A UK king size bed measures 150cm wide by 200cm long, which is 5ft by 6ft 6in. The mattress and base share those dimensions, while the outer frame typically measures 158cm to 175cm wide depending on how the sides are built. Each sleeper gets 75cm of width, the same as a standard single bed.
The king is the size most people move up to from a double, and the reason is often length rather than width. It is the first size in the UK range to reach 200cm, which makes a real difference for taller sleepers. Here is what those dimensions mean once the bed is in a room.
Mattress: 150cm by 200cm. Base: 150cm by 200cm. Duvet: usually 225cm by 220cm so it drapes properly on both sides. Fitted sheets are cut to 150cm by 200cm with a stated depth, which needs to match your mattress plus any topper.
The frame is the number that determines whether the bed fits. A slatted wooden frame with narrow rails might reach 158cm externally. An upholstered frame with a deep padded border can reach 175cm or more. Product listings should give both mattress size and overall external dimensions, and it is the external figure you plan around.
Against a double at 135cm by 190cm, a king adds 15cm of width and 10cm of length. The width gives each person 75cm instead of 67.5cm. The length is what taller sleepers notice most, since feet no longer reach the end of the mattress.
Against a super king at 180cm by 200cm, a king is 30cm narrower with the same length. If your room can take a super king, the extra width is the largest single step in the UK range and gives each sleeper 90cm. But a king fits a far wider variety of rooms, which is why it is the more common choice in British homes.
Take a frame of around 165cm and add 60cm of walkway on each side, and the room needs to be roughly 285cm wide. For length, a 200cm mattress plus a footboard and a walkway at the end calls for around 275cm.
Main bedrooms in newer UK homes often sit between 300cm and 360cm across, which accommodates a king with room to spare. In older properties with chimney breasts or bay windows, the usable wall may be shorter than the room suggests, so measure the actual clear run of wall rather than the full width. Our king size fabric beds UK sale listings include external frame dimensions to make this check straightforward.
Access is a genuine consideration at this size. Divan bases split into two halves of 75cm each, which handles most stairwells. Wooden and upholstered frames arrive as flat panels, with the side rails at just over 200cm being the longest component.
The pinch point in a British terrace or semi is usually the turn at the top of the stairs rather than the doorway. Measure the diagonal clearance at that turn and compare it with the longest component. A 200cm side rail needs room to pivot, and a low ceiling above the turn is what usually stops it. Our king size leather beds UK sale range includes frames that assemble in the room from flat panels.
At 150cm wide a mattress needs support in the centre, not just at the edges. A king base should include a centre rail with at least one supporting leg, and slats should be spaced no more than about 7cm apart so the mattress does not dip between them.
If you are pairing a new mattress with an existing frame, check the slat condition first. Bowed or cracked slats will transfer into the mattress within months. Rotating a king mattress is a two person job, so look for side handles if you intend to turn it every few months. Our mattresses UK sale range lists the base type each model suits.
A king bed leaves room for a pair of bedside cabinets in most main bedrooms, and that symmetry suits the size. Keep cabinet depth to around 40cm so the walkway stays comfortable, and match the height to the mattress top so the surface is easy to reach from lying down.
At the foot of the bed, a bench or ottoman works if you have 275cm or more of room depth. Below that, leave the space clear rather than squeezing something in. For storage, decide between a drawer or ottoman base and a separate chest, since in most rooms you will not comfortably have both alongside a wardrobe. You can shop modern furniture UK for the full bedroom at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Height changes the feel of the room more than material does. A low frame with a slim headboard keeps ceilings feeling generous and suits rooms under about 240cm high. A tall padded headboard makes the bed the focal point and works where you have height to spare.
Upholstered frames absorb sound and are comfortable to lean against, which suits anyone who reads in bed. Wooden frames give a defined outline and pair easily with existing bedroom furniture. Ottoman frames turn the 150cm by 200cm footprint into usable storage, which is often the deciding factor in a room where wardrobe space is limited.
Choose a king if either sleeper is over about 5ft 10in, if a double has started to feel narrow, or if you want the extra space without giving up the wardrobe wall. It is the size that improves comfort meaningfully while still fitting the majority of UK main bedrooms.
Mark out 165cm by 210cm on the floor with tape before ordering, then walk around it for a day or two. If the walkways still feel comfortable and the wardrobe doors open fully, the king will work. Returns are available up to 30 days if the piece turns out not to suit the room.
What are the dimensions of a UK king size bed?
150cm wide by 200cm long, which is 5ft by 6ft 6in. The external frame is usually 158cm to 175cm wide depending on the design.
How much bigger is a king than a double?
A king is 15cm wider and 10cm longer than a double. The extra length is often the more valuable difference, particularly for sleepers over 5ft 10in.
Is a UK king the same as a US king?
No. A US king measures around 193cm by 203cm, which is closer to a UK super king. Compare centimetres rather than names, especially when buying bedding.
What room size do I need for a king bed?
Around 285cm wide by 275cm deep allows for the frame plus a 60cm walkway on each side and at the foot. Measure the clear run of wall rather than the full room width.
Does a king size bed need a centre support?
Yes. A centre rail with at least one leg prevents the mattress dipping in the middle, and slats should sit no more than about 7cm apart.
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