Choosing a new mattress can feel complicated, but it boils down to one simple question: what size will give you the best night's sleep? To help you compare mattress sizes effectively, this guide cuts straight to the chase. We'll give you clear dimensions, practical examples, and actionable advice to help you find the perfect fit for your room, your lifestyle, and your budget.
A Quick Guide to Australian Mattress Sizes
Getting the mattress size right is the first step to better sleep. A bed that’s too small can make you feel cramped, while one that’s too large can make your bedroom feel cluttered. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, up to 45% of Australian adults experience inadequate sleep, and choosing the right size bed is a foundational step towards improving that.
To make it easy, here are the exact dimensions for every standard Australian mattress size.
Australian Mattress Dimensions at a Glance
Use this table as a quick reference when planning your bedroom.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92cm x 188cm | Children, teens, and compact guest rooms |
| King Single | 107cm x 203cm | Taller teenagers, single adults, and guest beds |
| Double | 138cm x 188cm | Single adults wanting more space, smaller guest rooms |
| Queen | 153cm x 203cm | Couples, most master bedrooms, single sleepers who like to spread out |
| King | 183cm x 203cm | Couples wanting maximum space, families with kids, large master bedrooms |
| Super King | 203cm x 203cm | Ultimate luxury, oversized master bedrooms, and families |
Practical Example: A couple is furnishing their first apartment with a master bedroom measuring 3m x 3.5m. A King bed would leave less than 60cm of space on either side, making it feel cramped. By choosing a Queen, they ensure 73.5cm of clearance on each side for bedside tables and easy movement. The best mattress isn't always the biggest—it's the one that best fits the room.
Once you’ve chosen your mattress, you'll need perfectly fitting sheets. For a complete guide to matching your bedding, check out our detailed bedding size chart for Australia.
Why the Queen Mattress Is Australia's Favourite
Step into most master bedrooms across Australia, and you'll find a Queen mattress. Measuring 153cm x 203cm, it has become the nation's go-to choice for a simple reason: it offers the perfect balance of space, comfort, and practicality.
A Queen provides enough room for two people to sleep comfortably without it dominating the average Australian master bedroom (typically around 3.2m x 3.5m). This size allows for a spacious sleep surface while leaving enough clearance for bedside tables and walkways.
The Sweet Spot for Space and Function
The Queen's practicality is why it leads the market. In fact, an Australian mattress market report confirms its dominance, highlighting how well its dimensions suit modern homes.
It’s a versatile choice for almost any situation:
- For Couples: It gives each person about 76.5cm of personal space for a restful night.
- For Single Sleepers: It’s a luxurious upgrade, offering plenty of room to stretch out.
- For Guest Rooms: A Queen makes visitors feel comfortable and well-catered for.
Pairing Your Queen Bed with the Right Bedding
A great mattress deserves great bedding. Ill-fitting sheets that bunch up or slip off the corners are a common frustration that can ruin your rest. A well-fitted sheet is the foundation of a comfortable bed.
Our bamboo sheet sets are designed with a generous wall depth to fit modern mattresses, even with a topper. This ensures a snug, smooth fit all night long. For a full breakdown of measurements, our guide to standard Queen size bed dimensions has you covered.
Is Upgrading to a King Mattress Worth It?
While the Queen is the popular choice, the King (183cm x 203cm) represents a step up in luxury and personal space. The extra 30cm of width can transform your sleep quality, especially in certain situations.
A King mattress is a game-changer for couples who need more room, families who co-sleep, or anyone who simply loves to stretch out.
Who Really Needs a King Bed?
Upgrading to a King can solve common sleep problems.
- Restless Sleepers: The extra space minimises motion transfer, so you’re less likely to disturb your partner.
- Families with Young Children: A King provides enough room for everyone during weekend morning cuddles without feeling cramped.
- Those Who Value Personal Space: It gives both partners ample territory, putting an end to the nightly battle for blankets and space.
Making a King Bed Work in Your Room
Before you upgrade, measure your room. A King bed needs a master bedroom of at least 3.5m x 4m to feel balanced. This allows for roughly 80cm of clearance on the sides and at the foot of the bed, which is essential for movement and furniture placement.
Case Study: A family upgraded from a Queen to a King in their 3.6m x 4.2m bedroom. To maintain a spacious feel, they replaced their bulky bedside tables with narrower, wall-mounted shelves. The result was a luxurious focal point without the room feeling cluttered.
A King bed is a significant investment that goes beyond the mattress. You'll also need King-sized sheets and a quilt to ensure proper coverage. Our detailed breakdown of a King size vs Queen bed can help you decide if it's the right move for you.
Smart Sizing for Compact Spaces
For smaller rooms, a Single or Double mattress is often the smartest choice. While it's easy to dream of a large bed, practical solutions are needed for city apartments, kids' rooms, or guest spaces. Here, the goal is to compare mattress sizes for efficiency as much as comfort.
Single mattresses (92cm x 188cm) and Doubles (138cm x 188cm) provide a comfortable night's sleep without taking over the entire room, leaving valuable floor space for other uses.
The Single Bed: Perfect for Kids and Guests
A Single mattress is the classic choice for a child's bedroom, leaving plenty of room for play. It's also a great space-saving option for a guest room that doubles as a home office. For a complete overview, see our guide to the Single mattress size in Australia.
To maximise comfort:
- Choose Hypoallergenic Bedding: Materials like bamboo naturally resist dust mites, creating a healthier sleep environment for children.
- Add a Topper: A quality mattress topper can add a layer of plushness, making a standard Single feel extra cosy.
The Double Bed: A Versatile Upgrade
A Double mattress is a fantastic choice for solo sleepers who like more room to spread out. It’s also a practical fit for smaller master bedrooms or guest rooms where a Queen would be too tight.
Real-World Scenario: A university student in a share house chooses a Double bed. It provides ample sleeping space for one person while leaving enough room for a desk and wardrobe, making the compact room feel functional and comfortable.
To make the most of a small room, consider space-saving furniture for small bedrooms, like a bed frame with built-in storage. With smart planning, a smaller mattress can deliver excellent sleep without compromise.
Navigating International Mattress Sizes
Have you ever bought bedding online only to find it doesn’t fit? This common problem is often due to differences in international mattress sizes. To compare mattress sizes globally, you must ignore the names and focus only on the dimensions. An Australian 'King' is not the same as a UK 'King'.
Understanding these variations is key to avoiding frustrating and costly mistakes. A few centimetres can be the difference between a perfectly snug sheet and one that constantly slips off.
Key Differences Between AU, US, and UK Sizes
The names are the biggest trap. For example, an Australian King is wider than our Queen but has the same length. A UK King is narrower and shorter than an Australian King. The only way to ensure a perfect fit is to compare the exact centimetre measurements.
Expert Tip: Before buying bedding online, measure your mattress—width, length, and depth. Write these numbers down and compare them directly to the product dimensions listed by the retailer.
International Mattress Size Comparison: AU vs. US vs. UK
This chart breaks down the common names and their actual dimensions across Australia, the US, and the UK.
| Standard Name | Australia (cm) | United States (cm) | United Kingdom (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single/Twin | 92 x 188 | 99 x 191 (Twin) | 90 x 190 (Single) |
| Double | 138 x 188 | 137 x 191 (Full) | 135 x 190 |
| Queen | 153 x 203 | 152 x 203 | N/A |
| King | 183 x 203 | 193 x 203 | 150 x 200 |
| Super King | 203 x 203 | 183 x 213 (Cal King) | 180 x 200 |
As you can see, a US 'King' is 10cm wider than an AU 'King', while a UK 'King' is 33cm narrower. These are not minor differences.
Practical Tips for Buying International Bedding
Don't forget to measure mattress depth, especially if you use plush mattress toppers. You'll need deep-walled fitted sheets to ensure a secure fit. Always check the sheet's pocket depth in the product description. For more details, our complete size guide has everything you need to shop globally with confidence.
Your Checklist for Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size
Picking the right mattress size is simple if you answer a few key questions. Use this checklist to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and home.
1. Who Is Sleeping in the Bed?
This is the most important question.
- A Single Sleeper: A Double offers plenty of room. If you're tall, a King Single provides extra legroom.
- A Couple: A Queen is the Australian standard. If you value personal space or one of you is a restless sleeper, a King is a worthwhile investment.
- A Family: If kids often join you, a King or Super King offers the space needed for everyone to be comfortable.
2. What Are Your Room Dimensions?
A mattress that’s too big will make a room feel cramped.
A good rule is to leave at least 60-70cm of clear space around three sides of the bed. This allows you to walk around, make the bed, and open drawers easily.
Measure your room and sketch a quick layout. This simple step will help you realistically compare mattress sizes and see what fits. For detailed layout ideas, our size guide can help.
3. What Is Your Total Budget?
Remember to budget for more than just the mattress. A bigger bed requires larger, and often more expensive, bedding.
Factor in the cost of:
- Fitted and flat sheets
- A correctly sized quilt and quilt cover
- Extra pillows to fill out a wider bed
4. What Are Your Health and Comfort Needs?
Finally, consider your personal needs. Do you need specific support for back pain? Are you a hot sleeper who needs a breathable mattress? This guide on how to choose the best bed mattress size for your home can help you weigh these factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a few more common questions.
What is the best mattress size for a tall person?
If you are over 183cm (6 feet) tall, you need a mattress that is 203cm long. This means looking at a King Single, Queen, King, or Super King. A standard Single or Double (188cm long) will likely leave your feet hanging off the edge, disrupting your sleep.
Can I use Queen sheets on a Double bed?
While you technically can, it’s not a good idea. Queen sheets will be too loose on a Double mattress, leading to bunching and wrinkling. A snug, well-fitting sheet provides a smooth and comfortable sleep surface. It’s always best to buy bedding that perfectly matches your mattress size. Our pure bamboo sheets are tailored to standard Australian sizes for a flawless fit.
How much space should I leave around my bed?
Aim for at least 60–70cm of clear space on two to three sides of the bed. This ensures you can move around comfortably, make the bed without difficulty, and fully open drawers or wardrobe doors. Measuring your room beforehand is key to balancing a spacious bed with a functional living area.
Ready to create your perfect sleep sanctuary? Explore the full collection of luxurious, breathable bedding at Sienna Living and find the ideal match for your new mattress. Visit us at https://www.siennaliving.com.au to shop the range.