An Aussie’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Size
Choosing a bed might seem simple at first. Walk into a shop, pick the biggest one, and done, right?
Well, not quite.
When it comes to picking between a king bed, queen bed, and twin bed, there’s a lot more to think about – your room size, budget, comfort needs, and even your lifestyle!
Today, we’re breaking it all down. No confusing jargon, no pushy sales talk — just clear, easy advice to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
What Are the Actual Sizes? (King Size Bed vs Queen Bed vs Twin Bed)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s get the facts straight. Here’s a simple table showing the standard sizes in Australia:
| Bed Type | Size (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Bed (Single) | 92 cm x 188 cm | Kids, teens, small rooms |
| Queen Bed | 153 cm x 203 cm | Couples, guest rooms |
| King Bed | 183 cm x 203 cm | Kids, teens, and small rooms |
🔹 Twin Bed is the smallest of the three, perfect if you’re short on space.
🔹 Queen Bed hits the sweet spot — not too big or small.
🔹 King Bed is the largest and gives you loads of personal space.
Twin Bed: Small in Size, Big on Convenience
Let’s start with the Twin Bed, also often called a “Single Bed” in Australia.
Measurements:
- 92 cm wide
- 188 cm long
Why Choose a Twin Bed?
- Ideal for kids’ rooms or small bedrooms.
- Great for teens or single adults who don’t toss and turn much.
- Twin beds are light and easy to move — perfect if you love to rearrange your room.
- They’re also budget-friendly! You’ll spend less on the mattress, frame, and bedding.
Good to Know:
If you have a narrow room or you’re furnishing a guest room where adults won’t stay long-term, a twin bed might be the perfect choice.
In bigger families, bunk beds often use twin mattresses, too!
Queen Bed: Australia’s Favourite Bed Size
Now, onto the crowd favourite — the Queen Bed.
Measurements:
- 153 cm wide
- 203 cm long
Why Aussies Love Queen Beds
- Fits two adults comfortably.
- Perfect for master bedrooms that aren’t massive.
- Good balance between space and price.
- Queen mattresses are super easy to find in stores around Australia.
The Sweet Spot for Couples
A Queen gives two people enough space to sleep well, without eating up the whole room.
If you’re sharing a bed but don’t want to feel miles apart (like you might on a king bed!), the queen size feels just right.
Bedding and Frames
Since it’s so popular, you’ll find every type of bed frame imaginable — wooden, upholstered, metal — and an endless range of sheet sets and quilt covers to match.
King Bed: The Ultimate Luxury for Your Bedroom
Dreaming of stretching out like a starfish? Say hello to the King Bed.
Measurements:
- 183 cm wide
- 203 cm long
Why Choose a King Bed?
- Offers the most sleeping space of the three.
- Great if you have kids or pets that sneak into bed at night.
- Best for large master bedrooms — a king-size bed needs room to breathe!
Important Room Tips
Before you get excited and buy a king bed, check your bedroom size.
Ideally, your room should be at least 4.2 m x 3.9 m.
You don’t want to end up with a bed that leaves you squeezing sideways to open your wardrobe!
Cost Factor
King beds can be pricier. Not just the mattress and frame — even things like sheets, doonas, and quilts will cost more. But for many Aussies, that extra comfort is worth every cent.
Comparing Twin, Queen, and King Beds Side-by-Side
| Feature | Twin Bed | Queen Bed | King Bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Kids, Single Adults | Couples, Guest Rooms | Couples with extra space needs |
| Room Size Needed | 2.5 m x 3.0 m (min) | 3.2 m x 3.0 m (min) | 4.2 m x 3.9 m (min) |
| Cost | $ (cheapest) | $$ (moderate) | $$$ (highest) |
| Ease of Moving | Very easy | Moderate | Hard (heavy and bulky) |
| Bedding Variety | Good | Excellent | Good but pricier |
Other Things to Think About Before Buying a Bed
1. Who Will Sleep In It?
- Single adults, kids, and guests? → Twin bed.
- Couples without much room? → Queen bed.
- Couples who value personal space? → King bed.
2. What’s Your Room Size?
Measure before you buy!
Remember you’ll also need space for:
- Walking around the bed
- Bedside tables
- Dressers, wardrobes
- Maybe even a comfy chair
3. Budget Considerations
Sure, you want the biggest bed possible… but don’t forget:
- Bigger beds cost more.
- Bigger bedsheets cost more.
- Bigger beds are harder to move.
If you’re renting or moving houses often, that king bed might become a bit of a headache!
4. Sleeping Style
- Light sleeper? Need more space to avoid bumping into your partner? → King.
- Deep sleeper? Happy to snuggle up? → Queen.
- Solo sleeper or kid? → Twin.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Twin Bed
✅ Saves space
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Easy to move
❌ Can feel cramped for adults
Queen Bed
✅ Perfect size for most couples
✅ Great balance of comfort and price
✅ Widely available
❌ Might feel tight if sharing with kids or pets
King Bed
✅ Maximum space and comfort
✅ Luxurious feel
✅ Ideal for families who bed-share
❌ Expensive
❌ Needs a large room
🇦🇺 Aussie Room Size Guide for Beds
Here’s a quick recommendation chart based on standard Australian home sizes:
| Room Size | Suggested Bed |
|---|---|
| 2.5 m x 3.0 m | Twin Bed |
| 3.2 m x 3.0 m | Queen Bed |
| 4.2 m x 3.9 m | King Bed |
Pro Tip: Always allow at least 70–80 cm of clearance around each side of the bed so you can move freely.
Quick Fun Facts About Beds in Australia
- Queen beds are the most common choice in Aussie households!
- King beds have been rising in popularity, especially among young families.
- Twin beds are still a top pick for kids’ bedrooms and studio apartments.
- Some shops now offer extra-long twin beds (Twin XL) for taller teens and adults.
How Your Bed Size Impacts Your Sleep
Most people don’t realise it, but the size of your bed can seriously affect how well you sleep.
If your bed is too small, you might find yourself cramped, tossing and turning just to find a comfortable position. You might wake up feeling sore or grumpy, without even knowing why!
A Twin Bed can work great if you’re a solo sleeper who doesn’t move much at night.
But for active sleepers, or anyone who loves to sprawl, a twin bed can feel a bit like sleeping in a shoebox.
A Queen Bed gives enough space for two average-sized adults to stretch and turn without disturbing each other too much. That’s why it’s the most popular choice for couples across Australia. It’s the goldilocks bed — not too big, not too small.
A King Bed is a dream for people who need their own “sleep zone.”
If you or your partner snores, flails about, or steals the doona (you know who you are!), that extra 30 cm in width can make all the difference. With a king, you’ll have your space without feeling like you’re on a different planets.
Important Sleep Tip:
Studies show that couples who sleep with more space between them actually report better sleep quality. So if you’ve got the room, investing in a larger bed could mean better health and happier mornings!
How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Bed Choice
Choosing the right bed size isn’t just about the room size or your height — your lifestyle matters too!
1. Young Families
If you’ve got little ones who sneak into bed during thunderstorms or bad dreams, that extra space of a king bed can save you from clinging to the edge all night. A Queen might work too, but be ready for some elbows in the ribs!
2. Pet Owners
Let’s be honest: Aussie households love their pets.
If you’ve got a dog or cat that insists on sleeping at your feet (or worse, your pillow!), a bigger bed might save you from late-night shuffling.
3. City Living
Living in Sydney or Melbourne apartments? Space is precious!
A twin or queen bed might be the smarter choice. You don’t want to cram a king bed into a tight space and lose your wardrobe access or that spot for your morning coffee chair.
4. Guest Rooms
Setting up a guest room?
A queen bed hits the sweet spot. It’s comfy for one or two guests but doesn’t overwhelm the room. Plus, most Aussie linen shops stock queen-size bedding in dozens of styles, so you can easily find stylish, affordable options.
Bed Frames: Don’t Forget the Extra Space
Remember, your mattress isn’t the only thing that takes up room. Bed frames — especially those with thick headboards or fancy designs — can add an extra 10–20 cm on all sides.
A few common frame styles include:
- Platform beds: Simple and low to the ground — great for modern homes.
- Storage beds: Fantastic for small spaces but often bulkier.
- Canopy beds: Dreamy and elegant but need a tall ceiling and lots of space.
Final Thoughts: Which Bed is Right for You?
If you’re after affordability and need a practical choice for a child or small room, the twin bed ticks all the boxes.
If you want a bed that feels roomy without overdoing it and works beautifully for couples, the queen bed is your go-to.
But if you dream of luxury, love to sprawl, and have the space (and budget!) to match, the king bed is absolutely worth the splurge.
No matter what you choose, make sure your new bed fits your life, not just your room.
What is a twin bed in Australia?
In Australia, a twin bed is known as a single bed. The standard Australian single bed size is approximately 92cm wide by 188cm long. This bed size is ideal for one person and is commonly found in kids’ bedrooms, guest rooms, and smaller spaces. If you’re comparing Australian and US bed sizes, remember that the Australian single bed is the direct equivalent of the US twin bed.
