Black Friday 2026 Beds UK: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a bed, confirm the UK size in centimetres, because European and US sizes differ and the frame is often larger than the mattress. Measure the room and the route up the stairs. Then choose a frame type for the storage you need, and check who assembles it and how it arrives.

UK bed sizes in centimetres

UK bed sizes describe the mattress, not the frame, so the name alone does not tell you how much floor space you need. Silentnight gives these standard UK measurements:

European sizes differ. Silentnight lists a European double at 140 x 200 cm and a European king at 160 x 200 cm, so a mattress bought for one will not fit the other neatly. Check the listing’s centimetres, particularly on a frame from an international brand.

Bed frame types and storage

Frame type decides both the look of a bed and how much it can store. Divans are a base with a mattress on top, and many include drawers. Ottoman beds lift to reveal storage across the whole base. Upholstered frames add a soft headboard and sides, while wood and metal frames are often more open underneath.

Storage needs some clearance. Measure the space around the bed so drawers can open fully, and check the lift height on an ottoman if the bed sits under a window or a sloping ceiling.

Silentnight notes that wood and metal frames often extend beyond the mattress. Read the outer dimensions in the listing rather than the mattress size, and allow room to walk around the bed and make it.

Beds to compare

Check the frame size against your mattress and the room. The links below split listings by frame type.

Shop beds→

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• SingleBrowse →
• DoubleBrowse →
• KingBrowse →
• Super kingBrowse →
• OttomanBrowse →
• DivanBrowse →

Delivery and assembly for a new bed

Bed delivery needs as much planning as the choice of frame. Measure doorways, stairs and any tight turns against the largest boxed part, since a one-piece divan base is hard to manoeuvre. Check whether the base splits into two, which is common on larger sizes.

Assembly is the next question. Ask whether the bed arrives flat-packed, who puts it together, and which tools you need. Slatted frames also vary in slat spacing, so check that the maker’s mattress guidance suits your mattress.

Fire safety labels on upholstered beds

Fire safety labels apply to more than sofas. Business Companion says the rules on upholstered furniture cover beds and divans, though some requirements are relaxed or varied for mattresses and bed bases, and that used furniture must meet the same standards as new. Ask for a photo of the fire label on any used upholstered bed.

Used beds and returns

Used beds are easier to buy than used mattresses, because a frame can be cleaned and checked. Ask for photos of the joints, slats and any storage mechanism, and confirm that all the bolts come with it. Citizens Advice says online purchases from a business usually carry a 14-day cooling-off period, but made-to-measure items and those from private individuals are not covered.

More in the mattresses and bedding department.