A king single bed gives you a generous 107cm of sleeping space, hitting that sweet spot between a standard single and a double. It's the perfect 'just right' solution when you need more room to stretch out but don't want the bed to swallow your entire room.
What is a King Single Width?
Navigating New Zealand bed sizes can feel like a maze, but the king single stands out for its clever blend of comfort and practicality. It’s a welcome upgrade from a standard single, which often feels too restrictive for growing teenagers or taller adults.
Here in New Zealand, a king single mattress measures 107cm x 203cm. It's become a go-to choice for Kiwi teens and single adults who value that extra space, especially since it fits neatly into the compact bedrooms common in many modern homes.
That little bit of extra width makes a world of difference:
- More Room to Move: You’re less likely to feel like you're teetering on the edge of the bed all night.
- Better Comfort: The extra space lets you settle in properly for a more relaxed, undisturbed sleep.
- Grows With You: It's a fantastic long-term option that can comfortably take someone from their teen years right through to young adulthood.
For many Kiwis, choosing a king single isn't just about getting a bigger bed—it's a smart investment in better sleep. That added width delivers a noticeable improvement in comfort you can feel every single night.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s how the king single stacks up against other common bed sizes in New Zealand.
NZ Bed Size Dimensions at a Glance
| Bed Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 91 | 188 |
| Long Single | 91 | 203 |
| King Single | 107 | 203 |
| Double | 137 | 188 |
| Queen | 153 | 203 |
| King | 167 | 203 |
| Super King | 183 | 203 |
| California King | 203 | 203 |
As you can see, the king single offers a significant width advantage over a single while sharing the same length as a queen or king, making it ideal for taller individuals.
Ultimately, this size strikes the perfect balance, making it a versatile and practical choice for modern Kiwi living. To dive deeper into how it compares, check out our detailed guide on king single dimensions.
Comparing King Single Width to Other NZ Bed Sizes
Choosing the right bed size is always a trade-off. You want maximum comfort, but you also have to work with your room's floor plan. The king single width of 107cm is the perfect middle-ground, giving you a real upgrade from a standard single without demanding the space a double bed does.
Think of it like upgrading from an economy seat to premium economy on a long flight. That bit of extra room might not look huge on paper, but it completely transforms the experience. You can finally shift and stretch out without feeling like you're about to fall off the edge.
King Single vs Single
The most obvious comparison is with a standard single bed. A king single gives you an extra 15cm of width. That might not sound like much, but it’s the difference between feeling penned in and having ample room to move.
For growing teenagers who seem to sprout overnight or for any single adult who just wants a more comfortable sleep, that extra space is a game-changer. It provides a sense of freedom that a narrow single simply can't match, especially if you're an active sleeper.
This chart shows you exactly how a king single stacks up against other common sizes.

As you can see, it’s a substantial step up from a single, making it a fantastic choice for anyone sleeping solo.
King Single vs Double
Now, when you compare it to a double bed, the king single’s real strength is its clever, space-saving design. A double bed measures 137cm across, and that extra width can quickly make a smaller Kiwi bedroom feel cluttered, leaving you with little room for a desk or drawers.
A king single, on the other hand, fits comfortably into more compact rooms without making you compromise on comfort.
For guest rooms, studio apartments, or any bedroom where you need to be smart with your space, the king single is the perfect solution. It offers a generous sleeping area without the large footprint of a double.
This unique size has made it a New Zealand favourite for just about everyone—from growing kids to single adults. It’s a practical fit for modern homes where every square metre counts. If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide on single and king single dimensions. The 107cm width also makes it an excellent match for adjustable bases, which are becoming increasingly popular for customised comfort.
Who Is a King Single Bed Perfect For?

So, is a king single the right fit for you? With its generous king single width of 107cm, it’s a surprisingly versatile option that works brilliantly in several key situations. Think of it as a long-term investment that adapts as your family's needs change.
It’s an absolute game-changer for growing kids and teenagers who have finally outgrown their first "little kid" bed. The extra room gives them space to stretch out, preventing them from feeling cramped and ensuring a better night's sleep during those crucial growth spurts. This practical approach to furnishing also fits perfectly with modern minimalist furniture ideas for a functional home, where every piece serves a purpose.
It's not just for kids, either. Many taller adults living in apartments, townhouses, or smaller homes find a standard single bed too restrictive. A king single offers that vital extra length and width for a truly comfortable rest without taking over the entire room.
A Smart Choice for Every Generation
The real beauty of a king single is how it caters to different stages of life, making it a clever choice for guest rooms and older Kiwis as well.
- The Perfect Guest Bed: A king single offers visitors a far more comfortable and welcoming experience than a standard single. It shows you’ve really thought about their comfort.
- Comfort for Seniors: For older adults, the added width provides more space to move, making it easier and safer to get in and out of bed. It’s also a very popular size for adjustable bases, which can offer incredible support and flexibility.
A king single isn’t just a bed for right now; it’s an adaptable piece of furniture that meets changing needs. It provides lasting comfort from the teenage years right through to adulthood and offers a practical, dignified solution for seniors.
Each year, Kiwis buy around 120,000 single mattresses, and the king single is carving out a solid niche within this huge 30% slice of New Zealand's total mattress market. It's a go-to for guest rooms, kids' rooms, and especially for those adjustable setups for older family members.
The smart dimensions also make it a fantastic candidate for beds with built-in drawers. To see how you can get the most out of your floor plan, check out our guide on how a storage bed single can help you maximise your space.
How to Select Your Ideal Mattress and Base
So, you've decided the versatile king single width is the right fit for your space. Excellent! The next step is the fun part: picking the perfect mattress and base. This is where your personal comfort needs meet the right sleep technology to create a setup that guarantees a great night's sleep.
Start With How You Sleep
The easiest way to figure out what mattress "feel" you need is to think about your go-to sleeping position.
If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll likely find a plush or medium feel much more comfortable, as it allows your shoulders and hips to sink in just enough. For back and stomach sleepers, a medium or firm mattress is usually the best bet, giving you that crucial support to keep your spine properly aligned.
Your ideal mattress shouldn’t just feel comfortable—it should actively support your body's natural alignment. The right choice can make a huge difference in waking up refreshed instead of achy.
We know it can feel like a big decision, which is why our guide on how to choose a mattress is packed with practical advice to help you find your perfect match.
Matching Your Mattress to Your Lifestyle
Your mattress can do more than just provide a place to sleep; it can solve problems. If you're struggling with back pain, a mattress from a dedicated back-support range can be life-changing. These are specifically engineered to offer targeted lumbar support, helping to maintain spinal alignment and ease pressure.
Another brilliant option is pairing your king single mattress with an adjustable base. This gives you incredible flexibility, letting you raise your head for reading or elevate your feet to improve circulation. It's a fantastic solution for managing things like snoring or acid reflux, or simply for finding that perfect angle for ultimate relaxation.
- Firm Feel: The best choice for stomach sleepers or anyone needing maximum, sturdy support.
- Medium Feel: A great all-rounder that suits most back and side sleepers beautifully.
- Plush Feel: Offers that deep, cloud-like cushioning perfect for side sleepers who need pressure relief.
Finally, don't forget the foundation! A solid, well-matched base is non-negotiable. It ensures your mattress performs at its best and protects your investment for years to come. Add a stylish headboard, and you've created a stable, complete centrepiece for your bedroom. And when it comes time to move, these essential furniture moving tips will make the process a whole lot smoother.
Dressing Your King Single: A Guide to the Right Bedding

There’s nothing worse than getting a brand-new bed only to find your old sheets don’t fit. Because of its unique dimensions, a king single needs its own specific linen to look neat and feel comfortable. Trying to make do with the wrong size often leads to bunched-up fitted sheets or a duvet that leaves you out in the cold.
Getting the fit right is about more than just looks—it's key to a good night's sleep. A sheet that’s too tight will ping off the corners every time you move, while one that’s too big will end up in a wrinkled mess. The right bedding also acts as a crucial first line of defence, protecting your mattress and helping it last longer.
Your King Single Bedding Checklist
To take the guesswork out of shopping, here are the standard dimensions you should be looking for. It always pays to double-check the packaging, but these numbers are your best bet for a perfectly made bed.
- Fitted Sheet: Look for one labelled "King Single," which typically measures 107cm x 203cm. The most important detail here is the depth. Make sure it’s deep enough for your mattress, especially if you have a plush topper.
- Flat Sheet: A standard king single flat sheet is around 180cm x 270cm, which gives you plenty of fabric to tuck in for that snug, hotel-style feeling.
- Duvet Cover: Look for a duvet cover that’s roughly 180cm x 210cm. This size provides a generous drape over the sides of the bed, so you're not left fighting for warmth.
A perfectly fitting fitted sheet is the foundation of a comfortable bed. If your mattress is deeper than 35cm, actively look for "deep-walled" or "extra-deep" sheets to guarantee they stay put all night long.
Remember, protecting your mattress is just as important as dressing it. A quality king single mattress protector is the best way to shield your investment from spills, dust, and allergens.
Got a few lingering questions about king single beds? You're not alone. Let's tackle some of the most common queries to make sure you've got all the facts straight before you decide.
Can Two Adults Sleep in a King Single?
It would be a serious squeeze! While a king single feels roomy for one person, its 107cm width just isn't designed for two adults. If you're sharing a bed, you'll want to look at a double as the bare minimum, though a queen or king will give you both a much more comfortable night's sleep.
What Is the Exact Size of a King Single Bed?
In New Zealand, a standard king single mattress measures 107cm wide by 203cm long. Think of it as a significant upgrade from a regular single – you're getting an extra 16cm of width and a crucial 15cm of length. That extra space is a game-changer for growing teens, taller adults, or anyone who just loves to stretch out.
Will My Old Single Sheets Fit a King Single?
Unfortunately, they won't. Your old single sheets will be too narrow and too short for the generous dimensions of a king single. To get that snug, perfect fit, you'll need to invest in new bedding specifically labelled "King Single" for your fitted sheets, flat sheets, and duvet cover.
Ready to find the perfect bed for your space? Explore our huge range of mattresses and bases at New Zealand Bed Company and find your ideal sleep solution today.