Before you order a king size bed, check five things: that your room can take the frame’s external dimensions with a comfortable walkway around it, that the bed can travel from your front door to the bedroom, that the base type suits how you sleep and store, that the headboard height works with your walls and windows, and that the mattress is a true UK king size. Get these right and the rest comes down to style.
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A UK king size mattress measures 150 x 200 cm, which is 15 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a standard double. That extra space makes a real difference to couples, but the frame around it adds more again. Our collection of modern king size fabric beds UK lists the full external measurements for each design, and that is the number to work with. Because a king size frame tends to set the scale for the whole room, it is worth planning it alongside wardrobes, chests and bedside cabinets from our bedroom furniture UK range.
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Start with an accurate floor plan. Measure the length and width of the room, then mark the positions of doors, windows, radiators and sockets. These fixed points usually decide where the bed can go more than the overall size of the room does.
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Next, mark out the bed’s external footprint with masking tape on the floor. This simple step shows you immediately how much space will remain. As a working guide, aim to leave about 60 to 70 cm of clear walkway on both sides if two people share the bed, and a similar distance at the foot end if a wardrobe or chest of drawers sits opposite.
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Remember to allow for opening doors. Wardrobe doors, the bedroom door and any drawers in the bed itself all need space to swing or slide without hitting the frame. If space is tight, sliding wardrobe doors can help.
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Frames vary considerably in how much they add around the mattress. A slim wooden or metal frame might add only a few centimetres on each side, while a generously upholstered bed with a winged headboard can add 20 cm or more in width and length. Two beds that both say king size can therefore have very different footprints.
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Look for three numbers: overall width, overall length including the headboard, and headboard height. If a listing only gives the mattress size, ask for the external dimensions before ordering.
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This is the step most often skipped, and the one that causes the most frustration. Measure the width of your front door, the hallway, any tight turns on the staircase and the bedroom door. Older terraced houses and flats with narrow stairwells deserve particular care.
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Most king size frames arrive flat packed or in sections, which helps. Headboards, however, often come as a single piece, and a tall one can be difficult to turn on a landing. Check the headboard dimensions against your route. Mattresses are flexible to a degree, but pocket sprung kings are heavy and unwieldy, so make sure there is a clear path on the day.
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The base affects comfort, storage and how the bed feels to live with. There are a few main types.
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On a bed as wide as a king, a central support rail with its own legs is important. It stops the slats bowing in the middle and helps the mattress wear evenly on both sides.
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A king size bed naturally becomes the focal point of a room, and the headboard shapes how it reads. A tall, padded headboard creates a strong, hotel style feature and gives comfortable support when reading. A low headboard keeps the look relaxed and suits rooms with low ceilings, sloping walls or a window above the bed.
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Think about the wall behind the bed too. If there is a window, a radiator or wall lights, measure their heights so the headboard does not clash with them. In loft conversions, a lower headboard often makes better use of the available height.
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Fabric remains the most common choice for king size beds. Linen weaves, velvet and boucle feel warm and soft, and mid tone colours are forgiving of everyday wear. Faux leather is easy to wipe clean, which suits families with young children or pets. Our king size leather beds UK sale range covers both classic and contemporary designs.
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Wood offers natural grain and longevity, and pairs well with oak or walnut bedroom furniture. Metal frames are slender and light in appearance, which can help a large bed feel less dominant in a medium sized room.
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This point catches many people out. A European king size mattress is commonly 160 x 200 cm, which is wider than the UK king size of 150 x 200 cm. The two are not interchangeable, so if a frame or mattress is described simply as king size, confirm which standard it follows.
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Mattress depth matters as well, particularly on ottoman beds, where a very deep or heavy mattress can affect the lift. Check the frame guidance and choose from our modern mattresses UK range with the right size and depth in mind.
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The height of a bed affects both comfort and the look of the room. A taller bed, where the top of the mattress sits roughly at knee height or a little above, is easier to get in and out of, which many people appreciate as they get older or if they have joint problems. A lower bed feels more relaxed and contemporary, and can make a room with a modest ceiling feel more spacious.
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If you choose a frame on legs rather than a storage base, check the clearance underneath. A gap of a decent height lets a robot or upright vacuum reach under the bed, and makes room for shallow storage boxes if you want them. A frame that sits very close to the floor without storage can trap dust that is awkward to reach.
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Underbed lighting and floating designs are another option for those who like a modern look. They give the impression of the bed hovering above the floor, which reduces its visual bulk in the room. Whatever the design, sit on the edge of the bed if you can, or check the stated height, and think about how it will feel to use every single day.
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A wider bed leaves less room on either side for bedside cabinets, so size them carefully. Many couples find that a pair of compact cabinets leaves a better walkway than one large piece. Where possible, the top of each cabinet should sit roughly level with the top of the mattress, so lamps, books and glasses are easy to reach. Our article on bedside table measurements for UK bedrooms explains how to get these proportions right.
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For a complete breakdown of frame, mattress and room sizes, our guide to UK king size bed dimensions for frame, mattress and room is a useful companion to this checklist.
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Most king size beds need some assembly. Clear the room before delivery, have a second pair of hands ready and keep the fixings together in a container so nothing goes missing. Tighten bolts firmly but without overtightening, and check them again after a few weeks of use, as joints can settle slightly.
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Once the bed is in place, give the mattress a little time to settle before judging comfort, especially if it arrived rolled. We offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and you can explore beds and bedroom furniture for every size of room at Furniture in Fashion.
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As a rough guide, a room of around 3 x 3 metres can take a king size bed with modest walkways. Larger rooms allow more comfortable clearance and space for other furniture.
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No. A UK king size mattress is 150 x 200 cm, while a European king size is commonly 160 x 200 cm. Always check that the frame and mattress follow the same standard.
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Most frames arrive in sections, so they usually fit. The headboard and mattress are the parts to check, so measure your stairs, landings and doorways before ordering.
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Yes. A centre rail with support legs helps the slats carry weight evenly and prevents the mattress from dipping in the middle over time.
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