UK Bed Sizes vs. Portuguese Sizes: The Complete Guide for Expats

You’ve settled into your beautiful new home in Portugal, ready to create a tranquil sanctuary. But there’s a frustrating detail: your favourite UK bedding doesn’t fit. You’ve discovered that a UK ‘King’ is not the same as a Portuguese ‘King’, and the confusion can be overwhelming. Understanding the key differences when comparing the uk bed sizes portugal offers is a common challenge for expats, often leading to costly mistakes and restless nights. You’re not just buying a bed; you’re investing in your well-being, and getting it right is essential.

As sleep specialists with deep expertise in both markets, we’re here to bring clarity to the confusion. This definitive guide is designed to eliminate the guesswork. Inside, you’ll find our simple comparison chart that translates every size, from a UK Double to a Portuguese Casal. We’ll give you the confidence to purchase the correct premium mattress and bed, ensuring you can finally achieve that peaceful night’s sleep you deserve. Let us help you make your next bed purchase a seamless, stress-free experience and start sleeping like royalty in your Portuguese home.

Why Are UK and Portuguese Bed Sizes Different? The Basics Explained

If you’ve recently moved to the Algarve and find yourself puzzled by mattress dimensions, let us reassure you: you’re not imagining things. UK and Portuguese bed sizes are indeed different, a common hurdle for expats seeking the perfect night’s sleep. The fundamental reason lies in their systems of measurement. The UK traditionally uses the imperial system (feet and inches), leading to specific centimetre conversions, while Portugal and the rest of Europe work with standard metric sizes.

This discrepancy isn’t just about the numbers; it extends to the names we use for them, creating a trap for the unwary buyer. This is a common issue across Europe, as a quick look at the list of Standard International Bed Sizes reveals. Understanding the key differences between uk bed sizes Portugal standards is the first step to investing in the right premium mattress for your new home.

The Naming Trap: King vs. King

The most frequent point of confusion for British expats is the term ‘King Size’. In the UK, a standard King bed is 150cm wide. However, in Portugal, a bed labelled ‘King Size’ is typically a much more generous 180cm wide—what the British would call a Super King. The popular 160cm wide bed, a size not standard in the UK, is often referred to here as a ‘Queen Size’ or ‘Casal Grande’. Mistaking one for the other is an easy, and potentially costly, error.

Quick Look: A Simple Comparison Table

To help you visualise the differences instantly, we’ve created this straightforward comparison guide. Use it to find the closest match for your existing UK bedding or to select the correct size for a new, handmade bed frame. As sleep specialists, we always recommend measuring twice to ensure a perfect fit.

The Definitive UK vs. Portugal Bed Size Conversion Chart

This chart is the heart of our guide. As sleep specialists with deep expertise in both the UK and Portuguese markets, we’ve designed this quick-reference comparison to eliminate confusion and help you make a confident choice. Understanding the key differences between uk bed sizes Portugal offers is the first step to securing a perfect night’s sleep in your new home. While some dimensions seem similar, a few centimetres can make all the difference, especially when it comes to your premium bedding.

Single & Small Beds: For Kids or Guest Rooms

Ideal for children’s rooms, compact spaces, or welcoming guests, single beds show an immediate difference in length between the UK and Portugal. The extra 10cm in a standard Portuguese single provides welcome room for taller guests or growing teens.

• UK Single: 90 x 190cm | 3’0″ x 6’3″
• Portuguese Single (Solteiro): 90 x 200cm
• UK Small Double: 120 x 190cm | 4’0″ x 6’3″
• Portuguese ‘Corpo e meio’: ~120 x 200cm (A longer equivalent, perfect for a luxurious single sleeper)

Double Beds: The Standard Couple’s Choice

This is arguably the most critical size difference for expats to note. The standard Portuguese double is both wider and longer than its UK counterpart, which has a significant impact on buying bed linen.

• UK Double: 135 x 190cm | 4’6″ x 6’3″
• Portuguese Double (Casal): 140 x 200cm

That 5cm width difference is crucial. While a UK flat sheet might work, a UK-sized fitted sheet will be impossibly tight on a Portuguese ‘Casal’ mattress. While official UK Bed Size Standards are rigid, European sizes offer that little bit of extra space you’ll quickly come to appreciate.

King & Super King: For Master Bedroom Luxury

When it comes to creating your master bedroom sanctuary, the larger sizes offer more space and luxury. Interestingly, this is where the names can get confusing but the dimensions can sometimes align perfectly.

• UK King: 150 x 200cm | 5’0″ x 6’6″
• Portuguese Queen: 160 x 200cm (The closest equivalent, offering a welcome 10cm of extra width)
• UK Super King: 180 x 200cm | 6’0″ x 6’6″
• Portuguese King: 180 x 200cm (Often identical to the UK Super King, making this an easy and luxurious transition)

The Bedding Dilemma: Will Your UK Linens Fit a Portuguese Bed?

You’ve navigated the world of mattress dimensions and finally chosen the perfect bed for your new home in Portugal. But a new, often overlooked, challenge awaits: finding bedding that fits. This practical hurdle is a common frustration for expats, turning the simple act of making a bed into a daily struggle. While some of your UK linens might adapt, others will prove completely incompatible, disrupting your quest for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Fitted Sheets: The Biggest Challenge

The fitted sheet is where the size difference becomes a real problem. A standard UK Double mattress is 135cm wide, while its Portuguese equivalent is 140cm. While 5cm may not sound like much, it’s enough to make a UK fitted sheet virtually unusable on a Portuguese bed. The tension will be far too high, causing the corners to constantly pop off. This issue is compounded by modern, deeper mattresses; if your mattress is over 25cm deep, even a correctly-sized sheet needs extra depth to ensure a snug, secure fit.

Flat Sheets, Duvets, and Pillows

Other bedding items offer more flexibility, but compromises are often necessary.

• Flat Sheets: A UK flat sheet can be used on a slightly larger Portuguese bed, but you’ll be left with less fabric to tuck in at the sides. This can lead to a less tidy look and the sheet coming loose during the night.
• Duvets & Covers: Duvet sizes also vary. A UK King duvet (230x220cm) will fit into a common Portuguese King cover (240x220cm), but it may shift around inside. These subtle differences are why the National Bed Federation in the UK and European manufacturers follow distinct sizing conventions.
• Pillows: Pillowcases are perhaps the most noticeable difference, with the UK favouring rectangular pillows and Portugal, like much of Europe, often using large square pillows.

Your Bedding Solution: Buy UK Standard in Portugal

As sleep specialists, we believe achieving premium comfort should be effortless. The simplest way to eliminate the bedding dilemma is to purchase a UK-standard sized bed here in Portugal. This solves the compatibility problem instantly. By matching your mattress to the linen sizes you know, you can continue to buy from your favourite UK brands online or use the beautiful bedding you already own. The challenge of finding compatible linens for the different uk bed sizes portugal offers is completely avoided, ensuring a perfect fit and a flawless finish for your bedroom sanctuary.

Ready to simplify your sleep setup? We stock a full range of UK bed sizes right here in the Algarve.

How to Buy a Bed in Portugal: A 3-Step Expat Guide

Understanding the sizing differences is the first step, but now it’s time for the solution. Purchasing a new bed for your home in Portugal should be an exciting experience, not a source of stress. By following this simple, memorable checklist, you can navigate any showroom with confidence and ensure you invest in the perfect foundation for a luxurious night’s sleep. This is your blueprint for getting it right the first time.

Step 1: Measure in Centimetres (cm)

Before you do anything else, leave feet and inches behind. The entire European continent, including Portugal, operates on the metric system. To avoid confusion, measure everything in centimetres. This includes:

• Your bedroom space: Note the maximum length and width you can accommodate.
• Your existing bed base: If you are only replacing the mattress, measure the internal frame where the mattress sits precisely.
• Your headboard: Ensure your new bed base will align correctly with any existing headboard fittings.

Write these numbers down. Having a clear dimension, such as “I need a mattress for a 160 x 200 cm base,” is the essential first step to a successful purchase.

Step 2: Ignore the Names, Use the Numbers

This is the single most important tip to avoid costly errors. As we’ve established, a UK ‘King’ is not the same as a Portuguese ‘King Size’. The naming conventions are simply too inconsistent to be reliable. The language of numbers, however, is universal.

Walk into a shop and ask for a “150 by 200” (cento e cinquenta por duzentos) mattress, not a ‘King’. Providing exact dimensions eliminates all ambiguity and protects you from buying a mattress that is too big or small. This simple shift in communication is the key to bridging the gap between the different standards for uk bed sizes portugal.

Step 3: Consult a Specialist Who Understands Both Worlds

While following the steps above will empower you to shop smartly, the ultimate peace of mind comes from expert guidance. A retailer with deep experience in both the UK and Portuguese markets can act as your personal translator, ensuring your expectations for comfort, quality, and size are perfectly met without compromise.

This is where a sleep specialist like Bennetts Bedrooms becomes your greatest asset. With decades of experience serving the expatriate community in the Algarve, we understand the premium quality you expect from UK brands and know exactly how to match it with the correct European sizing. Our team eliminates the guesswork, providing a seamless and reassuring service from selection to installation. Contact our experts today to find the perfect bed for your Portuguese home and start your journey to better sleep.

Your Algarve Solution: Bennetts Bedrooms for UK Bed Sizes

Navigating the differences between continental and British measurements can be frustrating, but finding perfect UK bed sizes in Portugal doesn’t have to end in compromise. As the Algarve’s dedicated sleep specialists with deep roots in both the UK and Portugal, we have built our business around solving this exact problem for the expatriate community. Forget the hassle of international shipping or the expense of replacing all your favourite bedding—the solution is right here on your doorstep.

We Speak Your Language (and Your Bed Size)

At Bennetts Bedrooms, we eliminate the guesswork. Our Almancil showroom is stocked with a comprehensive collection of beds and mattresses in standard UK sizes, from a Single to a Super King. We are proud to be exclusive suppliers of premium, handmade British brands like Relyon and Dunlopillo, ensuring you receive the quality and comfort you’re accustomed to. This means you can:

• Keep your existing UK bedding: Your fitted sheets, duvets, and pillows will fit perfectly.
• Avoid costly import fees: Purchase directly in the Algarve without the logistical headaches.
• Invest in familiar quality: Enjoy the craftsmanship of NBF-approved brands you know and trust.

Custom Solutions for Unique Portuguese Properties

We understand that the charm of a traditional Portuguese villa or renovated townhouse can sometimes come with non-standard room dimensions. If a standard size won’t quite fit, our team excels at creating bespoke solutions. We offer a made-to-measure service for both bed frames and mattresses, allowing us to craft a premium sleep system tailored precisely to your unique space. Your dream home deserves a dream bed, and we can build one to fit perfectly.

Expert Advice, Delivery, and Installation

As true Sleep Specialists, our commitment to your comfort extends far beyond the showroom. Our knowledgeable team provides personalised advice to help you find the ideal mattress for your needs. Once you’ve chosen, our professional in-house team ensures a seamless experience with fast delivery and full installation across the Algarve. We’ll set up your new bed in your room of choice, leaving you with nothing to do but prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Ready to find the perfect fit? Visit our showroom or browse our UK-sized beds online to sleep like royalty.

From Confusion to Comfort: Your UK Bed Solution in Portugal

Navigating your new life in Portugal should be exciting, not stressful—and that includes getting a great night’s sleep. As we’ve highlighted, the main challenge for expats is understanding the distinct differences between uk bed sizes portugal. This discrepancy not only causes confusion when buying a new bed but can also render your favourite UK bedding useless on a standard Portuguese frame.

Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on the comfort and quality you’re accustomed to. At Bennetts Bedrooms, we bridge the gap. As dedicated UK & Portugal Sleep Specialists, we are the official stockist for premium, handmade UK brands, bringing the familiar sizing and superior craftsmanship you trust directly to your home in the Algarve. We even offer custom sizes made to order, guaranteeing a perfect, luxurious fit.

Stop letting bed size differences keep you from your best rest. It’s time to sleep like royalty. Find your perfect UK-sized bed in Portugal today.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK & Portuguese Bed Sizes

What is a UK double bed called in Portugal?

A standard UK double bed (135x190cm) doesn’t have an exact equivalent. The closest Portuguese size is a cama de casal, which is slightly wider at 140x190cm or 140x200cm. While your UK double mattress will fit on a 140cm base, there will be a small gap. For a perfect fit and a seamless look, we recommend purchasing a complete Portuguese casal bed and mattress set to ensure ultimate comfort and support for a perfect night’s sleep.

Can I use my UK King size duvet on a Portuguese Queen size bed?

Yes, you can, but the fit will be different. A UK King bed is 150x200cm, while a Portuguese Queen is wider at 160x200cm. Your UK King duvet will cover the bed, but you’ll have 5cm less overhang on each side compared to a standard Portuguese Queen duvet. For a more generous and luxurious drape over the sides of your bed, you may prefer to invest in a new, correctly sized European duvet for that premium hotel feel.

Are IKEA bed sizes in Portugal the same as in the UK?

Yes, they are. IKEA uses standardised European sizing across all its stores, which simplifies things considerably. An IKEA double bed purchased in Portugal will be 140x200cm, the same size as an IKEA double bed from a UK store. This consistency makes IKEA a familiar option, though specialist bed retailers offer a wider range of handmade, premium quality mattresses in these standard European dimensions for a superior night’s sleep.

What’s the most common bed size for couples in Portugal?

The most popular bed size for couples in Portugal is the 160x200cm, often referred to as a Queen size. While the 140x200cm (cama de casal) is still found, especially in older properties or smaller rooms, the 160cm width has become the modern standard. It provides ample space and comfort for two people, making it the preferred choice for master bedrooms in new homes and apartments across the country, ensuring a peaceful, undisturbed rest.

Where can I buy a UK Super King (180x200cm) bed in the Algarve?

The UK Super King size of 180x200cm is a standard and popular European size, readily available in Portugal. As sleep specialists in the Algarve, Bennetts Bedrooms offers an extensive collection of luxury handmade beds and mattresses in this dimension. We understand the specific nuances of uk bed sizes portugal and provide expert advice, along with professional delivery and installation, ensuring you can find the premium quality bed you’re accustomed to, right here on your doorstep.

Is it better to ship my bed from the UK to Portugal?

While it might seem convenient, shipping a bed can be costly, often running from €400 to over €700, with risks of damage during transit. You also have to manage the complex logistics yourself. Purchasing locally from a specialist retailer eliminates these hassles. You benefit from expert advice, professional installation, a full warranty, and access to premium beds designed for the local climate, often making it a more stress-free and valuable solution in the long run.