You've found the perfect bed. You love the design, the mattress feels comfortable and the price is right. But there's one question you really need to answer before buying it: will it actually fit?
It's a surprisingly common mistake.
Customers measure the space where their existing mattress sits, choose a replacement of the same nominal size and assume everything will be fine.
But not all bed frames have the same external dimensions.
A double divan, for example, may occupy considerably less floor space than a double upholstered sleigh bed with thick padded sides and a substantial footboard.
And even if the bed physically fits, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll have enough room to walk around it, open your wardrobes or access your storage.
At Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms, we believe a few careful measurements before purchasing can save considerable frustration later.
Here's how to get it right.
Step 1: Measure the Entire Bedroom
Start by measuring the room itself.
You'll need:
- The length of the room
- The width of the room
- The position of doors and windows
- Any alcoves or recesses
- The location of radiators
- Any built-in wardrobes or cupboards
Don't rely on estate agent floor plans or approximate measurements.
Use a tape measure and record the actual available space.
If the room has an unusual shape, take measurements at several points.
Older properties in particular may have walls that aren't perfectly straight.
A Simple Tip
Draw a rough outline of your bedroom on paper.
Mark the measurements and the position of any permanent features.
You don't need architectural drawing skills. A basic sketch is usually enough to identify potential problems.
Step 2: Check the Actual Bed Frame Dimensions
This is one of the most important steps.
A standard UK double mattress measures 135 cm wide by 190 cm long.
However, a double bed frame isn't necessarily the same size.
Some frames have thick side rails, padded headboards or substantial footboards that increase the overall dimensions.
Why Bed Style Matters
Divan beds: Generally have a footprint close to the mattress dimensions, although fittings and headboards can add to the space required.
Upholstered bed frames: Padded side rails and headboards can increase the overall width and length.
Sleigh beds: Curved headboards and footboards may extend significantly beyond the mattress.
Wooden bed frames: Dimensions vary depending on the design and thickness of the frame.
Metal bedsteads: Some have relatively slim frames, while decorative models may be larger.
Always look for the manufacturer's external width and length.
If those dimensions aren't available, ask before ordering.
For standard mattress measurements, see our Complete UK Bed Sizes Guide.
Step 3: Allow Enough Space to Walk Around the Bed
A bed that fits tightly between two walls might technically fit into the bedroom.
But will it be practical?
Think about how you'll move around the room every day.
You'll need space for getting in and out of bed, changing bedding, cleaning and accessing furniture.
As a general starting point, allowing approximately 60–75 cm of clear walking space around the sides you regularly use can make movement easier.
This isn't a fixed requirement, and smaller bedrooms may need a different arrangement.
However, it's a useful guide when planning your layout.
What About Bedrooms With Limited Space?
Sometimes it's necessary to position a bed against a wall or reduce the space available on one side.
That may be perfectly workable for a single bed or a room used by one person.
For couples, however, access from both sides is often more convenient.
Consider how the bedroom will function rather than focusing entirely on the amount of floor space occupied.
Step 4: Measure Your Existing Furniture
Before deciding on a bed size, measure everything else that needs to remain in the bedroom.
This might include:
- Wardrobes
- Bedside tables
- Chests of drawers
- Dressing tables
- Storage units
- Chairs or benches
Remember that furniture needs space to operate.
A wardrobe might fit beside the bed, but can you open its doors fully?
A chest of drawers may look fine on your floor plan, but will the drawers open without hitting the bed frame?
Check Door and Drawer Clearance
Open your existing wardrobe doors and drawers.
Measure how far they extend into the room.
Then make sure your proposed bed position doesn't interfere with them.
Sliding wardrobes can sometimes be useful in bedrooms where opening space is limited.
Step 5: Consider the Headboard
Headboards are often overlooked when measuring for a new bed.
Some are slim and attach directly to the bed base.
Others are tall, padded or floor-standing designs that may affect the bed's overall footprint.
A large headboard can also interfere with wall sockets, light switches or other fittings.
Before purchasing, check its width, height and depth.
If the headboard is particularly tall, consider ceiling slopes, windows and wall features.
Step 6: Think Carefully About Storage Beds
Storage beds can be an excellent option for bedrooms with limited cupboard space.
However, different storage designs have different practical requirements.
Divan Beds With Drawers
Drawers need sufficient space to open.
If the bed is positioned close to a wall or wardrobe, some drawers may be difficult to access.
Consider whether drawers on one side, both sides or at the foot of the bed would work best.
Ottoman Beds
Ottoman beds provide storage beneath the mattress using a lifting mechanism.
They can be particularly useful when there isn't enough room for traditional drawers.
However, you need to check the lifting direction, mechanism clearance and access to the storage compartment.
Some ottomans lift from the foot, while others open from the side.
The best choice depends on your bedroom layout.
Don't Forget the Mattress Weight
Ottoman mechanisms are designed for particular operating conditions and mattress weights.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications.
An unsuitable mattress may make the mechanism difficult to operate or exceed its intended capacity.
Step 7: Measure the Delivery Route
It's easy to focus on whether a bed will fit in the bedroom and forget about how it will get there.
Before ordering, check the route from the entrance to the bedroom.
Consider:
- Front and internal doorways
- Hallway widths
- Staircases
- Tight corners
- Low ceilings
- Bannisters
- Loft conversions
- Narrow landings
Large mattresses can be particularly difficult to manoeuvre.
Some bed frames arrive in sections, which can make delivery easier.
Others have large components that require additional clearance.
A mattress that fits the bedroom may still be difficult to carry up a narrow staircase.
What About Rolled Mattresses?
Some mattresses are compressed and rolled for transport, making delivery easier.
However, not every mattress is available in this format.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for unpacking and allowing the mattress to recover.
Step 8: Use Masking Tape to Visualise the Bed
This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to understand how a new bed will fit.
Once you've confirmed the external dimensions, use masking tape to mark the bed's footprint on the bedroom floor.
For example, if the bed frame measures 160 cm wide by 215 cm long, mark out those exact dimensions.
Then walk around the room.
Try opening wardrobes, drawers and doors.
Imagine getting in and out of bed and changing the bedding.
Does the room still feel practical?
This exercise can reveal problems that aren't obvious from measurements alone.
Remember to mark the complete bed frame footprint, not just the mattress dimensions.
Step 9: Should You Choose a Smaller Bed?
Sometimes the most sensible choice is to select a slightly smaller bed.
For example, a king size might fit into your bedroom, but a double could leave more room for bedside furniture and movement.
Alternatively, a small double may provide enough sleeping space for one person while freeing up valuable floor area.
That doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing comfort.
A well-chosen mattress in a smaller size may provide a better overall sleeping experience than a larger mattress that doesn't suit your needs.
If you're deciding between sizes, our Double vs King vs Super King Comparison can help which is still to follow.
Step 10: Consider the Bedroom as a Whole
A bedroom should be comfortable, practical and easy to use.
The bed is usually the largest item of furniture, but it shouldn't dominate the room to the point that everything else becomes inconvenient.
Think about how the space works throughout the day, not just when you're sleeping.
Can you access your wardrobes easily?
Is there room to make the bed?
Can you move around without constantly squeezing past furniture?
Will the layout still work if you change your bedroom furniture in the future?
Sometimes choosing a more compact bed frame or adding built-in storage can be more beneficial than choosing a larger mattress.
Your Bedroom Measuring Checklist
Before purchasing a new bed, make sure you've checked the following:
- Bedroom width and length
- Position of doors and windows
- Radiators and wall fittings
- External bed frame dimensions
- Headboard width, height and depth
- Space for walking around the bed
- Wardrobe door clearance
- Drawer opening clearance
- Ottoman lifting direction, if applicable
- Delivery access through doors and staircases
- Mattress dimensions and compatibility
- Space for bedside furniture
Taking a few minutes to complete this checklist can help prevent an expensive mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Space Should I Leave Around a Bed?
Where possible, approximately 60–75 cm of clear space around the sides you regularly use is a helpful planning guideline.
Smaller rooms may require different arrangements.
Is a Double Bed Frame Always 135 cm Wide?
No. A standard UK double mattress is 135 cm wide, but the external bed frame can be wider.
Will a King Size Bed Fit in a Small Bedroom?
It depends on the actual room dimensions, bed frame design and other furniture.
Measure carefully rather than relying on the bedroom's description.
Are Divan Beds Better for Small Bedrooms?
They can be particularly practical because their footprint is often close to the mattress dimensions.
Some also provide useful built-in storage.
Do Ottoman Beds Need Extra Space?
Yes, depending on the lifting mechanism and direction.
Check the manufacturer's clearance and operating requirements.
What If My Mattress Fits but the Bed Frame Doesn't?
You may need a more compact frame design or a different bedroom layout.
Always check the external frame dimensions before ordering.
Should I Measure My Staircase Before Buying a Super King?
Yes. Large mattresses and bed components can be difficult to manoeuvre through narrow staircases and tight corners.
A Few Measurements Today Can Save Problems Tomorrow
Buying a new bed should be an enjoyable experience, not one that ends with discovering it doesn't fit.
The key is to measure carefully and consider the entire bedroom rather than focusing solely on mattress dimensions.
At Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms, we believe that choosing the right bed involves more than finding a design you like.
It's about making sure the bed works with your available space, provides the comfort you need and remains practical for everyday use.
Before buying, check the full dimensions, consider your furniture layout and make sure delivery access won't be a problem.
