What Bed Frame Size Do I Need for a UK Double Mattress?
Buying a new bed should be straightforward, but there's one measurement that regularly causes confusion: the mattress size isn't the same as the bed frame's overall size.
If you're wondering what bed frame size you need for a UK double mattress, the starting point is simple. A standard UK double mattress measures 135 × 190cm, so you'll need a bed frame labelled Double or 4ft6 that's designed for a 135 × 190cm mattress.
The next step is making sure the whole frame fits your bedroom and can actually reach it. Here's how to check properly before you order.
For a standard UK double mattress measuring 135 × 190cm (4ft6 × 6ft3), choose a UK Double bed frame designed for a 135 × 190cm mattress. The frame's external dimensions will usually be larger, so check the product width and length before measuring your room or delivery route.
What Bed Frame Size Do I Need for a UK Double Mattress?
You need a Double or 4ft6 bed frame designed to take a 135cm wide × 190cm long mattress.
The important distinction is that 135 × 190cm describes the mattress and sleeping area, not necessarily the complete dimensions of the bed.
A slim divan base may sit relatively close to the dimensions of the mattress. An upholstered bed with padded side rails, a statement headboard or a curved footboard could be considerably wider or longer.
That's why there are two measurements to check:
| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Whether your mattress fits the bed |
| External frame dimensions | Whether the complete bed fits your room |
Already have a double mattress? Explore our range of double beds and check the external dimensions of individual designs before choosing your frame.
UK Double Mattress Size at a Glance
A standard UK double mattress measures:
- Width: 135cm
- Length: 190cm
- Imperial size: 4ft6 × 6ft3
Other common UK mattress sizes are:
| UK bed size | Mattress dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small Single | 75 × 190cm |
| Single | 90 × 190cm |
| Small Double | 120 × 190cm |
| Double | 135 × 190cm |
| King | 150 × 200cm |
| Super King | 180 × 200cm |
These dimensions refer to the mattress rather than the total amount of floor space taken up by every bed frame.
For a full comparison, see our UK bed and mattress size guide.
Double Mattress Size vs Double Bed Frame Size
This is where most measuring mistakes happen.
When a retailer describes a bed as a Double, it generally means that the bed is designed to accommodate a standard UK double mattress measuring 135 × 190cm.
It doesn't mean every double bed frame measures exactly 135 × 190cm on the outside.
Why are bed frames bigger than mattresses?
The mattress sits within or on top of the bed structure, so the complete frame may also include:
- Side rails
- Headboard
- Footboard
- Upholstery
- Legs
- Storage sections
- Shelving
- Decorative edges
A minimal frame might add relatively little to the mattress footprint. A chunky upholstered or sleigh bed can add considerably more.
There's therefore no single external measurement that applies to every double bed frame.
Always use the Width and Length shown in the individual product specifications when planning your room.
How to Measure Your Bedroom for a Double Bed Frame
The best way to check whether a bed will fit is to recreate its external footprint in the room.
You'll need a tape measure and, ideally, some masking tape.
1. Measure your available floor space
Measure the length and width of the room at floor level.
Don't assume the room is perfectly square. Older properties in particular can have uneven walls, chimney breasts, alcoves or boxing around pipes.
Pay attention to anything that reduces usable space, including:
- Skirting boards
- Radiators
- Window ledges
- Plug sockets
- Chimney breasts
- Built-in wardrobes
2. Find the bed's external dimensions
Open the product specifications and look for the complete:
Width × Length × Height
Use those measurements rather than 135 × 190cm.
If a double frame measures 150cm wide, for example, mark out 150cm rather than the 135cm width of the mattress.
3. Mark the bed out on the floor
Use masking tape to create the bed's footprint.
This makes it much easier to judge how the furniture will feel than looking at measurements on a screen.
Walk around the taped area and check whether you can comfortably reach:
- Both sides of the bed
- Your wardrobe
- Bedside tables
- Windows
- Radiators
- Bedroom doors
4. Check doors and drawers can open
A bed may technically fit between two walls and still make the bedroom awkward to use.
Open your bedroom door fully and check its swing doesn't hit the bed.
Do the same with wardrobe doors, chest-of-drawer drawers and bedside furniture.
How Much Space Should You Leave Around a Bed?
As a practical rule of thumb, around 60cm of walking space on the sides you regularly use will make it easier to move around and make the bed.
It isn't a fixed requirement, though.
In a compact bedroom, you may choose to position one side closer to a wall and leave more usable space on the main access side.
Think about how you actually use your room.
You may want more space where you:
- Get in and out of bed
- Get dressed
- Make the bed
- Open a wardrobe
- Access storage
- Walk through the room regularly
A few centimetres can make a surprisingly big difference in a small bedroom, which is why marking the frame out beforehand is so useful.
How Much Space Does a Storage Bed Need?
Storage can make a smaller bedroom much more practical, but you need to make sure you can actually use it once the bed is in position.
Beds with drawers
For a drawer bed, check how far the drawers extend from the frame.
Leave enough clear space for the drawer to open completely, plus additional room for you to stand or crouch while using it.
Don't assume every drawer needs the same clearance. Use the dimensions supplied for the bed you're considering wherever possible.
Ottoman beds
Ottoman beds use the space beneath the mattress without requiring a drawer to pull into the room.
That makes them particularly useful where side clearance is limited.
You'll still need enough room to stand comfortably at the lifting side or foot of the bed, depending on whether you choose a side-lift or end-lift design.
If storage is a priority, browse our double ottoman beds or see our storage bed buying guide.
Divan beds
Divans typically have a relatively compact footprint because the base closely follows the mattress.
Some also include drawers, so remember to account for the space required to open them.
For more help choosing this type of base, read our divan bed guide.
How to Measure a Bed Frame Before Buying
Once you've chosen a design, don't stop at the mattress size.
Check these product measurements before ordering:
External width
Measure from the furthest point on one side of
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