So, what's the right size for a king bedspread? In Australia, you'll want to look for something around the 275 cm x 265 cm mark. This gives you that generous, elegant drape over the sides and foot of the bed for a polished, hotel-style finish.
Your Quick Guide to King Bedspread Sizing
Choosing the right size king bedspread can feel a bit confusing, but it’s simpler than it looks. The golden rule is this: your bedspread needs to be noticeably larger than your mattress.
Why? It’s not just meant to cover the top of your bed. A bedspread is designed to hang down the sides, completely concealing the mattress and base for a tidy, seamless look. That overhang is what we call the "drop."
In Australia, a standard king mattress measures 183 cm x 203 cm. To get that full, floor-grazing drop, a bedspread needs a good amount of extra width and length. A common 275 cm x 265 cm king bedspread gives you a drop of about 46 cm on each side and 62 cm at the foot. That's the secret to creating a truly luxurious and inviting bed.
Australian Mattress vs. Bedspread Size Chart
To make shopping a breeze, here’s a quick chart comparing standard Aussie mattress sizes with the bedspread dimensions we recommend. For a more detailed look at all bedding types, be sure to check out our comprehensive bedding size chart for Australia.
| Bed Size | Mattress Dimensions (cm) | Standard Bedspread Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 x 188 cm | 180 x 250 cm |
| King Single | 107 x 203 cm | 200 x 270 cm |
| Double | 137 x 188 cm | 220 x 250 cm |
| Queen | 153 x 203 cm | 250 x 265 cm |
| King | 183 x 203 cm | 275 x 265 cm |
| Super King | 203 x 203 cm | 315 x 270 cm |
These measurements are designed to ensure your bedspread has plenty of fabric to drape beautifully, giving you that full coverage we all love.
Bedspread vs Quilt vs Coverlet Uncovered
Walking into the bedding aisle can sometimes feel like you need a translator. To find the right king bedspread, you first need to be sure you're not actually looking for a quilt or a coverlet. It’s a common mix-up, but these terms describe completely different things.
Think of a bedspread as the formal gown for your bed. It’s designed as a single, often lightweight, oversized layer that drapes all the way to the floor. The goal is to cover everything—the mattress, the base, even the pillows—for a clean, completely unified look.
A quilt, on the other hand, is more like a cosy, layered jacket. It's built with three distinct layers—a top fabric, a bottom fabric, and a layer of inner batting all stitched together. Quilts are usually heavier, designed for warmth, and sized to just cover the top of the mattress with a much shorter drop.
What Is a Coverlet Then?
And then there's the coverlet. This is the most casual of the three, almost like a stylish, decorative throw. It's a single, lightweight layer that’s much smaller than a bedspread. You'd typically use it to cover the mattress and either tuck it in or layer it with other bedding.
Understanding the difference here is everything. A king bedspread is intentionally made to be generous enough for that floor-length drape, while a king quilt is cut for a shorter, tidier overhang. Getting this right from the start ensures you pick the right product for the style you're trying to achieve.
Getting your home textile terms straight is the key to a happy purchase, a bit like learning the differences between curtains and drapes before you tackle your windows. For a deeper look into this, check out our guide on the nuances between a bedspread and a quilt.
How to Measure Your Bed for a Perfect Fit
Forget guesswork. To buy the right size king bedspread every time, you need to become the expert on your own bed. It's a simple, foolproof process that hinges on three key measurements and one crucial concept: the drop length.
The drop is the elegant drape of the bedspread from the top edge of your mattress down towards the floor. It’s the single most important factor in achieving that polished, professional look. Too short, and it can look accidental; just right, and it transforms your bed into a centrepiece.
This is especially important for modern, deep pillow-top mattresses, which need a more generous bedspread to get that full, luxurious coverage.
This image breaks down the visual differences between the main bedding types, all based on their intended drop.
As you can see, a bedspread is designed for the longest drape, while quilts and coverlets have progressively shorter drops.
Your Simple Measurement Steps
To find your perfect fit, grab a tape measure and jot down these three numbers:
- Width: Measure across the top of your mattress, from one side to the other.
- Length: Measure from the head of your mattress right down to the foot.
- Depth (or Height): This is your drop. Measure from the top edge of your mattress down to where you want the bedspread to end. This could be just covering the mattress, reaching the bottom of the bed base, or draping all the way to the floor.
In Australia, a standard king mattress is 183 cm wide and 203 cm long. While queen beds are the most popular choice for 61% of Australians, those with space for a king know it’s a game-changer for comfort.
The Magic Formula
Mattress Width + (Desired Drop x 2) = Your Ideal Bedspread Width
Mattress Length + Desired Drop = Your Ideal Bedspread Length
This simple calculation empowers you to shop like a pro, ensuring you always find a bedspread with the exact coverage you're after. For more details on sizing quilts specifically, check out our guide to king size quilt dimensions in Australia.
Choosing Your Ideal Bedspread Look and Style
Okay, you've got your measurements. Now for the fun part: deciding how you want your bed to actually look. That "drop length" we talked about is more than just a number; it's the key to setting the whole mood of your bedroom. The size of a king bedspread is what makes a room feel either grand and traditional or clean and modern.
Think of it like dressing your bed. Are you going for a long, flowing gown or a sharp, tailored suit? Each one tells a completely different story.
The Floor-Length Drop
If you're after a classic, luxurious feel, a bedspread that drapes all the way to the floor is the way to go. This style creates an elegant, unbroken line that makes the bed the undeniable centrepiece of the room. It’s also brilliant for hiding an older bed base or any under-bed storage, giving everything a seamless, polished finish.
To get this look, your drop measurement should match the height from the top of your mattress right down to the floor.
The Modern Tucked-In Style
On the other hand, if your style leans more contemporary, you might prefer a shorter drop. This look sees the bedspread hanging just past the bottom of the mattress, which is perfect if you want to show off a beautiful bed frame. It creates a crisp, clean, and uncluttered vibe that’s ideal for minimalist decor.
The style you choose completely transforms your space. A floor-length drop adds a touch of opulence and tradition, while a shorter, tucked-in style offers a sharp, modern silhouette that highlights your furniture.
Beyond just the size, the overall feel of your bedroom is what really matters. For more general tips for creating a cozy home environment, you can explore some great ideas for cultivating comfort. Once you’ve decided on your preferred look, it'll make choosing from our range of bedspreads and comforter sets a whole lot easier.
Common Sizing Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect king bedspread, getting it home, and realising it just… doesn’t fit. It’s a common story, but luckily, most sizing mishaps come down to a few simple things that are easy to get right once you know what to look for.
The number one mistake we see is people forgetting to measure their mattress depth. A standard mattress is one thing, but if you’ve recently invested in a plush pillow-top or added a thick mattress topper, you could be adding an extra 5-10 cm in height. A bedspread bought for your old mattress height will suddenly look short and awkward, completely missing that elegant, floor-grazing look. Always measure the total height before you start shopping.
Another classic pitfall is assuming one "king" fits all. While it seems straightforward, the standard size of a king bedspread changes between brands and, more importantly, between countries.
International Sizing Traps
It’s so easy to get caught out by international sizing, especially when shopping online. Buying a "king" bedspread based on US or UK measurements is a recipe for disappointment.
- US King: These are wider than an Aussie King, so a US bedspread will be far too wide and puddle on the floor.
- UK King: This is actually narrower than an AU King, meaning a UK bedspread won't give you enough coverage on the sides.
Always double-check that the product dimensions are listed in centimetres and match up with Australian standards. It’s a tiny step that saves you the massive headache of a return and ensures you get that generous, luxurious drape you're after.
Finally, don't assume upsizing is just about adding warmth. As we cover in our guide on the four reasons to upsize your quilt, choosing a larger size is often the secret to achieving that plush, oversized look—especially on deeper mattresses. Don't be shy about grabbing a Super King bedspread for your standard King bed if you want that extra-dramatic, hotel-style finish.
Alright, you’ve done the hard work and you’re ready to choose the perfect king bedspread. Before you hit that ‘buy’ button, let's run through one last quick check to make sure you’ve nailed it.
Think of this as the final once-over in the fitting room—it’s the step that guarantees the bedspread you bring home is the one you’ll love.
A final check is the most important step. It transforms your careful measurements and style considerations into a successful purchase, ensuring the bedspread you receive fits your bed and your vision perfectly.
The Five-Point Check
Just quickly tick these off in your head to make sure all your bases are covered:
- Confirm Your Mattress Size: Is my mattress a standard Aussie King (183cm x 203cm)?
- Measure Total Height: Have I measured my mattress depth, including any toppers, protectors, or anything else that adds height?
- Calculate Your Ideal Width: Did I use the formula to figure out the exact width I need for my desired drop?
- Choose Your Look: Am I going for that luxurious, floor-sweeping drape or a crisp, modern tucked-in style?
Your Top Bedspread Questions, Answered
Shopping for bedding can feel like a bit of a minefield, but it doesn't have to be. We get these questions all the time, so here are some quick, no-fuss answers to help you get it right the first time.
Can I Use a Super King Quilt on a King Bed?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of our favourite styling tricks. A super king quilt, which is usually 270 cm x 240 cm, gives you a much more generous drape on a standard Aussie king bed.
This is the perfect solution if you have an extra-deep mattress or just love that luxurious, oversized look where the bedspread puddles slightly on the floor. It’s an instant upgrade.
What if My Mattress Is Extra Thick?
This is a big one. If you've invested in a plush pillow-top mattress or added a thick topper for comfort, a standard king bedspread might not cut it. You'll find the "drop" looks much shorter than you wanted, leaving the bed base awkwardly exposed.
That’s exactly why measuring your mattress's total height is non-negotiable. Using the simple drop length formula we talked about earlier ensures you choose a bedspread that’s wide enough to handle the extra depth, giving you that polished, fully-covered look.
Just remember, the goal is for the bedspread to drape beautifully, not just perch on top. A deeper mattress will always need a wider bedspread to achieve the same stylish finish.
Are International King Sizes the Same as Australian?
Not even close! This is probably the most common mistake we see with online shopping. Bedding sizes vary hugely from country to country, so you can't assume a "king" in the US or UK is the same as a king here.
- US King: Wider and shorter than an Australian king.
- UK King: Narrower and shorter than an Australian king.
Always double-check you're shopping with Australian standard dimensions. Sticking to local sizing saves you the headache of receiving a bedspread that’s either too small to cover your bed properly or so big it looks messy.
Ready to find the perfect fit? Explore the stunning collection of generously sized king bedspreads at Manchester Factory and give your bedroom the luxurious update it deserves. Shop our full range of bedspreads today!