room correctly, compare all UK bed sizes, and choose the bed size that best fits your lifestyle, comfort and space.

If you're still deciding which style of bed to choose, you may also find our Ottoman vs Divan Guide useful.

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1. Understanding UK Bed Sizes

Here are the standard UK sizes (mattress area only):

Full table here:
👉 https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/blogs/buying-guides/uk-bed-size-guide

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2. How to Measure Your Bedroom Properly

Most UK bedrooms are box-sized, so fitting a bed correctly is essential.

✔ Step 1: Measure Your Free Floor Space

Measure the available width and length of the room after accounting for wardrobes, doors, radiators and window placements.

✔ Step 2: Add Space for Walking

Ideally leave:

• 60–80 cm walking space around the sides

• 90 cm space at the foot of the bed if your room is small

• 100–120 cm space for ottoman lift-up access

✔ Step 3: Consider Bedframe Style

A bed’s footprint is bigger than the mattress depending on the design:

Divan and ottoman frames are ideal when space is tight — which is why they’re the most popular in UK homes.

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3. Choosing the Right Bed Size for Different Room Types

Small Bedrooms (Common in UK New Builds)

The best options are:

🔹 Small Double (4ft)

A perfect balance between space and comfort.
See: Small Double Beds Collection

🔹 Double (4ft6)

Works if the room is at least 2.5m × 3m.

Avoid King unless you have generous walking space.

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Master Bedrooms

Ideal options:

🔹 King Size (5ft)

The most popular choice for comfort + space.
Great for couples.

🔹 Super King (6ft)

Only choose if your room is 4m wide or larger.
Creates a luxury hotel feel, especially with a 60” tall headboard – learn more here:
Benefits of Tall Headboards

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Kids & Teen Bedrooms

Best choice: Single or Small Double
A Small Double is ideal for:

• Teens who need more space

• Guest sleepovers

• Small UK box bedrooms

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4. Consider Storage Space: Ottoman vs Divan

If your room lacks built-in wardrobes, choose a storage bed.

✔ Ottoman Storage Beds

Lift-up design gives you the maximum amount of hidden storage.
Perfect for:

• Apartments

• New-build houses

• Small bedrooms

Explore Ottomans:
https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-ottoman-storage-beds

✔ Divan Storage Beds

Great if you prefer drawers over lift-up storage.

Explore Divans:
https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-beds

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5. Your Height Matters Too

A quick rule:

• If you're under 6ft tall, standard double or king are suited.

• If you're 6ft or above, consider King or Super King to avoid your feet hanging off the bed.

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6. Headboard Height: Don’t Ignore It

A tall headboard (like 60 inches) makes the bed the focal point of the room and visually elongates the walls.

See guide:
https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/blogs/sleep-advice/60-inch-tall-headboard-benefits

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7. Summary: Which Bed Size Should You Choose?

✔ Small Rooms (2m–2.8m wide)

→ Small Double or Double
→ Choose Divan or Ottoman for storage

✔ Medium Rooms (2.8m–3.3m wide)

→ Double or King
→ Wingback headboard recommended

✔ Large Rooms (3.3m+ wide)

→ King or Super King
→ Tall headboard + ottoman for luxury

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You can now explore our full collection of handcrafted UK beds:

⭐ Shop All Beds:

https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/all-beds

Or read next:
👉 Ottoman vs Divan: Which Storage Bed Is Best?