Shopping for a new bed is always exciting, especially if you’re in the market for a king or super king. These sizes take you into luxury territory and feel completely different from sleeping on a standard double. Whether you’re investing in a new mattress for yourself or looking to upgrade the bed in your guestroom, it pays to do your research before deciding.

 

This guide to king vs. super king beds is designed to help you make the best possible purchasing decision. we cover everything you need to know about whether to get a king or super king bed, including important factors such as size, sleeping habits and convenience. We’ll even cover a few cons of both kings and super kings, just to keep the playing field even.

 

What size is a king size bed?

 

How big is a king size bed? One of the most popular mattress sizes for single adults and couples, king beds have impressive dimensions of 150 x 200cm. They’re slightly longer and wider than doubles, which measure 135 x 190cm. This makes king beds ideal for people who want a little extra leg room, or space to stretch out.

 

The pros of a king bed

 

Fits in most standard bedrooms

 

Kings are one of the most popular bed sizes in the UK as they can generally fit comfortably in most standard bedrooms. Even if you live in a compact flat in Central London or a small townhouse in Manchester, chances are your bedroom is large enough to accommodate a king bed. Sure, you might have to sacrifice some space to make the leap from a double to a king. But for many Brits, the comfort factor is well worthwhile.

 

Of course, if you’re upgrading to a bigger mattress, you’ll want to pair your purchase with a larger duvet. Learn more about king duvet cover size and other options in our complete guide.

 

Great upgrade from a standard double

 

While double beds are popular across the UK, the 190cm length makes them unsuitable for anyone taller than around 180cm, or 5ft 11”. There just isn’t enough room and many people find their legs poking off the end. Upgrading to a king size mattress with matching king size bedding doesn’t take up much extra room, but offers an extra 10cm of length, which has a big impact on comfort, especially for taller people.

 

What size is a super king size bed?

 

The “super” prefix takes the concept of a king bed to the next level with an extra 30cm of width. The length stays the same, meaning you’ll enjoy the same generous dimensions of a king bed with extra width for unparalleled comfort.

 

The pros of a super king bed

 

The luxury of extra space

How big is a super king size bed? The enormous 180 x 200cm mattress size is the main benefit if a super king bed. For couples, the extra 30cm of width makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying a sound night’s sleep.

 

A hotel-inspired bedroom

For most people, the luxury of sleeping in a super king bed is reserved for hotels. Treating yourself to a super king mattress is a great way to create a sense of luxury in your own bedroom.

 

Great for growing families

Having the kids pile into your bed on Sunday mornings is one of the joys of parenthood. A super king bed ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone, including furry friends.

 

Supports health 

If you suffer from back pain or other issues that cause sleeping problems, a super king bed could help you enjoy a better night’s sleep. The generous mattress size makes it easier to spread out and relieve pressure points, as opposed to smaller bed sizes that force you to curl up and restrict blood flow. If you find yourself waking up with pins and needles, a super king bed could be just what you need to improve your sleep quality.

 

Extra storage

Choose the right super king bed frame and you can drastically increase storage in your bedroom. A super king bed that’s elevated off the floor can be used to store boxes, suitcases and other bulky items. For a streamlined look, opt for an Ottoman-style super king bed frame with built-in storage.

 

Great for pet owners

If you love to sleep with your pet, a super king bed can be a great way to keep them close without feeling too cramped. They’re a particularly good investment if your pet happens to be a lazy golden retriever or a long-legged whippet that needs lots of room.

 

 

The cons of a super king bed

 

Can make a room feel cramped

Unfortunately, not all bedrooms are designed to accommodate super king beds. The extra 30cm of width can make all the difference when it comes to whether a bed fits comfortably into a room.

 

Requires super king pillows

Upgrade to a super king bed and you’ll generally want to pair it with super king pillows. These are the ultimate in after-dark luxury but can add to the cost of dressing your super king bed. It’s a worthwhile investment though, as standard pillows can often feel lost when places on a super king bed.  

 

Not usually suitable for guestrooms

Super king beds are huge which means they’re often unsuitable for anything but master bedrooms. How wide is a super king size bed? These mattresses are 180cm wide which means you may not be able to move your super king mattress to your guestroom when it’s time to upgrade.

 

Changing linen can be a challenge

Nothing feels more luxurious than sinking into a plush Super King bed. But when it comes to changing the linen, super kings can be a challenge. The extra 30cm of width makes it much harder to secure your fitted sheet, tuck in your flat sheet and insert the duvet. However, with a little practice and a helping hand, you’ll soon learn to master the art of changing a super king sheet set.

 

Other factors to consider for king vs. super king beds

 

Purchasing a new bed or mattress is a big decision. Not only is it a significant financial investment but your decision will also impact your sleep. A good night’s sleep is fundamental to both your physical and mental health, allowing your body to rest and repair and your mind to recharge. Sleep helps support brain function and gives your body the rest it needs to stay healthy and fight off diseases.

 

Room size

What size room do you need for a king bed? A general rule is to opt for a bed to bedroom ratio of 1:3. So, for a king bed your room should be at least 115 square feet. Or around 310cm wide and 345cm long at a minimum. For a super king bed, you’re looking at room dimensions of 125 square feet. This is around 340cm wide and 345cm long.

Ideally, you should have between 24 to 30 inches of space between the bed frame and the walls. This will give you enough space to comfortably walk around both sides of the bed and avoid making your room feel cramped.

 

Factor in furniture

Ideally, you should allow space to place a nightstand on either side of your bed. For most people, a nightstand is a non-negotiable piece of furniture that’s used to stash everything from a glass of water and a book to medications and phone chargers.

You also want to make sure you’re not swamping your room with a bed that’s too large for the space. Placing a super king bed in a room that’s not quite big enough to accommodate the larger mattress size can make the room feel cramped and smaller than it actually is. In terms of aesthetics, a king bed is often a smarter choice, unless you have a generously sized room.

 

Your sleeping habits

Sleeping habits will play a big role in your decision-making process. For many couples, a super king bed offers the freedom to toss and turn all night long, without annoying the other partner. Don’t forget to pair your mattress with a super king size duvet. If conditions like snoring or restless leg syndrome are an issue for you and your partner, a super king bed could help you both enjoy a better night’s sleep.

 

Consider a small super king

If you’re wondering, “should I get a super king size bed or settle for something smaller?” How about a small super king? While kings and super kings are considered standard mattress sizes in the UK, some specialist stores offer a small super king option. This size measures 168 x 200cm, giving you a little more width than a king, without taking up quite as much floorspace as a super king. Small super king bed sheets can also be a great compromise if you opt for a king bed but want a bigger share of the duvet!

Want to know more about what to consider when choosing a king or super king bed? Reach out to the Victoria Linen team today by calling 01706 220020, or email info@victorialinen.co.uk to find out more about your options.