EU and IKEA Mattress Sizes Converted to UK
No European size is the same as a UK size below King. The two systems were derived differently — UK widths come from imperial feet, continental widths from round metric numbers — and the standard length differs by 10 cm.
Side by side
| Continental / IKEA | Nearest UK size | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 80 × 200 cm | Small single 75 × 190 | 5 cm narrower, 10 cm shorter |
| 90 × 200 cm | Single 90 × 190 | Same width, 10 cm shorter |
| 120 × 200 cm | Small double 120 × 190 | Same width, 10 cm shorter |
| 140 × 200 cm | Double 135 × 190 | 5 cm narrower, 10 cm shorter |
| 160 × 200 cm | King 150 × 200 | 10 cm narrower, same length |
| 180 × 200 cm | Super king 180 × 200 | Identical |
| 200 × 200 cm | Emperor 200 × 200 | Identical |
Only three sizes actually match: 90 and 120 cm widths (but not the length), and 180 × 200 and 200 × 200 outright.
The 140 × 200 problem
This is the most common one, because it is the standard continental double and the size most imported frames are built for. A UK Double at 135 × 190 dropped into a 140 × 200 frame leaves a 5 cm gap along one side and a 10 cm gap at the foot. Sheets bunch, the mattress creeps down the bed, and the gap at the foot is a genuine trip hazard for anyone getting up in the night.
Buying a 140 × 200 mattress to fit properly means either importing one or having one made. We make 140 × 200 as an ordinary custom size — it is a rectangle, so it costs no more than the equivalent standard size in the same specification.
IKEA specifically
IKEA sells UK sizes in its UK stores and continental sizes elsewhere, and the frames are usually built to the size named on the box. Two things to watch:
- A frame bought abroad, or secondhand from someone who moved, is very likely continental even if the model name is the same.
- Some IKEA slatted bases have an adjustable length. Check whether yours is set to 190 or 200 before you measure.
The model name on the frame is not a reliable guide. Measure the internal opening — see how to measure your bed.
What about bedding?
Fitted sheets are sized to the mattress, so a continental mattress needs continental sheets or deep UK ones with plenty of give. Duvets are a separate system again and the sizes are closer: a UK King duvet at 225 × 220 covers a 160 × 200 continental bed comfortably. Our duvets and bedding are cut to UK sizes.
Common questions
Can I just use a UK King on a 160 × 200 frame?
It will sit in the frame, but 10 cm narrow. On a bed two people share, that is 5 cm off each side and you will feel it at the edge.
Is a continental Single the same as a UK Single?
Same width, 90 cm. Ten centimetres longer. If you are tall, that extra 10 cm is the reason to keep the continental frame and have the mattress made to 90 × 200.
Do you make continental sizes?
Yes. 90 × 200, 120 × 200, 140 × 200 and 160 × 200 are all plain rectangles and go through the configurator like any other size.