🇧🇪 Belgian Bed Sizes & Sleep Culture: Your Complete Guide to Better Sleep in Belgium
Sleep better in Belgium by knowing Belgian bed sizes and sleep culture! Whether you’re spending a weekend in Bruges, a foodie escape in Ghent, or settling down in Brussels, understanding Belgian bed sizes and sleep culture can make your nights more comfortable — and your mornings more refreshed.
Let’s explore what bed dimensions to expect, how Belgians sleep, and how to choose the right sleep setup — at home or in a hotel.
📏 Bed Sizes in Belgium: What You’ll Find
Belgium follows the European metric system, and beds are usually measured in centimeters rather than inches. Here are the most common sizes you’ll come across:
| Bed Name | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (inches) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 200 | 35 x 79 | One adult or child |
| Twin (x2 setup) | 80 x 200 (x2) | 31 x 79 (x2) | Two singles pushed together |
| Double/Full | 140 x 200 | 55 x 79 | Cozy for couples or solo sleepers |
| Queen | 160 x 200 | 63 x 79 | Most popular size for couples |
| King | 180 x 200 | 71 x 79 | Standard in luxury homes & hotels |
| Extra King | 200 x 200 | 79 x 79 | Less common, often custom-order |
💡 Note: It’s very common in Belgium to have two separate single mattresses on a shared bed frame, especially for King-size setups. This is often referred to as a “Belgian King.”
💤 Belgian Sleep Culture: What Makes It Unique?
Belgium’s approach to sleep is rooted in comfort, practicality, and personal space — with a few quirks visitors should know:
- Individual duvets for couples: Just like in Germany and the Netherlands, each person often gets their own single duvet, even in shared beds. It’s cozy, avoids the duvet tug-of-war, and is surprisingly popular.
- Split mattresses: Don’t be surprised if you find two single mattresses side by side, especially in hotels and couples’ bedrooms. It’s intentional — and often preferred for adjustable firmness.
- Late evenings: Belgian culture includes long dinners and late socializing, so bedtime typically falls between 11:00 PM and midnight.
- Quiet is golden: Belgian homes and hotels value quiet sleep environments, often with thick curtains, solid doors, and good insulation.
🏨 Sleeping in Belgian Hotels: What to Expect
Hotels in Belgium vary widely — from centuries-old guesthouses to sleek business hotels. Here’s what to expect when it comes to beds and sleep setups:
🔹 Common setups:
- Twin beds pushed together to make a “double” — common in both mid-range and upscale hotels.
- 140 cm “doubles” in budget hotels — fine for one, tight for two.
- King-size beds with split mattresses — great for couples who like different firmness.
- Softer duvets and fluffy pillows in 4- and 5-star hotels, especially international chains.
🔹 Popular hotel chains in Belgium:
- Ibis, NH Hotels, and Thon Hotels – Standard European sizes, often split beds.
- Van der Valk, Pillows Hotels, Martin’s Hotels – More upscale, with larger beds and customizable pillow menus.
- B&B Hotels, Meininger, and youth hostels – Basic but clean, often 140 cm beds or bunk setups.
See also our Complete Guide to Hotel Bed Sizes and Better Hotel Sleeping in Brussels.
🛍️ Mattress Shopping in Belgium
If you’re buying a bed in Belgium, you’ll most often see:
- 90×200 cm for singles
- 160×200 cm for couples
- 180×200 cm for luxury setups
🛒 Major mattress retailers:
- IKEA Belgium – Affordable and popular with expats
- Auping & Beka – Belgian/Dutch brands focused on comfort and durability
- Sleepworld – Wide range of brands and sizing options
🧠 Tip: Make sure to check whether you’re buying a one-piece mattress or two singles — especially if you prefer one unified surface.
🧳 Pro Tips for Sleeping Better in Belgium
✅ Ask if the bed is one piece or two singles. Great to know before booking a room.
✅ Pack a sleep mask and earplugs — Belgian city centers can be lively, and some older windows don’t fully block out noise.
✅ If you’re tall, some beds are available in 210 cm lengths — just ask!
✅ Prefer one duvet for two? You may need to request it, especially in boutique hotels.
📚 Fun Sleep Facts from Belgium
🐑 Belgians average 7–8 hours of sleep, but many say they wish they got more.
🛏️ Many Belgians believe a firm mattress supports better posture and reduces back pain.
💼 Some high-end hotels offer “pillow menus” or aromatherapy sleep aids as part of the turn-down service.
🔚 Conclusion: Sleep Smart in Belgium
Whether you’re exploring historic cities or getting settled in your new Belgian home, knowing what to expect in bed sizes and sleeping habits will help you sleep smarter. From metric measurements to mattress types and bedding quirks, Belgian sleep culture has comfort at its core.
Up next: our hotel-specific sleep guide to Brussels, where we explore the best beds, neighborhoods for quiet rest, and how to avoid tourist sleep traps.