Doorway Measurements for Beds and Mattresses
To get a bed or mattress through your home, most internal doorways need at least 75cm clear width for single items and 90cm for double or king size beds. Standard UK doorways are 76cm or 83cm wide with 198cm or 204cm height, but you must account for hinges, handles, skirting boards and the angle of approach. This guide gives exact measurements, checklists and decision rules so you can check before buying flat-pack or assembled furniture.
Standard UK Doorway Sizes
Most homes have internal doors measuring 762mm (2ft 6in) or 838mm (2ft 9in) in width. Height is usually 1981mm (6ft 6in). When measuring for delivery allow 5-7cm clearance on each side for safe passage. Subtract any protruding skirting, architrave or radiator that reduces the usable opening.
Clear Width Requirements by Bed Size
Use these minimum clear widths once the door is fully open:
- Small single (75x190cm) and single (90x190cm): 65cm clear width
- Small double (120x190cm): 75cm clear width
- Double (135x190cm) and king (150x200cm): 85cm clear width
- Super king (180x200cm): 95cm clear width
If your doorway is narrower, flat-pack designs become essential. Check the exact product page for packaging dimensions before ordering from our King Size Beds or Super King Size Beds ranges.
Flat-Pack vs Pre-Assembled Beds
Flat-pack beds arrive in boxes that can be carried sideways or at an angle. Larger king-size flat-pack bases often come in multiple long, slim cartons that turn corners more easily.
Pre-assembled furniture requires the full assembled width plus turning space. Ottoman beds and divans are especially bulky. Our Pre-Assembled Furniture collection includes items already built, so measure twice before choosing.
Measuring Your Doorways – Step-by-Step Checklist
- Measure the clear width with the door open at 90 degrees from the inside edge of one frame to the opposite frame.
- Measure height from floor to the lowest point of the door frame or any ceiling obstruction.
- Check the diagonal opening – many awkward doorways need items tilted at 45 degrees.
- Measure the tightest point on the route from outside to the bedroom, including hallways and landings.
- Note any radiators, banisters or steps that reduce usable space.
Write down the smallest measurement and compare it against the requirements above. If you are unsure, add 10cm to every dimension for safe moving margins.
Hallway and Stairwell Considerations
Internal doors are rarely the only obstacle. Landings often have 70-80cm width between banisters. Standard UK stairwells allow mattresses up to 90cm wide to be carried flat or on edge. For larger king and super king mattresses, carrying them vertically or using a mattress sling is common.
Memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses can be rolled for delivery but still need adequate doorway clearance once unrolled. Visit our Memory Foam Mattresses or Pocket Sprung Mattresses to see options that arrive compressed in boxes under 45cm diameter.
Recommended Products for Restricted Access Homes
In tight spaces, choose designs that arrive in narrow, manageable cartons. The following four products suit homes with standard or narrow doorways:
| Product | Why it helps with doorway access |
|---|---|
| Flair Loop Midsleeper Bed Full Set With 2 Doors - White | Flat-pack midsleeper design arrives in multiple slim boxes that fit through 70cm doorways. |
| Sareer Flat-Pack Divan Bed Base Light Grey Velvet | Comes fully flat-packed so each panel passes easily through standard internal doors. |
| Kyoto Mollie Bed In A Box King Size (5ft) Natural | Bed-in-a-box format means the entire king size package measures under 40cm deep for narrow hallways. |
| Flair Loop Mid Sleeper Bed Cube Unit Set With Doors | Modular flat-pack storage pieces can be carried individually through tight doorways. |
These choices from Flair and other quality makers reduce delivery risk. For children’s rooms, the Flair midsleeper range is especially practical.
Special Considerations for Mattresses and Kids’ Beds
Rolled mattresses in boxes as small as 40cm diameter fit almost any doorway. Unrolled king and super king mattresses need 95cm+ clearance if carried flat. Cot mattresses (60x120cm) and toddler mattresses (70x140cm) are small enough for any standard door.
Bunk beds must meet BS EN 747 with guard rails rising at least 16cm above the mattress. The top bunk is not recommended for children under 6. Our Kids' Mattresses and Free Next Day Delivery Beds include suitable options that arrive in compact packaging.
Decision Rules – When to Choose What
If your narrowest doorway is under 75cm, buy only flat-pack or bed-in-a-box products. Over 90cm clear width allows most assembled divans and ottoman beds. Always measure the route with the actual bed size in mind – a 150x200cm king mattress needs more turning space than a 90x190cm single.
Check product pages for exact carton sizes. Our ranges include Mattresses in every type from memory foam to hybrid so you can match comfort with practical delivery needs.
Our picks for this guide
- Flair Loop Midsleeper Bed Full Set With 2 Doors - White – Flat-pack construction in slim boxes that pass easily through standard 76cm internal doorways.
- Sareer Flat-Pack Divan Bed Base Light Grey Velvet – Comes in separate flat panels allowing delivery through narrow hallways and doorways under 80cm.
- Kyoto Mollie Bed In A Box King Size (5ft) Natural – Compact bed-in-a-box packaging fits through tight doorways while providing a full king size sleeping area.
- Flair Loop Mid Sleeper Bed Cube Unit Set With Doors – Modular flat-pack pieces can be carried individually, ideal for homes with restricted doorway access.
Frequently asked questions
Can a king size bed fit through a standard internal door?
A standard 762mm internal door gives roughly 70cm clear width once open. Most king size (150x200cm) flat-pack beds will pass if carried at an angle, but fully assembled ottoman or divan bases usually need at least 85cm clear width. Always measure your tightest point and consider flat-pack options from our king size range.
What is the minimum doorway width for a super king mattress?
Super king mattresses (180x200cm) need approximately 95cm clear width to carry flat. Rolled hybrid or pocket sprung versions arrive in boxes under 45cm diameter and can negotiate narrower gaps. Check the exact packaging on the product page before ordering.
Do I need to remove doors to get a bed through?
Many customers lift internal doors off their hinges to gain an extra 4-6cm clearance. This is common for double and king size deliveries. Re-hanging is straightforward. If your doorways are 76cm or less, flat-pack designs avoid this step entirely.
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses easier to deliver?
Yes. Bed-in-a-box and rolled mattresses compress into cartons usually 35-45cm in diameter, fitting through almost any doorway and stairwell. Once unrolled they regain their shape. Most memory foam, hybrid and pocket sprung mattresses are now available in this format.
How do I measure for a midsleeper bed in a small room?
Measure the narrowest doorway and landing on the route to the bedroom. Flair Loop midsleeper beds arrive in flat-pack sections that fit through 70cm gaps. Allow extra space for turning on landings. The full set with storage still uses the same compact boxes.