There’s something deceptively simple about buying a double bed — until you realise the same name can mean completely different dimensions depending on where you shop. In Ireland, the standard double bed size is 135 cm wide and 190 cm long (4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in), a measurement shared with the UK but shorter than continental Europe’s 140 cm × 200 cm.

4 related posts

Standard double bed width (Ireland/UK): 135 cm (4 ft 6 in) ·
Standard double bed length (Ireland/UK): 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) ·
European double bed size: 140 cm × 200 cm ·
UK small double bed size: 120 cm × 190 cm ·
Queen bed width (Ireland): 152 cm (5 ft)

Quick snapshot

1Double Bed (Ireland/UK)
2Small Double Bed
3European Double Bed
4Queen Bed (Ireland)

Key facts: double bed dimensions

Six dimensions, one pattern: the width is the only variable among Irish standard beds of the same length.

Label Value
Standard double bed width (Ireland/UK) 135 cm
Standard double bed length (Ireland/UK) 190 cm
European double bed width 140 cm
European double bed length 200 cm
Queen bed width (Ireland) 152 cm
Small double bed width 120 cm

The takeaway: an Irish double and a European double share the same width category, but the extra 10 cm of length on the European version matters for taller sleepers.

What is the size of a double bed in Ireland?

Standard double bed dimensions in Ireland

Double bed size in centimetres vs feet/inches

  • 135 cm = approximately 4 ft 6 in; 190 cm = approximately 6 ft 3 in. For any conversion questions, consult our 36 inches in cm conversion guide.
  • For comparison, a small double is 120 cm (4 ft) wide, and a standard single is 90 cm (3 ft) wide, both at the same 190 cm length (IKEA Ireland).
Bottom line: The Irish/UK double bed is 135×190 cm. For couples with average builds, it offers adequate space; taller individuals should look for a bed at least 200 cm long.

The implication: if you’re buying from a European retailer, the 140×200 cm bed is the closest match — but you’ll need to check whether your mattress base fits the extra length.

Is 140x200cm a double bed?

European double bed (140×200 cm) explained

  • Yes, 140×200 cm is a standard double bed size across much of continental Europe. Mattress specialist FloBeds notes that “double” in Europe typically refers to a width of 140 cm or more.
  • Wikipedia lists 140×200 cm as a common double in many European countries, along with wider variants like 160×200 cm and 180×200 cm.

How European double bed compares to Irish/UK double

  • The European double is 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than the Irish standard.
  • If you buy a European bed frame, your Irish double mattress (135×190) will leave a 5 cm gap on each side and a 10 cm gap at the foot — not ideal.
The catch

Couples ordering 140×200 cm beds from European stores often assume they’re getting a “double” — but they’re actually getting a size that’s longer than the Irish norm. If your room has limited length, that extra 10 cm can make a difference.

Why this matters: 140×200 cm is a better fit for tall sleepers but may not work with standard Irish bedding sets unless you buy European sizes.

Double Bed vs. Queen Bed: what is the difference?

Width and length differences

  • Double bed: 135 cm × 190 cm. Queen bed in Ireland: 152 cm × 190 cm (5 ft × 6 ft 3 in) according to the encyclopedia Wikipedia.
  • The queen is 17 cm wider, offering significantly more shoulder room for each sleeper.

Which one is better for couples?

  • A double bed gives each person roughly 67.5 cm of width — similar to a cot mattress. A queen gives each 76 cm.
  • For couples who share a bed nightly, the queen usually provides greater comfort (DFI Beds).

Three beds, one comparison:

Dimension Double (Ireland/UK) Queen (Ireland) European Double
Width 135 cm (4 ft 6 in) 152 cm (5 ft) 140 cm (4 ft 7 in)
Length 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) 200 cm (6 ft 7 in)
Space per person (for two) ~67.5 cm ~76 cm ~70 cm

The pattern: width is the deciding factor for couples. If you value personal sleeping space, the queen delivers 12 % more width per person compared to a double.

The trade-off

A queen bed costs more and takes up more floor space. For a master bedroom of at least 3 m × 3.5 m, a queen works. For smaller guest rooms, a double may be the smarter choice.

The implication: couples who share a bed nightly will likely find the queen worth the extra space and cost, while those with limited room square footage should stick with a double.

Bottom line: For Irish couples, the queen offers 12% more width per person than a double. But if your room is under 2.7 m × 2.5 m, the double remains the pragmatic choice.

What size duvet fits a double bed?

Standard double duvet size in Ireland/UK

  • A standard double duvet measures 200 cm × 200 cm (approx 79 in × 79 in) according to the encyclopedia Wikipedia.
  • This width (200 cm) generously overhangs a 135 cm wide double mattress, typically 30–35 cm per side.

Duvet sizes for double bed in cm

  • Double duvet: 200×200 cm. Fits both Irish/UK double and European double (140×200) beds reasonably well.
  • A queen-size duvet (225×220 cm) is an alternative if you prefer more overhang.
What to watch

Many online duvet sets are labelled “double” but may differ between brands. Always check the centimetre dimensions on the packaging, especially if you have a longer European double bed.

The upshot: the 200×200 cm duvet is the safe standard for any 135–140 cm wide double mattress in Ireland. For proper maintenance, see our bed sheet changing frequency guide.

What size of bed is 180x200cm?

180×200 cm bed classification

  • 180×200 cm is a super king size bed in Ireland and the UK. IKEA Ireland lists super king at 180×200 cm.
  • Caseys Furniture confirms the typical super king is 180 cm across and 200 cm long.

Is 180×200 cm a king or super king?

  • It is a super king. Note that Irish king-size beds are 150×200 cm, and standard double is 135×190 cm.
  • If you are looking for a “king” and see 180×200 cm listed, it is likely a super king — verify the label.

What this means: 180×200 cm is one of the widest standard bed sizes available, offering each person in a couple 90 cm of space — comparable to having two individual single mattresses side by side.

Upsides

  • Double bed is affordable and fits small rooms
  • Widely available with standardised bedding
  • Light enough to move and assemble

Downsides

  • Narrow for two average adults (67.5 cm per person)
  • Shorter length (190 cm) may not suit tall sleepers
  • Not compatible with European 200 cm long bed frames

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Irish double bed is 135 × 190 cm (Caseys Furniture, IKEA Ireland, DFI Beds)
  • European double bed is 140 × 200 cm (FloBeds, Wikipedia)
  • Small double bed in UK is 120 × 190 cm (IKEA Ireland)

What’s unclear

  • Whether a double bed fits two adults comfortably depends on individual body size and sleeping habits.
  • Exact duvet dimensions can vary slightly between brands despite standard labelling.

Quotes from industry sources

Double bed dimensions in Ireland typically are 135 cm x 190 cm.

— Caseys Furniture

A standard Irish Double bed measures 135 cm × 190 cm (4’6″ × 6’3″).

— DFI Beds

In continental Europe sizes are often referred to by explicit centimetre dimensions rather than names like double or queen.

— US mattress retailer BedInABox

For couples in Ireland choosing between a double and a queen, the decision comes down to floor space and personal comfort. A double is the pragmatic choice for smaller bedrooms, but the queen’s extra width dramatically reduces nighttime disturbance. With the growing availability of European-sized beds online, always verify the actual centimetre measurements before buying — because “double” in centimetres can mean three different things.

For Irish buyers, the advice is clear: measure your room and your partner’s height first, then pick the width. If you can accommodate it, the queen (152 cm wide) is the upgrade that delivers the most sleep comfort per square metre.

Additional sources

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Frequently asked questions

Is a double bed big enough for two people?

It can be, but it’s tight. A double bed gives each person about 67.5 cm of width — less than the width of a standard single cot mattress. Couples who move a lot in their sleep may prefer a queen or king.

What is the difference between a double and a queen bed in Ireland?

A queen bed is 152 cm wide, a double is 135 cm wide. Both are 190 cm long. The queen offers 17 cm more total width, which equates to about 12 % more space per person.

What size is a king bed in Ireland?

A king-size bed in Ireland is 150 cm × 200 cm (5 ft × 6 ft 6 in), according to IKEA Ireland and Caseys Furniture. That is 15 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a standard double.

Are European double beds bigger than UK double beds?

European double beds (140×200 cm) are slightly wider (5 cm) and significantly longer (10 cm) than UK/Irish doubles (135×190 cm). The extra length is especially useful for people over 180 cm tall.

What size duvet do I need for a double bed?

The standard double duvet is 200×200 cm. It works well with both Irish/UK double mattresses and European 140×200 cm beds.

Can I use a double mattress on a queen bed frame?

No — a double mattress (135 cm wide) is much narrower than a queen bed frame (152 cm wide). It will leave 8–9 cm gaps on each side, creating an unsafe edge and an unattractive look.

How much space does a double bed need in a room?

A double bed (135×190 cm) needs a room at least 2.5 m × 2.5 m to allow for bedside tables and walking space. A queen (152×190 cm) requires at least 2.7 m × 2.5 m. Always measure your room before purchasing.