US sleeper sizes
Standard US bed sizes are shown alongside typical sleeper mattress sizes. Sleeper mattresses are frequently shorter than a standard bed, often about 72 in (183 cm), so taller sleepers should check the length.
| Name | Standard bed mattress | Typical sleeper mattress | Typical closed sofa width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 × 75 in (97 × 191 cm) | About 33 to 38 × 72 to 75 in | Loveseat or chair, about 55 to 70 in |
| Full (double) | 54 × 75 in (137 × 191 cm) | About 52 to 54 × 72 to 75 in | About 70 to 80 in |
| Queen | 60 × 80 in (152 × 203 cm) | About 60 × 72 to 80 in | About 80 to 90 in |
| King | 76 × 80 in (193 × 203 cm) | Rare as a pull-out; more common in wall beds | About 95 in and up |
European and UK sizes
European sofa beds are usually described by the sleeping area in centimetres. UK sizes use their own names and differ from mainland Europe.
| Description | Typical sleeping area | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| Single (EU) | 80 or 90 × 190 or 200 cm | One |
| Small double / UK small double | 120 × 190 cm | One comfortably, two closely |
| Double (UK) | 135 × 190 cm | Two |
| Double (EU) | 140 × 190 or 200 cm | Two |
| King (UK) | 150 × 200 cm | Two, roomier |
| Large double (EU) | 160 × 200 cm | Two, roomier |
Pull-out sofa beds in Europe often have a sleeping area of 120 or 140 cm wide by 190 cm or a little less. Check the length if anyone using it is over about 180 cm tall.
Closed width versus bed width
A pull-out bed sits between the arms, so the sofa is always wider than the mattress. Thick, padded arms can add 30 cm (12 in) or more. If the space for the sofa is tight, a slim-arm design gives you the widest bed for a given closed width.
Bed height
Pull-out beds sit lower than a normal bed, often around 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) to the top of the mattress. Click-clacks and pull-forward beds are lower still. For older guests, a daybed or a wall bed at normal height is easier to get in and out of.
Bedding that fits
- Fitted sheets for standard beds are often too deep and too long for sleeper mattresses. Look for sheets labelled for sofa beds, or use a flat sheet tucked in.
- A duvet one size up from the mattress hides the frame edges.
- Keep one set of bedding stored with the sofa, so the bed can be made in minutes.
Next: check that the opened bed fits the room with the measuring guide.