Choosing the right bed size isn't just about how comfortable you'll be overnight — it's about how the room feels to live in once the bed is in it. Too large and the room feels cramped and hard to move around. Too small and the space looks unbalanced and the bed underwhelming. Get it right and the whole room comes together.
Here's a practical guide to choosing the right bed size for your room, based on standard NZ bedroom dimensions and our range at Simply Beds.
Measure First — Always
Before you look at a single bed, measure your bedroom. It sounds obvious but it's the step most people skip — and it's the one that causes the most problems.
What to measure:
- The full length and width of the room
- The position of doors and which way they swing
- Window placement and how far they sit from the floor
- Where you plan to position the bed — most people centre it on the main wall
As a general rule, aim to leave at least 60–75cm of clear walking space on the sides of the bed where you need to move. Less than that and the room starts to feel tight, even if the bed technically fits.
Once you have your measurements, compare them against standard NZ mattress sizes. A queen mattress is 1500mm x 2030mm, a king is 1650mm x 2030mm, and a super king is 1800mm x 2030mm — those extra centimetres add up quickly in a smaller room.
Small Bedrooms — Prioritise Space Without Sacrificing Comfort
In a smaller bedroom, the temptation is to go as small as possible. But going too small can make the room feel just as unbalanced as going too large — a single bed in a room that could fit a double looks out of proportion.
Best size options: Double (1350mm x 1900mm), King Single (1070mm x 2030mm), or Long Single (900mm x 2030mm) for taller sleepers in a compact space.
Storage is your best friend. In a small bedroom, under-bed storage can replace an entire chest of drawers. Our Ciro drawer bases — available in 2 and 4 drawer configurations — are a practical way to maximise the space you have without adding more furniture to the room. For even more storage capacity, our gas lift bases including the Barcelona and Valencia lift the entire mattress platform to reveal generous storage beneath — ideal for seasonal items, bedding, and anything else that needs a home.
Keep the frame simple. A lower profile base with a streamlined headboard keeps the visual weight of the bed down and makes the room feel more open.
Medium Sized Bedrooms — Finding the Right Balance
A medium sized bedroom gives you more flexibility, but balance still matters. A king bed in a room that's only just big enough for it will dominate the space and leave you squeezing past the end of the bed every morning.
Best size options: Queen (1500mm x 2030mm) is the most popular choice for a reason — it fits comfortably in most standard NZ master bedrooms while leaving enough space for bedside tables and easy movement. A king (1650mm x 2030mm) works well if the room is generous enough to leave adequate walking space on both sides.
Couples tip: If you and your partner have different sleep preferences — different firmness levels, different temperatures — a zip-together king single combination gives you the space of a king with two completely independent mattresses side by side. It's one of the most practical solutions we offer for couples and worth considering if you're in the market for a new bed.
Large Bedrooms — Fill the Space Proportionately
In a large bedroom, a bed that's too small will look lost and make the room feel empty rather than spacious. A generously sized bed anchors the room and gives it a sense of purpose.
Best size options: King (1650mm x 2030mm), Super King (1800mm x 2030mm), or for those who want the ultimate in sleeping space, California King (2030mm x 2030mm) — a true square format that Simply Beds stocks exclusively for those who want something genuinely special.
Storage still matters. Even in a large bedroom, our gas lift bases are a smart choice — the Barcelona and Valencia both offer substantial under-bed storage that keeps the room feeling clear and uncluttered regardless of its size.
A Quick NZ Bed Size Reference
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single | 900mm x 1900mm |
| Long Single | 900mm x 2030mm |
| King Single | 1070mm x 2030mm |
| Double | 1350mm x 1900mm |
| Long Double | 1350mm x 2030mm |
| Queen | 1500mm x 2030mm |
| King | 1650mm x 2030mm |
| Super King | 1800mm x 2030mm |
| California King | 2030mm x 2030mm |
Come and Try It in Context
Reading about bed sizes is useful — but there's no substitute for seeing them in person. Our St Lukes Mega Centre showroom in Mt Albert, Auckland has the full range on display, and our team can help you work through the sizing question based on your specific room and your sleep needs. Bring your room measurements and we'll help you find the right fit.
Simply Beds is a 100% Kiwi owned and operated family business, backed by over 40 years of bedding industry experience. Browse our full range by size online at simplybedsnz.co.nz or visit us in store.