Choosing a new mattress can feel overwhelming, but one decision trumps all others: size. Get this right, and you're halfway to a perfect night's sleep. This practical mattress size comparison guide cuts through the confusion, helping you match a mattress to your room, lifestyle, and sleep habits. We'll skip the fluff and give you clear, actionable advice to find the perfect fit, from a compact Single to a luxurious Super King.
The main difference between sizes is, of course, the dimensions. A Single is perfect for kids, a Double is a solid choice for single adults, a Queen is the classic for most couples, and a King gives you that luxurious extra space. Ultimately, your decision will come down to your room size, who you're sharing the bed with, and your budget.
Your Quick Guide To Australian Mattress Sizes
Let's start with the most important information first. This quick-reference table lets you immediately see what fits your space and lifestyle. Think of it as your cheat sheet for navigating Australian bed sizes.
Australian Mattress Sizes At A Glance
Use this table to quickly rule out sizes that won't work for your home. It lays out the standard Aussie mattress dimensions, who they’re best for, and the minimum room size you'll need to avoid feeling cramped.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (cm) | Best For | Minimum Room Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 x 188 | Children, bunk beds, and very small rooms | 2.2 x 3.0 |
| King Single | 107 x 203 | Growing teens, taller solo sleepers, guests | 2.5 x 3.3 |
| Double | 138 x 188 | Solo adults, guest rooms, teenagers | 2.9 x 3.0 |
| Queen | 153 x 203 | Couples, most popular size | 3.1 x 3.1 |
| King | 183 x 203 | Couples wanting extra space, young families | 3.4 x 3.4 |
| Super King | 203 x 203 | Maximum space, families who co-sleep | 3.6 x 3.6 |
With this overview, you can instantly narrow down your options, making the rest of your decision much easier.
Why the Queen Mattress Is a National Favourite
The Queen mattress is by far Australia's most popular choice. Why? It hits the sweet spot for couples and small families, offering enough sleeping space without demanding a massive bedroom.
This popularity is a huge advantage when shopping. It means you'll find the widest selection of bed frames, quilts, and sheet sets. For a deeper dive, see our complete guide to bed sizes in Australia.
A Detailed Mattress Size Comparison
The numbers on a chart only tell part of the story. To find the right fit, you need to think about how you'll actually use the bed. Let's look at real-world scenarios for each mattress size to help you picture which one will genuinely work for your space and sleep habits.
For Kids and Teens: Single vs. King Single
A Single mattress is often the go-to for a child's first bed, but the King Single is a smart upgrade, especially for lanky teenagers. That extra 15 cm in both width and length makes a world of difference for growing limbs.
- Case Study: Take 14-year-old Ethan. At 5'9", his feet started dangling off his Single bed. His parents upgraded him to a King Single, giving him the legroom he needed to sleep comfortably and future-proofing his bed for a few more years.
A Single is a great space-saver for rooms under 3m x 3m. A King Single needs a bit more room (at least 2.5m x 3.3m) but is a game-changer for taller sleepers. For more details, see our Single mattress size guide in Australia.
For Solo Sleepers and Guest Rooms: Double vs. Queen
A Double bed is a popular choice for spare rooms and single adults. For one person, it offers a generous 69 cm of personal space—plenty of room to stretch out. However, for two adults, it can feel a bit cosy for nightly use.
Stepping up to a Queen is the most common choice in Australia. It strikes the perfect balance between spacious comfort and fitting into most bedrooms, working well in rooms that are at least 3.1m x 3.1m. It also offers enough space for a small pet to curl up at your feet.
For Couples and Families: King vs. Super King
For couples who value personal sleeping space, upgrading to a King or Super King is a decision you'll never regret. A study from The Better Sleep Council found that couples who upgrade from a Queen to a King mattress report better sleep.
- A King gives each partner 91.5 cm of space—that's almost as much as a Single bed each. It's fantastic for active sleepers.
- A Super King is the ultimate choice for families who co-sleep or have a large dog that insists on sharing the bed.
- Real-World Example: Mark and Sarah were constantly woken up by their restless Golden Retriever on their Queen bed. Switching to a Super King gave everyone their own zone, significantly reducing sleep interruptions.
You’ll need a larger room for these, with a minimum of 3.6m x 3.6m to avoid feeling cramped.
Visualise Your Space with This Simple Trick
One of the best pieces of advice is to visualise the mattress in your room before you buy it. Use painter's tape to outline the exact dimensions on your floor.
- Case Study: When my friend Chloe did this, she realised the King bed she wanted would block her wardrobe door in her 3m x 3m bedroom. She went with a Queen instead and was so glad she checked first.
- Try to leave at least 60 cm of walking space on two or three sides of the bed.
- Don’t forget to account for the swing path of your wardrobe and cabinet doors!
Navigating Global Mattress Sizes: AU vs. US, UK, and EU
Ever bought an imported bed frame online, only to discover your Aussie mattress doesn't fit? It's a frustratingly common headache. While names like 'King' or 'Queen' feel universal, their dimensions vary wildly from country to country.
Don't Get Caught Out By Naming Conventions
Take this one tip away: never assume a mattress name means the same size everywhere. An Australian King is wider and shorter than a US King, and a UK King is closer in size to our Australian Queen. These aren't minor variations; they are significant enough to make products incompatible.
This chart shows just how much the "real-world fit" can vary depending on your needs.
As you can see, while a Single bed works for kids and a Double is fine for guests, the Queen hits the sweet spot, achieving the highest satisfaction for couples.
International Mattress Size Conversion Chart (cm)
To avoid expensive mistakes, always refer to the exact dimensions in centimetres. This handy conversion chart is your cheat sheet for buying international furniture or bedding.
| Region | Single/Twin | Double/Full | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU | 92 x 188 cm | 138 x 188 cm | 153 x 203 cm | 183 x 203 cm |
| US | 99 x 191 cm (Twin) | 137 x 191 cm (Full) | 152 x 203 cm | 193 x 203 cm |
| UK | 90 x 190 cm (Single) | 135 x 190 cm (Double) | Not Standard | 150 x 200 cm |
| EU | 90 x 200 cm | 140 x 200 cm | 160 x 200 cm | 180 x 200 cm |
Crucial tip: Notice how all EU sizes are 200 cm long? This is critical if you're buying a bed frame from a European brand like IKEA, as your Australian mattress will likely come up short.
Practical Advice for Global Shoppers
- Case Study: The IKEA Bed Frame Mistake. Many shoppers buy a gorgeous EU Queen bed frame (160 x 200 cm) and try to use their standard Aussie Queen mattress (153 x 203 cm). This leaves a 7 cm gap and a poor fit.
- Actionable Insight: Before buying an imported frame, always check its internal dimensions—the space where the mattress sits. This simple step prevents major headaches.
For a deeper dive into mattress and bed dimensions, check out these comprehensive sizing charts. To ensure a perfect fit for your Australian setup, see our detailed Australian bedding size chart.
How To Choose The Right Bedding For Your Mattress
You’ve finally chosen the perfect bed. Now, don't let the wrong bedding ruin it. Factors like your mattress depth and the "pocket depth" of your fitted sheets are crucial, especially if you've added a plush mattress topper.
This detail is more important than ever. Market research shows Aussies are increasingly buying mattresses online, per the latest Australia mattress market trends. Ensuring your new bedding fits perfectly is key to being happy with your purchase.
Understanding Mattress Depth and Sheet Pockets
The #1 reason fitted sheets pop off is a mismatch between the mattress height and the sheet's pocket depth. The pocket depth is the corner seam measurement on a fitted sheet.
- Standard Mattresses (20-30 cm): A standard 35 cm pocket sheet might just work.
- Pillow-Top Mattresses & Toppers (35-50 cm): You need a deep-pocket fitted sheet (40 cm or more) for a secure fit.
Rule of thumb: Choose a fitted sheet with a pocket depth at least 5-7 cm deeper than your mattress (including any toppers). This gives you enough fabric to tuck securely underneath.
How To Measure For The Perfect Fit
This two-minute job will save you hours of frustration.
- Measure Mattress Depth: Lay a ruler flat across your mattress and measure from the bottom of the bed up to the ruler. Include any mattress toppers!
- Check Quilt Dimensions: A quilt should hang evenly over both sides of the bed, covering the entire mattress depth with some extra drape.
Our ultimate guide to choosing the right bed sheets covers everything from fabric to thread count.
The Impact Of Poorly Sized Bedding
Imagine a couple with a new King mattress and topper. They buy a standard King quilt, only to find it barely covers them because the extra height "eats up" the quilt's width. The solution? Sizing up to a Super King quilt for generous coverage.
Practical Factors To Consider Before You Buy
Choosing a mattress based on dimensions alone is a classic mistake. You need to think about your room layout, delivery logistics, and long-term costs. A mattress has to work with your space and your lifestyle.
Your Room Layout and Available Space
The most common mistake is underestimating how much floor space a bed takes up. A King bed might sound dreamy, but if it leaves you with a tiny sliver of walking room, your sanctuary will feel cramped.
- Actionable Tip: Leave at least 60-70 cm of clear space on two or three sides of the bed. This makes it easier to make the bed, clean, and move around. It's a good idea to know how to accurately measure furniture before you buy.
- Use painter's tape to mark the mattress dimensions on your floor. This helps you visualise the bed's actual footprint before spending a dollar.
Delivery and Logistical Hurdles
Getting a large mattress into your bedroom can be a challenge. A rigid King or Super King mattress is difficult to navigate through tight stairwells and narrow halls.
- Measure Access Points: Check the width and height of every doorway and staircase on the delivery route.
- Consider a Bed-in-a-Box: These compressed mattresses are a lifesaver for delivery into tight spaces.
- Check the Return Policy: Ask what happens if the mattress doesn’t fit. Some companies charge a hefty restocking fee.
The True Cost Beyond the Mattress
The price tag on the mattress is just the beginning. Larger sizes bring ongoing costs, which is important when you consider how long your new mattress should last.
Factor in these associated expenses:
- Bedding: King and Super King sheets, quilts, and protectors are more expensive.
- Bed Frame: Sizing up means buying a new, sturdy bed frame.
- Mattress Toppers: A bigger mattress topper will naturally cost more.
Your Final Checklist for Choosing a Mattress Size
Let's bring it all together. Run through these four crucial questions to ensure the mattress you pick is one you'll love for years.
- Your Room: Have you measured your bedroom and allowed for at least 60 cm of walking space?
- Your Sleep Partners: Who are you sharing the bed with? A partner, a child, or a sprawling pet all need their own territory.
- Your Future: Where do you see yourself in five years? A mattress is a long-term investment.
- Your Budget: Have you factored in the total cost, including a new frame and larger bedding?
Our Top Recommendations
- The Solo Sleeper in a Smaller Space: A Double offers plenty of room to stretch out without overwhelming a small bedroom.
- The Couple Craving Personal Space: Go straight for the King. That extra 30 cm of width is a game-changer for reducing partner disturbance.
- The Ultimate Bedroom Retreat: For spacious master bedrooms, the Super King is the only answer for truly luxurious, expansive comfort.
Conclusion: Ready for a Better Night's Sleep?
You now have all the practical, real-world information you need to make an informed mattress size comparison. By considering your room, lifestyle, and future needs, you can choose a size that delivers comfort and value for years to come.
The right mattress is the foundation, but the finishing touches turn a good bed into a great one. Now that you've sorted the size, complete your perfect sleep setup.
Ready to create your dream bed? Explore our range of buttery-soft bamboo sheets, cloud-like mattress toppers, and premium quilts.
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
Here are quick answers to the most common queries we get about mattress sizes.
What's Australia's Go-To Mattress Size?
The Queen size is the most popular mattress in Australia. It offers plenty of room for couples without taking over the entire master bedroom, making it a practical and popular choice for most homes.
Can I Put US Sheets on My Australian Bed?
It's a gamble. While a US Queen and an AU Queen are close in size, other dimensions like the King are very different. To avoid frustration, always check the exact centimetre dimensions before buying bedding from overseas.
How Much Walking Room Do I Need Around My Bed?
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 60-70 cm of clear space on the two or three sides of the bed you use most. This allows you to walk comfortably, make the bed, and access wardrobes.
My Partner Is a Restless Sleeper. Do We Need a King Bed?
A King bed can be a game-changer. That extra 30 cm of width compared to a Queen makes a massive difference in reducing partner disturbance, giving you both your own space to move without waking each other. If your bedroom can handle it, the upgrade is a fantastic investment.
At Sienna Living, we know that the right foundation is everything. Now that you've sorted out your perfect mattress size, the final step is to dress it properly. Discover our luxurious, deep-pocketed bamboo sheets and plush mattress toppers, designed to fit every Australian bed perfectly. Explore our full collection at siennaliving.com.au.