Emperor vs Large Emperor Beds: What Designers Need to Know

Oversized beds can create an impressive focal point in a luxury bedroom, but terms such as Emperor, Large Emperor and 7ft bed are not always used consistently.

For an interior designer, that can create problems later in a project. A bed frame may be described as an Emperor, while the mattress, fitted sheet, duvet and duvet cover all use slightly different dimensions.

The safest approach is therefore never to specify bedding from the bed name alone.

Instead, confirm the actual mattress measurements and then choose the bedding around those dimensions.

What Size Is an Emperor Bed?

One commonly used Emperor mattress size is approximately:

200 × 200cm

This creates a square sleeping surface significantly wider than a standard UK Super King.

However, the term Emperor is also sometimes used more broadly for beds approaching 7ft in width. This is one of the reasons it is important to work from actual measurements rather than relying solely on the product name.

What Size Is a Large Emperor Bed?

A Large Emperor mattress is commonly around:

215 × 215cm

This is approximately 7ft square and provides a particularly generous sleeping area.

You may also encounter mattresses measuring approximately:

215 × 200cm

These are around 7ft wide but slightly shorter than a fully square 215 × 215cm Large Emperor mattress.

Because manufacturers and retailers do not always use identical terminology, designers should record the precise mattress dimensions in the project specification.

Emperor vs Large Emperor at a Glance

These sizes are useful as a guide, but the physical mattress should always be checked before bedding is ordered.

If you are specifying an oversized bed for a project, you can browse our full Emperor bedding range for 200 × 200cm beds, including fitted sheets, duvet covers and other coordinating bedding. For larger 7ft beds, including 215 × 200cm and 215 × 215cm mattresses, see our Large Emperor bedding range. Both ranges are designed to make it easier to source correctly proportioned bedding for these less common bed sizes.

Why the Difference Matters to Interior Designers

A 15cm difference in mattress width or length may not sound particularly significant on paper, but it can have a major effect on fitted bedding.

A fitted sheet manufactured for a 200 × 200cm mattress will not fit a 215 × 215cm mattress correctly.

Likewise, using an oversized sheet in an attempt to cover both sizes can result in excess fabric, loose corners and a less polished finish.

For a high-end interior project, bespoke or correctly sized bedding gives the bed the clean, tailored appearance expected from the wider scheme.

Measure the Mattress Rather Than the Bed Frame

Upholstered Emperor beds can have substantial side rails, headboards and footboards, making the overall bed frame considerably larger than the mattress itself.

For fitted sheets, measure the mattress:

• Width
• Length
• Depth

Do not measure from the outside edges of the upholstered frame.

If the mattress includes a topper, include this when measuring the total depth.

For more advice on beds of this type, see our guide to Bespoke Bedding for Upholstered Beds.

Mattress Depth Is Just as Important as Width and Length

Large luxury beds frequently use premium mattresses with generous fillings, pillow-top construction or separate mattress toppers.

This can create a much deeper finished mattress than standard bedding is designed to accommodate.

For example, two mattresses could both measure 200 × 200cm but require very different fitted sheets if one is 25cm deep and the other is 45cm deep.

The fitted sheet therefore needs to be specified using all three measurements:

Width × Length × Depth

What Size Duvet Should Be Used on an Emperor Bed?

The duvet does not necessarily need to match the mattress dimensions.

In fact, using a duvet substantially wider than the mattress is normally preferable because it allows the duvet to fall attractively down each side of the bed.

A typical Emperor duvet may measure approximately:

290 × 235cm

This provides considerably more width than the mattress itself.

However, designers should consider the appearance they want to achieve rather than choosing a duvet size solely from the bed name.

Factors include:

• How much side drop is required
• The height of the mattress
• The height of the bed from the floor
• Whether the bed has substantial upholstered side rails
• Whether a footboard restricts the duvet
• Whether the bed is being styled with a relaxed or more tailored finish

Large Emperor Beds May Need Even More Generous Bedding

On a 215cm-wide mattress, a duvet that works well on a 200cm Emperor may create less side coverage than the designer intended.

This is particularly noticeable on tall upholstered beds where the duvet needs enough visual weight to balance the size of the frame.

For some projects, a bespoke duvet and matching duvet cover can therefore provide a better result than selecting the nearest standard size.

Don't Assume a '7ft Bed' Is 7ft Square

This is another common source of confusion.

A bed described as 7ft may refer primarily to its width.

For example, you may encounter a mattress approximately:

215 × 200cm

rather than:

215 × 215cm

The difference is important when ordering fitted sheets and mattress protectors because these products need to follow the mattress length closely.

Specify Mattress Protectors at the Same Time

If a bespoke fitted sheet is required, it is sensible to check the mattress protector dimensions at the same point in the project.

Using an incorrectly sized protector beneath a perfectly fitted sheet can still create excess fabric, movement and unevenness across the mattress.

For high-value mattresses, particularly in luxury residential projects, correctly sized protection is also important for preserving the mattress itself.

Record the Final Size in the Project Schedule

Rather than recording simply:

Emperor bed

we recommend recording something like:

Mattress: 215 × 215 × 40cm

This removes ambiguity for the designer, client, bedding manufacturer and anyone responsible for future replacement orders.

It is especially valuable on projects containing several non-standard beds.

Made-to-Measure Emperor Bedding

Victoria Linen manufactures bedding for Emperor, Large Emperor and other non-standard bed sizes in our UK factory.

We can produce fitted sheets, mattress protectors, duvet covers, flat sheets, pillowcases and valances to suit unusual mattress dimensions and depths.

This includes popular oversized dimensions such as:

• 200 × 200cm
• 215 × 200cm
• 215 × 215cm

If your project involves a different size, bedding can also be made to the actual mattress measurements.

Interior designers can find more information about trade support, fabric samples and bespoke manufacturing on our Interior Designer & Trade Bedding page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Emperor and Large Emperor beds?

An Emperor mattress is commonly around 200 × 200cm, while a Large Emperor may measure approximately 215 × 215cm. However, naming conventions vary, so the physical mattress measurements should always be confirmed.

Is a Large Emperor the same as a 7ft bed?

Often, but not always. A 215cm-wide mattress is approximately 7ft wide, but some 7ft beds measure 215 × 200cm while others measure 215 × 215cm.

Can I use Emperor fitted sheets on a Large Emperor mattress?

No. A fitted sheet designed for a 200 × 200cm mattress will generally be too small for a 215 × 215cm mattress. The sheet should match the actual mattress dimensions and depth.

What size duvet is suitable for an Emperor bed?

A common Emperor duvet size is around 290 × 235cm. The ideal size depends on the mattress width, bed height and desired amount of side drop.

Can bedding be made for non-standard Emperor beds?

Yes. Made-to-measure fitted sheets, duvet covers and other bedding can be manufactured to suit unusual Emperor and oversized mattress dimensions.