King Size Bed for Couples Who Share With Children
A king size bed measuring 150x200cm (5ft) often provides enough extra width for couples who occasionally co-sleep with one or two young children, adding roughly 15cm per side compared with a standard double.
Understanding King Size vs Double for Co-Sleeping
The UK king size bed is 150x200cm while a double is 135x190cm. That gives you an extra 15cm in width and 10cm in length. When one or two children join, the added space lets adults keep a clearer “sleep zone” instead of being pushed to the edge. Check your room dimensions first: allow at least 60cm clearance on each long side for easy access with little ones.
Use this quick decision rule: if your child is under 5 and you co-sleep more than twice a week, the king size usually feels worthwhile. For occasional use only, a double may still work.
Space Per Person on a King Size Bed
With two adults and one child the king size gives each person roughly 50cm of width. Add a second child and it drops to about 37cm each – still better than a double but tighter than many expect. Measure your current sleeping positions on the floor with pillows to test real comfort before buying.
Choosing the Right Mattress for Family Co-Sleeping
A good king size mattress should minimise motion transfer so one child’s movements do not wake everyone. Pocket sprung or hybrid types usually perform best here. Browse our full range of king size mattresses and pay particular attention to those with reinforced edges that help prevent roll-off.
Practical checklist before purchase:
- Choose a mattress depth that matches your chosen bed frame (check the exact depth on the product page).
- Look for firm support suitable for combined adult and child weight.
- Confirm the mattress meets UK fire safety regulations (BS 7177).
- Opt for a removable, washable cover if children still have occasional accidents.
Consider pairing your king bed with a kids single bed in the same room for nights when space gets crowded.
Storage Solutions That Help Families
Adding children to the bedtime routine often means more bedding, toys and clothes. King size ottoman beds lift to reveal large under-bed storage without reducing sleeping area. See the selection of king size ottoman beds.
The Kyoto Belle Ottoman Bed End Lift King Size (5ft) Natural offers easy-access end lift while the Emporia Beds Bosworth King Size Gas Lift Ottoman Bed Grey Velvet provides full lift with a contemporary look that suits family homes.
When a Super King Might Be Worth Considering
If you regularly share with two children or simply want generous personal space, a super king (180x200cm) removes almost all compromise. It needs a larger bedroom – at least 3.6m wide to allow bedside tables and safe movement. Compare options in our super king size beds and super king mattresses before deciding.
Transitioning Older Children to Their Own Beds
A king size bed can act as a temporary bridge while children move to their own room. Many parents keep a wooden children’s bed or kids storage bed ready so the transition feels gradual. Flair and Noomi ranges offer sturdy designs that meet BS EN 747 standards where relevant.
Helpful decision rules:
- Measure your child’s current bed and the king size side-by-side to visualise the change.
- Introduce a bedtime routine that ends with the child in their own bed even if they start in yours.
- Use the extra king size width during the adjustment period rather than as permanent co-sleeping space.
Safety and Practical Tips for Co-Sleeping on a King Bed
Never use pillows, duvets or bumpers that could cover a baby’s face. Top bunks are not suitable for children under 6 and must have guard rails rising at least 16cm above the mattress. For floor-level king beds, ensure the frame has no sharp edges and the mattress sits flush to the base. Keep the bed at least 30cm from walls or furniture to prevent entrapment. Always follow current NHS co-sleeping guidance alongside these practical steps.
| Bed Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Double | 135x190cm | Occasional co-sleeping with one small child |
| King | 150x200cm | Regular co-sleeping with one or two young children |
| Super King | 180x200cm | Two children plus parents or taller adults |
Many families combine a king size bed with practical kids furniture from our range of kids furniture to keep the bedroom organised.
Our picks for this guide
- Kyoto Belle Ottoman Bed End Lift King Size (5ft) Natural – End-lift ottoman design gives families easy-access storage for extra bedding while the 5ft width accommodates occasional co-sleeping with young children.
- Emporia Beds Bosworth King Size Gas Lift Ottoman Bed Grey Velvet – Full gas-lift storage helps keep family bedrooms tidy and the king size platform offers the extra width many parents need when children join them at night.
- Kyoto Skandi Mid Century Bed King Size (5ft) Mid Oak – Simple wooden frame in a family-friendly finish provides a sturdy 5ft sleeping platform without taking up excessive floor space in smaller bedrooms.
- Kyoto Mollie Bed In A Box King Size (5ft) Natural – Easy self-assembly king size bed delivers the extra 15cm width couples often need for co-sleeping while keeping costs down for growing families.
Frequently asked questions
How much wider is a king size bed than a double?
A king size bed is 15cm wider (150cm vs 135cm) and 10cm longer (200cm vs 190cm) than a double. This extra width usually gives couples enough room to co-sleep comfortably with one young child, though two children will still reduce personal space noticeably. Always check the exact mattress depth stated on the product page to ensure it fits your chosen frame safely.
Can two children and two adults fit on a king size bed?
Two adults and two young children can physically fit on a 150x200cm king size bed but space per person becomes limited to roughly 37cm each. Many parents use it as a short-term solution and move children to their own single or small double bed once routines are established. Consider a super king if this arrangement is regular.
What mattress type works best when co-sleeping with children?
Mattresses with good edge support and low motion transfer help everyone stay comfortable. Check the product page for exact depth, firmness and materials. All mattresses sold in the UK must meet BS 7177 fire safety standards. A washable cover is practical when sharing with young children who may still have nighttime accidents.
Is an ottoman king size bed suitable for families?
Yes, king size ottoman beds provide large under-bed storage for extra bedding and toys without reducing the sleeping area. Gas-lift versions are generally easy for adults to operate. Confirm the maximum mattress depth allowed by the manufacturer before purchase and ensure the mechanism has child-safe catches.
When should we upgrade from a double to a king size bed?
Upgrade when co-sleeping happens several nights a week and you notice frequent disturbance or edge-rolling. A king size gives each person about 15cm more width than a double. Measure your bedroom first to confirm 60cm clearance on each side for safe access with children. View our full king size beds selection to compare styles.
Related guides
- Room Size Guide for Super King Beds
- Small Double vs Double Bed for Couples: Which Size Gives Better Sleep
- King Size Bed Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It
- Best Bed Size for Two Children Sharing UK
- Kids Mattress Sizes UK: Complete Size Guide for Children's Beds
- How to Fit a King Size Bed in a Small Room: Realistic UK Advice