A UK double bed is 135 cm wide and 190 cm long: 4ft6 by 6ft3, or 54 x 75 inches. That's the mattress size. A double bed frame is bigger; our upholstered double frames measure about 56 x 82 inches (142 x 208 cm) including the headboard.
| Double bed measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | 135 x 190 cm | 4ft6 x 6ft3 (54 x 75 in) |
| Divan base | 135 x 190 cm | 54 x 75 in |
| Upholstered frame footprint | about 142 x 208 cm | 56 x 82 in |
| Fitted sheet | 135 x 190 cm | 4ft6 |
| Duvet | 200 x 200 cm | standard UK double |
Is a double bed 4ft or 4ft6?
A standard double is 4ft6. A 4ft bed is a small double, 15 cm narrower. The two get mixed up constantly, and a 4ft mattress on a 4ft6 base leaves a gap you'll notice every night. If a listing just says "double", it should mean 4ft6. Check the centimetres to be sure.
Is a double bed big enough for two adults?
It's the minimum. Split two ways, a double gives each sleeper 67.5 cm, which is 22.5 cm less than a single. Plenty of couples sleep well on one. If either of you is tall, the 190 cm length is the bigger limit: a king adds 10 cm of length as well as 15 cm of width.
Beds from our range for this
How much room does a double bed need?
Allow about 2.6 x 2.7 m for a double frame with walking space. That's our 142 cm frame width plus 60 cm on each side, and 208 cm of length plus 60 cm at the foot. In a narrower room, push one side against the wall and choose storage that opens from the other side or the end.
Double or king: which should you buy?
Buy the king if the room takes it. You gain 15 cm of width and 10 cm of length, and the price difference is shown on each bed's size selector. Stick with a double if the room is under about 2.6 m wide or if the stairs and landing are tight, because a king headboard is a larger piece to carry up.
Browse the full Upholstered Beds range. Every bed is handmade to order in our UK workshop, with free UK delivery in 5 to 7 working days.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double bed size in inches?
A UK double mattress is 54 x 75 inches. Our double frames take up about 56 x 82 inches of floor.
Will a double mattress fit a 4ft bed?
No. A double mattress is 135 cm wide and a 4ft (small double) base is 120 cm, so the mattress would overhang by 15 cm.
What size headboard does a double bed need?
A 4ft6 headboard, about 135 to 142 cm wide. Our headboards are made to each UK width, including 4ft6.
Is a European double the same as a UK double?
No. A European double is usually 140 x 200 cm, 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double.
How long is a double divan base?
75 inches, or 190 cm, the same length as the mattress.




