Double Mattress FAQs
Knowing which size mattress is the right one for you can be difficult, so if you’re considering a double mattress, we have all of the information you need to make the correct choice.
Here we explain the dimensions, weights, and depths of the double mattresses in our collection at Mattress Online.
What size is a double mattress?
All UK standard double mattresses are the same size - 135cm x 190cm - however, you may notice some variations of the double size while browsing online.
Below are the different variations of double mattresses you can buy, along with their dimensions.
| Mattress size | Metric measurements | Imperial measurements |
| UK double mattress | 135cm x 190cm | 4'6" x 6'3" |
| Small double mattress | 120cm x 190cm | 4' x 6'3" |
| European double mattress | 140cm x 200cm | 4'7" x 6'6" |
The size you buy will depend on the dimensions of your bed. A mattress that does not fit snugly onto your bed base can cause damage to both your mattress and the bed. This can negatively affect the quality of your sleep.
Below we’ve answered some questions that our customers have frequently asked about double mattress sizes:
How wide is a double mattress?
A UK standard double mattress is 135cm (4'6") wide.
How long is a double mattress?
A UK standard double mattress is 190cm (6'3") long.
Can 2 people fit on a double mattress?
A double bed is suitable for two adults. However, a double is the smallest size meant for two people. If you and your partner both like a bit of extra space to spread out, a king size bed is a better choice.
What size bed do most couples sleep on?
Most couples sleep on either a double bed and mattress or a king size bed and mattress.
A double bed can feel quite snug with two adults; you will both have 65.7cm of space each to sleep - which is actually less space than a baby has in a standard 70cm wide cot bed!
A king size bed and mattress will give you an extra 7.5cm each in which to spread while you sleep.
What age should you get a double bed?
Parents may be wondering what age their child should be before upgrading to a double bed. This is completely up to you. Many people progress from a single bed to a double bed in their early teenage years as they grow and want more space to spread out while they sleep.
Those who are particularly tall and find a single mattress too short, may want to consider sleeping on a double mattress where they have the advantage of laying diagonally for extra length.
However, if you don’t have the space for a double bed, an adult who lives alone will find a single or small double bed more than comfortable.
Should I get a single or double mattress?
This is entirely your choice. Here are some questions you can ask to help you decide:
- Do you share your bed with a partner?
If yes, a double bed will be more suitable for you as two adults cannot comfortably fit in a single bed.
- Do you have enough space to fit a double bed in your room?
You want to make sure that you still have enough space in your bedroom to comfortably walk around your bed. If you do not you should opt for a single or small double bed instead.
- Do you find your single bed too small?
If you currently sleep on a single bed, do you find yourself rolling uncomfortably close to the edge of the bed in the night? Or do you tend to sleep with your arms and legs hanging off of the side of the bed? If the answer is yes, you may benefit from moving up to a double bed.
We hope this has helped you choose the right bed for your needs! If you’re looking for a size half way between a single and a double, check out a small double mattress or bed as an alternative.
What are small double mattresses?
Small double mattresses and beds have grown in popularity over the last decade.
They are perfect if you’re looking for something slightly longer and wider than a single mattress, but not as large as a double.
Small double mattresses measure 120cm x 190cm (4' x 6'3").
What are Euro double mattresses?
European double mattresses and beds are slightly longer and wider than UK standard double mattresses.
European double mattresses measure 140cm x 200cm (4'7" x 6'6").
What are queen size mattresses?
‘Queen size’ is actually an American size term, which is why you may not be able to find this size while browsing in the UK.
It is slightly bigger than a UK standard king size mattress and its dimensions are 152cm x 203cm (5’ x 6’6”).
Fitting the right mattress to the right frame
Here are some common questions about pairing mattresses with different sized beds:
Will a double mattress fit on a small double bed frame?
No, a double mattress will not fit on a small double bed.
Double mattresses are 15cm wider than small double beds. Using a mattress that is too large for your bed can cause greater wear and tear on your mattress.
They are also heavier than small double mattresses, you could also damage your bed base as the frame may not be designed to hold this weight.
Will a double mattress fit a king size bed?
A double mattress will fit on a king size bed, but we do not recommend pairing them together.
A double mattress is 15cm narrower and 10cm shorter than a king size bed. Using a mattress that doesn’t perfectly fit your bed base can cause it to slide into the frame, which may result in unnecessary damage to the mattress. The movement can also affect your quality of sleep.
Will a UK double mattress fit an IKEA bed?
For many years it was known that IKEA beds and mattresses were European sized. More recently, they have started to offer standard UK mattress sizes as well as European mattresses sizes.
If you find you need a new mattress for a European double IKEA bed, you can find a suitable mattress from our European double mattress collection.
We hope we’ve been able to answer all of your questions so you can find the best one for you!
Weight & depth of double mattresses
Even though double mattresses have the same width and length dimensions, their depth and weight vary between each model of mattress.
Weight and depth can be useful measurements to know. All bed frames have a maximum weight limit. Some bed frames can also be much deeper than others.
How much does a double mattress weigh?
The average weight of a double mattress is between 30-40kg. However, we do stock much lighter and heavier mattresses. The weight range given here is only a rough guide.
The weight of a mattress depends on the materials used to create the mattress. If your mattress has more springs or layers of foam than the average mattress, then you should expect it to be much heavier.
If you have any concerns or questions around the weights of our mattresses, please get in touch!
How thick should a double mattress be?
There is no right, wrong or ideal thickness for a double mattress, it’s all down to your own personal preference and the height of the space in your bed frame that accommodates the mattress.
Mattresses with a thicker depth tend to be more premium and luxurious while thinner mattresses are more budget. This is not always the case, but is a good rule of thumb.
If you’re looking into buying a double pillow top mattress, then you should take into account that they are much thicker than standard mattresses. This is because the pillow top comfort layer adds an extra few centimetres of height to the mattress.
Bedding for double mattresses
To top off your sleeping experience, consider investing in bedding for your double mattress. We offer the following in double sizes:
Mattress protectors
Mattress protectors are a great way to keep your double mattress in perfect condition. They also help to keep your guarantee and warranty intact in case of any spills and accidents.
Mattress toppers
Like mattress protectors, mattress toppers sit on top of your double mattress. They provide both protection and an extra layer of cushioning luxury.
Double mattress toppers have the same measurements as a double mattress - 135cm x 190cm. Using a topper that is smaller or larger than this won’t give you an optimum sleeping experience.
For example, using a small double mattress topper on a double mattress puts extra tension on both the mattress and the topper. This can damage the fillings in the topper and cause greater wear and tear on your mattress.
Bring new life to your sleeping environment by investing in new duvets and pillows. Adding a little extra bedding is a cosy and relaxing way of giving your bedroom a makeover.
Transporting a double mattress
Here are some useful FAQs that our customers have asked which we think may help you:
Can you fit a double mattress in a car?
If you’re moving your mattress to another location and still plan to use it, you should transport your mattress flat. This means that it will not fit in a typical 5 door car, such as a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa.
The average boot width of a car is 1.7m-1.9m wide, which is wide enough to accommodate the width of a UK standard double mattress, but double mattresses measure 1.9m in length, which is longer than the majority of most car boots.
If you’re looking to dispose of or recycle your mattress at a council-approved facility, you may be able to fold your mattress up smaller if needed.
If you’re looking for how to correctly store your double mattress in transit, check out our helpful storage advice page.
Will a double mattress fit in a van?
Yes, a double mattress will fit in the boot of most standard work vans.
We hope we’ve answered all your questions! Browse our fantastic collection of double mattresses today.
If you’re still not sure which mattress will be the perfect fit for you, check out our handy helpful guide to find the best mattress type for your sleeping position.
Should you have any further questions that we may be able to help you with, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to assist.
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