king size bed sizes

firbyfred

I am making a new king size bed out of timber I have bought, but I am unsure how wide to allow for the mattress which I have not bought yet, some sites they are metric (Ikea) 1.50 wide, on others 5' are they all a standard widths? or should I just go to the bigger size ?

moonrakerz

IKEA seem to do bed sizes all to themselves, which means of course that fitted bedding has to be purchased from them.

Standard UK beds & mattresses are:

2 ft 6 small single
3 ft single
4 ft small double
4 ft 6 double
5 ft king
6 ft super king

Have a look at a bed website as well - not IKEA !

ManAtHome

Good point about Ikea - they flog the bases cheap then cop you on the matress and bedding.

I'd probably be checking out the matresses before starting on the base - bit of a bummer finding the 6ft one you like is a grand more than the the 5ft...

dsw_1234

Ikea sells beds to European sizes which are metric and larger than standard British mattress sizes. The Sleep council website has some useful infromation on matresses and beds
http://http://www.sleepcouncil.com/BedAdvice/faqs.cfm#faq7
The biggest diffferences between UK and European bed sizes are with the Double and King Size in Britain these are 135 and 150 cm whilst in Europe they are 140 cm and 160 cm. Given that the standard UK single mattress is36 inches it does seem odd that we only add another 18 inches when going up to a double in this country. THe sleepcouncil recommends you should have the largest bed you can for two adults and don't reccommend a standard double for two adults. THe problem is that modern rooms keep getting smaller so it's increasingly difficult to fit a "decent" sized bed in.

We recently bought a King size bedframe from Ikea but did't really like any of their mattresses. Instead we got a European King size memory foam mattress, which though comfy does get rather hot. Some of our UK sized fitted sheets are a bit tight but other fit no problem . Ikea bedlinen is pretty good, if you like the designs and is generally made out of 100% cotton, rather than nasty easy care polycotton.

imnoexpert_3

I have previously worked as a buyer for a major bed chain and some things to consider are.


Most new mattresses are made to metric sizes nowadays and a standard kingsize mattress would be 150cm wide, one thing to consider is whether the mattress is to sit on the frame ie flush with the sides or whether as with most framed beds it is to sit within a lip to stop it from sliding off.

If you are going to have a lip the ideal clearance all round the mattress is 3cm on all sides, this will ensure that you can tuck sheets etc in but also ensures that the mattress does not Chaffe or rub on the frame with the movement of the mattress, most rejected mattress warranty claims arrise from this friction wear on home built beds that are made to the exact size of the mattress.

What others have said about Ikea is correct and effectively buying a bed and mattress from them ties you to them for any replacement mattress unless you change the bed frame or opt for a special size custom made mattress from a bed retailer.

When sourcing a mattress check out your major retailers but remember most mattress are given different names by individual retailers so as you cannot price match with their competitors, if you find a mattress that you like it is often available cheaper direct from the manufacturer.

good luck with your build.

Tim_Deegan

Under EEC weights and measures regulations manufacturers should quote metric sizes, however most actually still manufacture to the old standard Uk imperial sizes as follows (I have copied and pasted from moorakerz post, then edited it):

2'6" x 6'3" small single
3' x 6'3" single
4' x 6'3" small double
4'6" x 6'3" double
5' x 6'6" king
6' x 6'6" super king


Ikea use continental sizes, and like imnoexpert says, buying from them can mean that you either have to buy replacements from them, or have one specially made. I should point out that I have supplied many mattresses in Ikea sizes to people who need a replacement mattress for an Ikea bed, but who don't want to go back to Ikea due to their quality.

As for buying from major retailers, they often put a 400 to 500% mark up on beds, then have a so called 'Mega Sale', and still sell them for more than many internet sellers.

Many bed manufacturers won't sell direct to the public, which is why you don't tend to find prices on their web sites. Also they don't sell to the public as cheap as they sell to trade, so you can actually find some internet based sellers who sell cheaper than the manufacturer.

One of the best places to find a genuine bargain on mattresses is on ebay. I know that many people are very wary about buying items like beds from ebay. However if you follow a few guidelines then you can save up to 75% on the shop prices:

1) most important of all make sure that the seller gives a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2) check previous feedback for the seller, and even contact previous customers to ask them about the seller.

3) use a company who display their phone number, so that you can talk to someone about your requirements (they want you to make the righ choice because it will cost them if you return it).

4) check the sellers return policy. Many sellers charge for postage on returns.....can work out very expensive if you have unpacked a vacuum packed mattress, and you don't like it.

5) try to use a seller who delivers using their own transport. Couriers often damage or misplace goods (believe me I know from experience).

Obviously you can't try before you buy, but for the saving it is worth the risk if you follow the guidelines above.

vince123

Tim_Deegan wrote: »

Ikea use continental sizes, and like imnoexpert says, buying from them can mean that you either have to buy replacements from them, or have one specially made.

Hi all,
I am just about to face this same dilemma, so just wanted to clarify that you are not stuck with having to buy from Ikea - but can buy from anywhere in EU, which certainly gives us all more choice nowadays, on price and range. :j

Best wishes,

- Vince

Tim_Deegan

vince123 wrote: »

Hi all,
I am just about to face this same dilemma, so just wanted to clarify that you are not stuck with having to buy from Ikea - but can buy from anywhere in EU, which certainly gives us all more choice nowadays, on price and range. :j

Best wishes,

- Vince

Yes you can buy them from anywhere in the EU. However UK mattresses seem to be far superior to continental ones. This is why we sell quite a few beds that are then shipped to holiday homes abroad.

Some UK manufacturers will make continental size mattresses as a special.

vince123

Hi Tim,
I think your answer actually gives away a clue as to who actually buys british beds abroad?

British people with "holiday homes" - of course, as it makes it convenient for linnen already bought in UK. That does not in itself indicate a mark of quality.

Either way, I was just wanting to clarify to people here of the wider choices available for buying beds with EU dimensions.

best wishes,

- Vince

ormus

as far as i know, its usually impossible to buy direct from a manufacturer. and the major retailers have a huge mark up. furniture trade generally works to an average 250% mark up.
some marks ups are enormous.

ebay is as good as any where else for a fairer price.

Tim_Deegan

vince123 wrote: »

Hi Tim,
I think your answer actually gives away a clue as to who actually buys british beds abroad?

British people with "holiday homes" - of course, as it makes it convenient for linnen already bought in UK. That does not in itself indicate a mark of quality.

Either way, I was just wanting to clarify to people here of the wider choices available for buying beds with EU dimensions.

best wishes,

- Vince

Not true I'm afraid Vince.

There are ex pats all over Europe who are exporting beds from the UK simply because people are prepared to pay more than double the price you pay here just to get a decent bed. It would be a bit extreme to pay so much for a bed just to avoid buying new fitted sheets.

The truth is that most beds on the continent are poor quality, and very high price. Here is just one example http://www.bobthebed.com/