#Collaborative post
Logic dictates that if you have a double mattress, you need a double bed, and if you have a king mattress, you need a king bed.
While this logic rings true, a common mistake is mismatching UK and EU mattresses and beds (and vice versa).
If you have a mattress over five years old, there is a chance it might be an EU size, in which case you need an EU bed.
The problem exists because you can pick up EU mattresses and beds in the UK, often poorly labelled in some places. Thankfully, the solution is as simple as buying a mattress that fits your bed. Here’s how to do it:
Sizing up a bed for your mattress
To make sure you don’t make this common mistake, measure the length and width of your mattress using a tape measure.
Here’s a list of mattress sizes:
UK mattress sizes:
- UK Single – 90cm x 190cm (3′ x 6’3″)
- UK Small double – 120cm x 190cm (4′ x 6’3)
- UK Double – 135cm x 190cm (4’6″ x 6’3″)
- UK King – 150cm x 200cm (5′ x 6’6″)
- UK Super king – 180cm x 200cm (6′ x 6’6″)
If your mattress matches any of these, you need a UK bed.
EU mattress sizes:
- EU Single – 90cm x 200cm (3′ x 6’6″)
- EU Small Double – 120cm x 200cm (4′ x 6’6)
- EU Double – 140cm x 200cm (4’7″ x 6’6″)
- EU King – 160cm x 200cm (5’3″ x 6’6″)
- EU Super King – 180cm x 200cm (5’9″ x 6’6″)
- EU Emperor – 200cm x 200cm (6’6 x 6’6”)
If your mattress matches any of these, you need an EU bed.
Mattress thickness
In addition to mattress length and width, you might like to consider its thickness.
Some mattresses are naturally thicker than others, and some use technologies that require more space between the layers.
You want a 25cm mattress at a minimum for open coil and pocket spring mattresses. Otherwise, the layers won’t be sufficiently padded. Memory foam mattresses can be thinner because there are no moving parts.
Thicker mattresses are associated with luxury because they are more expensive with more materials. Some mattresses are more than 40cm thick!
In general, a thicker mattress will be better if you have a low bed frame, and if you have a high bed frame, a thinner mattress will be better. These configurations will improve mobility (making it easier to get in and out of bed).
Choosing a bed frame
Another consideration is the type of bed frame you choose.
A divan or ottoman bed frame will be best if you have a small bedroom. Divan and ottoman beds have a structure that is the same size as the mattress with no protruding legs or frame, helping increase the amount of usable floor space.
Another advantage of divan and ottoman beds is built-in storage. Divan beds have drawers, and ottoman beds have lift-up bases.
Pictured: Milan Bed Company End Lift 3FT Single Leather Ottoman Bed Frame – Black (Available from Bedstar Online for only £249)
The bulkiest beds are made from wood, although many people prefer the traditional look. You can still get wooden bed frames with built-in drawers, although the drawers are usually found at the foot of the bed.
Metal bed frames are slimmer than wooden frames, but they miss out on built-in storage, leaving you only with space under your bed.
Other bed size considerations
Measure your bedroom before buying a bed frame. Little things like leg protrusion can significantly reduce mobility around a bedroom. You want your bed to take up as little space as possible without sacrificing mattress size.
If you have a small bedroom, consider downsizing your bed from a double to a small double or a king to a double. If downsizing is not an option, buy slimline furniture and move as much storage as you can to the walls with baskets and holders.