Trying to make sense of Australian bedding sizes can feel surprisingly confusing. After all, a 'King' in one country isn't always a 'King' in another. That's why having a straightforward, Aussie-specific chart is so important—it’s the first step to making sure your new sheets, quilt, and mattress all match up perfectly.
Your Quick-Reference Australian Bedding Size Chart
Before you buy anything, it's good to know that Australia uses its own unique set of bed sizes. They're quite different from the measurements you’d find in the US or the UK, though they are pretty similar to New Zealand's standards. Our standard range covers Single, Long Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King, and Super King mattresses. You can learn more about how Australian bed sizes compare to others.
My best advice? Always measure your bed frame and mattress before you even think about buying new linen. Trust me, being off by just a few centimetres is the difference between that perfectly snug fit and a frustratingly loose, bunched-up sheet.
This visual guide is a great way to see how each size works in a real room, from a kid's compact single bed to a spacious king that has room for the whole family.
The infographic really drives home how much bigger a Queen or King is compared to a Single, highlighting why thinking about your room's dimensions is such a crucial part of the decision.
If you're after a complete breakdown of every bedding item, including quilts and pillows, be sure to check out our comprehensive bedding size guide. But for a quick mattress check, the chart below is your go-to for finding the right fit for any bedroom in the house.
Choosing the Right Australian Mattress Size
Moving past the numbers on a bedding size chart, picking the right mattress is really about matching it to your lifestyle, your room, and where you'll be in a few years. A mattress is a long-term investment in your sleep, so it’s worth thinking about how your choice will hold up not just tonight, but for years to come.
For instance, a Double bed (138cm x 188cm) might feel massive for one person, but it can get pretty cramped for a couple. It’s often a much better fit for a guest room or a teenager’s first big bed after graduating from a single.
Matching Size to Sleeper and Space
Thinking about who’s actually going to be sleeping in the bed is the most important step. A growing kid, for example, might get more mileage out of a King Single (107cm x 203cm) than a standard Single, purely because of that extra width and length. For taller people, the 203cm length of a Long Single, Queen, or King is pretty much non-negotiable for a good night's sleep.
The size of your room is a huge factor, too. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 70-80cm of walking space around the sides and foot of the bed. Trying to squeeze a huge King bed into a tiny room is a recipe for a cluttered, awkward space you’ll be stubbing your toes in.
For couples, a Queen mattress (153cm x 203cm) is what most people consider the baseline for comfortable sleep. It gives each person about 76cm of their own space. A King, on the other hand, bumps that up to a luxurious 91.5cm each, which can make a world of difference in cutting down on partner disturbance.
Special Use Cases and Considerations
Some sizes offer clever flexibility. A great example is putting two Long Single mattresses together on one base—it creates the exact dimensions of a King bed. This is the go-to setup for adjustable beds, letting each person control their side independently. As you think about the whole setup, our guide to bedding essentials can help you choose the right accessories.
When you're buying for the little ones in the family, you're juggling a whole different set of needs around safety and support. For anyone navigating that stage, this handy guide to the best crib mattresses for newborns can be a really valuable resource. At the end of the day, the perfect mattress is one that strikes a balance between what feels comfortable right now and what will work for you down the track.
Finding the Perfect Quilt and Doona Cover
Choosing the right quilt—or doona, as we call it in Australia—is about more than just staying warm. It’s a huge part of your bedroom’s style. You might think a Queen quilt is the only choice for a Queen bed, but it's not that simple, and there's a lot more flexibility to get the look you're after.
A classic mistake is buying a doona that's too small, leaving the sides of your mattress awkwardly exposed. To get it right, you need to think about the 'drape'—that’s the amount of quilt that hangs over the sides. A generous drape gives your bed that plush, luxurious look you see in high-end hotels. It’s exactly why interior designers often suggest sizing up.
Achieving a Luxurious Drape
Here’s a popular styling tip: try using a King size quilt (245cm x 210cm) on a Queen size bed. The extra width gives you a much better overhang than a standard Queen quilt (210cm x 210cm), which is especially important with modern mattresses that tend to be much deeper. This one simple switch can make your bed look instantly more inviting and professionally styled.
The golden rule is to always match your quilt insert with its cover. If the sizes are mismatched, the insert will bunch up and slide around, leaving you with a lumpy, uncomfortable mess. So, if you buy a King quilt, make sure you get a King doona cover to go with it.
For a deeper dive into the numbers, our guide on queen size quilt measurements in Australia has all the specifics you need.
Here's a quick reference from our comprehensive bedding size chart that Aussies love:
| Quilt / Doona Size | Dimensions (cm) | Best For Mattress Size |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 140cm x 210cm | Single, King Single |
| Double | 180cm x 210cm | Double |
| Queen | 210cm x 210cm | Queen |
| King | 245cm x 210cm | Queen, King |
| Super King | 270cm x 240cm | King, Super King |
By using this chart with your mattress size, you can confidently pick a quilt that not only fits but also elevates the whole look of your bedroom. It’s all about getting that perfect balance between comfort and style.
Mastering Fitted and Flat Sheet Dimensions
Getting your sheets to fit properly is about more than just matching the length and width of your mattress. One of the biggest frustrations we hear about is a fitted sheet that constantly pops off at the corners. Almost every time, this happens because the sheet just isn't deep enough for modern mattresses, especially those with plush pillow tops or an extra topper.
The real key is to measure your mattress height accurately. Don't just go by the manufacturer's label; grab a tape measure and get the dimension from the bottom edge right up to the very top crown. If you use a mattress topper, you absolutely must include its height in this measurement. This final number is what you need to find sheets that actually stay put.
Finding the Right Sheet Depth
Once you have your total mattress height, you can choose a fitted sheet with the right depth. Most standard Australian fitted sheets are designed with a depth ranging from 40cm to 50cm. For those with exceptionally deep beds, you can also find options that go up to 60cm.
So, while a standard Queen bed sheet might measure 152cm x 203cm, it’s the pocket depth that makes all the difference for a secure, snug fit.
Pro Tip: Always choose a fitted sheet with a pocket depth that’s at least 5-10cm deeper than your total mattress height. That extra bit of fabric is what allows the elastic to tuck securely right under the mattress, stopping it from slipping off whenever you move.
To make things easier, we've put together a quick guide to help you find the perfect sheet depth based on your mattress setup.
Fitted Sheet Depth Guide
| Total Mattress Height (cm) | Recommended Fitted Sheet Depth (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 35cm | 40cm or 45cm | Standard mattresses, no topper |
| 36cm to 45cm | 50cm | Mattresses with a pillow top or thin topper |
| 46cm to 55cm | 60cm | Extra-deep mattresses with thick toppers |
Getting this right is crucial for both your comfort and the longevity of your sheets. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on what a fitted sheet is and how to find the correct size for your bed.
Comparing Australian and International Bed Sizes
Ever tried buying bedding online from an overseas brand, or moved to Australia and found nothing quite fits? It’s a common headache. While names like ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ sound universal, the actual measurements can be wildly different between Australia, the US, and the UK. Getting this wrong is an easy way to end up with a quilt that’s too small or a fitted sheet that just won’t stretch.
The ‘King’ size is a classic example of this confusion. Here in Australia, a King bed measures 183cm x 203cm, giving couples plenty of room to spread out. In the UK, their King is often much smaller, closer to our Queen. But the US ‘King’ is a different beast altogether, coming in at a much wider 193cm x 203cm. It’s a small difference on paper, but a huge one when you’re trying to make the bed.
International Bed Size Comparison
To make it simple, here’s a quick side-by-side look at the most common sizes. You’ll notice an Australian Queen is actually quite similar to a UK King, which is exactly why you should always, always check the centimetres before you buy.
| Region | Queen Size (cm) | King Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 153 x 203 cm | 183 x 203 cm |
| UK | N/A (Closest is Double at 135 x 190) | 150 x 200 cm |
| US | 152 x 203 cm | 193 x 203 cm |
This table makes the differences pretty clear. An American King quilt, for instance, would drape way too far down the sides of a standard Australian King bed. On the flip side, a UK King quilt might be a surprisingly good fit for an Australian Queen.
And if you're looking for something even bigger, the differences can be even more pronounced. For a deep dive into larger options, check out our ultimate guide to Super King bedding in Australia to see how it all stacks up.
Your Bedding Size Questions Answered
Working out the finer details of Australian bedding sizes can bring up a few tricky questions, especially when you're trying to nail a particular look or solve a common bedroom dilemma. Getting these last bits right is the key to making sure your new bedding doesn't just fit, but looks and feels perfect.
Here, we're tackling the most common queries we hear, from mixing and matching sizes to getting that perfectly snug fitted sheet. Think of this as the expert advice you need to shop with total confidence and turn your bedding ideas into reality, minus the guesswork.
Can I Use a King Quilt Cover on a Queen Bed?
Absolutely—in fact, it's a go-to trick for interior stylists. Using a King quilt (245cm x 210cm) on a Queen bed gives you a much more generous drape over the sides than a standard Queen quilt (210cm x 210cm).
This creates a fuller, more luxurious look that's especially good for covering today's deeper mattresses. Just be sure to use a King-sized quilt insert to match the cover, otherwise it will bunch up inside.
What Is the Difference Between a Long Single and a King Single?
While they both give you extra length, the main difference is the width. A Long Single has the same width as a standard Single (92cm) but is longer (203cm). A King Single, on the other hand, is both wider (107cm) and longer (203cm) than a standard Single.
- Long Single: Perfect for taller teens or adults. Two of them pushed together create a King size bed, which is a popular setup for adjustable bases.
- King Single: A great option for growing kids, teenagers, or single adults who want a bit more room to stretch out.
How Do I Measure My Mattress Depth for a Fitted Sheet?
Grab a tape measure and run it from the bottom edge of your mattress right to its highest point (the crown). Don't press down on the mattress, as you want its natural height.
If you have a mattress topper, its height must be included in this measurement. For instance, a 30cm mattress with a 5cm topper gives you a total height of 35cm. You'll need a fitted sheet with at least a 40-45cm depth to get a secure fit.
As a rule of thumb, always choose a fitted sheet with a wall (or pocket depth) that's at least 5cm deeper than your mattress height. That extra fabric is what allows the elastic to tuck properly underneath, stopping the corners from annoyingly slipping off.
At Manchester Factory, we stock a huge range of high-quality bedding to suit every Australian bed size and style. Find your perfect fit and transform your bedroom today. https://www.manchesterfactory.com.au