🦁 Bed Sizes & Sleep Culture in Africa: The Complete Guide
Africa is incredibly diverse—so are its beds. From compact mattresses in Nairobi to luxurious sleeping setups in Lagos, how people sleep varies wildly by region, economy, and climate.
Here’s your guide to:
- Standard bed sizes across key African countries (in cm + inches)
- Local sleep traditions and modern trends
- Smart shopping tips and fun facts
- Country-by-country quirks that make sleep in Africa unique
📏 Common Bed Sizes in Africa (cm + inches)
| Country / Region | Typical Bed Sizes (cm + inches) | Popular Terms | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 91×188 (36×74), 107×188 (42×74), 137×188 (54×74), 152×188 (60×74), 183×188 (72×74) | Single, Three-Quarter, Double, Queen, King | SA has standardized sizing; length extensions are common |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 90×190 (35×75), 120×190 (47×75), 150×190 (59×75), 180×200 (71×79) | Single, Double, Queen, King | Many beds are custom-made or imported |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | 90×190 (35×75), 120×190 (47×75), 150×190 (59×75) | Single, Double, Queen | Foam mattresses are very common |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 100×200 (39×79), 120×200 (47×79), 160×200 (63×79) | Single, Double, King | Western and local brands both present |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 90×190 (35×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79) | Single, Double, Queen | Custom wood frames are widespread |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 90×190 (35×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79) | Lit simple, Lit double | French sizing influence is visible |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | 90×190 (35×75), 120×190 (47×75), 150×200 (59×79) | Single, Double, Queen | Artisanal and carpenter-made beds common |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | 90×190 (35×75), 137×190 (54×75), 152×200 (60×79) | Single, Double, Queen | Mosquito nets are often built into frames |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 90×190 (35×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79) | Lit une place, Lit deux places | French-style terms still widely used |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | 90×190 (35×75), 120×190 (47×75), 150×190 (59×75) | Single, Double, Queen | Locally-built frames dominate the market |
😴 Sleep Culture Across Africa: Country Highlights
🇿🇦 South Africa
- Beds follow standard British dimensions, but length extensions (200 cm) are popular.
- In winter, electric blankets and heavy duvets are common—even in warmer homes.
- 🦓 Fun Fact: “Three-quarter” size beds (107 cm wide) are a unique South African favorite!
🇳🇬 Nigeria
- Beds are often handmade by carpenters, especially outside major cities.
- Foam is king—affordable, firm, and long-lasting.
- 🎶 Quirk: Some bed ads on radio feature full songs and jingles!
🇰🇪 Kenya
- Sleep setups are often simple and practical—foam mattresses on wood frames.
- Mosquito nets are essential in many areas.
- 🌿 Tip: Ventilated frames and natural fiber bedding help combat humidity.
🇪🇬 Egypt
- Luxury mattress brands are popular in urban Cairo.
- Memory foam and imported styles are gaining ground.
- 🏺 Fun Fact: Traditional raised wooden beds go back centuries—seen even in ancient tombs.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
- Beds tend to be low to the ground, often handmade.
- Urban areas now lean toward box-style mattresses.
- 🍵 Quirk: Some households enjoy coffee in bed during traditional morning ceremonies.
🇲🇦 Morocco
- Beds often double as seating during the day, especially in rural homes.
- Decorative bedding and throw pillows are culturally significant.
- 🐪 Tip: Use lighter layers—many homes lack central AC.
🇬🇭 Ghana
- People love durable foam beds—but cooling tops are becoming popular.
- Upholstered bed frames are a rising trend in cities.
- 💡 Fun Fact: You can order a custom bed frame and matching room decor from the same carpenter!
🇹🇿 Tanzania
- Bed frames are often designed with built-in mosquito net poles.
- Sleepwear is often minimal due to tropical heat.
- 🌴 Quirk: Some people nap in hammocks outside year-round!
🇸🇳 Senegal
- Beds tend to reflect French colonial sizing, especially in older homes.
- Family sleeping is common in some rural areas.
- 🛏️ Tip: Look for locally made orthopedic-style foam beds—they’re budget-friendly and supportive.
🇺🇬 Uganda
- Like many neighbors, handmade frames + foam mattresses are most common.
- Urban homes are adopting memory foam and hybrids.
- 🚚 Fun Fact: Mattresses are delivered by boda bodas (motorbike taxis)!
🛍️ Mattress Shopping Tips for Africa
📐 Measurements Vary
- Many countries follow cm-based sizing, but actual dimensions may differ slightly.
- Always double check dimensions when buying or importing.
🧵 Local Manufacturing is Strong
- Most mattresses and frames are made locally—supporting artisans and lowering prices.
- Expect variation in size and firmness—try before you buy if possible.
🧼 Think Climate
- In hot regions: go for ventilated foam, cotton covers, and slatted wood frames.
- In cooler, highland areas: choose heavier bedding and foam layering.
🦟 Don’t Forget the Net
- Mosquito nets are part of every good sleep setup in many areas.
- Some beds even include built-in netting or frames above for hanging nets.
📍 Coming Soon: Country-Specific Sleep Guides
- [South Africa: From Three-Quarter Beds to Electric Blankets]
- [Nigeria: Foam Mattress Capital of Africa]
- [Kenya: Sleep Smart in East Africa]
- [Ghana: Sleep Traditions & Modern Comfort]
- [Egypt: Ancient Beds to Contemporary Comfort]
✅ Summary
- Bed sizes across Africa vary but are increasingly standardized by cm.
- Foam mattresses dominate across much of the continent for cost and comfort.
- Sleep culture is shaped by climate, family structures, and tradition.
- Local craftsmanship plays a huge role in both frame and mattress production.