A super king size bed is the largest standard bed in the UK, and the extra width changes more than the sleeping space. It affects the size of the room you need, the bedding you buy, the headboard you choose and how easily the bed can be delivered. This guide covers the practical side of owning a 6ft bed, so there are no surprises when it arrives.
The size
A UK super king mattress is 6ft (180cm) wide and 200cm long. That is 30cm wider than a king size bed and 45cm wider than a double. Each sleeper gets 90cm, the same as a single bed. If you share the bed with a child or a pet, or you simply like space, this is the size to choose.
How big does the room need to be?
With 60cm of walking space on each side, a super king bed needs a room about 3m wide, and for comfortable space around bedside tables closer to 3.3m. The bed itself is 200cm long, plus headboard depth and clearance at the foot, so allow a room length of around 2.9m or more. If the bed sits against one wall, you can reduce the width. Mark it on the floor with masking tape before you decide, and see our guide to measuring a bedroom for a new bed.
Bedding: what changes at 6ft
Super king bedding is bigger, heavier and less widely stocked than double or king. Typical UK sizes are:
- Duvet: about 260cm × 220cm
- Fitted sheet: sized for a 180cm × 200cm mattress, so check the depth for a deep mattress
- Mattress protector: a 6ft protector in the right depth
Many of our mattresses are around 25cm deep, so choose fitted sheets with a deep pocket. A heavy super king duvet is awkward to wash, so check your washing machine size, or consider two single-width duvets, one each, which makes laundry easier and avoids covers being pulled.
Choosing the right mattress
A large bed puts more demand on the mattress. For a super king, look for:
- a high spring count and independent pocket springs, so the bed handles two bodies and different weights
- reinforced edges, so you can use the full 180cm
- a depth that matches the bed height you want
See our mattresses in the super king size, including pocket sprung, hydro-gel and natural options. We also explain how to handle different sleepers in sharing a king size bed, which applies equally to a super king.
The headboard
A wide bed needs a headboard in proportion. A narrow headboard on a 6ft bed looks undersized, while a wide, tall design gives the room a focal point. Our headboards are made to match the width of each bed size, so the headboard lines up with the mattress. Winged and buttoned designs add presence; panelled or plain designs look calmer in a large room. Check the height against windows and sloping ceilings.
Storage on a large bed
A super king bed covers a lot of floor, and the space under it is a large storage area. An ottoman storage bed lifts the whole platform and gives you one large space that comfortably holds bulky items such as duvets and spare pillows. A divan bed can have optional drawers. An ottoman storage box at the foot adds more storage and a seat.
Delivery: the part you must check
A bed for two is bulky, even if it comes in parts. Before you order:
- Measure the front door, hallway, stairs and landing turns
- Check the bedroom door width
- Think about whether the base will need to turn at a corner
If access is tight, choose a split or quarter split base, or an option supplied in sections. See our divan base types guide. Our two-person delivery team brings the bed to the room you choose, free to mainland UK in 5 working days. Standard delivery does not include assembly, so have a plan for putting it together.
Is a super king worth it?
Choose super king if:
- the room is at least 3m wide
- two adults want a lot of space, or you share with children or pets
- you are happy with larger, heavier bedding
Stay with king size if:
- the room is under about 2.8m wide
- you want the widest choice of bedding and accessories
Practical checks before ordering a 6ft bed
Floor and layout
A super king bed covers about 3.6 square metres of floor, roughly the size of a small rug. Think about how people will walk around it, where the bedside tables go and whether radiators or sockets will be hidden by the headboard. Floorboards and carpets are fine, but check any thin or old floors.
Light and sightlines
A large bed dominates a room. Put it against the wall with the best view of the door, and avoid blocking windows. A tall headboard can hide a low window, so check heights.
Bedside space
With a 1.8m-wide bed, you will want a bedside table on both sides. Allow about 45 to 50cm per table and 60cm of walking space beside it, which brings the total width to nearly 3.5m for a fully balanced layout. In a smaller room, use wall-mounted shelves or one table.
Heavy, large and awkward: handling the bed
A super king base and mattress are heavy and bulky. Our two-person delivery team handles the carrying, but you should plan the route. Check whether the mattress will turn at the top of the stairs. A split base or one supplied in sections makes this easier, and our split platform top divan base is built for it. Leave the route clear on the day, with doors held open and pets out of the way.
Storage: use the space under the bed
A larger bed means more storage beneath it. An ottoman base lets you store full-size duvets, pillows and large suitcases. Think about what you will keep there, and see the guide to ottoman bed storage.
Mattress and care
A super king mattress is hard to turn on your own. Check the care instructions, and arrange help when you rotate it. A mattress protector is even more worthwhile on a large mattress, because replacing it is a bigger purchase. See our care guide.
Is a 6ft bed good value?
A super king bed costs more than a king and needs larger bedding, but if you share a bed every night and have the room, the extra 30cm can make a noticeable difference to comfort. If you often sleep alone, or the room is on the small side, a king size may be more practical. Think about daily use, not just the size you would like.
Common questions
How wide is a super king bed?
6ft, or 180cm. A king size is 5ft (150cm).
Can I put a super king in a small bedroom?
Only if there is room to walk around it. Test the size with tape on the floor first.
Are super king beds harder to deliver?
They are larger, so tight stairs and doorways are more likely to cause problems. A split base helps.
Browse our full range of super king size beds. All are handmade in the UK, with a 3-year warranty.
