Ever bought a "king size" quilt only to find it barely covers your mattress? You're not alone. Getting the right king size quilt measurements is the secret to a beautifully made bed, but it’s about more than just the label. In Australia, the standard king size quilt is 240 cm x 210 cm, designed for a standard king mattress. But as you'll see, your mattress depth can change everything.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We'll give you the exact numbers, simple formulas, and practical tips to choose a quilt that fits perfectly, providing that luxurious, hotel-quality drape you're looking for.
Why Standard King Size Quilt Measurements Matter
One of the most common mistakes is assuming all "king" quilts are created equal. An ill-fitting quilt can leave mattress edges exposed or create awkward, bulky folds if it's too large.
To make things easier, here’s a quick reference chart that pairs standard Australian mattress sizes with their ideal quilt dimensions. This shows you exactly how much overhang to expect.
Standard Australian Quilt and Mattress Sizes
| Bed Size | Standard Mattress Dimensions (cm) | Recommended Quilt Dimensions (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 | 140 x 210 |
| Double | 138 × 188 | 180 x 210 |
| Queen | 153 × 203 | 210 × 210 |
| King | 183 × 203 | 240 × 210 |
| Super King | 203 × 203 | 270 × 240 |
As you can see, the Australian standard for a king size quilt is 240 cm x 210 cm. If you're looking for something more generous, the super king quilt bumps up to 270 cm x 240 cm, offering a much more luxurious drape.
Choosing the right size is crucial for aesthetics and comfort. It ensures:
- The sides and foot of the bed are completely covered.
- There's enough fabric to account for mattress depth, especially with a thick topper.
- You get a tidy, uniform overhang for that polished, five-star look.
A well-fitting quilt also traps warmth effectively, preventing chilly drafts and letting you sleep more soundly.
A Practical Case Study
Let's take Mark from Melbourne. His standard king mattress (183 cm × 203 cm) is 35cm deep. With a standard 240 cm × 210 cm quilt, he was left with only about 28 cm of overhang on each side, which wasn't enough to cover the mattress depth properly.
He upgraded to a super king quilt (270 cm × 240 cm), giving him an extra 43.5 cm of drape on each side. The difference was immediate, transforming his bed from simply neat to truly luxurious and solving the nightly tug-of-war over the covers.
Why Mattress Depth Is the Real Game-Changer
Have you ever brought home a beautiful quilt, only to find it barely skims the edges of your mattress? The culprit is almost always mattress depth. Modern mattresses, especially those with pillow tops, are much thicker than older models, and this extra height consumes your quilt's width.
A standard quilt might look perfect on a slim 25cm mattress. But put that same quilt on a modern 40cm deep mattress, and it will suddenly look skimpy.
How Depth Steals Your Quilt's Width
Here’s the simple maths that makes a huge difference: for every centimetre of mattress depth, you lose two centimetres of quilt coverage—one for each side.
A 35cm deep mattress requires an extra 70cm of quilt width just to reach the bottom of the mattress on both sides. That’s before you even add extra for a generous drape.
So, while a standard king quilt (240cm wide) on a standard king mattress (183cm wide) sounds like it should work, a deep mattress can leave the sides exposed.
Don't Forget Toppers and Extras
Any comfort layers you add will increase the total height your quilt needs to cover. A plush mattress topper can easily add another 5-10cm. Our guide to the best mattress toppers in Australia can help you find the right one.
Let’s run through a quick example:
- Your King Mattress: 183cm wide
- Mattress Depth: 30cm
- Mattress Topper: 8cm
- Total Depth to Cover: 38cm on each side
To get the quilt to hang to the bottom of your mattress and topper, you’d need a width of at least 259cm (183 + 38 + 38). Suddenly, that super king quilt is looking like the perfect choice.
How to Measure Your Bed for the Perfect Drape
Getting that perfectly draped, hotel-style look isn't about guesswork; it’s about a few simple measurements. Grab a tape measure, and let’s figure out exactly what size you need.
The three magic numbers are your mattress width, length, and depth. This is the key to ensuring your quilt not only covers the top but also hangs beautifully over the sides.
Here’s how to measure your bed accurately:
- Width: Measure straight across the mattress, from one side edge to the other.
- Length: Run your tape measure from the head of the mattress to the foot.
- Depth: Measure from the top surface of your mattress (including any toppers) down to the bottom edge.
This image shows you exactly where to place your tape measure.
A Simple Formula for Success
Once you have your measurements, decide how much "drop" or "overhang" you want. This is personal preference, but a drop between 25cm and 40cm usually looks best. For those making their own, check out these tips for calculating yardage for quilts to ensure you have enough material.
Here’s the simple formula to work out your ideal quilt size:
- Ideal Quilt Width: Mattress Width + (Mattress Depth x 2) + (Desired Overhang x 2)
- Ideal Quilt Length: Mattress Length + Mattress Depth + Desired Overhang
For a king mattress (183cm wide, 35cm deep) with a desired 30cm overhang:
- Width: 183 + (35 x 2) + (30 x 2) = 313cm
- Length: 203 + 35 + 30 = 268cm
In this scenario, a standard Super King quilt (270 x 240cm) is a better fit than a King, though a custom quilt might be needed for the perfect drape.
The Case for Sizing Up Your Quilt
Ever wonder how stylists achieve that plush, inviting look in bedroom photos? One of their best-kept secrets is simple: they often upsize the quilt. Using a quilt that's one size larger than the mattress—like a super king quilt on a king bed—instantly creates a more luxurious, hotel-like feel.
Choosing a bigger quilt isn’t just about looks; it's also practical. It's the perfect solution to the nightly tug-of-war over the covers, making sure both partners stay warm all night long.
Elevate Your Bedroom's Style
An oversized quilt provides a generous drape that hangs beautifully over the sides of the mattress. This extra fabric makes your bed look fuller and more sumptuous, turning it into the room's centrepiece.
Using a super king quilt on a king bed isn't an extravagance; it's a strategic design choice that enhances both comfort and visual appeal.
This trend is growing. A 2022 survey by the International Sleep Products Association found that "desire for more space" was a key reason for upgrading beds, a sentiment that extends to bedding. More Australians are prioritising generous bedding for better comfort and style, and upsizing is a simple way to achieve it.
To see how this works for other beds, check our guide on choosing the right duvet size for a queen bed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Quilt
Knowing the numbers is one thing, but applying them correctly is another. Here are some common missteps people make when buying a quilt and how you can avoid them.
Assuming "King Size" Is Universal
The biggest mistake is assuming a king quilt is the same everywhere. US, UK, and Australian king sizes are all different. This is an easy trap to fall into when shopping online and can leave you with a quilt that's too big or frustratingly small. Always check the dimensions in centimetres.
Forgetting About the Topper
Another classic blunder is measuring the mattress and calling it a day. People often forget to account for the extra height from mattress toppers or protectors. That comfy 8cm memory foam topper adds 16cm to the total width your quilt needs to cover (8cm down each side).
Expert Tip: Before buying, measure the total depth of your bed with everything on it—mattress, protector, and topper. This is the only number that guarantees a perfect, luxurious overhang.
Not Factoring in Shrinkage
Finally, remember that natural materials can shrink. A cotton or bamboo quilt that fits perfectly out of the bag might feel snugger after its first wash. It's normal for natural fibres to shrink by 3-5%, especially in a hot wash or high-heat dryer.
The solution is simple: always read the care label! For more tips on keeping your quilt in top shape, see our guide on how to care for your new quilt.
Conclusion: Your Checklist for the Perfect Quilt
You're now equipped to choose the perfect king size quilt. It comes down to finding the sweet spot between what fits your bed and what you love visually, creating a space that’s both cosy and stylish.
The absolute first thing you should do? Measure the total depth of your mattress, including any toppers. This single step is the secret to getting that perfect fit.
To get that beautiful, flowing drape, keep these final thoughts in mind:
- Consider Sizing Up: A super king quilt on a king bed provides a luxurious, hotel-style look and ends the nightly tug-of-war over the covers.
- Check the Tag: Don't just grab one labelled "King." Always double-check the exact dimensions in centimetres on the packaging to ensure it matches your bed's needs.
Of course, size is only half the story. If you're still deciding on the material, our guide on wool vs down quilts can help you weigh the options.
Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our curated collections of premium King Size Quilts and generously sized Super King Quilts to transform your bedroom today.
Still Have Questions?
It's completely normal to have a few questions. Let's clear up some of the most common ones we get asked.
What's the Standard King Quilt Size in Australia?
In Australia, the standard measurement for a king size quilt is 240cm x 210cm. This is designed to fit a standard Aussie king mattress, which measures 183cm x 203cm, providing a comfortable drape.
Can I Use an International Quilt?
You can, but it's risky. Quilt sizes vary significantly between countries. For instance, a US King quilt is usually wider but shorter than an Australian one, which can lead to an awkward fit. Stick with Australian-sized quilts and always check the dimensions in centimetres.
How Much Drape Should a Quilt Have?
This is down to personal taste, but a good rule of thumb is at least 25-30cm of overhang on the three open sides of your bed (left, right, and foot). This gives your bed a classic, well-dressed look. For a more dramatic effect or for a very deep mattress, a 40cm+ overhang looks stunning.
Should I Get a Super King Quilt for My King Bed?
It's a fantastic option if you want an extra-plush, opulent feel or if you share the bed. A super king quilt (typically 270cm x 240cm) is often the best choice if your king mattress is particularly deep (over 35cm), as it guarantees a generous drape.
Ready to find the perfect quilt with confidence? Explore the luxurious, perfectly sized bedding collections at Sienna Living and transform your sleep today. https://www.siennaliving.com.au