UK Divan Bed Base Sizes: The Complete Dimension Guide
If you've ever measured your bedroom, ordered a "double" bed, and then found the base doesn't quite match the mattress sitting on it, you're not alone. UK bed sizing isn't as standardised as most people assume, and divan bases in particular can vary slightly between manufacturers. This guide breaks down the actual dimensions for every standard UK divan base size, so you know exactly what you're working with before you buy a mattress, a cover, or anything else that needs to fit.
Standard UK divan base sizes
These are the dimensions you'll come across most often when shopping for a UK divan base:
| Size | Centimetres | Feet & Inches (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 91 x 193 cm | 3'0" x 6'4" |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 cm | 4'0" x 6'3" |
| Double | 137 x 193 cm | 4'6" x 6'4" |
| King | 152 x 203 cm | 5'0" x 6'8" |
| Super King | 183 x 203 cm | 6'0" x 6'8" |
King size is worth calling out specifically, since it's the size people search for and get confused about most often. A UK king size divan base measures 152 x 203 cm — noticeably different from a US king, which runs larger. If you've bought furniture or bedding from overseas retailers, this is usually where the mismatch happens.
How tall is a divan bed with a mattress on top?
Width and length tell you whether a base and mattress fit together, but height is what determines how the bed actually feels day to day — how easy it is to get in and out of, and whether it suits the proportions of your room. Divan bed height isn't standardised the way footprint sizes are, since it depends heavily on both the base type and the mattress itself.
As a general guide for UK divan beds:
- Standard divan base (no storage): typically around 30–40cm tall
- Ottoman or storage divan base: often taller, commonly 40–45cm or more, since the mechanism needs internal depth to lift and store
- Mattress depth: varies significantly by type — pocket sprung mattresses often sit around 20–25cm, while memory foam, hybrid or orthopaedic mattresses commonly run 25–30cm or deeper
Put together, a standard divan base with a typical mattress usually comes to somewhere in the region of 55–70cm from floor to the top of the mattress, with storage bases and deeper mattresses pushing that closer to 75cm or more. Adding a mattress topper on top will typically add a further few centimetres.
Total height matters more than people expect: a bed that sits too high can be genuinely awkward to get in and out of, particularly for anyone with reduced mobility, while a bed that sits low can feel cramped in a room with a low ceiling or make fitted sheets and valances sit oddly. If height is a priority, it's worth checking the base and mattress dimensions separately rather than assuming a "standard" bed will suit your needs.
Why your base and mattress might not match exactly
It's a common assumption that a "double base" and a "double mattress" are identical in size, but that's not always true. Some divan bases are manufactured very slightly smaller than the mattress size they're designed to pair with — often by a centimetre or two — to allow the mattress to sit neatly on top without overhanging the edges. This is normal and by design, but it does mean that if you're buying a cover, protector, or valance separately from the mattress, you should measure the base itself rather than assuming it matches your mattress dimensions exactly.
How to measure your divan base correctly
If you're at all unsure which size you have, measuring takes less than a minute:
- Measure the width of the base at its widest point, side to side
- Measure the length from the head end to the foot end
- Measure with the mattress removed if possible, since this gives the true base dimension rather than an estimate based on what's sitting on top
- Round to the nearest whole size in the table above rather than assuming based on the room the bed came from originally
What to do once you know your base size
Divan bases tend to show their age well before the mattress on top of them does — the fabric on the sides fades, marks appear, and the edges wear from years of use. Once you've confirmed your base size, a divan bed base cover is the simplest way to refresh it without replacing the whole bed. Our crushed velvet divan base cover is available in Single, Double, King and Super King, cut to the exact dimensions in the table above, with an elasticated fit that pulls snugly over your existing base in minutes.
FAQs
What size is a UK king size divan base?
A UK king size divan base measures 152 x 203 cm. This differs from a US king size, which is wider, so it's worth double-checking dimensions rather than assuming "king" means the same thing across regions.
Is a divan base the same size as the mattress that goes on it?
Usually very close, but not always identical. Some divan bases are made slightly smaller than their matching mattress size by design, so the mattress sits neatly on top without overhanging. Always measure the base directly if you're buying a cover or accessory separately.
What's the difference between a double and a small double divan base?
A small double measures 120 x 190 cm, while a standard double measures 137 x 193 cm — a difference of 17 cm in width. Small doubles are common in UK properties with slightly smaller bedrooms, so it's worth measuring rather than assuming you have a standard double.
How do I know what size my current divan base is if I don't have the original packaging?
Measure the base directly with a tape measure, width and length, with the mattress removed if possible for the most accurate reading. Then match your measurement to the closest standard size in the table above.
Do all divan base covers fit all bases of the same size?
Covers with elasticated, stretch-fit fabric — like ours — accommodate small variations between manufacturers even within the same named size. If you're between two sizes, sizing up slightly is generally safer than sizing down.
How tall is a divan bed with a mattress on it?
Typically somewhere between 55 and 70cm from floor to the top of the mattress for a standard base and mattress combination, though storage bases and deeper mattresses can push this higher, closer to 75cm or more.
Are storage or ottoman divan bases taller than standard ones?
Generally yes. Ottoman and storage bases need extra internal depth for the lifting mechanism and storage space, so they typically sit taller than a standard, non-storage divan base.
Does adding a mattress topper make the bed noticeably higher?
It adds a modest amount, usually a few centimetres depending on the topper's thickness, rather than a dramatic change to overall bed height.