A Comprehensive Bed Size Guide in South Africa
Choosing the right bed size is one of the most important parts of buying a new bed. The correct size helps you sleep comfortably, makes better use of your room, and ensures your new bed suits your lifestyle.
At The Bed Centre, we stock a full range of standard bed sizes in South Africa, including extra length options for taller sleepers. Whether you are furnishing a child’s room, upgrading a main bedroom, or shopping for a guest room, this guide will help you compare your options.
If you are ready to browse now, you can view our full range of beds for sale or explore our mattresses for sale.
The Definitive South African Bed Size Guide
| Bed Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single Bed | 91 cm x 188 cm |
| Single XL Bed | 91 cm x 200 cm |
| 3/4 Bed | 107 cm x 188 cm |
| 3/4 XL Bed | 107 cm x 200 cm |
| Double Bed | 137 cm x 188 cm |
| Double XL Bed | 137 cm x 200 cm |
| Queen Bed | 152 cm x 188 cm |
| Queen XL Bed | 152 cm x 200 cm |
| King Bed | 183 cm x 188 cm |
| King XL Bed | 183 cm x 200 cm |
| Super King Bed | 200 cm x 200 cm |
Single Bed Size
A single bed measures 91 cm x 188 cm. This is one of the most practical options for children, teenagers, single adults with limited room space, student accommodation, and guest rooms.
If you need a bed for one person and want to maximise floor space, a single bed is often the right place to start. It works well in smaller bedrooms and can leave enough room for desks, cupboards, or extra storage.
Best for:
- Children
- Teenagers
- Compact bedrooms
- Student accommodation
Single XL Bed Size
A Single XL bed measures 91 cm x 200 cm. It gives you the same width as a standard Single, but with extra length for taller sleepers.
This is a smart option if the room is narrow, but the sleeper needs more legroom. It is especially useful for growing children and teenagers, and taller adults who may outgrow a standard Single length quickly.
Best for:
- Taller children and teenagers
- Narrow rooms
3/4 Bed Size
A 3/4 (three-quarter) bed measures 107 cm x 188 cm. It gives the single person more width than a Single without taking up as much room as a Double.
This makes it a popular choice for older children and adults who sleep alone but need more sleeping space. It also works well in spare rooms where you want a balance between comfort and practicality.
Best for:
- Growing kids
- Single adults
- Guest rooms
3/4 XL Bed Size
A 3/4 XL bed measures 107 cm x 200 cm. It offers the extra width of a standard 3/4 bed with added length for taller sleepers.
If you want more personal space than a Single but still need to keep the footprint fairly compact, a 3/4 XL can be an excellent choice.
Best for:
- Taller teenagers
- Taller single adults
- Compact rooms with extra length
Double Bed Size
A Double bed measures 137 cm x 188 cm. It is a popular choice for couples in smaller bedrooms, as well as single sleepers who want more room to stretch out.
The Double bed can work well in flats, townhouses, guest rooms, and budget-conscious bedroom upgrades. It gives more width than a 3/4 bed while still fitting into rooms where a Queen may feel too large.
Best for:
- Couples in smaller rooms
- Single sleepers who need extra space
- Guest bedrooms
- Smaller main bedrooms
Double XL Bed Size
A Double XL bed measures 137 cm x 200 cm. Same width as a standard Double, but with added extra length.
This is a strong option for taller couples or taller solo sleepers who want more room but do not want to move up to a Queen. It helps solve legroom issues without increasing bed width.
Best for:
- Taller couples in smaller bedrooms
- Taller solo sleepers
- Homes where floor space is limited
Queen Bed Size
A Queen bed measures 152 cm x 188 cm. It is the most popular bed size in South Africa because it gives couples a comfortable amount of space without being too large for many main bedrooms.
The Queen size suits many modern homes and is often the ideal balance between comfort, room fit, and value.
Best for:
- Couples
- Main bedrooms
- Guest suites
- Single sleepers who want luxury space
Queen XL Bed Size
A Queen XL bed measures 152 cm x 200 cm, and it provides extra length for taller sleepers than the standard Queen.
If you like the width of a Queen but need more legroom, this is a very practical upgrade. It works especially well for couples where one or both partners are taller.
Best for:
- Taller couples
- Taller individuals
- Hotels
- Buyers who want Queen width with more length
King Bed Size
A King bed measures 183 cm x 188 cm. It gives couples generous sleeping space and creates it gives a luxurious bedroom feel.
The King is a strong choice for larger rooms, couples who value personal space, and anyone who wants a premium sleep setup. It is especially useful if children occasionally join parents in bed.
Best for:
- Couples wanting maximum space
- Larger bedrooms
- Luxury bedroom upgrades
- Families with young children
King XL Bed Size
A King XL bed measures 183 cm x 200 cm. It combines the width of a standard King with added length, making it ideal for individuals who do not compromise on space.
If room size allows, a King XL offers one of the most comfortable sleep experiences out there.
Best for:
- Spacious main bedrooms
- Premium sleep comfort
- Homes with larger room layouts
Super King Bed Size
A Super King bed measures 200 cm x 200 cm and is a solid square. This is the largest standard bed size available and is designed for maximising your sleeping surface.
The Super King is perfect for large master bedrooms and buyers who want a luxury sleep experience with minimal compromise on comfort and room to move.
Best for:
- Large main bedrooms
- Couples wanting ultimate space
- Luxury homes
- Premium guest suites
Need the mattress only?
You may only need a mattress for your existing base.
You can shop for any of the above sizes in the mattress only here:
How do I choose the right bed size
When comparing bed sizes, think about more than just the cost. The mattress dimensions matter, too.
Things to consider when buying a bed:
- Your room size and walking space
- Whether the sleeper needs extra length (taller people)
- Space for bedside tables and other furniture
- Long-term comfort rather than short-term convenience
If you are unsure which size is right for your room, start by measuring your available floor space and deciding how much movement you want around the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Queen beds are often one of the most popular choices because they offer a strong balance between comfort, room fit, and value for couples and solo sleepers who want more space.
An XL bed is longer than the standard version of the same size and is more suited for taller people. Such individuals literally do not fit in a standard-length bed.
A Single bed is usually the practical choice for children, while a Single XL can work better for taller children or when you want to future-proof for longer use.
Yes. A 3/4 bed will suit a single adult who has limited space and is much more preferable than a Single, but does not have enough room for a Double.
Double beds can work for two people, especially in smaller rooms, but couples who need more sleeping space often go for a Queen or even King.
XL beds are ideal for taller sleepers, growing teenagers, or anyone who wants more legroom without needing to increase the width of the bed.
You should always choose a mattress in the same size as your bed base. For example, a Queen bed base needs a Queen mattress, and a King XL base needs a King XL mattress.
While you can usually choose a mattress smaller than its base, it is not recommended to get a mattress that exceeds the base size for the longevity of the mattress.
The Super King is even larger than a King size and is one of the biggest bed sizes available and is best suited to large bedrooms and buyers who want the ultimate in sleeping space.
