🇪🇺 European Bed Sizes Revealed: This Might Surprise You (And Save Your Sleep)
Planning a trip to Europe or buying a bed abroad? This is your all-in-one guide to understanding EU bed sizes, how they differ from U.S. standards, and what to expect in each European country. With dimensions in both cm and inches, BedSize.com has you covered.
📏 How European Bed Sizes Work
European beds are sized by the mattress dimensions in centimeters (cm). Here’s an overview of the most common EU mattress sizes:
| Bed Name | EU Size (cm) (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in) | Standard for solo sleepers |
| Small Double (French) | 140 × 200 cm (55.1 × 78.7 in) | Cozy for two, ideal for one |
| Double (Queen EU) | 160 × 200 cm (63 × 78.7 in) | Most common for couples |
| King | 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in) | Popular in hotels and homes |
| Super King | 200 × 200 cm (78.7 × 78.7 in) | Found in luxury suites |
🇪🇺 Bed Sizes by Country (with Inches)
🇩🇪 Germany
- Common: 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in), 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 🧺 Quirk: Couples often sleep on two separate mattresses in a shared bed frame, each with their own duvet.
🇫🇷 France
- Common: 140 × 190 cm (55.1 × 74.8 in), 160 × 200 cm (63 × 78.7 in)
- 🛏️ Quirk: “Lit double” often refers to a smaller double bed, narrower than a Queen.
🇮🇹 Italy
- Common: 160 × 190 cm (63 × 74.8 in), 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 📏 Quirk: Older beds may be shorter, especially in vintage hotels or historic homes.
🇪🇸 Spain
- Common: 135 × 190 cm (53.1 × 74.8 in), 150 × 200 cm (59 × 78.7 in)
- 💤 Quirk: Spanish Queen beds are often narrower than their EU counterparts.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
- Common: 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in), 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 🦶 Quirk: Dutch beds are often longer, with many mattresses measuring 210 or 220 cm (82.6 or 86.6 in).
🇸🇪 Sweden
- Common: 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in), 160 × 200 cm (63 × 78.7 in), 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 🔗 Quirk: Double beds often consist of two singles joined together.
🇩🇰 Denmark
- Common: 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in), 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in)
- ⚙️ Quirk: Adjustable bases and high-end comfort systems are common.
🇳🇴 Norway
- Common: 75–90 × 200 cm (29.5–35.4 × 78.7 in), 150–180 × 200 cm (59–70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 🧭 Quirk: Some sizes like 120 cm (47.2 in) are more popular than in other countries.
🇫🇮 Finland
- Common: 80–90 × 200 cm (31.5–35.4 × 78.7 in), 160–180 × 200 cm (63–70.9 × 78.7 in)
- 📦 Quirk: Beds often include built-in storage or adjustable frames.
🇪🇺 vs 🇺🇸 Bed Size Comparison
| U.S. Name | Inches | Closest EU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 × 75 in | 90 × 190 cm (35.4 × 74.8 in) |
| Twin XL | 38 × 80 in | 90 × 200 cm (35.4 × 78.7 in) |
| Full (Double) | 54 × 75 in | 120–140 × 190–200 cm |
| Queen | 60 × 80 in | 160 × 200 cm (63 × 78.7 in) |
| King | 76 × 80 in | 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in) |
| California King | 72 × 84 in | 200 × 200 cm (78.7 × 78.7 in) |
🔍 Key Differences:
- 🇺🇸 Beds tend to be shorter but wider.
- 🇪🇺 Standard length is 200 cm (78.7 in).
- U.S. “King” ≠ EU “King” — names overlap, but sizes differ.
💡 Pro Tips & Quirks (EU Edition)
✅ Booking Hotels in Europe
- Always check actual dimensions, especially for “Queen” or “Double” beds.
- Two twins = one King: If you see 2 single beds pushed together, they may slide apart during sleep. Ask for a topper or shared mattress.
- In some regions, a “Double” may only be 120 or 140 cm wide (47.2 or 55.1 in).
🛒 Shopping for EU Beds
- Duvets and sheets follow metric sizes — bring a tape measure!
- Pillow sizes vary — many use square pillows (65 × 65 cm / 25.6 × 25.6 in).
- European mattresses often come in firm, medium, and split-comfort options.
🧳 General Quirks
- Some countries (France, Italy) have shorter beds at just 190 cm (74.8 in) long.
- In Northern Europe (Netherlands, Sweden), longer mattresses (210–220 cm) are common.
- Bed frames often match mattress size exactly — no extra border.
📐 Common Mattress Lengths in Europe
| Length (cm) | Inches | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 190 cm | 74.8 in | Southern Europe, older hotels |
| 200 cm | 78.7 in | Standard across the EU |
| 210–220 cm | 82.6–86.6 in | Northern Europe, tall sleepers |
🏁 Summary: What You Need to Know
- EU bed sizes are in cm (inches shown here too), with 200 cm (78.7 in) as the norm for length.
- 180 × 200 cm (70.9 × 78.7 in) = standard King in Europe.
- Names like “Queen” or “Double” vary wildly — always check the actual size.
- Watch for quirks: twin beds pushed together, shorter beds, and metric bedding.