European Size Bed Frames: What You Need to Know

If a standard UK double has always felt just slightly too short, or you're working with a European mattress you'd rather not replace, there's a straightforward solution: a European size bed frame. More people are looking for them than you might expect - whether they're taller than average, moving from the continent, or simply want a bit more sleeping space without going up a full UK size category. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

What Is a European Size Bed Frame?

A European size bed follows the metric sizing conventions used across most of continental Europe, rather than the slightly different dimensions used as standard in the UK.

The most common European bed sizes are:

• European Single: 90 × 200 cm
• European Small Double: 120 × 200 cm
• European Double: 140 × 200 cm
• European King: 160 × 200 cm
• European Super King: 180 × 200 cm

See our handy European & UK Bed Size Comparison table below.

The key difference is the length. UK standard beds are typically 190 cm long; European beds are 200 cm. That extra 10 cm might not sound like much, but if you're six feet or more in height, it makes a noticeable difference to how comfortable you feel at night.

The widths are also slightly different to their UK equivalents. A UK double is 135 cm wide; a European double is 140 cm. A UK king is 150 cm; a European king is 160 cm. These aren't dramatic differences, but they do mean you'll need a European-size mattress to match - which is the first practical thing to think about.

Who Actually Needs a European Size Bed?

Taller sleepers are the most obvious group. If you're six feet or more, a standard UK bed leaves little room between your feet and the end of the frame - and a few months in, that starts to matter. A 200 cm bed gives you a more comfortable margin.

People moving from mainland Europe often find that their existing mattresses and bedding follow European sizing. Rather than replacing everything, it can make sense to find a bed frame that matches what you already have.

Anyone wanting a little more space without moving up to the next UK size category can also benefit. A European double at 140 cm wide sits between the UK double (135 cm) and UK king (150 cm) - useful if a standard double feels cramped but a full king seems like too much.

The Nodax European size bed frame collection has all the main European dimensions in solid pine, so it's worth browsing if any of those three apply to you.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Will your mattress fit a European bed frame?

A European bed frame requires a European-size mattress. A standard UK mattress won't fit properly, and a poor fit affects both comfort and how the frame performs over time.

If you already own a European-size mattress - perhaps from a previous home abroad - check the label for exact dimensions before ordering a frame.

One thing worth knowing: IKEA UK focuses on UK-size mattresses rather than European ones, so if you've been searching for 'IKEA size beds' and wondering whether they match European frames, the answer is that in most cases they won't. European-size mattresses are available from specialist UK bedding retailers, though the range is narrower than for standard UK sizes.

Will a European size bed fit in your bedroom?

A European king at 160 × 200 cm needs more floor space than a UK king at 150 × 200 cm, and the 200 cm length of any European frame runs longer than you might be used to.

Before ordering, measure your room carefully - leave at least 60–70 cm on each side where possible, and check that doors and wardrobes open freely once the frame is in place.

Is solid wood worth it for a larger frame?

For a bigger bed, the build quality of the frame matters more, not less. Larger frames put more stress on joints and fixings over time, which is where solid wood has a clear advantage over MDF or chipboard: it holds its structure, doesn't flex or creak the way laminated board can, and takes fixings far more reliably across years of use.

All Nodax European size frames are built from solid pine with a 10-year guarantee, and the larger sizes carry a weight limit of up to 400 kg. And if you need extra strength, the F8 Sirius extra strong range is also available in European dimensions.

Where Can You Buy European Size Beds in the UK?

European size bed frames are less widely stocked than UK standard sizes - you'll find a better selection online than in most high street shops. IKEA stocks European size frames, though their frames are typically made from engineered wood rather than solid timber.

For a solid pine European size frame with UK-based customer support and a 10-year guarantee, Nodax's European size collection is one of the few dedicated options.

The F1 Aurora bed frame in European size is usually available for next-day despatch on eligible orders, and most of our other European size frames are made to order, so allow 3–4 weeks for delivery. With 6,500+ customer reviews and a 4.9/5 average rating, there's genuine reassurance to draw on before committing to a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a European double the same as a UK double?
  
  No - a UK double is 135 × 190 cm; while a European double is 140 × 200 cm. The European version is 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer, which means a UK mattress won't fit a European frame properly. Always match your frame and mattress to the same sizing system.
  
  
• What's the difference between a UK king size bed and a European king size?
  
  A UK king is 150 × 190 cm; a European king is 160 × 200 cm. The European king is 10 cm wider and 10 cm longer, giving you noticeably more sleeping space - roughly the difference between a UK king and super king in terms of width gain. You'll need a European king mattress to fit a European king frame; a UK king mattress won't fit properly.
  
  
• Will my IKEA mattress fit a European bed frame?

  Most likely not, if the mattress was bought in the UK. IKEA UK focuses on UK-size mattresses rather than European sizes, so if you've been searching for 'IKEA size beds', it's worth measuring your mattress carefully before ordering a European frame. If you bought a mattress from IKEA while living in mainland Europe, the sizing may be different - always check the label. For a European size bed frame, you'll need to source a European-size mattress from a specialist UK bedding retailer.
  

• What bed size is best for tall people?

  Any European size frame is worth considering for taller sleepers, since all European sizes are 200 cm long rather than the 190 cm standard in UK single, small double and double sizes. That extra 10 cm makes a real difference if you're six feet or more in height. The European double (140 × 200 cm) and European king (160 × 200 cm) offer both the extra length and a generous sleeping width.
  

• Do European size beds come with storage options?

  Yes - some European size frames are available with underbed storage drawers, which is worth considering if storage space is a priority. Nodax offers a selection of European size frames that can be paired with our matching underbed storage drawers, making good use of the space beneath the bed without taking up any extra floor area.

Is a European Size Bed the Right Choice?

If standard UK sizing has always felt just slightly too short, or you're working with a European mattress you'd rather not replace, a European size bed frame is a practical and straightforward answer. The differences in dimension are modest but meaningful - particularly that extra 10 cm in length.

Nodax's European size solid pine bed frames start from an affordable price point, come with a 10-year guarantee and are available in a range of finishes - including 65 eco-colour options if you'd like something other than standard finishes. Browse the full collection and find the size and finish that suits your room.