What bed sizes are available? A complete overview

What bed sizes are actually available, and why do the specifications vary from one manufacturer to another? Germany follows a metric system of standard dimensions, which has very little in common with British or American terms such as ‘Queen’ or ‘King’. From 70 x 140 cm for children, through to 140 x 200 cm for the classic French bed, right up to 200 x 200 cm for couples who need plenty of space: This overview shows all the standard dimensions, explains special sizes available at furniture stores such as IKEA, and helps you to match your bed frame, mattress and bed linen perfectly.

Why bed size matters

Anyone buying a new bed will quickly come across a bewildering array of dimensions: 90 x 200, 140 x 200, 160 x 200, 180 x 200, 200 x 200 cm – and in between there are also special sizes for children or particularly tall people. In Germany, a system of standard metric measurements has become established over decades, which differs significantly from British or American terms such as ‘queen’ or ‘king’. Once you’ve understood the system, you’ll find the right combination of bed frame, mattress and bed linen much more quickly.

The width primarily determines how comfortable the bed is to lie on, whilst the length depends on body height. As a rule of thumb, the mattress should be about 20 cm longer than the tallest person who will be sleeping on it.

Single beds: the standard dimensions for one person

In Germany, the classic single bed measures 90 x 200 cm. This size is commonly found in children’s bedrooms, guest rooms and shared flats alike. If you want more space to stretch out without having to opt for a double bed, go for 100 x 200 cm – a size that many manufacturers now offer alongside the classic 90-cm width.

For particularly tall people, single beds are also available in lengths of 210 or 220 cm. These XXL lengths are not ‘special sizes’ in the strict sense, but rather a standard part of most bed ranges.

Double beds: a comparison of the standard sizes

Between a single and a double bed lies the French bed, measuring 140 x 200 cm. Originally designed for one person with plenty of room to move around, it is often used by couples in smaller bedrooms.

The best-selling double bed in Germany measures 160 x 200 cm. It offers each person around 80 cm of width – plenty of space without taking up too much room. Those who need more space or are looking for a box spring bed often opt for 180 x 200 cm, the standard size for many box spring models. The largest standard size is 200 x 200 cm. In shops, it is often referred to as ‘king-size’, although this term is not standardised in this country as it is in the USA or the UK.

Non-standard sizes: children’s beds, XXL lengths and furniture stores such as IKEA

Children’s beds follow their own logic. After the cot, a bed measuring 70 x 140 cm is usually used, which is often kept until primary school age. From adolescence onwards, many families switch to 90 x 200 cm, the same size as a single bed for adults.

Furniture retailers such as IKEA generally base their ranges on German standard sizes, but supplement their range with intermediate sizes such as 120 x 200 cm or 150 x 200 cm. This explains why bed linen or fitted sheets bought for a bed from a particular furniture retailer do not always fit beds from other manufacturers.

Bed size, mattress size and bed linen: what goes together

The bed frame, mattress and bed linen should always be the same size – it sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked when making a purchase. A bed frame measuring 160 x 200 cm requires a mattress of exactly the same dimensions. Even a difference of just a few centimetres can lead to pressure marks at the edges or gaps where the bed linen gets caught.

There is one small exception when it comes to bed linen: fitted sheets are often cut slightly larger so that they can be pulled taut over the height of the mattress. Therefore, in addition to the surface area, you should also pay attention to the specified height, particularly with thicker mattresses.

How to find the right size for your bedroom

Before buying, measure the space intended for the bed and allow at least 60 cm of clearance from walls or furniture to allow for movement. For a bed measuring 180 x 200 cm, this means a total space requirement of around 3 x 2.5 metres if it is positioned freestanding against a wall.

If you’re sleeping as a couple, there’s little reason not to choose the widest bed the room will allow. 180 cm is now considered the comfortable minimum standard for couples, whilst 200 cm is regarded as the generous standard. Single sleepers are usually well served by a 100 x 200 cm bed, unless they appreciate the extra space a French bed offers.

Why Maison de Cocon

• Our range of beds and mattresses covers the standard German sizes, from 90 x 200 cm to 200 x 200 cm.
• You’ll find matching bed linen and fitted sheets in the same sizes, so there’s no need to search separately for non-standard sizes.
• Our advisers will help you choose the right bed size for your room and your sleeping habits.
• All the mattress sizes we stock are designed to fit the corresponding bed frames, including details of the height of the bed frame for fitted sheets.

Beds & Mattresses