If you’ve ever tried to fit your favourite UK sheets onto a newly bought Spanish mattress, you already know: they don’t quite match. Corners pop off, duvet covers sit just a bit short, and the fitted sheet looks like it’s fighting for its life.
It’s one of those small expat surprises that no one warns you about. You move to Spain expecting sunshine, paella, and relaxed evenings — not a maths lesson in centimetres and mattress widths. Yet, it matters. A few centimetres can make all the difference between a restful night’s sleep and an ongoing battle with your bedding.
So, let’s talk through it — what really changes when you swap your UK bed for a Spanish one, and how you can get it right from the start.
Why Mattress Sizes Differ Across Countries
There’s no global standard for bed sizes. Each country evolved its own system — often based on historical furniture production, textile availability, and average home sizes.
In the UK, mattresses are measured in inches (and named things like “King” or “Super King”), while Spain — like much of Europe — uses centimetres. The result? A British double and a Spanish double aren’t twins; they’re distant cousins.
| UK Size | Dimensions (cm) | Nearest Spanish Equivalent | Dimensions (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 | Single | 90 x 190 (same) |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 | — | 120 x 190 (rare in Spain) |
| Double | 135 x 190 | Matrimonio (Double) | 135 x 190 (same name, slightly different depth) |
| King | 150 x 200 | King | 150 x 200 (matches) |
| Super King | 180 x 200 | Super King | 180 x 200 (matches) |
Sounds straightforward, right? Almost — except that Spanish mattresses often vary slightly in depth, and European manufacturers (like those used by The Bed Centre) produce bespoke combinations in widths like 160 x 200, which don’t exist in the UK.
So if you’ve brought your British bed frame, it may not fit a Spanish mattress neatly — and vice versa.
What This Means for Expats in Practice
It’s the little details that catch you. A mattress ordered in centimetres arrives, but your old UK bedding doesn’t quite stretch. Or you fall in love with a stylish Spanish bed base, only to realise your UK king-size mattress overhangs the sides.
British expats usually face two choices:
- Stick with UK sizes and ship bedding in from home.
- Switch to Spanish/European sizes and buy locally.
Most end up doing the second — for good reason. Once you’re living in Spain, it’s far easier (and more affordable) to find mattress protectors, fitted sheets, and bed bases in local dimensions.
If you’re shopping locally, The Bed Centre’s mattress collection offers both Spanish and European sizing — so you don’t need to wrestle with conversions every time you buy bedding.
UK “King” vs Spanish “King” — A Subtle but Important Difference
The most common confusion comes from the word King.
A UK King measures 150 x 200 cm, while a Spanish King can be the same or slightly wider — often 160 x 200 cm. That extra 10 centimetres might not sound like much, but it can throw your sheet fit and bed frame alignment completely off.
Dutch customers often run into similar issues, since Dutch sizes (like 140, 160, and 180 widths) overlap the Spanish but not perfectly.
So, when you’re replacing your mattress, always double-check:
- The exact dimensions in centimetres, not just the name.
- The depth — Spanish mattresses often range between 23 and 30 cm.
- The fit with your current base or headboard.
Bases and Bed Frames: Why They Matter
In Spain, bed bases differ too. Instead of divans (common in the UK), you’ll often find:
- Slatted bases (somieres), which offer airflow — great for the warmer climate.
- Storage bases (canapés abatibles), which lift for under-bed storage — ideal for smaller apartments.
Both work beautifully with modern mattresses, but they’re designed for Spanish sizing. So if you’ve imported a UK mattress, you might struggle to find a compatible base locally.
You can browse compatible options in our Beds & Bases section.
A Quick Reality Check: Climate and Comfort
Many expats underestimate how much the Spanish climate changes what feels comfortable at night.
- In the UK or the Netherlands, a thicker mattress or topper adds warmth and cosiness.
- In coastal Spain, that same mattress can feel heavy and hot by midsummer.
For that reason, most people here choose a mattress that balances support with breathability — often a hybrid spring-and-foam design or a pocket spring with ventilation layers.
If you’ve recently arrived, it’s worth visiting a showroom like ours in Calpe to feel the difference. (Foam density and fabric breathability don’t always translate well online.)
What About Bedding?
Even if you’re perfectly happy with your old duvet or pillows, bedding sizes rarely match across borders.
Here’s a simple tip:
Match your bedding to your mattress, not the other way around.
If you’ve chosen a 160 x 200 mattress, buy Spanish bedding to fit.
If you’re keeping your UK King (150 x 200), you’ll need UK-sized sheets and duvet covers.
To simplify life, The Bed Centre stocks bedding ranges designed for both UK and Spanish mattress sizes — so you can mix and match without resorting to guesswork.
How to Measure Correctly (and Avoid the Common Mistake)
Before ordering your next mattress:
- Measure your bed frame’s internal dimensions, not the outer edges.
- Write down the size in centimetres — not inches.
- Check the depth if you’re using a fitted sheet or protector.
- If your mattress base lifts (like a storage bed), confirm the hinge clearance.
That last detail is something many people forget, especially if they’re switching from a traditional frame to a storage model.
Should You Replace the Bed Frame Too?
Sometimes it makes sense to replace both. If your UK frame doesn’t fit Spanish dimensions, or if you’re downsizing to a smaller villa, upgrading both bed and mattress ensures a clean fit — visually and practically.
You could combine, for instance, a 150 x 200 mattress with a storage base for space efficiency. Many of our customers in coastal apartments prefer this combination; it creates extra storage without taking up extra room.
Key Takeaways
1. Always check the size in centimetres, not the name.
“King” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere.
2. Spanish and UK mattresses are similar, but not identical.
Especially in width and depth — so measure before buying.
3. Local bedding fits local sizes.
Mixing UK sheets with Spanish mattresses rarely works long-term.
4. Climate affects comfort.
Opt for breathable materials that suit Spain’s warmer nights.
5. Local help makes a difference.
A specialist retailer like The Bed Centre can guide you through matching sizes, comfort levels, and styles — whether you’re new to Spain or upgrading your current setup.
A Final Word
There’s something quietly satisfying about getting it right — a mattress that fits perfectly, sheets that stay put, and mornings without backache or frustration.
For many expats, understanding the difference between UK and Spanish mattress sizing is a small but important part of settling in. It’s about adjusting to a new rhythm of life, right down to where you rest your head.
And once you’ve found that perfect fit — in size, in comfort, in climate — you’ll start to wonder how you ever slept any other way.
Need help choosing the right size or matching your base? Visit our Calpe showroom or browse our full mattress range online. We’ll help you find the perfect fit in person or from home.
