How to Measure for a Bed: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Fit

There is a unique dread that accompanies a delivery day disaster: the moment your beautiful, new luxury bed arrives, only to get stuck in the doorway or on the stairs. The excitement of finally choosing your perfect sleep sanctuary can quickly turn into a costly and stressful logistical problem. This is a common fear, but thankfully, one that is easily avoided. The secret to a seamless experience, from our showroom to your bedroom, is knowing precisely how to measure for a bed before you make your selection. It’s the crucial first step to ensuring your dream bed fits your home perfectly.

At Bennetts Bedrooms, we want your journey to sleeping like royalty to be effortless. That’s why our sleep specialists have created this ultimate guide. Forget the guesswork and anxiety about cramped spaces or awkward installations. We will provide you with a clear, easy-to-follow checklist for every critical measurement, from your home’s access points to the ideal spacing needed to create a tranquil, well-proportioned room. Follow our expert advice and you can order your new handmade bed with absolute confidence, knowing it will be a perfect fit.

Before You Measure: Preparing for a Perfect Fit

Choosing a premium, handmade bed is an investment in your well-being, the first step towards achieving your best possible sleep. But before you fall in love with a luxurious new frame, there is one crucial step that ensures your dream bed becomes a perfect reality: measuring. Getting this right is the foundation of the entire process. It prevents the costly mistake of a bed that overwhelms your space or, worse, doesn’t fit at all. This guide on how to measure for a bed begins with essential preparation.

Before you start, gather a simple toolkit to guarantee accuracy:

• A metal tape measure (fabric ones can stretch and give false readings).
• A notepad and pen, or a notes app on your phone.
• A helper, if possible, to hold the tape measure steady across longer distances.

Understanding Mattress Size vs. Bed Frame Dimensions

A common oversight is to measure only for the mattress. Standardised names like ‘King’ or ‘Super King’ refer specifically to the mattress dimensions. While there are established international bed size standards for mattresses, the bed frame itself—especially one with a statement headboard, a thick upholstered surround, or a footboard—will always be larger. Always consult the ‘Total Dimensions’ or ‘Product Specifications’ on the product page to find the frame’s true footprint.

Considering Room Layout and Visual Balance

A bed that fits is one thing; a bed that enhances your room is another. The goal is to create a peaceful sanctuary, not a cramped space. Think beyond the raw numbers and consider the room’s flow. A grand, oversized bed in a compact room can feel imposing, leaving little space for movement or complementary furniture like bedside tables. Pay attention to the height of the headboard, ensuring it doesn’t awkwardly block a window or sit uncomfortably beneath a sloped ceiling. A well-chosen bed creates harmony, allowing for natural light and easy access to doors and wardrobes.

The same principles apply when planning for specialized equipment; for those setting up a home studio, for example, it’s wise to explore Desks for Music Production with your room’s total layout in mind.

Step 1: Measuring Your Bedroom for Your New Bed

Before you can ‘Sleep Like Royalty’, you must first become the master of your space. The secret to how to measure for a bed correctly is a two-part process: first, ensuring your chosen luxury bed fits comfortably within your room, and second, confirming it can get there. While our specialists can advise on delivery, understanding how to measure for furniture delivery through hallways and doors is a crucial step for a seamless experience. This guide focuses on the first, most exciting part: designing your perfect sleep sanctuary.

Start with the fundamentals. Identify the wall where your headboard will rest, as this is your anchor point. Using a tape measure, record the room’s total width and length from wall to wall. However, true precision lies in the details. Make sure to note and measure around any permanent fixtures that can steal precious centimetres, such as:

• Skirting boards (measure from the skirting, not the wall itself)
• Radiators
• Window sills
• Power sockets and light switches

Mapping the Bed’s Footprint on the Floor

Once you have the dimensions of your dream bed frame, translate those numbers into a physical guide. Use low-tack painter’s tape to mark the bed’s full footprint—its total width and length—on the floor where it will be placed. This simple but powerful technique allows you to truly visualise and experience the bed’s scale, helping you feel how it will occupy the space before it even arrives.

Planning for Essential Walking Space

A luxury bedroom is not just about a premium bed; it’s about creating a serene and functional environment. As a rule of thumb, aim to leave at least 60-70 cm of clear space around the sides and the foot of the bed. This ensures you can move freely, make the bed without difficulty, and maintain a sense of calm spaciousness. Critically, test all doors in this new layout—can you still fully open your wardrobe and chests of drawers?

Accounting for Headboard Height and Depth

A statement headboard can be the magnificent centrepiece of your room, but it requires careful planning. Measure the height of the wall, noting the position of any windows, artwork, or light switches that could be obscured. Remember, the depth of a padded or handmade headboard also adds to the bed’s overall length. Factoring this in is an essential part of how to measure for a bed to guarantee a perfect, harmonious fit.

Step 2: Measuring Your Home’s Access Route for Delivery

You’ve found the perfect luxury bed, a centrepiece for your sanctuary. But the journey to a peaceful night’s sleep isn’t complete until it’s safely in your bedroom. This crucial step prevents the disappointment of a failed delivery. A complete guide on how to measure for a bed must include the path it will take to get there. Taking a few minutes to measure your access route ensures a seamless, stress-free installation by our specialist team.

Remember that the components of your new bed need to navigate every corner of your home. While many premium bed frames arrive flat-packed, the solid, handmade quality of a divan base often means it is delivered in one or two large, bulky sections. It’s wise to double-check the product dimensions, possibly by referencing a detailed mattress dimensions guide for the mattress itself, and then compare these figures against the measurements of your home.

Measuring Doors, Hallways, and Ceilings

Your tape measure is your best friend here. Start at your front door and walk the exact path the delivery team will take to the bedroom, measuring every potential obstacle along the way. This gives you—and our delivery team—complete peace of mind.

• Doorways: Measure the height and width of every doorway. For width, measure from the narrowest point, which is usually the door frame itself.
• Hallways: Note the width of your narrowest hallway or corridor. Watch out for permanent fixtures like radiators or shelves that reduce the available space.
• Ceilings: Check the height of the lowest point in your hallways. This is especially important if a bed base or headboard needs to be turned upright.

Navigating the Stairway Challenge

Stairways are often the most challenging part of a delivery. Their combination of angles, turns, and changing ceiling heights requires careful measurement. Pay close attention to any turns or landings where large items will need to be pivoted diagonally.

• Stair Width: Measure the width of your stairs at their narrowest point, typically between the handrail and the wall.
• Ceiling Clearance: Measure the ceiling height at the lowest point above the stairs, often found at the top or bottom.
• Corners and Landings: If your staircase has a turn, measure the width, depth, and height of the landing space to ensure items can be manoeuvred safely.

Checking Lifts and Communal Areas

If you live in an apartment building, your personal measurements should begin right from the building entrance. Don’t forget to account for any shared spaces that your new bed must pass through. This is a vital part of learning how to measure for a bed in a multi-residence property.

• Lift Dimensions: Measure the lift’s internal height, width, and depth. Crucially, also measure the height and width of the lift door opening, as this is often smaller than the interior.
• Communal Spaces: Measure any shared hallways, stairwells, or tight corners that lead from the building entrance to your apartment door.

A Practical Guide to Bed Sizes (UK vs. EU)

Once you have your room’s measurements, the next step is choosing a bed size. However, this is where many people encounter confusion. A “King” in the UK is not the same as a “King” in Portugal, and relying on names alone can lead to a mattress that doesn’t fit your base or sheets that won’t stretch. This is especially true for our expatriate clients navigating the Portuguese market. Understanding the precise dimensions is a critical part of knowing how to measure for a bed and ensure a perfect fit.

At Bennetts Bedrooms, our sleep specialists are experts in both systems, ensuring you receive the quality and comfort you expect, in the exact size you need.

Standard UK Bed & Mattress Dimensions

In the UK, bed sizes are standardised with specific names and dimensions. If you are bringing bedding from the UK or are accustomed to these sizes, it’s vital to know their metric equivalents. Note that a standard UK King is 150cm wide, whereas a UK Super King matches the width of a European Grand King.

• Single: 3’0″ x 6’3″ (90 x 190cm)
• Small Double: 4’0″ x 6’3″ (120 x 190cm)
• Double: 4’6″ x 6’3″ (135 x 190cm)
• King: 5’0″ x 6’6″ (150 x 200cm)
• Super King: 6’0″ x 6’6″ (180 x 200cm)

A Note on European Sizes in Portugal

Throughout Portugal and the rest of Europe, mattress dimensions often differ slightly. The most common difference is an extra 10cm in length (200cm) as standard. For example, a European King is typically 160cm wide—a full 10cm wider than its UK counterpart. This variance can make a huge difference when fitting sheets. Always confirm the centimetres before you buy.

• EU Single: 90 x 200cm
• EU Double: 140 x 200cm
• EU King: 160 x 200cm
• EU Grand King: 180 x 200cm

To eliminate any uncertainty, we proudly stock a premium selection of both standard UK and European sizes. Confused? Our Sleep Specialists can clarify UK vs EU sizes for you.

Specialist Options: Zip & Link and Custom Beds

For maximum versatility or for rooms with challenging access, consider a Zip & Link bed. These systems typically use two single beds that can be securely zipped together to create one seamless Super King mattress. This makes delivery and installation into apartments or homes with tight staircases significantly easier. Furthermore, for truly unique spaces, custom-sized beds and mattresses can be handmade to your exact specifications, ensuring no centimetre of your room goes to waste.

What To Do If It’s a Tight Squeeze

You’ve meticulously followed our guide on how to measure for a bed, only to find the numbers are looking a little tight. Before you panic or compromise on the luxury bed of your dreams, take a deep breath. A few centimetres can feel like a major obstacle, but with careful planning and the right choices, even the most challenging spaces can welcome a new centrepiece for your sanctuary. The key is to anticipate the delivery path, not just the final placement.

Careful preparation can overcome most delivery obstacles, ensuring a smooth, stress-free installation. From choosing a clever bed base to communicating with our team, there is almost always a premium solution available.

Consider a Divan Base or Flat-Pack Frame

The type of bed base you choose can make all the difference in a property with narrow hallways or tight turns. Many of our luxurious divan bases are designed to be delivered in two separate halves. This simple but effective design makes navigating staircases and doorways significantly easier, allowing you to enjoy a larger bed without the delivery-day headache. Similarly, most modern, high-quality bed frames are delivered flat-packed, ready for our team to assemble in your room of choice. Always check the product description or ask our specialists how your preferred bed will arrive.

Simple Tricks for Creating More Space

A few simple adjustments can create surprising amounts of extra clearance along your delivery route. Before our team arrives, take a moment to prepare the path and maximise the available space. A little effort here ensures a seamless and efficient installation.

• Remove Obstacles: Clear hallways and landings of any furniture, such as console tables, shoe racks, or decorative items. Don’t forget to take down any pictures or mirrors from the walls along the route.
• Doors Off Hinges: If a doorway is particularly narrow, temporarily removing the door from its hinges can provide a crucial few extra centimetres of width.
• Measure Diagonally: Remember that the diagonal measurement of a doorway or hallway opening is always longer than its height or width. Our delivery teams are skilled at using this extra space to carefully manoeuvre larger items.

When to Ask for Expert Advice

If your home features a spiral staircase, a very tight 90-degree turn, or a narrow attic access, it’s always best to seek expert advice. A professional can often spot solutions you might miss and can confirm whether a specific product is suitable for your property. We believe that achieving your perfect night’s sleep should be a relaxing experience from start to finish. Our delivery teams are highly experienced in navigating the unique layouts of Algarve properties and are dedicated to finding a solution. If you have any concerns at all about access, please contact our sleep specialists beforehand. We are here to help ensure your new bed arrives home safely.

Your Blueprint for a Blissful Night’s Sleep

You are now equipped with the essential knowledge for a perfect fit. By carefully measuring your bedroom, checking your home’s access route, and understanding the nuances between UK and EU sizes, you’ve conquered the most crucial steps. Mastering how to measure for a bed is the foundation for creating your ideal sleep sanctuary.

The practical part is done; now for the pure indulgence. As Sleep Specialists with deep expertise in both the UK and Portugal, we eliminate any final guesswork. We offer a curated collection of premium, handmade beds available in both UK and EU sizes, ensuring your precise measurements lead to the perfect choice. Better yet, our professional delivery and installation service is included, guaranteeing your journey to a peaceful night’s sleep is seamless and stress-free.

You’ve measured your space. Now, let’s find the luxury bed that fits perfectly. Your dream bedroom awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space should you leave around a bed?

As a general rule, our sleep specialists recommend leaving at least 60-70cm of clear space on three sides of your bed. This ensures a comfortable walkway and provides ample room for making the bed and accessing bedroom furniture like chests of drawers or wardrobes. For a truly luxurious and uncluttered feel, consider leaving up to 90cm. This creates a serene environment conducive to a peaceful night’s sleep and allows your premium bed frame to be a true centrepiece.

Are bed frame dimensions always bigger than mattress dimensions?

Yes, absolutely. A bed frame is always designed to be slightly larger than its corresponding mattress size to properly support and contain it. For example, a divan base will have nearly identical dimensions, while a more ornate sleigh bed or a frame with a thick, upholstered border will have a significantly larger footprint. Always check the external frame dimensions listed on our product pages to ensure it will fit comfortably within your measured space.

What is the difference between a UK King and an EU King size bed?

The primary difference between these popular sizes is the width. A standard UK King size mattress measures 150cm wide by 200cm long. In contrast, an EU King size is wider, measuring 160cm wide by 200cm long. This extra 10cm of width can make a significant difference in comfort for couples. As specialists serving both UK and Portuguese clients, we offer a premium selection of both sizes to ensure a perfect fit for your needs.

How do I properly measure for a very tall or winged headboard?

For statement headboards, you need to measure three dimensions. First, measure the maximum height from the floor, checking for obstacles like light fittings, sloped ceilings, or picture rails. Next, measure the maximum width, ensuring it won’t obstruct power sockets or light switches. Finally, account for the headboard’s depth, especially for winged designs, as this will affect the total length of the bed. This is a key step in how to measure for a bed with dramatic proportions.

My apartment has a very small lift. What are my options?

Navigating tight spaces is a common challenge, but we have luxurious solutions. First, carefully measure your lift’s internal height, width, and diagonal depth. Many of our premium divan bases are delivered in two sections, making them much easier to manoeuvre. Alternatively, consider one of our high-quality, self-assembly bed frames which arrive flat-packed. Our specialist delivery team is experienced with challenging access, so please contact us to discuss the best options for your home.

Should I measure before or after putting down new carpet?

For the most accurate results, you should always measure your room after the new carpet and underlay have been installed. Carpet can add a couple of centimetres to the floor height, which could impact the clearance for under-bed drawers. It can also slightly reduce the usable floor space if thick skirting boards are fitted on top. Completing all flooring work first ensures your new luxury bed will fit perfectly, avoiding any unwelcome surprises on delivery day.