A Quick Guide to Double Bedding Measurements

Shopping for new bedding should be exciting, but it often feels like a bit of a puzzle. Let's clear up the confusion. What many people internationally call a full size bed is known here in the UK simply as a standard double. It's an incredibly popular size, and getting to grips with its measurements is the first step to creating a perfectly made, comfortable bed.

Your Quick Guide to UK Double Bedding

The secret to a bed that looks inviting and feels even better is all in the fit. Your journey to a perfect bed starts with the foundation, which is your mattress.

A standard UK double mattress measures 135 cm wide by 190 cm long. These dimensions have made it one of the most common choices for couples and solo sleepers alike. It strikes a great balance between comfort and practicality for most British bedrooms.

Its popularity is great news for you, as it means you will find an enormous variety of bedding styles to choose from. For a deeper dive into how bed sizes compare globally, the guide on international bed size standards is a helpful resource. Keeping these core measurements in mind is key to ensuring your sheets, duvets, and protectors all fit together perfectly.

UK Double (Full Size) Bedding at a Glance

To make things even easier, here is a quick reference chart with the typical measurements you will find when shopping for double bedding in the UK.

Remember, these are the standard sizes you will find from most UK retailers. Always check the specific product dimensions, especially for the depth of fitted sheets, to guarantee a flawless fit.

Getting to Grips with Your Double Mattress Dimensions

Before you choose your beautiful new bedding, you need to know your mattress measurements. This is the secret to getting sheets that fit snugly and a bed that always looks impeccably made. In the UK, a standard double mattress measures 135 cm wide by 190 cm long.

But there is one more crucial measurement, its depth. Modern mattresses, from luxurious pillow tops to advanced memory foam options like the Clean Design Home® Rainey Street™ mattress, can have a surprisingly wide range of thicknesses. This single measurement will determine whether your fitted sheets ping off the corners or stay put.

How to Measure Your Mattress Correctly

It is a straightforward job. Simply grab a tape measure and note down the three key dimensions.

• Width: Measure from one side to the other.
• Length: Measure from the head to the foot of the bed.
• Depth: This is the most important one. Measure from the bottom seam right up to the very highest point of the mattress surface.

Taking a moment to get these three numbers right is the best way to guarantee a perfect fit and avoid the frustration of ill fitting bedding. If you are looking for more details on how these measurements apply to other bed sizes, our complete guide to bedding size dimensions provides a comprehensive overview.

Choosing the Right Duvet for Your Double Bed

A duvet is all about keeping you warm and comfortable, which is why it is always designed to be larger than your mattress. For a standard UK double bed, the go to duvet size is 200 x 200 cm. This square shape gives you a generous amount of overhang on both sides and at the foot of the bed.

That extra fabric makes all the difference. It stops cold spots and draughts from waking you up and, perhaps most importantly, helps prevent any arguments over who has more of the covers. Getting this part of your bedding right is key to a good night's sleep.

Going a Size Up for Extra Luxury

If you really love that plush, 'sink in' feeling, you might consider sizing up. Putting a king size duvet (225 x 220 cm) on your double bed is a brilliant way to achieve a more luxurious, hotel style look with an elegant drape.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you are weighing up the options, our guide on how to choose the right duvet and bedding inserts has more practical advice to help you decide.

Getting the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Bed Sheets

When you are trying to create a truly inviting and well kept bed, the fit of your sheets is everything. We have all been there, wrestling with a fitted sheet that keeps pinging off the corners. That is why getting the measurements right from the start is so important.

For a standard double bed, you are working with a mattress that is 135 x 190 cm. But for fitted sheets, the most critical measurement is actually the depth of your mattress. Always look for the ‘box depth’ on the packaging to make sure it can accommodate your mattress thickness, especially if you have a deep or pillow top mattress. A generous depth allows the sheet to tuck securely underneath, staying put all night.

Flat Sheets for That Crisp, Hotel Look

If you love that crisp, tucked in feeling you get in a hotel, a flat sheet is essential. A standard double flat sheet is typically around 230 x 260 cm, giving you plenty of fabric to work with. This extra material is key to creating those neat hospital corners and ensuring the sheet stays securely tucked in.

Of course, a perfect fit is only half the story. To get that truly luxurious feel, the fabric itself plays a massive role. You can learn more by reading our guide on the best material for bed sheets to find the perfect match for your sleep style.

A Guide to Pillowcase and Accessory Sizes

When it comes to dressing your bed, the details are what truly elevate it from merely functional to a beautifully styled centrepiece. Pillowcases, in particular, play a crucial part in this transformation. In the UK, you will generally come across two primary styles that work perfectly for a double bed.

First, you have the standard ‘Housewife’ pillowcase. This is the one most of us are familiar with, designed to fit a standard pillow snugly. It typically measures 50 x 75 cm.

For something a bit more decorative, there is the ‘Oxford’ pillowcase. It has the same internal dimensions (50 x 75 cm) but is distinguished by a wide, stitched border or flange around the edge. This simple detail adds a touch of classic elegance and makes the bed look more 'dressed'.

Of course, other accessories like bed runners and valances can add that final layer of colour and texture. While their sizes can vary quite a bit between manufacturers, getting the pillowcases right is a fundamental step toward creating a polished and inviting bed. If you are keen to explore more decorative pillow coverings, our guide on what is a pillow sham is a great next step for styling your bed to perfection.

Comparing UK Double and International Bed Sizes

When you are shopping for bedding online, especially from international brands, it is easy to get caught out by different sizing standards. To avoid any costly mistakes, it helps to get familiar with the key differences between a standard UK double bed and its international cousins, like the EU double or the US full size.

While the names sound almost identical, their dimensions are often anything but. You might find a European double mattress is a bit longer, while a US full can have slightly different width and length measurements. Knowing these subtle variations means you can shop with confidence, ensuring that beautiful bedding you have ordered from a global retailer will actually fit your UK bed.

If you are curious about how larger international sizes compare, our guide to the king size bedsheet size in cm offers even more detail.

International Double Bed Size Comparison

Here is a quick reference table to help you visualise the main differences at a glance.

As you can see, the differences might seem small, but they are significant enough to affect the fit of fitted sheets and duvets. Always double check the exact measurements before you buy.

The infographic below outlines the dimensions for standard UK pillowcases, including the simple Housewife style and the more decorative Oxford.

It is clear that both pillowcase styles share the same internal dimensions. The only real difference is the elegant decorative border found on the Oxford style, which adds a touch of classic flair.

Common Questions About Double Bedding

Even when you have all the measurements sorted, a few questions tend to crop up when you are about to buy new bedding. Nailing these final details is the key to a bed that not only looks fantastic but feels incredibly comfortable too.

A question I hear all the time is whether you can use bedding from a larger size, like a king duvet on a double bed. The answer is yes, you absolutely can. This has become a really popular way to get that luxurious, hotel style drape. It gives you loads of extra coverage, which is perfect for stopping any nightly tugs of war over the covers.

Will My Bedding Shrink After Washing?

Shrinkage is another very practical concern. It is a fact that most natural fibres, like cotton or linen, will shrink a bit after their first wash, usually by around 2 to 5%. Do not worry, though. Good manufacturers always factor this in, so your new bedding should still fit perfectly. To keep shrinkage to a minimum, stick to a cooler wash cycle and try not to over dry it in the tumble dryer.

It is quite fascinating to see how much our beds have grown over the years. Back in the early 20th century, the standard UK double bed was a lot smaller than what we are used to now. Today’s more generous double bedding dimensions are a clear reflection of our modern desire for greater space and comfort. You can actually read more about how UK bed sizes have changed throughout history at sloomy.co.uk.

At Morgan and Reid, we believe the perfect bed starts with the perfect comforter. Explore our collection of irresistibly soft Snuggle Comforters to find the ideal match for your home at https://www.morganandreid.com.