Double vs King Size Bed: Which Size Is Right for You?
A UK double bed measures 135x190cm (4ft6) while a king size bed is 150x200cm (5ft). The 15cm width and 10cm length difference affects floor space, mattress cost and sleeping comfort for couples and individuals. The right choice depends on your bedroom size, budget and how much personal space you need at night.
Exact Dimensions and Floor Space Needed
A standard UK double bed is 135cm wide by 190cm long. Add at least 60cm clearance on each long side for making the bed and 90cm at the foot for access. This means a practical minimum room size of roughly 255cm wide by 340cm long. A king size bed is 150cm wide by 200cm long and needs similar clearance, pushing the minimum room to about 270cm wide by 350cm long. Measure your bedroom floor space before choosing; many older UK homes have rooms better suited to a double.
If your room is under 3m wide, a double usually leaves more circulation space. In larger bedrooms over 3.5m wide, a king size bed fits comfortably without making the room feel cramped.
Sleeping Comfort and Space for Couples
Each person on a double bed has roughly 67.5cm of width. This works for couples who like to cuddle but can feel tight if one partner moves a lot or if you share with a child or pet. A king size bed gives each sleeper 75cm, reducing disturbance from movement and offering better shoulder and elbow room when lying on your side.
Individuals who spread out or sleep with arms outstretched often prefer the extra width of a king. Couples who currently use a double and wake up feeling restricted should consider upgrading. Test by lying on both sizes in our Birstall showroom near Leeds.
Decision checklist for comfort
- Do you and your partner both sleep on your backs or sides without touching?
- Is one of you over 6ft tall (the extra 10cm length on a king helps)?
- Do you have children or pets that regularly join you?
- Have you measured the bedroom and confirmed at least 60cm clearance remains?
Mattress Cost Difference
King size mattresses are typically more expensive than double mattresses of the same type and brand because they use more materials. Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses all follow this pattern. The price gap can be several hundred pounds, so factor this into your budget alongside the cost of new king size bedding and a larger base.
If your current double mattress is still in good condition, keep it for a few more years before upgrading. For those ready to change, view our Double Mattresses or King Size Mattresses to compare current ranges.
Bed Frame Choices and Storage Options
Both double and king size beds come in many styles including ottoman, wooden, fabric and metal. Ottoman designs are popular because they provide generous under-bed storage without reducing sleeping area. A Double Ottoman Bed or King Size Ottoman Bed can hide duvets, seasonal clothes or spare bedding.
Brands such as Flair and Kyoto offer practical frames in both sizes. The Kyoto Belle Ottoman Bed in king size gives the extra sleeping width plus end-lift storage. For smaller budgets the Flair Ava Boucle Double Bed offers good value in a compact double footprint.
When to Choose a Double Bed
Choose a double if your bedroom is modest in size, you are on a tighter budget, or you sleep alone and do not need maximum width. It is also the standard size for many first homes and rental properties. A double leaves more room for bedside tables, wardrobes or a chair. If you rarely share the bed, the smaller size is perfectly comfortable and easier to dress with sheets.
Practical rule: if the room width is less than 2.7m after allowing for skirting, stay with a double to avoid a cramped feel.
When to Choose a King Size Bed
Select a king size bed when you have the floor space, want reduced partner disturbance and can afford the higher mattress and bedding cost. It is especially useful for taller adults or couples who value independent sleep space. In larger master bedrooms a king size bed becomes the natural focal point without dominating the room.
Practical rule: if your bedroom is at least 3.2m wide and 3.6m long, a king size bed will fit with adequate clearance on all sides. Always measure twice and allow for radiator depth or door swing.
Recommended Mattresses for Double or King Beds
Whatever size you choose, pair the bed with a supportive mattress. Memory foam and pocket sprung options suit most sleepers. Brands such as Solace+Co, Maxitex and Recoil offer reliable comfort layers. Check the exact depth and specifications on each product page before ordering.
| Aspect | Double (4ft6) | King (5ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 135cm | 150cm |
| Length | 190cm | 200cm |
| Space per person (width) | 67.5cm | 75cm |
| Typical mattress cost | Lower | Higher |
| Minimum room width needed | Approx 255cm | Approx 270cm |
UK beds and mattresses must meet fire safety regulations (Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988). All products sold at Bed Kingdom comply. Bunk beds follow BS EN 747 with guard rails rising at least 16cm above the mattress; this page focuses on standard adult beds.
Our picks for this guide
- Kyoto Belle Ottoman Bed End Lift King Size (5ft) Natural – Provides the extra 15cm width of a king size bed plus generous end-lift storage for couples wanting both space and practicality.
- Flair Ava Boucle Double Bed Pink – Compact double size that fits smaller bedrooms while offering modern style for couples or individuals on a budget.
- Myer Adams Royal Comfort Backcare Memory 1500 Mattress – Available in both double and king sizes with memory foam comfort that suits couples upgrading for better pressure relief and reduced disturbance.
- SOLACE+CO Velmor Ribbed Double Wardrobe with Drawers Walnut – Complements either a double or king size bed by providing essential storage in a matching mid-century style that maximises bedroom space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a king size mattress fit on a double bed frame?
No. A king size mattress is 150cm wide and will not fit a double frame built for 135cm. The frame and mattress must match exactly. Always buy both components in the same size.
How much more does a king size bed cost overall?
Expect the mattress alone to cost more than a comparable double. Add the price difference for the bed frame, sheets, duvet and protector.
Is a super king bed worth considering instead?
A super king (180x200cm) gives even more width but needs a significantly larger room (minimum approx 300cm wide). It also increases mattress and bedding costs further. Most couples find a standard king size sufficient.
What bedding sizes do I need for each bed?
Double beds use 4ft6 sheets and duvets. King size beds require 5ft sized bedding. Buying the wrong size means poor fit and reduced comfort. Check labels carefully when upgrading from double to king.
Do children need a double or king size bed?
Most children sleep comfortably in a single or small double. A full double or king is rarely necessary unless the child shares with a sibling. See our kids range for age-appropriate sizes that meet safety standards.