Have you ever woken up feeling like a sardine squished in a can? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself perpetually nudged to the edge of the bed by a restless sleeper.
If this sounds familiar, it might be time to size up – literally!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about double bed dimensions so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your bedroom.
An Intimate Affair: Who is a Double Bed For?
Before we break down the inches and centimetres, let’s consider who a double bed is best suited for:
- Solo sleepers who like to sprawl out. A double offers more wiggle room than a twin.
- Cozy couples who don’t mind snuggling. Doubles are ideal for romantic Netflix and chill sessions.
- Teens and young adults are transitioning from kid beds to grown-up beds.
- Guest rooms. Doubles can comfortably accommodate visitors.
- Small bedrooms. A double can fit in compact spaces that can’t accommodate larger mattresses.
- Divorced dads with part-time custody. Doubles work well for part-time parent/kid sleepovers.
So, if you want intimate quarters for one or a snug nest for two, a double bed may be a perfect match! But let’s get specific on the dimensions.
How Wide is a Double Bed? Don’t Feel Boxed In
The first measurement to consider is width. Imagine sleeping with your arms stretched out like a zombie. For this starfish sleeping position, how much wiggle room do you need? Here are the key stats:
- The average double bed width is 54 inches (137 cm). That’s about 15 inches wider than a twin bed.
- The width ranges from 53 to 54 inches.
- Anything less than 53 inches can feel cramped.
- Up to 60 inches provides more generous personal space.
So, while 54 inches may sound narrow, it still allows enough room to stretch out without feeling boxed in or claustrophobic. But a few extra inches can improve your comfort if you’re tall or broad-shouldered.
Double Bed Length: From Petite to XL
Now let’s talk length – a crucial factor for people over 5’8″. Here’s how double bed lengths measure up:
- The standard double length is 75 inches (191 cm).
- The double XL length is 80 inches (203 cm). That extra 5 inches helps accommodate taller sleepers.
- The Olympic queen’s length is 66 inches (203 cm). It’s an even longer option for really tall people.
So what if you’re on the shorter side? No problem! Here are options for petite sleepers:
- RV queen length is 75 inches (191 cm).
- The short queen length is 80 inches (191 cm).
Double Bed Size: Total Square Footage
Now that we’ve looked at width and length separately let’s combine them to get the total surface area or square footage:
- Standard double = 54 x 75 inches = 40.5 square feet
- Double XL = 54 x 80 inches = 43 square feet
- Olympic queen = 66 x 80 = 52.8 square feet
As you can see, the double XL offers nearly 15% more space than a standard double. The Olympic queen takes it up another notch.
But in general, doubles range from 40-45 square feet. Compare that to twins at 38 square feet or queens at 60 square feet.
Double Bed Dimensions By Country
It’s also helpful to know double bed sizes by country, as dimensions can vary slightly:
- UK & Ireland: 135 x 190 cm (4 ft 6 in x 6 ft 3 in)
- Australia: 138 x 188 cm (4 ft 6 in x 6 ft 2 in)
- Continental Europe: 140 x 200 cm (4 ft 7 in x 6 ft 7 in)
- New Zealand: 137 x 188 cm (4 ft 6 in x 6 ft 2 in)
- Scandinavia: 140 x 200 cm (4 ft 7 in x 6 ft 7 in)
- North America: 54 x 75 inches (4 ft 6 in x 6 ft 3 in)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the standard dimensions of a double bed?
The standard width of a double bed is 54 inches (137 cm). The standard length is 75 inches (191 cm). So, the total surface area of a standard double bed is 54 x 75 = 40.5 square feet.
How much sleeping space does a double bed provide?
A standard 54-inch wide double bed provides each sleeper with 27 inches of personal sleeping space. The average double bed offers 40.5 to 43 square feet of surface area. This is less spacious than a queen or king bed but more roomy than a twin.
Is a double bed bigger than a twin?
Yes, at 54 inches wide, a double bed is substantially bigger than a twin bed, which is just 38 inches wide. The double’s extra 15 inches of width provides wiggle room for solo sleepers and allows couples to sleep next to each other.
Key Takeaways: Who Should Buy a Double Bed?
- Solo sleepers who want more room than a twin
- Couples who enjoy cozying up together
- Anyone on a budget – doubles cost less than queens
- Sleepers who want a “big kid” bed that’s still space-efficient
- Guest rooms, kids’ rooms, small bedrooms
So, while a double bed may not be spacious, it balances comfort and efficiency. Just be sure to get accurate measurements before you buy, especially if you need extra length. With 54 inches of wiggle room, you can sleep spread out in style without breaking the bank!
