A standard UK double bed takes a mattress of 135 by 190 centimetres, often described as four foot six, and a wooden frame for it will usually measure a little more than that on every side. Wooden double beds suit couples in average sized rooms and single sleepers who want extra space, and they come in a wide range of timbers, heights and headboard styles. The main things to consider are the frame size against your room, the type of wood and finish, how the mattress is supported, and whether you want storage built in.<\/p>\n
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Our dedicated range of modern double wooden beds UK sale<\/a> brings these options together, and you can coordinate them with the wider bedroom furniture UK sale<\/a> collection. Below we explain each decision in turn, so you can narrow the choice before you start browsing.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Bed sizes in the UK differ from those in Europe and the United States, which can cause confusion when buying mattresses and bedding. The standard UK sizes are:<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/ul>\n n<\/p>\n These figures refer to the mattress. The wooden frame adds width and length, sometimes only a few centimetres for a minimal design, and sometimes 20 centimetres or more for a frame with a chunky headboard, footboard or sleigh shape. Always check the external dimensions listed for the frame itself.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n If your room is narrow or you sleep alone, a small double may be worth considering. Our small double wooden beds UK<\/a> give you more room than a single while saving around 15 centimetres in width compared with a standard double.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n A double gives each of two adults roughly 67 centimetres of width, which is a little less than a single bed each. Many couples find this comfortable, particularly in rooms where a king size would be a squeeze. For taller sleepers, the 190 centimetre length can feel tight, and a king size with its extra 10 centimetres of length may be more comfortable.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Doubles are also a sensible choice for guest bedrooms, where they comfortably accommodate a couple without dominating the room, and for teenagers moving on from a single bed.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n The wood used for the frame affects colour, weight, durability and feel. Common options include:<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/ul>\n n<\/p>\n Solid hardwoods such as oak and walnut are dense and heavy, which gives a reassuring, stable feel but makes them harder to move. Softwoods and veneered frames are lighter, which helps if you are carrying a bed up narrow stairs in a terraced house.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Clear lacquers protect the wood while showing the natural colour. Oiled finishes give a softer, more tactile surface but may need occasional reapplication. Stains change the colour of the timber, for example making oak look darker or greyer. Painted finishes cover the grain completely.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n For a busy household, a lacquered finish is generally the most forgiving. Oiled wood develops a gentle patina over time, which many people enjoy, but water marks and scratches can show more easily until the surface matures.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n The shape of the frame affects both appearance and the space the bed takes up. A low footboard or none at all makes the bed feel more open and saves length, which is useful in short rooms. A tall headboard creates a strong focal point and gives you something comfortable to lean against when reading.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Popular wooden styles include slatted headboards with vertical or horizontal rails, solid panelled headboards, sleigh beds with curved ends, and platform beds that sit low to the floor. Four poster frames are less common in doubles today, but they suit rooms with high ceilings in period homes.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Most wooden double beds use slats to support the mattress. Sprung slats are slightly curved and flex under weight, adding comfort and helping the mattress last. Solid slats are flat and firm, giving a stable base.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Slat spacing matters. Gaps that are too wide can let the mattress sag between them over time, and some mattress guarantees specify a maximum gap. As a general guide, many manufacturers recommend gaps of no more than around 7 to 8 centimetres, but always check the advice for your specific mattress. A central support rail with legs is important on a double to prevent the slats bowing in the middle.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n If you are buying a new mattress alongside your frame, our range of mattresses UK sale<\/a> includes options in standard double size.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n The height of the sleeping surface depends on the frame and the mattress together. A comfortable height for most adults is roughly level with the knee when sitting on the edge. Low platform beds look contemporary but can be harder to get out of, particularly for anyone with stiff joints. Taller frames make it easier to sit and stand, and leave room for under bed storage boxes.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Wooden double beds are available with drawers built into the base, headboard shelving, or lift up ottoman platforms. Drawer beds suit everyday items, while ottoman designs hold larger, less used things. If you choose a bed without storage, consider bedside cabinets with drawers rather than open tables, so you still have somewhere for books, chargers and glasses.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n When planning bedside storage, it helps to know how much space you have beside the frame. Our guide to choosing a bedside table for a UK bedroom<\/a> walks through height, width and drawer options.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n n<\/p>\n Before you order, measure the room and mark out the external frame size on the floor with masking tape. Leave around 60 to 70 centimetres of walkway along each side of the bed you use, and at the foot if you need to pass. Check the width of doors, stairs and landings too, especially if you are choosing a solid hardwood bed. Most wooden beds arrive flat packed or in sections, but headboards can still be large.<\/p>\n n<\/p>\nUK Double Bed Sizes Explained<\/h3>\n
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Who a Double Bed Suits<\/h3>\n
Choosing the Right Timber<\/h3>\n
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Finishes and How They Wear<\/h3>\n
Headboards, Footboards and Frame Styles<\/h3>\n
Mattress Support: Slats and Bases<\/h3>\n
Bed Height and Getting In and Out<\/h3>\n
Storage Options<\/h3>\n
Measuring Your Room<\/h3>\n