Could a King-Size Bed Take Up Less Room Than Your Double?

Think your bedroom is too small for a king-size bed? Before ruling one out, measure the whole bed you already have. Its frame could be taking up more room than you realise.

At Coast Road Furniture and Prestatyn Furniture, we have helped customers who wanted more sleeping space but were worried about moving from a double to a king. Sometimes, comparing their existing frame with a divan reveals that a larger mattress could fit without making the bedroom feel more cramped.

Mattress size is not the same as overall bed size

A standard UK double mattress measures 135 × 190cm, while a king-size mattress measures 150 × 200cm. Those measurements describe the sleeping surface, not necessarily the furniture around it.

A bed frame adds side rails, a headboard and often a footboard. Thick upholstery or curved ends can extend its overall dimensions considerably. A divan base usually matches the mattress width and length, with the headboard adding to the space needed behind it.

For many of the standard divans we supply, allowing approximately 5cm extra length for the headboard is a useful starting point. Always check the chosen headboard, as its thickness and width can vary.

Three double beds that show the difference

These three frames we can supply all take a 135 × 190cm double mattress, but their overall dimensions are noticeably larger:

The Tilly adds 32cm to the mattress length, while the sleigh-style Belford adds 25cm. These are attractive designs, but their dimensions matter when planning a smaller bedroom.

Could a king-size divan actually take up less room?

A king-size divan with a headboard adding around 5cm to its length would occupy approximately 150 × 205cm.

Compare that with the Tilly double at 151.5 × 222cm. The king-size divan would be 1.5cm narrower and 17cm shorter, while giving you a mattress that is 15cm wider and 10cm longer.

The other examples involve a trade-off. Compared with the Clover double, that king divan would be 5cm wider but 3cm shorter. Compared with the Belford, it would be 8cm wider but 10cm shorter.

So a king will not always occupy less space, but changing the base style can make upgrading more practical than the mattress measurements alone suggest. You can browse our king-size mattresses to explore the larger sleeping surface.

What should you measure before choosing?

• The whole existing bed: measure its widest point and from the back of the headboard to the front of the footboard.
• The room: account for skirting boards, radiators, fitted furniture and doors.
• Everyday access: leave enough room to walk around the bed and open wardrobes and drawers comfortably.
• Storage clearance: check space for divan drawers or for opening an ottoman base.
• The new bed: ask for overall dimensions, including the chosen headboard, rather than relying on the mattress size.

A sketch with measurements and a photograph of your current bed can help us compare suitable options. For more on the different designs, read our guide to choosing your bed base.

Choose the style that works for your room

A frame can make a beautiful focal point, while a divan can be a practical choice where space is tight. The right option depends on the room, the look you prefer and how much sleeping and storage space you need.

Explore our bed bases, frames and headboards, or visit Coast Road Furniture in Connah's Quay or Prestatyn Furniture with your measurements. We can help you compare the overall dimensions before you decide.

We offer free local delivery and setup within our delivery area, with old bed and mattress disposal available for a small charge.