EU vs UK Bed Sizes – Will UK Bedding Fit a European Bed?

Ordering a bed from a European brand and wondering whether your sheets will still fit? You are not alone. UK and continental bed sizes look similar on paper, but the few centimetres between them decide whether a fitted sheet slips on easily or pops off the corner every night. Here is a simple comparison in cm, with what it means for your mattress and bedding.

EU vs UK bed sizes – comparison table in cm

UK sizes follow the National Bed Federation standard and refer to the mattress, with a tolerance of up to ±2 cm. In continental Europe the standard length for modern beds is 200 cm, and the most common double widths are 140, 160 and 180 cm.

Why are European and UK bed sizes different?

UK sizes grew out of imperial measurements – a double is 4 ft 6 in by 6 ft 3 in – while European sizes are round numbers in centimetres. The biggest practical difference is length: every standard EU bed is 200 cm long, so it is 9 cm longer than a UK single, small double or double. That extra length is good news for anyone over six feet tall.

Will UK bedding fit a European bed?

• Fitted sheets and mattress protectors are the items that must match the mattress. A UK double fitted sheet (137 x 191 cm) is 9 cm shorter than a 140x200 mattress, so it is likely to be too tight. A UK king sheet on a 140x200 mattress is too wide and still 2 cm short.
• Duvets, pillows and throws are more forgiving, because they do not have to grip the mattress.
• Headboards and bed frames should always be bought together with a mattress in the same size system.

The simple rule: when your mattress is 140x200, 160x200 or 180x200, buy fitted sheets and protectors labelled with exactly that size.

Which European bed size should I choose?

• Replacing a UK double: 140x200 is the closest size – it takes almost the same floor space and adds 9 cm of length.
• Replacing a UK king: 160x200 gives two people 8 cm more width.
• Replacing a UK super king: 180x200 is practically the same size.
• Want the biggest bed: 200x200 is wider than any standard UK size – check your bedroom and doorways first.

Measure the room, not only the old bed: an upholstered frame is usually wider and longer than the mattress, and an ottoman bed needs space at the foot or side for the lifting base. Our guide ottoman vs divan bed explains how much room each type needs.

FAQ

Is a European double bed the same as a UK double?
No. The usual European double is 140 x 200 cm; a UK double is 137 x 191 cm. The EU bed is 3 cm wider and 9 cm longer.

What is a European king size bed in the UK?
A 160 x 200 cm bed is closest to a UK king (152 x 198 cm), but 8 cm wider. A 180 x 200 cm bed is closest to a UK super king (183 x 198 cm).

Will a UK double mattress fit a 140x200 bed frame?
It will physically fit inside, but it is 9 cm shorter and 3 cm narrower, so it leaves gaps. Use a 140 x 200 cm mattress with a 140x200 frame.

Can I use UK fitted sheets on an EU mattress?
Usually not well – a UK double sheet is 9 cm too short for a 140x200 mattress. Choose fitted sheets labelled with the EU size of your mattress.

Read next: best type of mattress – how to choose and ottoman vs divan bed.