The design of a bedroom depends largely on the choice of bed. The bed can be intended for an adult, a child, or even a guest. Although there are standard bed sizes for each type of bed—from a crib to a double bed, including a single bed—there are no set rules when it comes to choosing a specific bed size.
The ideal size of a bed varies greatly from person to person. For example, adults and children have different bedding needs, but within each of these categories, the size of the bedroom, the sleeper’s body type, and their need for space will also influence the size to consider. So, how do you choose the right bed size? Let’s take a look at the different sizes typically available on the market.
Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Right Bed Size
As a general rule, it is recommended to choose a mattress that is 15 to 20 cm wider than the sleeper’s height to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. Heavier individuals or those who move around a lot at night should therefore opt for a wider bed, provided that the available space in the room allows for it, since the standard recommendation to avoid injury is to leave at least 60 cm of clearance on each side of the bed.
Standard bed sizes vary by country. While the standard dimensions for a double bed in France are 140x190 cm, they are 150x190 cm in Spain and 170x190 cm in Italy. Traditional German bedding, on the other hand, consists of two box springs measuring 90x200 or 100x200 cm. Americans, for their part, think big: these days in the United States, the standard bed is a king size measuring 193x203 cm.
Standard Dimensions of Cradles and Cribs
There are different types of bedding for babies, but experts recommend using a crib for newborns. Depending on the model and brand, cribs can measure 40x80 cm or 40x90 cm. They have the advantage of creating a cocoon in which the infant—who spent nine months nestled in his or her mother’s womb—will feel safe.
Starting at 6 months old, it’s time to move up to a baby bed. There’s a wide variety of designs and styles available. The traditional crib is the most common, but depending on individual needs, a convertible bed or a playhouse-style bed might be more suitable. The standard size for a crib is 60x120 cm, but this may vary depending on the manufacturer of specialized bedding. Parents who want to use a crib without first using a bassinet can use a crib insert, which adapts to the infant’s size until the child is old enough for this type of bed.
Junior Bed or Single Bed: Choosing the Right Size for Children's Beds
When your baby outgrows their crib, starts climbing the rails, or wants more independence, it’s time to think about switching to a new bed. This transition usually happens between 18 months and 2 years of age, but sometimes later, depending on the child. Most parents then choose a toddler bed, which typically measures 70x140 cm. It’s worth noting, however, that junior beds, which measure around 70x160 cm, are more durable in the long run.
Some parents decide not to invest in this transitional bed and instead have their child sleep directly in a full-size bed—a single bed with standard dimensions of 90x190 cm or 90x200 cm. However, toddlers may feel overwhelmed by these beds, which seem disproportionately large compared to their small size. To prevent them from feeling scared, don’t hesitate to tuck them in and place pillows around them to make the space feel more contained and reassure them. Removable bed rails should be installed to reduce the risk of falling.
The double bed, the traditional size for a two-person bed for adults
Single beds are increasingly being relegated to children’s and teenagers’ bedrooms. The 1.5-person bed, which measures 120 cm wide by 190 cm long, remains relatively uncommon. It’s clear that these days, an adult bed is necessarily a double bed, with standard dimensions of 140x190 cm or 140x200 cm.
Choosing an adult bed requires careful consideration, and the height of the bed is also a key factor, especially if the sleeper has back problems or mobility issues. On average, a bed set—consisting of legs, a box spring, and a mattress—places the sleeping surface 50 or 55 cm above the floor. You can adjust this height by changing the bed legs or choosing a thicker mattress.
Queen-size and king-size: the oversized dimensions of extra-large beds
Once reserved for large hotels and luxury rooms, XL and XXL beds are becoming increasingly common in homes. Known for providing a better night’s sleep, they meet the needs of couples seeking comfort, as well as those who are tall or larger in build. The queen-size bed, which measures 160x200 cm, is on its way to becoming the new standard due to its growing popularity.
A king-size bed also offers numerous advantages, as it provides a truly regal sleeping space with its extra-large dimensions of 180x200 cm or even 200x200 cm. It accommodates all body types and allows for true sleeping independence, unaffected by the constant nighttime movements of sleepers. It’s worth noting that there is an even larger bed size—the super king size—which measures approximately 240x240 cm, although it is less common in France.
The Art of Choosing the Right Size for a Guest Bed for 1 or 2 People
Whether it’s a sleeper sofa, chaise longue, armchair, fold-out bed, or air mattress, guest beds generally meet the same size criteria as standard beds for one or two people. It’s primarily the frame and the folding mechanism that will help you make an informed choice, but you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of comfort—both when sitting and sleeping—as well as the quality of the materials used.
Finally, it is recommended to choose natural fibers for both environmental and health reasons. Among the ideal materials for upholstery fabrics are:
- flax;
- organic cotton;
- coconut fiber;
- Natural latex, especially for sofa or mattress filling, because it provides good support and plenty of comfort.
Custom-made beds and non-standard sizes
Most beds are rectangular or square, such as king-size beds, but there is another shape that stands out for its originality: the round bed. Round mattresses range in diameter from 210 cm for a single sleeper to 220 cm or 240 cm for couples. It’s not uncommon for owners of beds with unusual or unique dimensions to have to turn to custom mattress manufacturers to find the right fit.
In the baby bed category, a new type of bed has made a big splash: the co-sleeping bed. It features removable slats on one side of the sleeping area that attach to the parents’ bed, a proximity that provides comfort to parents when their baby wakes up at night, while ensuring the infant’s safety. This type of baby bed generally comes in standard sizes of 40x80 cm or 40x90 cm.
We recommend these other pages: