A high gloss king size bed takes a standard UK king mattress, which measures 150cm wide by 200cm long, set within a frame finished in reflective lacquer or gloss film. It gives two people noticeably more room than a double while still fitting comfortably into most main bedrooms, and the glossy surface helps a large piece of furniture feel lighter than its size suggests. Before you choose one, it helps to understand frame dimensions, finish types, storage choices and how the bed will sit within your room.
Our range of modern king size high gloss beds UK covers white, grey, black and two tone designs, with ottoman, drawer and standard bases. You will find matching pieces across our modern bedroom furniture UK sale collection. This guide covers what you need to know before deciding.
The UK king size mattress is wider and longer than a standard double, which is 135cm by 190cm. That extra width gives each sleeper more personal space, and the extra length is welcome for anyone tall. It is worth knowing that a UK king is smaller than a European or American king, so mattresses and bedding should always be bought in UK sizes to fit properly.
The frame itself will be larger than the mattress. Depending on the headboard and footboard design, a gloss king frame can add a meaningful amount to both width and length, so always work from the external frame measurements when planning the room.
On a larger frame, the finish has more surface to show off. A king size headboard in high gloss can act almost like a feature wall, catching light from the window and reflecting lamp light in the evening. That is why gloss is so often chosen for king beds: it gives a large piece of furniture presence without making it visually heavy.
Lacquer has depth and a rich shine. It is usually applied in several layers and polished, giving a smooth, seamless look across the headboard and rails. It resists everyday marks well.
Film gloss gives an even, bright surface and is consistent across large panels. It is practical and easy to wipe, and is common on frames with simple, crisp shapes.
Many king frames combine gloss with padded faux leather, fabric or chrome detailing. A padded panel in the headboard adds comfort for sitting up, which matters more on a bed where two people may read or watch television side by side.
The headboard is the part of a king bed you notice most, and on a frame this wide it has a strong influence on the room. A low, wide headboard keeps the bed feeling grounded and works well beneath a window or in rooms with a lower ceiling, such as loft conversions and many post war homes. A tall headboard creates a focal point and suits rooms with higher ceilings, where it helps fill the wall above the bed.
Curved or winged headboards wrap slightly around the pillows and give a more enclosed, cosy feel. Straight panelled headboards look more architectural and pair well with fitted wardrobes. Some frames have headboards that extend beyond the width of the bed, sometimes incorporating floating bedside shelves. These can save space, but check the overall width carefully, as they can make the frame much wider than the mattress.
If you are torn between sizes, think about who sleeps in the bed. A king suits most couples well and leaves more room in the bedroom for furniture and walking space. A super king, at 180cm wide, is a good choice if children or pets often join you, or if one of you is a restless sleeper. It does need a noticeably larger room to feel comfortable.
In most UK main bedrooms, a king offers the better balance between sleeping space and floor space. A super king only makes sense if you can still walk comfortably around it and open every door and drawer in the room.
A king size frame covers a large area of floor, and the space beneath it is valuable. Choosing a storage base can remove the need for a separate chest or blanket box.
An ottoman king base offers a very generous storage area. It lifts on gas struts from the foot end, revealing the full space under the mattress. This is useful for spare duvets, pillows, luggage and seasonal clothing. Because it lifts from the end, it suits rooms where the sides of the bed are close to walls or wardrobes.
Drawer bases are quicker for daily items, and a king frame can often fit two or even four drawers. You will need clear floor space beside the bed for each drawer to open fully.
If you choose a storage frame, check the weight of the base when lifted, the quality of the gas struts and whether the storage area is lined or has a solid floor to keep dust out.
A king frame is only as comfortable as the mattress you put on it. Check whether the frame has a sprung slatted base or a solid platform, because this affects which mattress types work best. Sprung slats offer gentle give and allow air to circulate, which suits memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses alike.
Mattress depth matters with storage frames. A very deep mattress can make an ottoman harder to lift and may sit higher above the headboard than you expect. Our range of modern mattresses UK includes king size options in a variety of depths and comfort levels.
Colour has a large effect on how a king bed feels in the room. In a room that is generous in size, almost any colour works. In a more modest main bedroom, which is common in UK terraces and semis, lighter colours help the bed feel less dominant.
White gloss is bright and fresh, pairs with almost any wall colour and shows the fewest marks. Grey gloss is calm and slightly warmer, and works well with natural wood floors and soft furnishings in muted tones. Black gloss is dramatic and looks impressive in well lit rooms, though it will show dust and fingerprints more readily.
In most rooms the bed works best with the headboard against the wall opposite or beside the door, so it is the first thing you see on entering. Leave enough space on both sides so each sleeper can get in and out without climbing over the other. Check that wardrobe doors, drawers and the bedroom door itself can open fully once the bed is in place.
Avoid placing the headboard directly under a window if you can, as it can feel draughty and makes curtains harder to draw. If that is the only layout that works, choose a low headboard so the window remains clear.
A king size gloss bed sets the tone for the room. Matching bedside cabinets on each side create balance and give each sleeper their own surface. Our high gloss bedside cabinets UK sale range includes widths that suit larger beds without crowding the space.
From there, add a wardrobe, a chest of drawers or a dressing table to complete the room. Before adding more furniture, check the clearances around the bed: our guide to UK king size bed dimensions for frame, mattress and room explains how much space to allow. Mixing gloss with a contrasting wood or fabric piece prevents the room from feeling too uniform.
Soft furnishings bring warmth. A large rug that extends beyond the sides of the bed, heavier curtains and textured bedding all balance the reflective finish.
King size frames usually arrive flat packed in several boxes. The headboard is often the largest single piece, so measure doorways, stairwells and landings before ordering. Assembly is easier with two people, especially for ottoman bases, where gas struts are best fitted with the base supported.
Keep the instructions and any spare fittings. If you move house, you will want to dismantle and rebuild the frame in the same way.
Wipe gloss surfaces with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth and dry them with a clean one. Avoid abrasive cleaners and polishes with silicone, which can leave a cloudy film. Felt pads under the feet protect floors and help the frame sit level.
When you are ready to browse, the full collection of gloss king frames and matching furniture is available at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
A UK king size mattress measures 150cm by 200cm. The frame will be larger, depending on the headboard and footboard, so always check the external frame measurements.
Most UK main bedrooms can take a king, but you need clearance on both sides and at the foot. Measure the room and allow space for wardrobe doors and drawers to open.
Good quality gas struts take most of the weight, so the base lifts smoothly. Very deep or heavy mattresses can make lifting harder, so check the recommended mattress depth.
No. European and American king sizes differ from the UK standard. Always choose a UK king size mattress and bedding for a proper fit.
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