What size bed do you need? A guide to bed sizes and dimensions

Popular bed sizes and their advantages

When you start looking for a new bed, you will come across a range of sizes. Below you will find the most common sizes and what sets each one apart.

Standard single bed: compact and practical

A standard single bed usually measures 90×200 cm, although 100×200 cm versions are also available. This size is ideal for:

• Children and teenagers

• Adults of average build

• Small bedrooms where saving space matters

Advantages of a single bed:

• Perfect for smaller rooms

• Cheaper to buy

• Easier to move

Disadvantages:

• Can feel cramped for people with a broader build

• Limited room to move for restless sleepers

Small double bed: between a single and a double

A small double bed (120×200 cm or 140×200 cm) sits between a single and a double in size. Many people wonder: "How wide is a small double?" and "Is it big enough for two?"

At 120 cm wide, a small double is really an extra-wide single bed, while the 140 cm version is sometimes regarded as a compact double. It is wonderfully cosy for one person, but usually too tight for two adults who share a bed every night.

Advantages of a small double:

• More space than a standard single bed

• Still fits in smaller bedrooms

• Ideal if you live alone but sometimes have a partner to stay

Disadvantages:

• Not roomy enough for two people in the long run

• For a light sleeper, the 120 cm version can still feel cramped if you often share it

Double beds: the different options

When it comes to a double bed, most people think of widths between 140 and 200 cm. Let's look at the options.

140×200 cm bed

Strictly speaking, this is a small double bed and it is often grouped with the small doubles. It is a popular size for:

• Couples in very small bedrooms

• Single sleepers who want plenty of space

160 or 180 cm wide bed: what is the difference?

Choosing between a bed 160 or 180 cm wide is one of the most common dilemmas. Both sizes have their own advantages:

160×200 cm bed (queen size)

In the Netherlands, a bed 160 cm wide is often called a queen size bed. The name originally comes from America, where beds are measured in inches and the sizes differ. The American queen size bed is roughly 152x203 cm. In the Netherlands, this mattress size is:

• Perfect for couples of average build

• A good compromise between space in the bed and space in the room

• A popular mattress size for most bedrooms

180×200 cm bed

A bed 180 cm wide offers generous sleeping space and is ideal for:

• Anyone who likes to spread out without disturbing a partner

• Families whose children sometimes climb into bed

• Couples where one or both partners have a broader build

King size bed: the ultimate in sleeping comfort

A king size bed (180×200 cm or 200×200 cm) offers the ultimate in sleeping comfort. This exceptionally comfortable size is becoming more and more popular:

• Perfect for larger bedrooms

• Ideal for families with several young children who sometimes sleep in their parents' bed

• Maximum freedom of movement for a good night's sleep

The 200×200 cm size in particular gives an unrivalled sense of space. Many people who get used to this luxury never want to go back to a narrower bed.

Bed length: don't forget the centimetres

When choosing the right bed size, width is not the only thing that matters; length is just as important. The right bed length is essential for a comfortable night's sleep. The standard length in Belgium and the Netherlands is 200 cm, but other lengths are available too:

• 200 cm: standard length, suitable for people up to about 185 cm tall

• 210 cm: extended length, comfortable for people between 185 and 195 cm

• 220 cm: extra-long bed, ideal for tall people over 195 cm

A good rule of thumb: choose a bed at least 20 cm longer than your height. That makes the right bed length easy to work out. Your feet will not stick out over the end, and you can sleep comfortably in different positions.

How to choose your ideal bed size

Space in the bedroom

Measure exactly how many square metres your bedroom has. Knowing how much space you have helps you choose a bed that is neither too big nor too small.

Allow for:

• At least 60–70 cm of walking space around the bed

• The position of doors, windows and wardrobes

• Any other furniture you want in the room

Sleeping habits

Are you a restless sleeper, or do you usually lie still in one position? The more you move in your sleep, the wider your bed should be.

Restless sleepers benefit from:

• At least 90 cm of width per person in a double bed

• A mattress that does not pass movement on to your partner

Height and build

Your height determines the ideal length of the bed, while your build affects the width you need:

• Taller people (>185 cm): choose a bed 210–220 cm long

• People with a broader build: a width of at least 100 cm for a single bed or 180 cm for a double is more comfortable

Sleeping alone or together

A small double of 120 cm or 140 cm can be enough if you mostly sleep alone. For couples, a bed at least 160 cm wide is recommended for a good night's sleep. People used to sleep on narrower beds; today a single bed is still enough for one person, but many people who sleep alone also choose a wider bed.

Think about the future, too:

• Single sleepers who often have someone to stay tend to choose at least 140 cm

• Couples planning a family sometimes go straight for 180 cm or 200 cm wide

• A box spring bed with two separate mattresses can be the ideal solution if partners have different preferences

Popular mattress and bed sizes in Belgium and the Netherlands

When choosing a mattress size, it helps to know which sizes are most common. In Belgium and the Netherlands, these sizes are considered standard:

Note: for every type of bed, you can usually choose between one large mattress or two separate mattresses side by side. Double beds come in several categories, from the standard double to the classic 180 cm wide double mattress. Two mattresses are ideal if you and your partner prefer a different firmness.

Older beds sometimes come in narrower widths, but most mattresses today are sold in the standard sizes listed above. Mattress sizes are always given in centimetres, and the widths on offer depend on the size of the double bed.

Tips for choosing the perfect bed size

Use this handy checklist when choosing your new bed:

1. Measure your bedroom carefully Use a tape measure to get the exact dimensions of your bedroom and draw a floor plan showing where you want the bed.

2. Decide on your priorities What matters more to you: as much space as possible in bed, or more free floor space in the bedroom?

3. Take your height into account Choose a bed at least 20 cm longer than you are tall.

4. Think about how you sleep Do you toss and turn, or do you need very little space? This affects the ideal width of your bed.

5. Consider your future plans Do you expect changes in your life that could affect your choice of bed?

6. Try out different bed sizes With a double bed, you may wonder which size is most comfortable. Try several options in a bed shop.

7. Make sure the size suits your bedroom A bed that is too big or too small can upset the proportions of the room.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bed size is a personal decision that depends on your own needs and the space in your bedroom. Whether you opt for a single bed, a small double or a double bed, it is important to measure your bedroom carefully and think about how much space you, and perhaps your partner, really need.

A comfortable bed in the right size makes a real difference to the quality of your sleep. And a good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold for your health and wellbeing.

Still not sure which bed size suits you best? Feel free to get in touch for personal advice.