Choosing between a double bed and a queen bed often boils down to a simple truth: a double is fantastic for solo sleepers and compact rooms, while a queen offers that crucial extra space for couples. For most New Zealand homes, this seemingly small difference can have a huge impact on your comfort and the entire feel of your bedroom.
Decoding Double vs Queen Beds in NZ
Picking a new bed is a big deal. It's an investment that shapes your sleep quality and how your bedroom functions for years. While a double bed might have once felt like the peak of luxury, the queen has well and truly become the go-to standard for master bedrooms across New Zealand.
So, what's driving this shift? It's all about comfort. That extra room a queen provides is a game-changer for couples, dramatically cutting down on accidental wake-ups. And for single sleepers, it’s a luxurious upgrade, offering plenty of space to really stretch out.
Quick Look: Double vs Queen at a Glance
Sometimes, seeing the numbers side-by-side makes the choice crystal clear. Here's a quick breakdown to help you visualise how these two popular sizes stack up in a typical Kiwi home.
| Feature | Double Bed | Queen Bed |
|---|---|---|
| NZ Dimensions (cm) | 135cm x 188cm | 152cm x 203cm |
| Best For | Single adults, teens, guest rooms | Couples, taller individuals, master bedrooms |
| Minimum Room Size | 3.0m x 3.0m | 3.2m x 3.5m |
| Typical User | Solo sleepers wanting more room than a King Single | Two adults seeking comfortable sleeping space |
This table gives you the basics, but it's the real-world impact of these dimensions that truly matters. Those extra centimetres on a queen bed can honestly mean the difference between a restless night and deep, restorative sleep.
Of course, getting the size right is just the first step. You'll also want to read our guide on how to choose the perfect mattress to complete your perfect sleep setup.
When it comes to the double bed vs queen bed debate, your future self will almost always thank you for choosing more space. A queen isn't just an upgrade in size; it's an investment in better, less disturbed sleep, especially if you share the bed.
Here at New Zealand Bed Company, we've seen the trends shift firsthand. While the double bed (135cm x 188cm) was once the default, the queen (152cm x 203cm) now outsells it by a margin of nearly 2:1. Why? That 17cm width boost is a game-changer for couples, significantly reducing those annoying 'edge squeezes' and giving each person a bit more personal space.
Comparing Dimensions for Better Sleep
When you’re weighing up a double bed versus a queen, the numbers on paper don't tell the full story. A queen is 17cm wider and 15cm longer than a double, but what does that actually feel like? These measurements translate directly into more comfort and better sleep, especially if you’re sharing the bed or happen to be on the taller side.
That extra width is a game-changer for couples. On a standard double, each person gets a sliver of personal space just 67.5cm wide—that’s actually narrower than a cot mattress. It’s no wonder this is one of the biggest reasons for partner disturbance, where one person’s tossing and turning can easily jolt the other awake.
A queen bed bumps that personal space up to 76cm each. It might not sound like a huge leap, but that extra room dramatically cuts down on accidental bumps and interruptions overnight. It also helps prevent that classic 'roll-together' effect where a dip forms in the middle, letting both of you sleep in your preferred positions without getting in each other's way.
The Real Impact of Extra Length
For many Kiwis, the length of a bed is every bit as crucial as its width. With the average New Zealand man standing at around 178cm (5'10"), a double bed’s 188cm length doesn't leave much wiggle room. Anyone approaching six feet tall will know the feeling of their feet dangling uncomfortably off the edge.
This is where a queen bed’s 203cm length really shines. That additional 15cm means taller people can finally stretch out properly, avoiding the cramped positions that often lead to morning stiffness. It’s the difference between a decent sleep and a truly restorative one.
A queen bed's superior dimensions aren't just a luxury; they are a practical necessity for achieving uninterrupted, quality sleep. The added space directly combats the two most common sleep disruptors for couples: partner movement and a lack of personal space.
Visualising Your Sleeping Surface
To get a real sense of the difference, think about the total sleeping area. A double bed gives you 2.54 square metres of surface, which is fantastic for a single person who likes to spread out. You can shift positions all night long without feeling hemmed in.
A queen, however, offers 3.09 square metres—a massive 21% increase in total sleeping surface. For couples, this extra territory is priceless, giving both partners enough room to sleep soundly. It also comfortably fits a small child or a pet who might sneak in for a cuddle. You can see how the standard double bed size in NZ can become quite limiting for anyone but a solo sleeper.
Considering your bedding is also a smart move. To ensure your new bed looks as good as it feels, it helps to understand the typical Australian queen size quilt measurements so you get that perfect drape and fit.
Ultimately, a double is a perfectly practical choice for solo sleepers or smaller bedrooms. But for couples or taller Kiwis, the queen bed's generous dimensions lay the foundation for far more restful nights.
Planning Your Bedroom Layout and Space
Choosing between a double and a queen isn’t just about sleep; it’s a design decision that will define your entire bedroom. A bed that's even a little too big can make a room feel cramped, turning your sanctuary into an obstacle course.
Before you get your heart set on a particular size, grab a tape measure. It’s a simple but crucial step. Measuring your room and imagining how each bed will fit is the key to creating a balanced and functional space. A common trap is forgetting to account for the bed frame and headboard, which can easily add extra centimetres you hadn’t planned for.
Room Size and Clearance Guidelines
To keep your bedroom feeling open and airy, you need to leave enough "breathing room" around the bed. This is non-negotiable for walking, making the bed, and opening drawers without a squeeze. A good rule of thumb is to allow for at least 70-90cm of open space on two or three sides of the bed.
Here’s what that looks like in a typical Kiwi bedroom:
- For a Double Bed: A room that’s at least 3m x 3m usually works perfectly. This gives you enough space for the bed plus a bedside table or two, without everything feeling on top of each other.
- For a Queen Bed: You’ll want a bit more room to play with, ideally 3.2m x 3.5m or larger. This accommodates the wider and longer frame while still leaving that crucial clearance for easy movement.
Getting these measurements right means your bedroom stays a relaxing retreat, not a squeeze. You can learn more about queen mattress dimensions to help with your exact planning.
Visualising the Footprint Before You Buy
One of the best ways to avoid that "oh no, it's too big" moment is to physically map out the bed’s footprint on your floor. You don’t need any fancy design software—just a roll of painter's tape and a tape measure.
- Measure and Mark: Use your tape measure to mark out the exact dimensions of the mattress you're considering (135x188cm for a double, 152x203cm for a queen) in the spot you intend to place it.
- Create an Outline: Stick painter’s tape on the floor to create a clear rectangle. Now you have a real-world visual of how much floor space the bed will actually take up.
- Check Your Pathways: Walk around the taped-off area. Can you open your wardrobe doors all the way? Do your dresser drawers pull out fully? Is there a clear path to the window and door? This simple exercise tells you almost everything you need to know about how the size will work in your room.
Don't just plan for the bed—plan for the life that happens around it. Visualising the footprint with tape helps you account for door swings, drawer access, and daily movement, ensuring your new bed enhances your room's function, not hinders it.
Room Layout and Space Planning Guide
It's one thing to make the bed fit, but another to make it work with your other furniture. A smart layout creates a sense of harmony and flow. This table gives you a few practical ideas for arranging your room around either a double or a queen bed.
| Layout Consideration | Double Bed Recommendation | Queen Bed Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance Space | Aim for 70cm on at least two sides for comfortable movement and bed-making. | Ensure at least 75-90cm of clearance, especially in main pathways to the door or wardrobe. |
| Bedside Tables | Two narrow bedside tables (40-50cm wide) fit comfortably without crowding the space. | Standard bedside tables (50-60cm wide) can be used, creating a more balanced and substantial look. |
| Additional Furniture | A tallboy dresser is a great space-saving option. Consider a small armchair in a corner if space allows. | A long, low dresser can be placed opposite the bed. There is often enough room for a bench at the foot of the bed. |
| Ideal Placement | Best placed against the longest wall, leaving ample room on either side for access. | Centred on the main wall to create a focal point. Ensure it doesn't block window access or natural light. |
At the end of the day, a few minutes of planning makes all the difference. By taking the time to measure, visualise, and think through your layout, you can choose a bed size that delivers on both supreme comfort and a beautifully functional bedroom.
Getting Your Head Around the Costs and Finding Accessories
When you're weighing up a double bed versus a queen, the sticker price is only the beginning. You also need to think about the ongoing costs for things like bedding, bed bases, and headboards. This is where the queen bed's sheer popularity across New Zealand gives it a real edge.
Because the queen is the go-to size for most Kiwis, the market is absolutely brimming with options. You’ll find a massive selection of sheets, duvet covers, and mattress protectors in every style and colour imaginable. From budget-friendly basics at The Warehouse to high-end linen from boutique stores, the choice is all yours.
On the other hand, while you can still find accessories for a double bed, the variety just isn't the same. You might find fewer patterns or a smaller range of premium materials, which can be frustrating if you've got a specific look in mind.
The Financial Breakdown
Looking beyond the mattress, the cost of setting up the whole bedroom is a big factor. For Kiwis keeping a close eye on their budget, double beds are often a great starting point, typically coming in 20-30% cheaper for entry-level models. You might find a basic double starting from around $699, whereas a similar quality queen will likely be closer to $999.
Interestingly, this changes as you move up into more specialised, premium mattresses. For instance, with Slumberzone's dedicated back support ranges, queens are the preferred choice for 65% of customers. We also see at NZ Bed Co. that WINZ quotes for queen beds jump by 30% in senior categories. The extra length is a huge factor, especially considering the average height for a Kiwi male is 178cm. To get a broader sense of where the industry is heading, you can check out some insights on the NZ market.
This price difference naturally extends to the bedding. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay about 15-25% more for queen-sized sheets and duvets compared to their double counterparts. It might not seem like a huge difference for one set, but it definitely adds up over the years.
Long-Term Style and Flexibility
The popularity of a queen bed offers a benefit many people don't consider at first: it future-proofs your bedroom's style. Interior design trends come and go, and having a huge range of bedding options makes it so much easier (and cheaper) to give your room a refresh.
Choosing a queen bed isn’t just about the extra sleeping space; it’s an investment in your freedom to decorate. The massive amount of available accessories means you’ll never struggle to find the perfect bedding to match a new paint colour or decor theme.
Think about it – say you decide to completely redecorate in a few years. With a queen bed, you’ll have your pick of the latest designs and seasonal collections from just about every retailer in New Zealand. With a double, your choices might be more limited to classic or basic styles, which could hold back your creative vision.
This makes the queen a much more versatile long-term investment for a master bedroom. And if you're looking to get the best bang for your buck, keeping an eye out for a good mattress sale in New Zealand can make that upgrade to a queen even more affordable.
So, while a double bed can save you money upfront, the queen often delivers better long-term value thanks to its unmatched choice and flexibility, making sure your bedroom can grow and change with you.
Matching Your Bed to Your Lifestyle Needs
Choosing between a double and a queen bed is about more than just measurements; it's about how you actually live. A bed is a long-term fixture in your home, so you want something that fits not just right now, but where you see yourself in a few years' time.
Different life stages and living situations call for different solutions. Whether you're setting up the master bedroom, a spare room for guests, or giving a teenager their first "proper" bed, getting the size right makes all the difference to comfort and practicality. Let’s look at a few common scenarios.
For Couples: The Clear Winner
When two people share a bed, space isn't a luxury—it's an absolute must for a good night's sleep. On a standard double bed, each person gets a mere 67.5cm of personal space. That’s narrower than a cot mattress. It's no surprise that this lack of room is one of the biggest causes of partner disturbance.
This is why the queen bed has become the undisputed standard for couples across New Zealand. It gives each person 76cm of room, which might not sound like much, but it significantly cuts down on those accidental bumps and wake-ups during the night. That extra space lets you both find a comfy sleeping position without getting in each other's way.
For couples, the debate between a double and a queen has a pretty straightforward answer. Investing in a queen is an investment in better, more peaceful sleep for both of you. The jump in sleep quality is well worth the small difference in price and floor space.
For Single Adults and Growing Teens
If you’re a single adult, a double bed offers plenty of room to stretch out. It’s a comfortable and cost-effective choice that fits easily into smaller bedrooms or apartments without making the space feel cramped, leaving more room for other furniture.
A double bed is also a fantastic upgrade for a growing teenager. It gives them ample space as they move into their adult years and is a practical size that will see them through for a long time. It really is the perfect middle ground between a restrictive single and a larger queen.
For Guest Rooms and Baches
When you’re furnishing a space that's only used occasionally, like a guest room or a bach, you need to be practical. A double bed is often the smarter and more economical option here. It provides a perfectly comfortable place to sleep for single guests or couples staying for a few nights.
More importantly, its smaller footprint frees up precious floor space, which is often in short supply in secondary rooms. This allows the room to pull double duty as a home office or hobby space when you don't have guests.
This simple decision tree can help you visualise the best choice for your situation.
As the flowchart shows, if the bed is for two people, the queen is the way to go. For solo sleepers, a double is usually the ideal solution.
For Seniors and Adjustable Bases
As we get older, comfort and accessibility become top priorities. We're seeing a 50% uptake in adjustable queen beds among seniors, and for good reason—they've been shown to cut partner disturbance by 35%. The larger surface of a queen provides the stability and space needed when pairing it with an adjustable base for customised support.
An adjustable base can completely change your sleep experience, helping with everything from back pain and snoring to acid reflux. A queen size gives you the room to use these features properly without disturbing your partner. If this sounds like what you need, have a look at our guide on finding the right bed for an adjustable base.
Your Final Bed Buying Checklist
Alright, you’re on the home stretch. Making the final call between a double and a queen bed comes down to ticking the right boxes for your specific needs. This isn't about us telling you which one to buy; it's about making sure you’ve considered the decision from every angle.
Think of this as your last check-in before you pull the trigger. It’s a quick summary of the most important points to ensure you choose a bed you’ll love for years, not just for now.
Your Essential Pre-Purchase Steps
Before you click "add to cart," quickly run through these four crucial checks. They're designed to help you dodge common mistakes and land a bed that fits your room and your life perfectly.
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Measure Your Room Properly: Don't eyeball it. Grab a tape measure, get the exact dimensions of your room, and mark out the bed's footprint on the floor with tape. Remember to leave at least 70-90cm of breathing room on two or three sides to walk around comfortably.
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Think About Who's Sleeping In It: Is this bed just for you, or will you be sharing? For two adults, a queen is nearly always the right move for a good night's sleep. For a solo sleeper, a growing teen, or a guest room, a double offers plenty of comfort without dominating the space.
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Factor in the Total Cost: Your budget needs to cover more than just the mattress. Don't forget to account for the base or frame, a potential headboard, and at least one full set of bedding. Queen-sized accessories can be 15-25% pricier, but you'll also find a much bigger range to choose from.
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Look Five Years Ahead: Where do you see yourself in the near future? A queen offers more flexibility if you’re planning on sharing your space or if your family is growing. A double, on the other hand, is a brilliant, practical choice for more short-term living situations or rooms that will always be for one person.
A new bed is a long-term investment in your wellbeing. Use this checklist to think beyond the price and focus on what really counts: your space, your comfort, and the quality of your sleep.
By working through this list, you can feel genuinely confident in your decision. And if you're still on the fence, our team at any New Zealand Bed Company store is always ready to give you some one-on-one advice. We’re here to help every Kiwi find their perfect sleep setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even after weighing up the pros and cons, a few specific questions often pop up when choosing between a double and a queen. We've pulled together the most common queries we get from Kiwis to help you iron out those final details and make your choice with confidence.
Can I Use Queen Sheets on a Double Bed?
You can try, but it's not a great idea. A queen sheet is significantly wider and longer than a double mattress, which leaves you with a lot of excess fabric to deal with. You'll find yourself constantly tucking in baggy, bunched-up material.
While you could use sheet suspenders to hold it all in place, it never looks quite right and often comes loose overnight. For a snug, tidy fit that actually stays put, it's always best to match your bedding to your mattress size.
Is a Double Bed Big Enough for Two People?
A double bed can fit two adults, but it's a very snug experience. Each person gets about 67.5cm of space, which is actually less width than a standard cot mattress. It might be fine for a guest room for a night or two, but most couples find it too cramped for everyday sleeping.
You'll likely find yourselves bumping into each other and struggling for room to move, which isn't great for a restful night. If you're sharing a bed long-term, a queen is really the minimum size we’d recommend for proper comfort.
The real game-changer with a queen bed for couples is less partner disturbance. That bit of extra space is a small investment for much better sleep quality.
Which is Better for a Guest Room: a Double or a Queen?
The right choice here really comes down to the size of the room and who you typically have staying over.
- A double bed is a fantastic solution for smaller guest rooms. It gives a single guest plenty of room and works well for a couple on a short visit, all without overwhelming the space.
- A queen bed is a more generous, versatile option if you have the floor space. It feels more luxurious and is much more comfortable for couples or taller relatives who stay for longer periods.
Our advice? Measure the room first. A queen is a lovely touch, but ensuring your guests have enough space to walk around the bed and put their bags down is just as important.
Ready to find the perfect bed for your space and lifestyle? Explore our full range at New Zealand Bed Company and enjoy expert advice, nationwide delivery, and interest-free finance options. Find your perfect sleep solution today at https://nzbeds.co.nz.