In New Zealand, the standard king single mattress dimensions are 107 cm wide and 203 cm long. It’s the perfect middle ground—a significant comfort upgrade from a standard single, without demanding the floor space of a double or queen bed.
Why Is Everyone Talking About the King Single?
The king single has become a staple in Kiwi homes, and for good reason. It cleverly bridges the gap between a child's single bed and a full-sized double, offering a much more generous sleeping area. That extra room is a game-changer for getting a truly restorative night's sleep.
It’s an absolute lifesaver for lanky teenagers who seem to grow overnight, taller adults tired of their feet dangling off the edge, and anyone looking to make a smaller bedroom feel that little bit more luxurious.
Why a King Single Might Be Your Perfect Match
The magic of the king single lies in its brilliant balance of space and practicality. You get some serious comfort perks without having to sacrifice your entire room.
- More Room to Move: That extra 15 cm of width compared to a standard single might not sound like much on paper, but it makes a world of difference for anyone who tosses and turns.
- Extra Length for Taller Sleepers: At 203 cm long, it comfortably fits taller individuals, so there are no more cold feet hanging out in the open.
- A Smart Use of Space: It provides that much-needed comfort upgrade without completely dominating a guest room, study, or apartment bedroom.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s how the king single stacks up against a standard single.
King Single Dimensions at a Glance
| Bed Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Single | 107 cm | 203 cm | Teenagers, taller adults, single sleepers wanting more room |
| Single | 92 cm | 188 cm | Children, small single adults, compact guest rooms |
As you can see, the jump in both width and length makes the king single a far more versatile and comfortable option for anyone who finds a traditional single just a bit too restrictive.
Getting the size right is everything, whether you're buying a bed or starting a craft project. It highlights the importance of selecting the correct dimensions, much like understanding an embroidery hoop size chart for a flawless result. With its practical dimensions, the king single has become the go-to choice for teenagers, students, and single adults across the country. To see how it compares to its smaller sibling, you can check out more on New Zealand's single bed options.
How to Measure Your Room for a Perfect Fit
Choosing a new bed is about more than just the mattress – it’s about making sure it actually works in your space. Before you fall in love with a king single, grab a tape measure and take a few minutes to check it will enhance your room, not just clutter it.
First, measure the basic length and width of your room. Jotting these down and sketching a rough floor plan can be a huge help. It turns abstract numbers into a real visual, letting you see exactly how the bed will sit and how it affects the flow of the room.
Plan for Real Life, Not Just Floor Space
A bed might technically squeeze into a room, but that doesn't mean it's a good fit. What you're really aiming for is liveability – having enough space to move around and live comfortably. A great rule of thumb is to leave at least 70 cm of clear space around the sides of the bed you'll use to get in and out.
This isn't just about avoiding a sideways shuffle to get to your wardrobe; it also makes everyday tasks like changing the sheets a whole lot less frustrating.
Don't forget to account for the bed frame itself, not just the mattress. A chunky headboard or a plush, upholstered frame can easily add an extra 10-20 cm to the total footprint, which can be the difference between a perfect fit and a tight squeeze.
Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
A little bit of planning now can save you a massive headache later. Run through this quick checklist before you commit to make sure you haven't missed anything obvious.
- Door and Drawer Clearance: Can your wardrobe doors, drawers, and the main room door open completely without hitting the new bed frame?
- Window Access: Is the bed going to block your windows? You'll want to be able to open them easily for fresh air.
- Power Point Locations: Take a look at where your power points are. The last thing you want is for your new bed to cover the only convenient spot to plug in your lamp or phone charger.
- Room Flow: Imagine walking through the room. Does the bed create a natural, easy path, or does it feel like a roadblock you have to navigate around?
Thinking through these practical details ensures your new bed fits your lifestyle, not just your floor plan. For a complete rundown of all mattress measurements, our comprehensive NZ bed size guide is the perfect place to compare all your options.
Comparing A King Single With Other Bed Sizes
Choosing the right bed size can feel like solving a puzzle. You're looking for that perfect piece that fits not just your room, but also your personal comfort needs. The king single holds a unique spot in the lineup, and understanding how it compares to its closest neighbours is the secret to making a great decision.
Think of a standard Single bed as the compact car of the mattress world – it's efficient, gets the job done, and is perfect for kids or fitting into tiny rooms. A Long Single, then, is that same car but with a surprising amount of extra legroom. It keeps the slim profile but stretches out to the same length as a king single, making it a brilliant choice for taller folks in a narrow space.
And then we have the Double bed. This is your classic 'cosy for two' setup, offering a noticeable jump in width compared to a king single. While a king single is a true luxury for one person, a double is the entry-level option for couples or any solo sleeper who loves to sprawl out.
What This Means in the Real World
At the end of the day, picking between these sizes involves a few practical trade-offs. A king single gives a solo sleeper a seriously spacious upgrade without taking over the entire room like a double bed would. This specific advantage is a big reason for its popularity in the New Zealand mattress market, which is on track to bring in NZ$80.77 million in revenue in 2025. The practical appeal of the king single's dimensions is a major part of that figure.
The infographic below walks you through a simple way to measure your room, helping you figure out which bed size is the best match for your space and lifestyle.
This is a great reminder to think beyond just the bed's footprint. You also need to account for walking paths and enough room to open wardrobe doors and drawers comfortably.
To help you visualise these differences side-by-side, we've put together a handy comparison table.
NZ Bed Size Comparison Guide
| Bed Size | Dimensions (cm) | Ideal For | Minimum Room Size (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 x 188 | Children, toddlers, very small guest rooms | 2.5m x 2.8m |
| Long Single | 92 x 203 | Taller teenagers, adults in narrow spaces, split king setups | 2.5m x 3.0m |
| King Single | 107 x 203 | Growing kids, teenagers, adults who want more room | 2.7m x 3.0m |
| Double | 137 x 188 | Guest rooms, single adults, couples who don't mind cosiness | 3.0m x 3.2m |
This table lays out the hard numbers, but remember that the 'best' choice always comes down to your unique situation.
If you're trying to figure out if a king single is the right move, it helps to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. For anyone wanting to do a bit more homework, this guide on how to choose the best bed/mattress size for your home is a fantastic resource with some extra context.
The most common mistake people make is underestimating just how much difference an extra 10 or 20 cm can make. That bit of extra width on a king single gives you more room to turn over without feeling like you're about to fall off the edge. It’s a small change in numbers, but a huge improvement in sleep quality for so many people.
Ultimately, the perfect bed depends entirely on who’s sleeping in it and the room it's going into. If you're thinking that maybe even bigger is better, you might want to check out our guide on King Size Bed Dimensions.
Who a King Single Bed Is Really For
While the measurements tell part of the story, you really see the value of a king single bed when you think about who actually sleeps in it. It’s not just a set of dimensions; it's a clever solution to some very common sleeping challenges many of us face here in NZ.
Take a teenager who’s just had a growth spurt. Suddenly, their old single bed feels comically small. Their feet are dangling off the end, and every toss and turn is a battle with the wall. For them, a king single isn't just a bigger bed—it’s the key to a decent night's sleep.
The Smart Choice for Modern Spaces
The king single is also the unsung hero of smaller homes and apartments. Think of a uni student trying to make a cramped dorm room work, or a young professional setting up their first studio. A king single offers a roomy sleep surface without eating up the entire floor, leaving space for a much-needed desk or a small sofa.
It's also a fantastic pick for a guest room. You can make visitors feel properly welcome and comfortable, without sacrificing the room's other purpose as a home office or creative space.
A king single offers that little bit of luxury for a single sleeper. The extra width and length completely change the feel of the bed, making a small room feel more generous and ensuring guests of all heights are well catered for.
Practical Comfort for a Better Sleep
This kind of versatility is exactly why you'll see retailers recommending this size so often. It's a top choice for guest rooms, kids' bedrooms, and studio apartments where that little bit of extra width makes all the difference for a comfortable sleep.
The king single dimensions are also a game-changer for taller people, finally giving them a bed that fits. You can dig into mattress market trends to see just how popular this size has become for a wide range of living situations.
Choosing the Right Bedding for Your King Single
Getting the bedding right is the finishing touch to a perfect sleep setup. While a king single offers plenty of room to stretch out, its unique dimensions mean you can’t just grab any old sheets off the shelf. Nailing the fit is key to making sure your bed not only looks sharp but feels incredible.
The one piece you absolutely can't compromise on is the fitted sheet. It might be tempting to try and make a double sheet work, but it’s a recipe for frustration. A double fitted sheet is too wide and not long enough, which means you’ll be left with a baggy, bunched-up mess that's guaranteed to come loose overnight.
Always look for sheets specifically labelled ‘King Single’. This ensures you get that crisp, snug fit that stays put.
A Pro Tip for a Luxurious Feel
When it comes to the layers on top, you've got a bit more creative freedom. Here’s a little secret from the world of interior design: try using a double duvet and duvet cover on your king single bed.
Why? The extra width drapes beautifully over the sides of the mattress, creating a much plusher, more inviting look. It’s not just about aesthetics, either. That extra overhang gives you more blanket to wrap yourself in, effectively banishing any pesky cold drafts during the night. It's a simple trick that seriously elevates the comfort and style of your bed.
For the perfect combination, stick to king single dimensions for your fitted sheet and mattress protector, but size up to a double for your flat sheet, duvet, and duvet cover. This creates a beautifully layered look with practical, cosy coverage.
Shopping for the Right Size
When you're out shopping in NZ, whether online or in-store, keep a close eye on the packaging labels. Most retailers are great at clearly marking the sizes, but it never hurts to double-check the measurements if you're not 100% sure.
To find the perfect foundation for your bed, have a look at a quality collection of king single bed sheets specifically designed to give you that precise, hotel-quality fit.
Common Questions About King Single Beds
Even after you've measured your room and compared sizes, a few practical questions always seem to pop up. It’s completely normal. Getting these last few details ironed out is often the final step before you can confidently choose the right bed.
Let's tackle some of the things we get asked most often.
Can I Use Double Sheets on a King Single Bed?
This is a really common question, and the answer is "it depends." A double flat sheet or duvet cover will work beautifully—in fact, the extra drape can feel quite luxurious.
The problem comes with the fitted sheet. A double fitted sheet is too wide and not quite long enough for a king single mattress. You'll end up with a loose, baggy fit that bunches up and will inevitably slip off the corners during the night. For that snug, stay-put feel, you really need to stick with sheets specifically labelled ‘King Single’.
Is a King Single Big Enough for Two People?
In a word, no. A king single is designed to give one person a really comfortable, spacious sleep. At 107 cm wide, it's just not built to handle two adults without feeling incredibly cramped.
If you’re buying for a couple or setting up a guest room that needs to sleep two, a double bed (at 137 cm wide) is the absolute minimum you should be looking at.
The key difference between a king single and a long single is all about width, not length. They both share that same fantastic 203 cm length, but the king single gives you an extra 15 cm across (107 cm vs 92 cm). That extra room makes a huge difference for a solo sleeper.
Are All King Single Bed Frames the Same Size?
This is a classic trap for the unwary! While the mattress dimensions are standard across New Zealand, the bed frames themselves can vary wildly in size.
A simple, minimalist metal frame might only add a couple of centimetres to the overall footprint. On the other hand, a chunky wooden sleigh bed or a plush upholstered frame with a thick headboard could easily add 10-20 cm to both the final length and width. Always, always check the frame's external dimensions before you buy to make sure it will actually fit your space.
Got more questions on your mind? Have a look through our full list of frequently asked questions.
Ready to find the perfect bed that ticks all the boxes? Explore the extensive collection at New Zealand Bed Company and enjoy the comfort and quality you deserve. Find your ideal mattress today at nzbeds.co.nz.