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King Single Bed Size Guide: Dimensions & Comparison

Henry Cooper Brown White • 2026-05-15 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

If you’re tall, live in a compact apartment, or simply want a bed that doesn’t force your feet over the edge, the king single deserves a closer look. It’s the longest standard single-person mattress sold in Ireland — 203 cm (80 in) in length — yet it’s barely wider than a standard single.

King single bed length: 203 cm (80 in) ·
King single bed width: 92 cm (36 in) ·
Double bed width: 137 cm (54 in) ·
Standard single bed width: 91 cm (36 in) ·
Maximum adult height comfortably accommodated: 6 ft 5 in

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether a king single is more comfortable than a double depends on individual build and sleeping habits
  • Optimal mattress firmness for king single users varies by body weight and sleep position
3Timeline signal
  • No major changes to Irish bed size standards in recent decades; king single dimensions are stable
4What’s next

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the key dimensions across the three bed sizes.

Key facts at a glance: king single, standard single, and double comparisons
Attribute King single Standard single Double
Length (cm) 203 190 190
Width (cm) 92 91 137
Length (inches) 80 75 75
Width (inches) 36 36 54
Typical weight capacity (kg) 150–200 150–200 200–250
Best suited for Tall single adults, narrow rooms Children, teens, short adults Couples, single spreaders

What size is a king single bed?

King single bed dimensions in centimetres and inches

In Ireland, the king single mattress measures exactly 203 cm long by 92 cm wide — that’s 80 inches by 36 inches. It’s the same width as a standard single but a full 13 cm (5 in) longer, making it the go-to choice for anyone who needs extra legroom without giving up floor width. According to Wikipedia’s bed size overview (bed-size reference), this is the standard UK and Ireland king single specification.

King single bed vs standard single bed size

The standard single in Ireland is 190 cm × 91 cm (75″ × 36″) — barely narrower but significantly shorter. Casey’s Furniture Ireland (Irish furniture retailer) confirms the single as 90 cm wide and 190 cm long, while Homeline Furniture Ireland (Irish furniture specialist) gives identical 3 ft × 6 ft 3 in dimensions. The king single offers 7 % more sleeping length — a meaningful difference for someone over six feet.

The upshot

Tall sleepers gain 13 cm of extra legroom at no additional width. For a cramped studio, that extra length can be the difference between a bed that works and one that forces you to sleep diagonally.

The implication: for tall individuals, the king single is the clear winner over a standard single.

Is a king single the same size as a double?

Size comparison: king single vs double bed

No. A double bed is significantly wider but slightly shorter. Irish double dimensions are 190 cm × 137 cm (75″ × 54″) per Casey’s Furniture Ireland (Irish furniture retailer) and Homeline Furniture Ireland (Irish furniture specialist). The double is about 49 % wider than the king single, but 13 cm shorter. So the king single is the longer bed; the double is the wider bed.

  • King single: 203 cm × 92 cm (80″ × 36″)
  • Double: 190 cm × 137 cm (75″ × 54″)
  • Difference: king single is +13 cm length, −45 cm width

When to choose king single over double

Pick the king single if your room is narrow (less than 140 cm width) and you sleep alone — especially if you’re tall. Choose the double if you share a bed or want extra sideways space. The trade-off is clear: the double eats up more floor area, which can be a problem in a small Irish flat.

Bottom line: King single gives tall solo sleepers the length they need without sacrificing precious floor width. Double suits couples or people who spread out, but requires a wider room.

The pattern: if floor space is at a premium, the king single is the smarter choice for solo tall sleepers.

Can an adult sleep on a king single?

Comfort for tall adults on a king single

Yes — and for many adults it’s more comfortable than a standard single. With a length of 203 cm, the king single can accommodate someone up to about 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) without their feet hanging off the end. Casey’s Furniture Ireland (Irish furniture retailer) notes that the Irish single is only 190 cm long, leaving a six-footer with little room. The extra 13 cm of the king single directly addresses that problem.

Space considerations for side sleepers

The width, however, is the same as a standard single at 92 cm. That’s enough for most people sleeping alone, but broad-shouldered side sleepers may feel restricted. If you sleep with arms outstretched or change positions frequently during the night, the king single can feel narrow. A double (137 cm wide) offers more space but at the cost of floor area.

“King single beds are designed for taller sleepers who need extra length without sacrificing floor space.”

Sealy Australia (bed size guide)

“King single beds are popular in shared spaces where floor area is limited but height is a priority.”

Bedshed (size guide)

What this means: for most solo adults, especially tall ones, the king single is a comfortable fit; only broad-shouldered or very restless sleepers may find it tight.

Is it worth getting a king single bed?

Upsides

  • Extra length (203 cm) fits tall adults comfortably
  • Narrow width (92 cm) fits small or oddly shaped rooms
  • Generally cheaper than a double or queen bed
  • Lighter and easier to move than larger beds

Downsides

  • Not suitable for couples at all
  • Feels cramped for broad-shouldered or restless sleepers
  • Less choice of fitted sheets and mattresses compared to twin XL or double
  • Not as widely stocked as standard single or double in some stores

The catch: the king single is a specialist bed — excellent for tall solo sleepers in tight spaces, but a poor fit for anyone who shares a bed or values width over length.

What are the disadvantages of a single bed?

Disadvantages of a king single bed vs other sizes

The main drawbacks come down to width and availability. A king single is too narrow for two people, and even for one person it can feel restrictive if you move around a lot. Do Chara (Irish travel & culture site, bed size comparison) points out that US twin (97 cm wide) is actually slightly wider than the Irish single (91 cm). So if you buy a king single in Ireland, you get the same narrow width as a single but a longer length.

  • Less standard bedding options than twin or double
  • May feel cramped for adults who sprawl
  • Alternatives: standard single (shorter, same width), double (wider, shorter), twin XL (US standard, 203 cm × 97 cm — slightly wider)

Alternatives to a king single bed

If you need more width, a double bed (137 cm) is the obvious step up. If you want the same length but more width, a US twin XL (97 cm × 203 cm) is worth sourcing — though it’s not commonly sold in Ireland. For most tall single sleepers in narrow rooms, the king single remains the optimal compromise.

For those looking to complete their bedding setup, understanding king single duvet sizes ensures a proper fit for the mattress.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a king single bed typically cost?

Prices in Ireland range from €150 to €600 depending on frame material, mattress quality, and whether storage is included. Budget frames start around €80–€120 for a basic metal or wooden slatted base.

What mattress size fits a king single bed frame?

You need a king single mattress: 203 cm × 92 cm (80″ × 36″). Always measure the frame’s internal dimensions before buying a mattress, as some frames may be slightly narrower or wider.

Is a king single bed the same as a twin XL?

No. The twin XL is a US size: 203 cm × 97 cm (80″ × 38″). It’s the same length but 5 cm wider than a king single. A twin XL mattress will not fit a king single frame.

Where can I buy a king single bed in Ireland?

Major retailers include IKEA, Harvey Norman, DFS, and independent furniture shops. Many stock king single frames and mattresses online. Check dimensions carefully, as some “single” frames from IKEA may actually be standard single length.

Can two adults sleep on a king single bed?

No. With only 92 cm width, there isn’t enough space for two adults to sleep comfortably. A double (137 cm) is the minimum for two.

What is the weight limit for a king single bed?

Most king single frames support up to 150–200 kg, depending on construction. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications, especially for storage beds with gas lifts.

Do king single beds come with storage options?

Yes. Many retailers sell king single storage beds with drawers underneath or a lift-up base. These are popular in small Irish apartments where every square metre counts.

How much floor space does a king single bed require?

A king single mattress takes up about 1.87 m² (203 cm × 92 cm). A bed frame adds a few centimetres on each side, so allow roughly 215 cm × 110 cm of floor space for the bed alone.

Related reading

For tall adults and studio dwellers in Ireland, the king single bed strikes a rare balance: it delivers the extra length you need without swallowing your floor space. The decision is straightforward — if you sleep alone and every centimetre of width counts, the king single is your best bet. If you share a bed or value width over length, look to a double. For everyone else, this long, narrow design solves a problem that the standard single simply leaves hanging.



Henry Cooper Brown White

About the author

Henry Cooper Brown White

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.