Advice

Bed & mattress buying guides

Straight answers on UK bed sizes, divan vs ottoman beds, choosing a mattress, headboard heights and upholstery fabrics — from the Berkshire & Rowe team.

UK bed sizes: dimensions in cm, feet and inchesThere are six standard UK bed sizes: small single 75 × 190 cm (2ft 6in), single 90 × 190 cm (3ft), small double 120 × 190 cm (4ft), double 135 × 190 cm (4ft 6in), king 150 × 200 cm (5ft) and super king 180 × 200 cm (6ft).

Divan vs ottoman beds: which should you choose?Choose an ottoman bed if you want the most storage: the whole base lifts on gas struts to reveal a storage well the size of the bed.

How to choose a mattress: springs, foam and firmnessPick the mattress type first, then the firmness.

Headboard heights explained: 20" strutted vs 54" floor standingA 20" (about 51 cm) strutted headboard bolts to the divan base on two metal struts and is the standard choice.

Plush velvet, crushed velvet, chenille or Naples? Choosing a bed fabricChoose plush velvet for a soft, rich sheen; crushed velvet for texture that catches the light and hides marks; chenille for a soft, matte, woven feel; and Naples for a broad palette of versatile neutrals.