The Best Bed Size for Couples

Choosing the right bed size as a couple is essential for comfortable, restful sleep. From sleeping styles to room layout, a few practical considerations can make all the difference to your sleep quality and daily life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect size for both you and your space, helping you sleep better together.

Which bed sizes are designed for two people?

While you can squeeze two people into any bed, some sizes are genuinely built with couples in mind, allowing enough room for two adults to sleep comfortably.

• Super King Beds (6ft x 6ft 6in) - Offering an impressive 3ft of personal space each, they give couples plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a luxuriously comfortable night’s sleep.
• King Size Beds (5ft x 6ft 6in) – With 2ft 6in per person, king-size beds provide a generous and supportive sleeping space that still feels roomy for two.
• Double Beds (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in) – Long considered the standard choice for couples, they offer a balanced amount of space that’s cosy without feeling too confined.
• Small Double Beds (4ft x 6ft 3in) – Suitable for two if you prefer a snug sleeping arrangement, though comfort can depend on how much space each partner needs during the night.

The best bed sizes for couples at a glance

Read our bed and mattress size guide for more information on bed dimensions.

How to choose the best bed size as a couple

When choosing a bed size as a couple, there are a few useful tips and considerations that can help make your decision easier.

Consider sleeping positions

Back sleepers generally need less width than side sleepers, who naturally take up more space with their limbs. If one or both of you like to spread out, are stomach sleepers, or change positions throughout the night, factor that in.

An easy way to help you decide is the elbow test - both lie down on your backs with your hands behind your heads. If you can both do this without elbowing each other, the bed is likely a comfortable size for the two of you. If not, you might want to size up. Alternatively, try lying on the bed in the positions you’d usually sleep in - your bed should accommodate how you actually sleep, not just how you think you'll sleep.

Find the right fit for your bodies

Be realistic about the amount of space you each need. Couples where one or both partners are taller or have a larger frame often benefit from extra width, giving plenty of room to stretch out comfortably and ensuring longer limbs aren’t fighting for space during the night.

Factor in movement

A couple with someone who tends to move more during the night may benefit from a larger bed than two naturally still sleepers. It’s all about finding the right setup for comfortable rest. If one of you is prone to tossing and turning, consider a pocket spring mattress, as its excellent motion-isolating properties help minimise disturbance and support a more peaceful night’s sleep for both of you.

Measure your room

That super king might look dreamy in the showroom, but it’s important to make sure it truly fits your space at home. Check that you’ll still be able to open wardrobes, move around the room comfortably and ideally keep at least 60cm of walking space on each side of the bed. Remember to measure doorways, hallways and stairwells too, so your new bed can be delivered with ease. For tight spaces, explore our space-saving bed options like ottoman beds that maximise your room's potential.

Consider storage needs

If you are choosing a bed that will take up the majority of your floor space, think about where your belongings are going to go. If storage is at a premium, storage beds like divan beds with built-in drawers or ottoman beds with lift-up bases can be real game-changers, offering generous hidden space that’s perfect for smaller bedrooms where every centimetre counts.

Alternative sleeping arrangements for couples

• The "sleep divorce" - In our Sleep Survey, over a quarter (27%) reported sleeping better when their partner wasn’t in the bed with them. Whether it’s snoring, different schedules, or just needing space, separate beds (or even rooms) can save your sleep – and your sanity.
• Two singles pushed together – Choose from two completely separate single beds or a zip-and-link setup, letting you combine two singles and sleep together or apart as needed. Many couples love the extra personal space and the freedom to customise each side for their own comfort.

FAQs about bed sizes for couples

How to choose a mattress as a couple

Choosing the right mattress matters just as much as the size of the bed. Make sure to pick the same size as the bed that you have chosen initially, before exploring the different types. Look for a mattress that balances support, comfort, and motion isolation so both of you can sleep undisturbed. Some of the most popular mattresses for couples include:

• Memory foam mattresses mould to your body, reducing pressure points and absorbing movement - perfect if one of you tends to toss and turn.
• Pocket spring mattresses offer individual springs that respond independently, meaning your partner’s movements won’t disturb you, while still giving firm support where needed.
• Hybrid mattressescombine springs with foam layers for a mix of bounce, support, and comfort, making them ideal for couples with different sleeping styles.

If you have different firmness preferences, consider mattresses with dual comfort zones or split options, so each side feels tailored to you. Ultimately, the right mattress will support both your bodies, minimise disturbances, and help you wake up feeling refreshed.

The best bed for couples is the one that leaves you both well-rested. Choose a king or super king for space and taller or restless sleepers, a double for smaller bedrooms or couples who love closeness, and consider alternatives if sleep patterns clash. Your bed should be a space you love – whether that means sprawling solo or snuggling up together, the choice is yours.