The beds are built respecting standard sizes: single, double, large single or "king size" beds. It is advisable to choose a bed that is at least 10 cm longer than the tallest person who will be using it. To make sure you have the right bed for your needs, you can measure the values described in this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measuring a Bed
Step 1. Remove all bedding
You need to make sure you are getting the values accurately from the edges.
Step 2. Get a tape measure
You can ask a friend to help you by holding the tape measure if you can't block the end.
Step 3. Have a pen and a sheet of paper handy for recording your measurements and for future reference data
Step 4. Place one end of the tape measure on the left side of the bed
Stretch the tape measure until you reach the right edge and note the number corresponding to the width.
Step 5. Rest the end of the tape measure at the midpoint of the head edge of the bed
Stretch the tape measure to the midpoint of the edge of the footboard. Note this value which corresponds to the length.
Part 2 of 2: Determine the Bed Size
Step 1. Determine if the small bed is single
Most of these models are 90cm wide, but the minimum size is 80cm. The standard length of a single bed is 190 cm, but it can be up to 200 cm.
- In other countries, these measurements may vary, for example in the United States a standard single bed is 100x190cm in size.
- In university dormitories and hostels, there are often single beds that are 200 cm long; in this case, you have to buy "extra-long" sheets.
- This is the standard size for most bunk beds.
Step 2. If it is at least 140cm wide, it is a one and a half square model
This type of bed should be 190 cm long. In Italy it is not considered a "standard" size, but it is not uncommon to find this type of bed in hotels. In England it is considered "matrimonial".
Although the single bed is suitable for one person, the one and a half bed can be used by a burly individual, two children or two small adults
Step 3. The bed is double if it has a minimum width of 150 cm
The length in this case is at least 200 cm. If the mattress is 213 cm long, you are faced with a non-standard bed, which in the United States is referred to as the "California queen".
- In Italy the double bed is 160 cm wide.
- The mattress market currently offers a great deal of choice and proposes "extra" or "super" double models, which are 170 cm wide and 200 cm long; particularly high or "extra-padded" ones are not uncommon either.
- A double bed is sufficient to comfortably accommodate two adults.
Step 4. Determine if it is king size
If you notice that the mattress is 190 cm wide and 200 cm long, it is undoubtedly a model of this type, which does not fall within Italian standards, but which is instead provided for in Anglo-Saxon countries. However, the globalization of the markets also allows the Italian consumer to buy a king size mattress in almost all specialized stores.
Step 5. Consider other options if your bed or space is even bigger
A mattress defined as "California king" is 180 cm wide and 210 cm long, while the "Grand king" reaches dimensions of 200x250 cm. The "Super king" model is also available in England, which is 180cm wide and 200cm long.
Advice
- If you are looking for a bed for a room based on these measurements, remember that you need to leave 30-60 cm of space on each side, to be able to move easily around the room.
- You should measure the height of the mattress before buying the sheets. For those lined with a padded mat or for those very tall, sheets with particularly large elastic corners may be needed; look for an indication on the label to make sure the linens fit the mattress you purchased.
