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UK vs EU Bed Sizes

Entity: UK versus EU mattress sizes

Spacious bedroom with a large king size upholstered bed and clear walkways
Size is about width, length and walkway space — not only the name on the label.

In short

UK and EU mattress sizes share names but not footprints. A UK Double is typically 135 × 190 cm. A common EU or IKEA Double is 140 × 200 cm. A UK King at 150 × 200 cm is narrower than many EU King sizes near 160 × 200 cm. Always compare centimetres, never size names alone.

How it works

Comparison chart of UK versus EU Double and King mattress footprints with centimetre labels
Same size names, different centimetres — UK Double 135×190 vs common EU 140×200; UK King 150×200 vs common EU King 160×200.
Dimensions (centimetres and inches)
Size name Width (cm) Length (cm) Width (in) Length (in)
UK Double 135 190 — —
EU / IKEA Double (common) 140 200 — —
UK King 150 200 — —
EU King (common) 160 200 — —

Same names, different sizes

Shop labels like “Double” and “King” are not the same across the UK and Europe. Fit depends on measured width and length in centimetres.

Quick pairing rules

  1. Never assume a name match means a centimetre match.
  2. Prefer buying mattress and base from the same regional size system.
  3. For sheets, match the mattress centimetres — not the bedstead’s marketing name.
  4. Cross-check US sizes separately if importing from North America.

Frequently asked questions

Can a UK Double mattress fit an IKEA 140 cm bed frame?
A UK Double mattress is typically 135 cm wide, so it can sit on a 140 cm European frame with side gaps of about 2.5 cm each side. Those gaps may let the mattress shift unless a retainer, non-slip pad, or correctly sized European mattress is used.
Why do UK and EU King mattresses not interchange cleanly?
A UK King mattress is usually 150 × 200 cm. Many EU King mattresses are 160 × 200 cm. The 10 cm width difference means a UK King leaves gaps on a 160 cm European base, and an EU King overhangs a 150 cm UK frame.