Struggling to choose a new bed? You're not alone. Navigating the world of mattress dimensions can feel overwhelming, but getting it right is the first step to a great night's sleep. This guide cuts through the confusion, providing a clear, simple breakdown of standard bed sizes in Australia so you can confidently choose the perfect mattress for your home and lifestyle.
Understanding Australian Bed Sizes at a Glance
Choosing a new mattress is a significant investment in your wellbeing. In fact, research shows that a new, comfortable mattress can improve sleep quality by 60% and reduce back pain by 57%. Getting the size right from the start is crucial for unlocking these benefits.
Of course, the mattress is only half the story. Once you've found the perfect size, you'll need to dress it. Finding the right bedding for various bed sizes is key to creating that cosy, put-together look.
Comparing Popular Bed Widths
To help you visualise the difference, here’s how three of Australia's most popular bed sizes compare in width.
As you can see, upgrading from a Double to a Queen gives you an extra 15 cm of elbow room. But for couples wanting to really spread out, the move from a Queen to a King provides a huge 30 cm of additional width—a true game-changer.
Key Takeaway: Balance your personal comfort needs with the practical limits of your bedroom. A bed that feels luxurious but cramps your room will ultimately detract from your home's overall comfort and flow.
Standard Australian Bed and Mattress Sizes Chart
Here is a quick reference chart with all the standard Australian mattress dimensions. This is your go-to for comparing sizes at a glance.
| Bed Size | Dimensions (cm) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 x 188 cm | Children, teens, or a single adult in a small room. |
| Long Single | 92 x 203 cm | Taller teens or adults needing extra legroom. |
| King Single | 107 x 203 cm | Growing teens, single adults wanting more width. |
| Double | 138 x 188 cm | A single adult who likes to spread out, or a couple in a tight space. |
| Queen | 153 x 203 cm | The most popular choice for couples; a good balance of space and size. |
| King | 183 x 203 cm | Couples who want maximum personal space, or families who co-sleep. |
| Super King | 203 x 203 cm | The ultimate in luxury and space for large master bedrooms. |
Keep these numbers handy when you’re measuring your room or shopping for a new bed frame.
Decoding Compact Beds: Single to King Single
When you're looking at bed sizes, Australia offers a great range of compact options perfect for more than just a child's bedroom. A standard Single (92 x 188 cm) is a classic for kids' rooms, but the Long Single and King Single are designed to solve common sleep dilemmas in smaller spaces.
The Single Bed: A Timeless Classic
The humble Single bed is the go-to for children's bedrooms and small guest spaces. Its neat footprint is incredibly versatile, freeing up valuable floor space for play or storage.
- Real-World Example: For a shared kids' room, two Single beds or a bunk bed combo leaves plenty of area for a desk and toy boxes, keeping the room functional and uncluttered.
The Long Single: Extra Length for Taller Sleepers
The Long Single (92 x 203 cm) was designed to stop feet from dangling off the end of the mattress. It keeps the same slim width as a standard Single but adds a crucial 15 cm in length.
This extra length is a game-changer for lanky teenagers and taller adults who don't have the space for a wider bed.
Pro Tip: Placing two Long Single mattresses together creates the exact dimensions of a standard King bed (183 x 203 cm). This is the secret behind most adjustable split-king beds, allowing each person to control their side independently.
The King Single: The Best of Both Worlds
For many, the King Single (107 x 203 cm) is the most versatile compact bed you can buy. It provides that extra length and an additional 15 cm of width compared to a standard Single.
This makes it a fantastic long-term investment for a growing child, comfortably seeing them through their teenage years. For single adults, it offers plenty of room to stretch out without needing the space for a Double bed.
With these less common sizes, getting the bedding right is key. Check a simple bedding size chart for Australia to ensure your new sheets are a perfect match.
Choosing Between a Double and Queen Bed
The Double and Queen are the two most popular choices for couples and solo sleepers who love to spread out. The decision usually boils down to a simple trade-off: space in your bed versus space in your bedroom.
A Double bed (138 x 188 cm) is a great step up for a single person furnishing their first apartment. But for two people, each person gets only 69 cm of width—less than a single bed.
This is where the Queen bed (153 x 203 cm) shines. That extra 15 cm in width and length makes a world of difference, giving two people enough personal space to sleep soundly without waking each other.
Key Factors for Your Decision
Picking the right bed isn't just about mattress dimensions. You need to think about your room size, lifestyle, and future needs.
- Room Dimensions: A Double bed fits comfortably in a 3m x 3m room. For a Queen, you'll want a space closer to 3.2m x 3.2m so you can walk around easily.
- Sleeping Style: If you or your partner toss and turn, the extra space of a Queen is a lifesaver. It minimises partner disturbance, leading to deeper, more restorative rest.
- Future-Proofing: A Queen bed is a solid long-term investment. It’s perfect for couples and can handle kids who love to pile in on a Sunday morning.
Real-World Example: Sarah and Tom, a young couple in a city apartment, upgraded from a Double to a Queen. Tom is a restless sleeper, and the extra space meant Sarah was no longer woken up by his movements. Both reported significantly better sleep within the first week.
Ultimately, choosing a bed is an investment in your wellbeing. To get the most out of your purchase, read our guide on how long mattresses should last.
Maximising Comfort with King and Super King Beds
If your bedroom is your sanctuary, then King and Super King beds are the ultimate investment in luxurious sleep. These are the top choices in Australian bed sizes for anyone with a generous master bedroom.
The standard King bed (183 x 203 cm) is a game-changer for couples. It gives each person the same amount of personal space as a Long Single bed. This means you can stretch out fully without bumping into your partner.
The Super King (203 x 203 cm) takes luxury to another level. Its perfect square shape creates an enormous sleeping surface, perfect for families who love weekend morning cuddles or couples who want maximum personal space.
Actionable Insight: A larger bed provides more than just physical space; it offers psychological space. Knowing you have plenty of room to unwind can help reduce sleep anxiety and lead to deeper rest, especially for light sleepers.
Practical Considerations Before You Buy
Choosing a King or Super King demands some practical planning to avoid delivery-day dramas. Before you take the plunge, make sure you:
- Measure Everything: Measure your bedroom, but also all doorways, hallways, and stairwells the frame and mattress must navigate. A bed that can't fit through the door is a costly mistake.
- Budget for Bedding: Bigger beds need bigger bedding, which can be pricier. You'll need King or Super King sheets and quilts. You can learn how to choose the perfect bed sheets to complement your new bed.
- Consider Room Scale: A Super King can dominate a medium-sized room. As a rule of thumb, leave at least 90 cm of clear walking space around three sides of the bed to keep the room feeling open.
How to Measure Your Room for the Perfect Bed
It's easy to dream of a luxurious King bed, but will it actually fit your bedroom? Taking a few simple measurements is the most important step before you commit to any Australian bed sizes.
Your Essential Measurement Checklist
Grab a tape measure and a notepad. It only takes a few minutes.
- Get Room Dimensions: Measure the length and width of the room from wall to wall.
- Map Out Obstacles: Note the location of windows, power points, and doors. Measure how far doors swing open so your new bed doesn't block them.
- Factor in Other Furniture: Measure your bedside tables, dresser, or any other furniture. Crucially, measure how far out any drawers open to ensure you have enough clearance.
If you're building a new home, understanding how to read blueprints can be a huge advantage, allowing you to plan your bedroom layout with precision.
The 90cm Rule for a Room That Flows
A well-designed room is about how you move through the space.
The 90cm Rule: As a golden rule, try to leave at least 90 centimetres of open space on two or three sides of your bed. This ensures you can walk around comfortably and make the bed without a daily struggle.
This buffer zone keeps a room from feeling cluttered. If you're tight on space, consider our stylish space-saving storage beds, which offer hidden storage to free up precious floor space.
Room Size and Bed Fit Guide
Here’s a quick guide showing the minimum room size we recommend for each mattress size.
| Bed Size | Minimum Recommended Room Size (Metres) |
|---|---|
| Single | 2.5m x 3.0m |
| King Single | 2.7m x 3.3m |
| Double | 3.0m x 3.2m |
| Queen | 3.2m x 3.5m |
| King | 3.5m x 3.8m |
| Super King | 3.8m x 3.8m |
Remember, these are guidelines. An awkwardly shaped room or lots of furniture may require more space.
Got Questions About Bed Sizes? We've Got Answers
Stepping into the world of mattresses can be confusing. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Are Australian Bed Sizes the Same as the UK or US?
No, they are not. This is a common mistake.
While names like 'King' and 'Queen' are used globally, the dimensions can be very different. An Australian King is wider than a UK King but narrower than a US King. If buying a frame or linen from overseas, always ignore the name and check the specific measurements in centimetres.
What’s the Most Popular Bed Size in Australia?
The Queen bed is the undisputed favourite in Australian homes.
At 153 x 203 cm, it hits the sweet spot for most couples. It’s generous enough for comfortable sleep without taking over the entire master bedroom. Because it's so popular, you'll also find the widest range of bed frames and linen.
Can I Use Queen Sheets on My Double Bed?
You can, but you probably shouldn't. It’s a recipe for a messy bed.
A Queen fitted sheet will be loose and wrinkly on a smaller Double mattress. Your flat sheet and quilt will also have too much overhang. For a crisp, comfortable bed, matching your linen to your mattress size is always the best way to go.
For more helpful advice, check out our guide on frequently asked questions about bamboo bedding.
Find Your Perfect Fit Today
Choosing the right bed size is the foundation of a better night's sleep. By balancing your personal needs with your room's dimensions, you can create a comfortable and restorative bedroom sanctuary.
Ready to upgrade your sleep with beautiful, perfectly-sized bedding? At Sienna Living, we design our premium sheets, quilts, and pillows to fit Australian beds perfectly. Explore our collection and find the final touch for your bedroom at https://www.siennaliving.com.au.