Starting the search for a new bed? Getting your head around the standard double mattress size in New Zealand is the perfect first step. An NZ double mattress measures 135cm wide by 188cm long, hitting that sweet spot between saving space and giving you plenty of room to get comfortable.
What Exactly is an NZ Double Mattress?
Think of a double mattress as the ultimate all-rounder in the world of beds. It’s a major step up in space from a single, letting solo sleepers really stretch out, but it's still compact enough to fit nicely into most Kiwi bedrooms. This happy medium is why it's such a popular choice across the country.
Its versatility means you'll find a double bed in all sorts of homes. It's often the go-to for:
- Guest rooms, where it comfortably hosts visitors without taking over the entire room.
- Teenagers who have finally outgrown their single bed and are desperate for more space.
- Couples in apartments or smaller homes where a queen might be just a bit too much of a squeeze.
The Perfect Fit for Kiwi Homes
Those specific dimensions—135cm x 188cm—are what make the double mattress so ideal for the local market. It gives you a great night's sleep without eating up all your precious floor space, leaving you with room for bedside tables, a dresser, and navigating your room without bumping into things. To see how it stacks up against other options, check out our full New Zealand bed size guide.
The double has been a staple in Kiwi bedrooms for decades, and for good reason. It has been a consistent top-seller since the early 2000s, accounting for roughly 28% of all mattress sales in 2025 as New Zealanders continue to prioritise space-savvy solutions in modern housing.
Getting these basic measurements right from the start lays the groundwork for choosing a bed that genuinely fits your room, your lifestyle, and your sleep. It takes the guesswork out of the equation and helps you make a smart, informed decision.
Double vs Queen vs King Single: Making the Right Choice
Moving beyond just the numbers on a tape measure, the best way to choose a mattress is to think about how it will actually work in your life. A few centimetres might not sound like much on paper, but in reality, they can make a massive difference to your sleep quality and how your bedroom feels.
To find your perfect fit, it’s worth weighing up the practical pros and cons based on who will be using the bed and the room it’s going into.
King Single vs Double for Growing Teens
Picture a typical teenager's bedroom. A King Single mattress, at 107cm wide, is a decent upgrade from a standard single. But a Double mattress gives them an extra 28cm of width – and that can be a real game-changer for a growing teen who loves to spread out.
That extra space isn’t just about immediate comfort; it’s a smart long-term move. The generous width of a double bed means it can easily see them through their final school years and even into young adulthood, making it a much more future-proof investment.
This flowchart can help you think through the key questions.
As you can see, a double is often the perfect solution for guest rooms or solo sleepers, but couples might need to think carefully about their space and sleep priorities.
Double vs Queen for a Couple’s Bedroom
Now, let's think about a master bedroom for a couple. A double mattress gives each person about 67.5cm of personal space. It’s cosy, and it can work wonderfully, especially in smaller Kiwi homes where every inch of floor space is precious.
A Queen mattress, on the other hand, measures 153cm wide, giving each person around 76.5cm of room. That extra 9cm each might not sound like a lot, but it can be the difference between a restful night and being nudged awake by a restless partner. The trade-off, of course, is that a Queen takes up more of your bedroom, leaving less space for other furniture or just walking around.
If you're stuck on this common dilemma, we've got a detailed comparison of the double bed vs queen that can help you make the final call.
The decision often boils down to one simple question: What do you value more? A Queen offers more personal sleeping space for couples, while a Double preserves precious floor space in your bedroom.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your lifestyle, your room, and what you need for a fantastic night's sleep. By thinking through these real-world scenarios, you can confidently pick the mattress that truly fits your life.
Planning Your Bedroom Layout Around a Double Bed
So, you've settled on a double mattress. Fantastic choice! But now for the big question: will it actually fit in your room without turning it into an obstacle course? The last thing you want is a bed that dominates the space, making it feel cramped and cluttered. Planning your layout before you buy is the key to creating a sanctuary, not a squeeze.
As a simple rule of thumb, a room that's at least 3 metres by 3.5 metres is a great starting point for a standard NZ double bed. This generally gives you enough breathing room to walk around comfortably and place essential furniture like a couple of bedside tables without having to shimmy past them.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Before you fall in love with a mattress, grab your tape measure. Seriously, this is the most overlooked step. It's not just about where the bed will end up; it's about the entire journey from the delivery truck to your bedroom.
Make sure to check these key spots:
- Doorway Heights and Widths: Can you actually get the mattress through the front door and bedroom door?
- Hallway Corners: Those tight turns can be a real nightmare if you haven't planned for them.
- Stairwell Clearance: Don't forget to look up! Low-hanging ceilings or light fixtures can stop a delivery in its tracks.
Taking five minutes to get these measurements will save you a world of frustration on delivery day. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than realising your beautiful new bed is stuck in the hallway.
A good layout isn’t just about making the bed fit. It’s about creating a functional, breathable space that feels calm and relaxing. A cramped room can genuinely disrupt your sense of peace and, by extension, your sleep.
Smart Design Tricks for Smaller Spaces
If your room is a bit on the cosy side, don't despair. A few clever design hacks can make a double mattress size feel just right. Opting for a low-profile base or a frame without a massive, chunky headboard can create an illusion of space by keeping sightlines clear.
Maximising your storage is another game-changer. It’s well worth looking into a double bed with storage to keep the room tidy and create more floor space. And while the bed is the star of the show, don't forget the supporting cast. The right finishing touches, like the best blinds for bedrooms to control light and mood, can tie everything together. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making your double bed the perfect centrepiece for a room you’ll love.
Finding the Right Frame and Bedding
So, you've chosen the perfect double mattress. That’s a huge win, but you're not at the finish line yet. To really complete your sleep setup, you need to match that mattress with the right bed frame and bedding. It’s all about protecting your investment and making your bedroom look and feel just right.
The great news? The double mattress size is a true Kiwi standard. This makes finding bedding an absolute breeze. Standard double sheets, duvet covers, and mattress protectors are on the shelves of every major retailer, so you won’t be stuck searching for specialty sizes.
Selecting the Perfect Bed Frame
A bed frame is so much more than just something to get your mattress off the floor—it’s the foundation for proper support and helps your mattress last for years. When you’re looking at frames, think beyond just the style and consider the practical side of things. A good quality base with solid slats is non-negotiable; it's what stops your mattress from sagging and ensures it feels as good as it did in the showroom.
If you’re trying to maximise your space (and who isn't?), a frame with built-in drawers or enough clearance for under-bed storage boxes is a brilliant solution. Our guide on choosing the ideal double bed frame can help you weigh up the options. Just remember that a solid frame can be a hefty piece of kit. For a bit of guidance, check out these tips on how to move heavy furniture without injury or damage.
A great bed frame is the foundation of a great sleep setup. It not only supports your mattress but also complements your bedroom’s style and adds valuable functionality, like extra storage.
The Importance of Mattress Depth
Here’s a small detail that’s easy to miss but can be a real headache later: the mattress depth. Modern mattresses, especially the ones with those lovely plush pillow tops, can be a lot thicker than their older counterparts. This really matters when it’s time to buy fitted sheets.
Before you go shopping for bedding, grab a tape measure and check the height of your mattress. When you’re looking at fitted sheets, you’ll want to find a set with a deep pocket or wall that’s at least 5cm taller than your mattress. This extra fabric gives you enough room to tuck the sheet securely underneath, so it won’t ping off the corners in the middle of the night. A snug fit means a neat bed and a much more comfortable sleep.
Alright, let's move beyond the tape measure and floor plans. The real question is, who is a double mattress actually for? Is it the right fit for your life, right now?
A double bed is a bit of a chameleon, fitting into all sorts of situations. But it truly shines when it lands in the right home.
The Perfect Upgrade for Teens and Solo Sleepers
Think about teenagers. They shoot up seemingly overnight, and that old single bed suddenly looks like it was made for a toddler. A double is a fantastic long-term investment here, giving them plenty of room to stretch out. It’s a comfortable space not just for sleeping, but for sprawling out with a laptop or a book.
And for anyone sleeping solo? A double is a brilliant step up. It offers that luxurious feeling of space you just don't get from a single or king single. No more feeling like you're perched on the edge—it's the perfect size for one person to really own their comfort.
A Smart Solution for Guest Rooms and Couples
A double mattress is the undisputed champion of the guest room. It’s welcoming enough for a single visitor but can comfortably accommodate a couple for a weekend stay. Best of all, it does this without making a smaller spare room feel cluttered and tight. It strikes that perfect balance between comfort and practicality.
For couples, a double bed can be a cosy, smart choice. If your master bedroom is on the smaller side, a queen can easily dominate the room, leaving little space for anything else. A double provides enough room for two adults to sleep soundly while freeing up valuable floor space for dressers and walking around.
At its heart, a double mattress is where personal comfort meets spatial reality. It’s for anyone who craves more room than a single but needs a smaller footprint than a queen.
A Practical and Accessible Choice for Seniors
The double mattress is also a wonderfully practical option for seniors. Many find that climbing in and out of bigger, higher beds becomes a challenge. A double often provides a more manageable and accessible height, making it a safer and more comfortable choice. This is especially true for those pairing it with an adjustable base for better support.
The numbers back this up. In 2025, a surprising 52% of seniors who bought an adjustable bed opted for a double size. A key reason? Many reported a 28% improvement in their spinal alignment, a massive benefit for anyone dealing with aches and pains. As New Zealand's over-65 population continues to grow, finding these practical comfort solutions is more important than ever. If you're interested in the data, you can explore more about the NZ mattress market and its trends on IndexBox.io.
Ultimately, matching the right mattress to your stage of life is the secret to a great night's sleep.
Your NZ Guide to Buying a Double Mattress with Confidence
Trying to find the right bed can feel like a bit of a mission, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of local know-how, you can make a confident choice that you'll be happy with for years to come. As a Kiwi-owned and operated company, we get what local shoppers are looking for—from sorting out financial assistance to getting advice that actually makes sense for our homes.
Think of this as your playbook for a smooth, stress-free purchase.
One of the big perks of buying from a local manufacturer is getting direct access to services designed for New Zealanders. We know that for many Kiwis, getting a bit of financial support is a key part of setting up a comfortable home.
Securing a WINZ Quote
If you need a hand from Work and Income, we've made the process as simple as possible. We can provide a formal WINZ quote for any double mattress and base you've got your eye on. All you need to do is pop into one of our stores across the country or get in touch online. We’ll sort out the paperwork you need for your application.
We also believe a great night's sleep shouldn't be out of reach. Making your purchase affordable is just as important as the mattress itself.
Buying a quality mattress is an investment in your wellbeing. Our goal is to make that investment manageable by providing clear pathways to ownership, whether through financial assistance or flexible payment plans.
Our 36-month interest-free finance option is a popular choice. It lets you spread the cost over time, which means you can get the high-quality double bed you need now without the upfront financial pressure.
For a full rundown of what to look for when you're shopping around, have a look at our guide on how to choose the perfect mattress in New Zealand.
Finally, buying direct from an NZ manufacturer means you’re getting proper local support. Our team understands Kiwi homes—the room sizes, the climate, everything—and can give you advice on the best double mattress size for your space. Plus, with nationwide delivery, we can get your new bed to you, whether you’re in Cape Reinga, Bluff, or anywhere in between.
Still Have Questions About Double Mattresses?
We get it. Choosing a new bed is a big decision, and it's natural to have a few last-minute questions. Here are our answers to some of the most common things we hear from Kiwis shopping for a double mattress.
Are Double Beds a Standard Size Everywhere?
Not at all, and this is a classic trap for the unwary! While you'll hear the term "double bed" in many countries, the actual measurements can differ quite a bit.
Here in New Zealand, a standard double mattress is 135cm x 188cm. Hop over to the UK, and their double is a touch longer at 135cm x 190cm. In the US, their version is called a "Full" and measures roughly 137cm x 191cm. To save yourself the headache of ill-fitting sheets and frames, your best bet is always to buy your mattress from a local NZ supplier.
Is a Double Mattress Big Enough for Two Adults?
Absolutely. The double bed is a hugely popular choice for couples all over New Zealand, especially if you're working with a smaller master bedroom. It provides each person with about 67.5cm of space, which is perfect for a cosy night's sleep.
However, if you or your partner are on the taller side, tend to toss and turn, or just really like to stretch out, you might find a Queen mattress (153cm x 203cm) a better fit in the long run.
It’s often a trade-off: do you prioritise more personal sleeping space or more floor space in your bedroom?
How Can I Get a WINZ Quote for a Double Mattress?
We make getting a WINZ quote super simple. You can pop into any of our stores across the country and have a chat with our team, or just get in touch with our customer service crew over the phone or online.
Simply let us know you need an official quote for Work and Income. We’ll get you all the paperwork you need for the mattress and base you've chosen, ready for you to submit with your application.
Ready to find that perfect double mattress? The team at New Zealand Bed Company is here to help you get a better night's sleep. Explore our range of quality double mattresses today