Remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Craving a nap, Goldilocks checked out the Bear Family beds for a perfect fit. One bed was too small, another too big, but the third was just right.
In real life, choosing the perfect bed size is much the same—it’s about finding the balance between practicality, comfort and personal preferences. Whether you’re furnishing a master bedroom, setting up a guest room or trying to choose the best bed size for your kids, understanding New Zealand’s bed sizes will help you to find a sleeping platform that feels “just right.”
How to choose the right bed size for you
When choosing a new bed, here are the size-related things you need to think about:
- Room size: Ensure your new bed will fit comfortably in your room with enough space to move around. It’s always smart to measure the available floor area before you go shopping.
- Sleeping habits: Are you a solo sleeper who likes to spread out or do you share your bed with a night-time wriggler? Couples often prefer extra-large beds for added comfort.
- Future-proofing: Thinking ahead can save money in the long run. If you’re in a serious relationship that could become live-in or you’re buying for a fast-growing child, choose the size that considers future needs.
- Comfort preferences: Some people feel cosier in smaller beds; others enjoy the luxury of extra space. If you like to sleep starfish style, bigger is always better. If you have small children who like to sneak into your bed in the middle of the night, a paddock-size bed is an advantage.
New Zealand bed size chart
Here’s a helpful guide to New Zealand bed sizes. This table is also useful when you’re buying bed linen, especially when it comes from overseas. Standard bed sizes vary between countries (more about this below).
| Standard single | 92 x 188cm |
| Long Single | 92 x 203cm |
| King Single | 107 x 203cm |
| Standard Double | 138 x 188cm |
| Long Double | 138 x 203cm |
| Queen | 153 x 203cm |
| King | 167 x 203cm |
| Super King | 183 x 203cm |
| California King | 203 x 203cm |
How other countries’ bed sizes differ from New Zealand
It seems the world can’t agree on mattress sizes. In the UK a King Size bed is 150 x 200cm; in the USA they have a Texas King bed that’s 203 x 249cm and an Alaskan King that’s 274 x 274cm; and in Europe a single mattress is 90 x 200cm. Australian mattress sizes are also a little different to New Zealand, although their Queen and King Single sizes are the same as ours.
TIP: If you’re buying bed linen that’s imported from another country, always read the measurements carefully to ensure it will fit your New Zealand-standard bed.
Best bed size for a guest room
For versatility and comfort, twin king single beds are a smart choice for guest rooms. The beds can be used separately for individual guests or pushed together to create a luxurious California king for couples. This setup provides flexibility without compromising on comfort.
If your guest bedroom can’t easily accommodate twin king singles, a queen-size bed might be a good choice. Or you could consider a trundle bed with a king single top mattress and a standard single trundle mattress. The trundle bed will have fold-out legs, so it will end up the same height as the top mattress – and then you can make it up like an extra-wide king bed. An advantage of the trundle system is that the underneath bed can be easily moved to anywhere in the house at busy times like Christmas.
What size bed to choose for children
Quality sleep is hugely important for little humans. Once a child no longer needs to be in a cot, moving into a real bed is a major milestone that requires careful planning. Here are the three formats that most New Zealand families consider:
King single: A king single bed is a logical choice for children. It offers more length and width than a standard single, providing comfort and space as they grow into their teenage years. This size reduces the need for frequent upgrades and ensures your kids are set up for good sleeping.
Bunk beds: Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with small houses and multiple children. They also solve the sleepover challenge, with the guest usually taking the top bunk. Bunk beds can sometimes be separated into two single beds as children grow. The Charlie Bunk Bed by Dreamland offers single-over-single bunk, as well as single-over-double bunk. Check it out here at Taupo beds.
Trundle beds: Another versatile choice is a trundle bed, which features an additional pull-out bed beneath the main frame. The extra bed is handy for sleepovers and doesn’t take up extra space when not in use. A great example of the bed-under-a-bed concept is the Liverpool trundle bed, which is available through a network of independent furniture stores.
Choosing beds for Airbnb use
Comfortable beds is the number one requirement for Airbnb accommodation and Kiwi baches that are rented out, so don’t be tempted to cut corners with used or bargain mattresses.
If you want five-star feedback, investing in quality mattresses and bedding ensures guests sleep well, boosting satisfaction and encouraging repeat bookings. A good night’s sleep can transform a stay from average to exceptional.
To attract more guests, aim for beds with versatility. Twin king singles can be split or joined, and trundle beds offer extra sleeping space without crowding a room. Flexible options make your property suitable for couples, families and groups, maximising your booking potential.
Check out our article about how to choose the right mattress for your age and stage.
Do more research by reading what mattress should I buy?
