In New Zealand, a standard king single mattress measures 107cm wide by 203cm long. This size gives you a significant upgrade in both width and length compared to a regular single, providing that crucial extra bit of room to stretch out.
Your Guide to King Single Bed Dimensions
A king single is a brilliant, practical choice for so many Kiwi homes. It's the perfect solution for growing teenagers who've shot up past their childhood bed, taller adults who need the extra legroom, or anyone who just wants a bit more space without committing to a double.
We often see them used in guest rooms, first homes, and compact city apartments where every square centimetre counts. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between a comfortable night's sleep and keeping your floor space clear.
It’s worth noting the key differences, especially if you’re furnishing a smaller room. While a standard single is a great space-saver, that extra length on a king single can make all the difference for a taller person's comfort. For a full breakdown, you can dive into our article on single mattress sizes.
Understanding Where the King Single Fits in the NZ Bed Range
Deciding on a new bed is always a bit of a balancing act, isn't it? You're weighing up space, comfort, and who the bed is actually for. A standard single is brilliant for tight spaces, but that's where the king single really shines. It offers that bit of extra room that makes all the difference for growing teenagers or taller adults, giving them a much more comfortable sleep without needing the floor space of a double.
Here's a look at the exact dimensions you're working with.
That extra length is the crucial detail here; it stops taller sleepers from having their feet dangling off the end. It’s a smart, versatile choice that works just as well in a guest room as it does in a smaller main bedroom.
For a really detailed breakdown of how it stacks up against its closest sibling, have a look at our guide comparing single and king single dimensions.
New Zealand Bed Size Comparison Guide
To give you a clearer picture, here's a quick reference chart showing how the king single compares to other common New Zealand mattress sizes. It helps to see them side-by-side to really appreciate the differences in width and length.
| Bed Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 91 cm | 188 cm | Young children, small bedrooms, bunk beds |
| King Single | 107 cm | 203 cm | Teenagers, taller individuals, guest rooms |
| Double | 137 cm | 188 cm | Single adults wanting more space, couples in small rooms |
| Queen | 153 cm | 203 cm | The most popular size for couples, master bedrooms |
As you can see, the King Single is unique because it's longer than a standard Double, making it the perfect solution for anyone who needs that extra legroom without a significantly wider bed.
Choosing the Right Mattress and Frame
Finding Your Ideal Mattress Depth
A mattress isn't just about length and width; its depth, or thickness, plays a huge part in how it feels. For a king single, you'll find options ranging from a slim 15 cm to luxuriously thick models over 30 cm.
So, how do you choose? Thicker mattresses often pack in more comfort layers, like memory foam or plush pillow tops, which can be a dream for side sleepers needing extra pressure relief on their hips and shoulders. Firmer, thinner profiles might be just the ticket for back or stomach sleepers who need solid support. It really comes down to your personal sleep style.
Matching Your Bed Frame or Base
Once you've picked your mattress, getting the frame right is crucial. A frame that's too big will let the mattress slide around, while one that's too small can damage both the mattress and the frame over time.
For a New Zealand king single mattress, make sure the internal dimensions of your bed frame are 107 cm x 203 cm. This ensures your mattress sits perfectly, giving you the best support and preventing any annoying gaps.
If you're still weighing up your options, it's worth seeing how the king single stacks up against its smaller cousin. For a full comparison, check out our guide to the single bed in NZ.
Finding Linen That Fits Perfectly
Getting the right linen is the final, crucial step to enjoying your new king single bed. You'll find that standard king single fitted sheets are made specifically for the 107cm x 203cm mattress surface. But don't stop there.
The real trick is to account for mattress depth. If your sheet's pockets are too shallow, the corners will constantly pop off, which is incredibly frustrating. Look for sheets with a deeper pocket—something around 40cm is usually a safe bet, especially for today's thicker mattresses.
To get that perfect, snug fit, you need to measure accurately. A standard retractable tape measure will do the job, but if you're serious about textiles, this guide on choosing the right ruler for fabric has some great tips for precision.
And of course, don't forget to protect your new investment. We've put together a handy guide on selecting a king single mattress protector to help you keep it in top condition for years to come.
Planning Your Room Layout
So, you've got your eye on a king single, but will it actually fit your space without making it feel cramped? As a general rule of thumb, we recommend a room that's at least 2.7m x 3.0m.
This size gives you enough breathing room to comfortably walk around the bed and fit in other essentials, like a small desk or a wardrobe. The goal is a functional space, not a furniture obstacle course.
A great tip for smaller rooms is to place the bed against the longest wall. This layout trick instantly opens up the floor and makes the entire room feel more spacious. It's this blend of comfort and practicality that makes the king single a favourite here in New Zealand, accounting for a massive 35% of all bed sales. If you're curious about what Kiwis are sleeping on, you can dig deeper into Kiwi bedding preferences from IndexBox.
Measuring Up for a Smooth Delivery
So, you've picked out the perfect king single bed. Great stuff. But before our delivery team brings it over, there's a bit of homework that will save you a world of hassle: grab a tape measure.
It’s easy to focus on where the bed will go in the room, but we’ve seen it all—the bed that gets stuck in the hallway is a classic. The real trick is to map out the entire journey from your front door to the bedroom.
Your Pre-Delivery Checklist
Get your tape measure and walk the path your new bed will take. Measure the width and height of every single doorway, hallway, and staircase it needs to pass through.
Don't forget to look for those sneaky obstacles. We're talking about things like:
- Tight corners, especially in stairwells.
- Low-hanging light fixtures that are easy to overlook.
- Handrails or banisters that jut out and reduce clearance.
A few minutes of measuring now means you can relax on delivery day, knowing everything will fit perfectly. For a full rundown of what our process looks like, head over to our detailed guide on shipping and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a King Single the Same as a Long Single?
They’re actually two different sizes, which is a common point of confusion. A king single is both wider and longer than a standard single, measuring 107cm x 203cm.
A long single, on the other hand, keeps the standard single width but adds extra length, coming in at 91cm x 203cm. It's always a good idea to double-check the exact measurements on the label before you buy a frame or new linen.
Can Two Adults Sleep in a King Single Bed?
A king single is really only built for one. While it's wonderfully spacious for a solo sleeper with its 107cm width, it's just not wide enough for two adults to sleep comfortably.
For couples, you’ll definitely want to look at a Queen or King size bed. This ensures both of you have enough personal space for a proper, restful night's sleep.
Do I Need Special King Single Bedding?
Yes, absolutely. Standard single sheets will be too narrow and too short. To get that snug, perfect fit, you’ll need to buy bedding specifically labelled for a king single.
This ensures your fitted sheet matches the 107cm x 203cm mattress dimensions, so it won’t pop off the corners in the middle of the night—a small detail that makes a big difference to your comfort.