Double vs king size bed: which should you buy?
It's the most common upgrade question in the bedroom: is a king size worth it over a double? The extra width and length are noticeable, but so is the bigger footprint. Here's how to decide.
The sizes
| UK double | UK king | UK super king | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress | 135 x 190cm | 150 x 200cm | 180 x 200cm |
| Imperial | 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in | 5ft x 6ft 6in | 6ft x 6ft 6in |
| Width per person (couple) | 67.5cm | 75cm | 90cm |
A king is 15cm wider and 10cm longer than a double. Remember these are mattress sizes: the bed frame, and especially a padded headboard, adds to the overall footprint. Our UK bed sizes guide covers every size including EU sizes.
Choose a double if…
- You sleep alone and want room to stretch out.
- Your bedroom is on the smaller side and you need space for wardrobes and drawers.
- It's for a guest room that's used occasionally.
- You're a couple who are happy sharing a cosier bed.
Choose a king if…
- You're a couple and either of you is a restless sleeper, or children or pets often join you.
- One of you is tall: the extra 10cm of length makes a difference to anyone whose feet reach the end of a double.
- Your room can take the extra width and still leave walking space either side.
Does it fit your room?
As a rule of thumb, leave enough space to walk comfortably around the sides and foot of the bed, plus room for bedside tables, and for wardrobe doors and drawers to open. Before you buy:
- Find the bed's external dimensions on the product page.
- Mark the footprint on the floor with masking tape, including bedside tables.
- Open every door and drawer that's nearby to check nothing clashes.
- Check the delivery route for the headboard and base. Our delivery measuring tips apply to beds too.
Storage helps a bigger bed fit
If a king feels tight, an ottoman or storage bed can replace some of the furniture you'd otherwise need, freeing floor space. See ottoman vs storage beds, and edits of double and king size ottoman beds.
Cost of moving up a size
A bigger bed usually means a bigger mattress, bedding, mattress protector and sometimes a bigger headboard, so factor in the whole set when you compare. If you're replacing only the frame, check that your existing mattress size matches the new bed.
What about super king?
A super king (180 x 200cm) is another 30cm wider than a king. It's a great choice for large rooms and families who co-sleep with children at weekends, but it needs a big wall and good delivery access.
Shop by size
Browse double beds, king size beds and super king beds, or try our bed size finder quiz.
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Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is a king size bed than a double?
A UK king mattress (150 x 200cm) is 15cm wider and 10cm longer than a UK double (135 x 190cm).
Is a king size bed too big for a small bedroom?
It depends on the room. Mark the bed's external footprint on the floor with tape and check you can walk around it and open doors and drawers. If it's tight, a double or a storage bed may suit better.
Will double bedding fit a king size bed?
No. King size beds need king size fitted sheets and duvets.