New Zealand Bed Sizes 2025: The No-Guesswork Guide to Fit, Flow & Comfort
We’ve helped thousands of NZ customers upsize (or downsize) their beds. The wins are simple: exact sizing, realistic room clearance, and the right mattress–frame pairing. The pitfalls? Mixing international sizes, ignoring door swings, and overestimating what a small room can hold. This guide gives you the numbers and the rules we actually use on the shop floor.
Why size matters (beyond comfort)
- Circulation & safety: If you can’t walk both sides without turning sideways, the room will feel cramped and daily tasks become a chore.
- Storage planning: A 15 cm wider frame can kill your chance to use a tall dresser or a gas-lift bed with safe opening clearance.
- Long-term compatibility: NZ sizes differ from some overseas specs. Mixing standards is the #1 cause of poor fit and warranty issues.
Official NZ bed size chart (metric & imperial)
| NZ Standard Size | Metric (cm) | Imperial (in) | Typical Mattress Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 | 36 × 74 | 20–30 cm | Kids / Guest rooms |
| King Single | 107 × 203 | 42 × 80 | 20–30 cm | Taller teens / Solo adults |
| Double | 138 × 188 | 54 × 74 | 22–32 cm | Compact couples |
| Queen | 153 × 203 | 60 × 80 | 25–35 cm | NZ standard for couples |
| King | 168 × 203 | 66 × 80 | 25–35 cm | Co-sleepers / Pets on bed |
| Super King | 183 × 203 | 72 × 80 | 28–40 cm | Large rooms / Luxury comfort |
| California King (rare) | 203 × 203 | 80 × 80 | 30–40 cm | Custom homes / Very tall sleepers |
Reality check: Manufacturers allow small tolerances (±1–2 cm). Always measure the actual item if you’re pairing across brands.
Room planning rules we actually use
| Bed Size | Minimum Room Width | Walkway Clearance | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | ≥ 2.0 m | ~45 cm side | Use slim bedside tables; keep wardrobe swing clear |
| Double | ≥ 2.4 m | ~55 cm | Consider a dresser instead of two wide bedside tables |
| Queen | ≥ 2.6 m | ~60 cm | Sweet spot for most NZ homes—balance comfort vs flow |
| King | ≥ 2.8 m | ~60–70 cm | Check door swings & heat pump airflow before committing |
| Super King | ≥ 3.2 m | ≥ 70 cm | Plan for two side tables and a tall storage unit |
Mattress–frame fit tolerance (avoid squeaks & scuffing)
- Tolerance: allow ~1–2 cm play between mattress and side rails. Too tight = friction & fabric wear. Too loose = drift & squeaks.
- Depth matters: very tall mattresses (≥ 35 cm) can sit proud of side rails and reduce headboard stability.
- Gas-lift note: keep total load reasonable. Ultra-heavy foam mattresses make the lift sluggish and age struts faster.
Quick check: With the mattress centred, you should be able to slide two fingers down each side—no force, no pinch.
The 7-step measuring protocol (how we avoid returns)
- Measure room envelope: length × width, then mark the bed footprint with painter’s tape.
- Mark walkways: aim for 55–60 cm on at least one side (both sides if possible).
- Check door swings: entry door, wardrobe doors, and drawers. Ensure they don’t clash with corners.
- Confirm headboard height: watch window sills, switches, and sloped ceilings.
- Measure the route in: stairs, landings, and tight corners for delivery. Frames are easier than solid bases.
- Match standards: stick to NZ sizes across mattress, frame, and bedding.
- Think storage: if the room is < 9 m², prioritise a gas-lift bed over deep bedside tables.
Common mistakes we see—and how to fix them
- Buying to the wall, not the walkway: You fit the frame, then discover you can’t change sheets without contortions. Fix: size down or move storage vertical (tallboy).
- Mixing regions: Importing a mattress spec’d to another market and expecting a perfect fit. Fix: verify exact dimensions in cm.
- Over-thick mattresses: They can overwhelm low headboards and stress gas-lift mechanisms. Fix: aim for 25–30 cm height with pocket-spring/hybrid builds.
- Ignoring delivery path: Stairwell turns defeat rigid bases. Fix: choose flat-pack frames and assemble in room.
Bedding & accessory compatibility (sheets, duvets, headboards)
| Bed Size | Fitted Sheet (cm) | Duvet/Comforter (cm) | Headboard Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | 138 × 188 × (35–40 depth) | ~180 × 210 | Low/medium profiles keep rooms feeling open |
| Queen | 153 × 203 × (40–45 depth) | ~210 × 210 | Most flexible—pairs with almost any style |
| King | 168 × 203 × (40–50 depth) | ~245 × 210 | Watch wall lights and window sills for width |
| Super King | 183 × 203 × (45–50 depth) | ~265 × 210 | Allow generous side clearance for symmetry |
Numbers above are common retail practices in NZ; always check the label. Deep mattresses need deeper fitted sheets.
Recommended ranges & bundles
Shop Bed Frames (NZ sizes)
True-to-spec NZ dimensions. Flat-pack friendly for tight stairwells.
Shop Mattresses
Breathable pocket-spring & hybrid builds—ideal heights for modern frames.
Gas-Lift Storage Beds
Up to ~800–900 L of sealed under-bed storage for small rooms.
Want a zero-regret setup?
FAQ
Are NZ sizes the same as overseas sizes?
Not always. Many countries share similar labels (e.g., “Queen”), but the centimetres can differ. Always verify the exact dimensions in cm before pairing across brands.
What’s the most popular size in NZ?
Queen is the default for most couples because it balances usable width with workable room layouts in typical NZ homes.
How much clearance do I need around the bed?
Aim for ~60 cm where you’ll walk most often. If that’s not possible on both sides, prioritise one side and keep the other serviceable.
Do gas-lift beds change the sizing?
No—the mattress footprint is the same. You just need to ensure safe opening clearance at the foot and avoid heavy all-foam mattresses that slow the lift.
