Trying to get your head around single mattress measurements in New Zealand? You're in the right place. A standard NZ single mattress measures 91cm wide by 188cm long. This compact size makes it a classic, practical choice for kids' rooms, spare rooms, or any smaller space where you need to be clever with your layout.
Of course, a standard single isn't your only option. A taller teen might find it a bit short, which is where a long single comes in handy. If you're after a bit more width to stretch out, then a king single is likely the better fit.
Your Quick Guide to NZ Single Mattress Dimensions
Getting the mattress size right from the start saves a lot of headaches later. It means your bed frame will be a perfect match, your sheets will fit snugly without popping off at the corners, and the bed won't swallow your entire room. This guide is here to give you the exact dimensions for single mattresses in New Zealand, so you can shop with total confidence.
Here’s a quick visual breakdown of the common single mattress sizes you'll come across.
NZ Single and Related Mattress Size Chart
For a quick and easy comparison, this table lays out the precise measurements for the single, long single, and king single mattresses available right here in New Zealand.
| Mattress Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 91 cm | 188 cm |
| Long Single | 91 cm | 203 cm |
| King Single | 107 cm | 203 cm |
As you can see, the key difference between a single and a long single is that extra length, while a king single gives you more room in both width and length.
Curious about how these sizes stack up against doubles, queens, or even super kings? You can see all the options side-by-side in our complete NZ bed size guide. It’s a great resource for comparing every mattress size to find the perfect fit for any bedroom.
What Is a Standard NZ Single Mattress?
Here in New Zealand, the standard single mattress is our most common and compact choice for anyone sleeping alone. It measures exactly 91cm wide by 188cm long, making its small footprint a perfect fit for tighter living spaces.
This size is the go-to for a child's first proper bed or for bunk beds where every centimetre counts. It's also a brilliantly practical solution for furnishing a small guest room or a home office that needs to pull double duty as a bedroom.
Getting a Feel for the Size
So, how does a single mattress actually feel in a room? Picture a classic Kiwi kid's bedroom, maybe about 3 metres by 3 metres. Once you place the 91cm x 188cm bed against a wall, you'll still have plenty of floor space for a desk, a toy box, and a wardrobe without the room feeling cluttered.
The real advantage of a single is its compact measurements don't dominate the space. This gives you much more flexibility with furniture layout and helps keep the room feeling open and usable—a must-have for smaller or multi-purpose rooms.
Even with economic pressures on New Zealand's furniture industry, demand for staple items like single mattresses holds strong. While the mattress market's value recently adjusted to $31 million, people are still buying them, proving that Kiwis will always prioritise essential home comforts. For a deeper dive into the numbers, check out the latest NZ mattress market trends on IndexBox.io.
Single vs. Long Single vs. King Single Mattresses
While a standard single mattress is a fantastic space-saver, it’s not your only choice. Knowing the differences between the single, long single, and king single is crucial for making the right call, especially if you're buying for a growing kid or a taller adult.
A long single mattress keeps the same 91cm width as a standard single but gives you an extra 15cm in length, bringing it to 203cm long. This makes it an excellent fix for taller teenagers and adults who need more legroom to avoid having their feet dangle off the edge. It's a smart solution for skinny bedrooms where you can't spare any width but have length to play with.
When You Need a Bit More Width
For anyone who likes to spread out, the king single mattress is often the way to go. It measures 107cm wide by 203cm long, offering a generous 16cm of extra width compared to a single. That little bit of extra space can feel like a luxury for single adults, restless sleepers, and growing teens who need more room to move.
Many Kiwis see the king single as a savvy long-term purchase. It’s big enough to see a teenager right through to their adult years, so you won't have to upgrade again in a hurry.
To make it crystal clear, here’s a quick rundown of who each size is best for:
- Single (91cm x 188cm): Perfect for young children, bunk beds, and very small guest rooms.
- Long Single (91cm x 203cm): Ideal for taller teens or adults furnishing a narrow room.
- King Single (107cm x 203cm): A great all-rounder for single adults, growing teens, and anyone who just wants that extra bit of width.
If you think that extra space is what you need, have a look at our detailed guide on king single dimensions to double-check if it's the right choice for your bedroom.
How NZ Mattress Sizes Compare Globally
Whether you're buying a bed frame from overseas or moving to Aotearoa, understanding global single mattress measurements is crucial. It’s an easy mistake to make—ordering a stylish frame from an international store, only to find your New Zealand mattress doesn't quite fit. That's a costly and frustrating problem you want to avoid.
Thankfully, Kiwis and Aussies are on the same page. Our single mattress sizes are identical, making trans-Tasman shopping a breeze. But when you start looking at beds from the UK or the US, that’s where the differences crop up. A US Twin, for instance, is noticeably wider and a bit longer than our standard NZ single.
International Single Mattress Size Comparison
Here’s a quick-reference table to show you exactly what we mean. These seemingly small variations can make a big difference, so always double-check the specific dimensions before you commit to an international purchase.
| Region/Country | Size Name | Dimensions (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Single | 91 x 188 cm |
| Australia | Single | 91 x 188 cm |
| United Kingdom | Single | 90 x 190 cm |
| United States | Twin | 96.5 x 190.5 cm |
As you can see, the differences in length and width might only be a few centimetres, but it's enough to cause real headaches. Trying to fit an NZ single mattress into a US Twin frame, for example, will leave awkward gaps and a sloppy finish.
It's a big world out there for beds. The global mattress market is set to hit a staggering USD 129.5 billion by 2035, largely thanks to online shopping and a growing focus on the importance of good sleep. You can read more about these global mattress market trends from Future Market Insights.
And remember, these international sizing quirks aren't just for singles. If you're looking to upgrade the master bedroom, our guide to king size bed dimensions is the perfect place to start.
How to Measure Your Space for a New Mattress
It’s an easy mistake to make, but a frustrating one: buying a new mattress only to discover it doesn't actually fit your bed frame or your room. Before you get lost in the numbers, take a few minutes to measure your space properly. It’ll save you a world of hassle later on.
First up, the bed frame. This is where most people go wrong. Always measure the internal dimensions of your frame—that’s the actual slat or base area where the mattress will sit. Don’t just measure the outside edges, as the thickness of the headboard, footboard, and side rails can throw your numbers off completely. Get a good tape measure and note down the interior length and width.
Once you have your frame size, take a look at the bedroom. Measure the floor space where the bed will go, but be realistic. Account for things like skirting boards, radiators, and any built-in furniture that juts out. Make sure you leave enough room to comfortably walk around the bed. This practical guide to calculating required space is a handy resource for figuring that out for any room.
Don't Forget About Mattress Depth
One of the most commonly overlooked single mattress measurements is its depth (or height). This isn't just about looks; it's a key factor for comfort and, more importantly, safety. The final height of your bed is the frame plus the mattress, and this determines how easily you can get in and out.
This is especially critical for kids' beds. If you have a bunk bed or a bed with built-in safety rails, check the manufacturer's maximum mattress height recommendation. A mattress that's too thick can render those safety rails useless, creating a serious fall risk.
To get it right every time, just follow these simple steps:
- Measure the Frame: Grab a tape measure and get the interior length and width of your bed base.
- Measure the Room: Check the total floor space, remembering to subtract space for skirting boards and furniture.
- Check Mattress Depth: Consider the final combined height of the bed and mattress, particularly for children's beds with safety features.
These principles apply to any bed size, but they become even more crucial with larger frames. We go into more detail on this in our article on queen bed frame sizes.
Matching a Mattress Size to Your Needs
Knowing the numbers is one thing, but figuring out how they translate to your own space is the real trick. Choosing the right mattress isn't just about measurements; it's about who will be sleeping on it, the room it's going into, and how it fits into your daily life.
Take the standard single mattress. It's the go-to for kids' rooms and bunk beds for a reason. Its tidy 91cm x 188cm footprint frees up valuable floor space for play, desks, and all the other things that come with a growing kid. It's a practical, space-saving choice.
That said, if you're outfitting a guest room that needs to comfortably host adults, a standard single might feel a bit cramped.
Choosing for Growing Sleepers and Guest Rooms
When you're buying a bed for a teenager, a king single is almost always the smarter long-term move. At 107cm wide and 203cm long, it gives them plenty of room to stretch out through growth spurts, ensuring you don't have to buy another bed in a few years. That extra space is also a great perk for single adults who just want a bit more room to themselves.
The long single, on the other hand, is a brilliant solution for tall sleepers in narrow rooms. It gives you the same generous length as a king single but keeps the slim 91cm width of a standard single, solving a very specific space problem.
Your final decision should be about balancing the sleeper’s needs right now with what they'll need down the track. Spending a bit more on a king single for a teen today could save you from having to upgrade all over again in just a couple of years.
To land on the perfect choice, run through these key questions:
- The Sleeper: How old are they? How tall? Do they toss and turn? A restless sleeper will thank you for the extra width.
- The Bed's Job: Is this an everyday bed, a guest bed for occasional visitors, or part of a space-saving bunk setup?
- Room Size: Measure the room first. You need to be able to walk around the bed comfortably once it's in place.
- Future Needs: Think ahead. Will your child outgrow a standard single too quickly? Sometimes, investing in a larger size from the start is the more economical choice.
For a deeper dive into all the factors that go into finding the right bed, check out our guide on how to choose the perfect mattress in New Zealand.
Common Questions About Single Mattress Sizes
Even after you've sorted the measurements, a few questions can still pop up. Let's tackle some of the most common queries we hear about single mattress sizes to help clear up any lingering confusion.
Can You Use Standard Single Sheets on a Long Single Mattress?
Great question, and one we get all the time. The short answer is, unfortunately, no. A standard single sheet is cut to fit a mattress that’s 188cm long, but a long single is 203cm. Trying to force a standard fitted sheet onto a long single is a recipe for frustration – it simply won't stretch that far.
To get that snug, proper fit, you'll need to look for sheets specifically labelled "long single." This ensures they have the extra length to hug the mattress properly without the corners constantly pinging off.
What's the Real Difference Between a Single and a Twin?
Here in New Zealand, you'll almost exclusively hear the term "single." The name "twin," however, is the standard in the United States. While they both refer to a bed for one person, their actual dimensions aren't quite the same.
- NZ Single: 91cm x 188cm
- US Twin: 96.5cm x 190.5cm
As you can see, a US Twin is slightly wider and a touch longer than our standard NZ single. It’s a small detail, but a crucial one to remember if you're ever buying bedding or a bed frame from an American brand.
How Much Space Should I Leave Around a Single Bed?
Choosing the right mattress is only half the puzzle; you also need to make sure it works in the room. To avoid a cramped, cluttered space, leaving enough room around the bed is essential.
As a rule of thumb, try to leave at least 50-60cm of clear walking space around any side of the bed that isn't pushed against a wall. This gives you enough room to move freely, make the bed without a struggle, and easily open wardrobe doors or drawers.
Of course, knowing the right dimensions is one thing, but looking after your mattress is key to its longevity. If life happens and you're dealing with little accidents, you might find some helpful tips on how to get pee out of a mattress. Keeping it clean helps protect your investment for years to come.
Ready to find the perfect single mattress for your space? At New Zealand Bed Company, we offer a wide range of sizes and comfort levels to suit every need and budget. Explore our collection and find your ideal fit today at https://nzbeds.co.nz.