For couples, a UK king (150 × 200cm) is the size upgrade that makes the biggest difference — it gives each person 75cm of width versus a double's 67cm, which is less than a single bed each. That 8cm per person sounds trivial and isn't: it's the difference between touching shoulders on every turn and sleeping undisturbed.
Table of contents
- How much space each partner actually gets
- Which size fits your room
- Size vs mattress: what really stops disturbance
- When upgrading is worth it — and when it isn't
- Frequently asked questions
How much space each partner actually gets
| UK size | Total width | Width per person | Compared to a single bed (90cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small double | 120cm | 60cm | 33cm less each |
| Double | 135cm | 67.5cm | 22.5cm less each |
| King | 150cm | 75cm | 15cm less each |
| Super king | 180cm | 90cm | Same as a single each |
This is the statistic most couples find genuinely surprising: on a standard double, each person has less room than they'd have in a child's single bed. Only at super king does each partner get a full single's width. Length matters too — king and super king are 200cm long versus 190cm for doubles, which is 10cm that anyone over about 5'10" will feel.
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Browse the range →Which size fits your room
Allow 60cm of walkway on each open side. Practical minimums:
- Double (135cm): room around 2.6m wide on the bed wall
- King (150cm): room around 2.8m wide
- Super king (180cm): room around 3.1m wide
If the room only just accommodates a king, remember an ottoman base needs opening clearance too — covered in our side-lift vs end-lift guide. Full measuring method: how to measure your bedroom.
Size vs mattress: what really stops disturbance
Size gives you distance; mattress construction stops movement travelling. Pocket sprung mattresses isolate motion because each spring compresses independently — so a king pocket sprung mattress disturbs far less than a king open coil one, where interconnected springs transmit every movement across the bed.
If one of you is a restless sleeper, spend on the mattress before the bed size. If you're both still touching at the shoulders, spend on the size. Construction differences: pocket sprung vs memory foam.
When upgrading is worth it — and when it isn't
Worth it: either partner is over 6ft · one of you moves a lot · a child or pet joins you regularly · you're consistently waking each other.
Not worth it: your room would lose its walkways · your existing mattress is fine and you'd be replacing it purely for size · you'd have to buy new bedding for a marginal gain. Going double to king means new mattress, new duvet and new sheets — budget for the whole set, not just the frame.
Frequently asked questions
What size bed is best for couples in the UK?
A king (150 × 200cm) for most couples — it gives each person 75cm of width and 10cm more length than a double. Super king if the room allows.
Is a double bed big enough for two adults?
It works, but each person gets 67.5cm — less than a single bed's width. Most couples who upgrade from a double don't go back.
Is a UK king the same as a US king?
No. A UK king is 150 × 200cm; a US king is wider at around 193cm. Never buy bedding across the two standards.
Does a bigger bed really improve sleep?
For couples who disturb each other, yes — more distance plus a motion-isolating pocket sprung mattress is the most effective combination.
Compare exact dimensions in our UK bed and mattress sizes guide.
