Double Beds Buying Guide: What to Look for Before You Order

Before you order a double bed, check four things: that the frame’s external size fits your room with space to walk around it, that the base has a centre rail and slats suited to your mattress, that the headboard style matches how you use the bed, and that the material suits your household. A UK double mattress measures 135cm by 190cm, but the frame can add a surprising amount, so start with a tape measure rather than a product page.

Our double fabric beds UK sale are a useful place to compare upholstered styles, and we stock doubles in wood, metal and other finishes too. This buying guide walks through each decision in the order that makes most sense, so the bed you choose sits naturally with the rest of your modern bedroom furniture UK.

Step One: Confirm a Double Is the Right Size

The double is the most common bed size in British homes, and for good reason. At 135cm wide, it gives two adults enough room for most people while fitting comfortably in an average double bedroom.

It is worth comparing with the sizes either side:

• Small double: 120cm by 190cm. A good choice for single sleepers who want more space, or for compact guest rooms.
• Double: 135cm by 190cm. The standard choice for couples in typical bedrooms.
• King: 150cm by 200cm. Extra width and length for couples who want more room or for taller sleepers.

If either of you is particularly tall, note that a double is 190cm long. Those over around six feet may find a king more comfortable for the extra length.

Step Two: Measure the Room Properly

Measure the floor area, then mark the position of the door, windows, radiators, sockets and any built in furniture. Note which way the door and wardrobe doors swing.

Next, check the external dimensions of any frame you are considering. Upholstered designs can add several centimetres each side and at the foot. Tall headboards add depth if they are thickly padded. Metal frames tend to sit closer to the mattress size.

Mark the external size on the floor with masking tape. Walk around it, open doors and drawers and check that you can reach both sides of the bed. Leave space for bedside tables if you plan to have them, as these often take up more width than people expect once a lamp and a book are added.

Finally, measure the route into the room. Stairs with tight turns and narrow landings can be a challenge for large headboards.

Step Three: Choose the Frame Material

Fabric

Upholstered fabric beds are soft, warm and comfortable to lean against. They come in a wide range of colours and textures, from linen look weaves to velvet and boucle. Choose tightly woven or performance fabrics for busy homes. They need regular vacuuming to keep dust at bay.

Wood

Wooden beds offer a natural, timeless look and are very sturdy when well made. Solid hardwoods age gracefully. Engineered wood with a veneer gives a similar appearance at a lighter weight. Wooden frames suit traditional and Scandinavian inspired schemes alike.

Metal

Metal beds are light, open and durable. They resist pet claws, are easy to clean and dismantle readily for house moves. Our double metal beds UK cover simple modern lines and more decorative finishes. Check bolts periodically to keep them quiet.

Faux Leather

Faux leather wipes clean easily and gives a tailored finish. Keep it away from radiators and strong sunlight, and avoid it if your pets like to scratch.

Step Four: Think About the Headboard

The headboard affects both comfort and the look of the room.

• Padded headboards are comfortable for sitting up to read or watch television.
• Wooden headboards are firm but durable, and can include shelving.
• Metal headboards are open and light, sitting comfortably beneath windows.
• Tall statement headboards create a focal point but need clear wall height.
• Low headboards suit rooms with sloping ceilings or windows behind the bed.

Consider whether you want a footboard. Footboards add a finished look but can feel restrictive for taller sleepers and make the bed appear larger in a small room.

Step Five: Decide on Storage

Storage beds use the space under the mattress, which can be valuable in smaller homes.

Ottoman beds lift on gas struts to reveal storage across the whole base. They hold a lot and suit bulky items such as spare duvets and luggage. Make sure nothing above the bed will obstruct the lift.

Drawer beds have two or four drawers in the base. They are easier for daily access but need clear floor space to open. Check which sides the drawers are on if the bed will sit against a wall.

Beds on raised legs leave open space underneath for storage boxes, which is a flexible middle ground.

Step Six: Check the Base and Support

Support under the mattress is easy to overlook and makes a real difference to comfort and mattress lifespan.

• Centre rail. Doubles should have a rail running from head to foot down the middle, with at least one support leg touching the floor.
• Slat spacing. Many mattress makers recommend gaps of only a few centimetres, particularly for memory foam.
• Sprung slats. Slightly curved slats add flexibility and help the mattress breathe.
• Solid platforms. Some storage beds use a solid board. Check it is ventilated or air the bed regularly.

Step Seven: Plan the Mattress

Choose the frame and mattress together. Check the recommended mattress depth for the frame so the mattress sits neatly within the surround. Consider how you sleep: side sleepers often prefer a slightly softer surface, back and front sleepers a firmer one.

Many people now choose rolled mattresses, which arrive compressed in a box and are much easier to carry upstairs. Our report on the mattress in a box trend in the UK market explains how these differ from traditional mattresses.

Step Eight: Think About Style and the Wider Room

With the practical choices made, consider how the bed will look alongside your other furniture. A wooden bed pairs naturally with wooden bedside cabinets and chests. Upholstered beds look good with painted or gloss finishes. Metal frames are adaptable.

Colour matters. Lighter frames make a small room feel more open. Darker frames feel grounded and cosy in larger rooms. Neutral tones such as grey, stone and natural oak adapt easily if you change your bedding or wall colour later.

Finish the room with a rug that extends beyond the sides of the bed, layered bedding and soft lighting on each side. Bedside tables should sit roughly level with the top of the mattress, and our guide to bedside table measurements for UK bedrooms explains how wide and tall they should be relative to the bed.

Step Nine: Assembly and Aftercare

Most double beds arrive flat packed. Clear a space, lay out the parts on a blanket to protect finishes and follow the instructions in order. Two people make assembly easier and safer.

A few weeks after assembly, check and tighten all bolts, as joints settle with use. Repeat every few months. Vacuum upholstered frames regularly, wipe wood and metal with a damp cloth and rotate the mattress as recommended.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few errors come up again and again when people buy a double bed, and most are easy to avoid with a little planning.

• Measuring only the mattress. The frame is what has to fit the room, so always work from the external dimensions.
• Forgetting the door swing. A bed that fits on paper can still stop the bedroom door or wardrobe from opening fully.
• Ignoring headboard height. A tall headboard can cover part of a window or clash with a sloping ceiling.
• Choosing storage you cannot reach. Drawers on the wall side of the bed are of little use, and an ottoman needs clear space above it.
• Overlooking the mattress. A new frame with a tired mattress will not improve your sleep, so budget for both if your mattress is past its best.

Taking ten minutes to check each of these before ordering saves a great deal of inconvenience later.

Bringing It Together

Buying a double bed is straightforward when you take each decision in turn: size, room fit, material, headboard, storage, support, mattress and style. Spending a little time on measuring and checking the specification pays off in a bed that fits well and lasts.

At Furniture in Fashion, we offer double beds in fabric, wood, metal and faux leather, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of a UK double bed?

A UK double mattress measures 135cm by 190cm. The frame will be larger depending on its design.

Is a double bed big enough for two people?

For most couples, yes. If either partner is tall or you prefer more space, a king size gives extra width and length.

Which double bed frame is the most durable?

Solid wood and metal frames are both very durable. Upholstered frames last well too, provided the fabric suits your household and is cared for regularly.

Do I need a centre rail on a double bed?

Yes. A centre rail with a support leg helps prevent slats from bowing and keeps the mattress evenly supported.

Can I put a double bed in a small room?

Often, yes. Choose a frame with a compact footprint, a slim headboard and storage underneath, and place it against a wall if space is tight.