What is a cheap double mattress?
A cheap double mattress is a budget-friendly mattress made to fit a standard Australian double bed, offering comfortable sleeping space without the higher price of queen, king or premium mattress models.
In Australia, a double mattress is typically around 138 cm wide × 188 cm long, although exact specifications can vary slightly between manufacturers. It sits between a single and queen mattress, making it a practical option for teenagers, solo adults, guest bedrooms and smaller homes.
The best cheap double mattress is not necessarily the least expensive option. Instead, look for the right combination of support, comfort, construction, durability and value.
Quick Facts
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Best for: Guest rooms, teenagers, solo sleepers and compact bedrooms
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Typical Australian size: Approximately 138 × 188 cm
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Common constructions: Foam, memory foam, spring, pocket spring, latex and hybrid
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Best budget approach: Compare construction and features rather than price alone
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For warm bedrooms: Consider breathable materials and cooling features
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For couples: A double can work, but may feel considerably more compact than a queen
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Before buying: Check mattress dimensions, thickness, firmness, warranty and returns
Why are cheap double mattresses popular?
The main reason Australians choose a cheap double mattress is the balance between price, sleeping space and room efficiency.
A double provides considerably more width than a single while taking up less floor space than a queen. This makes it especially useful when furnishing smaller bedrooms, apartments, guest rooms and teenagers' rooms.
Affordable double mattresses are also practical when:
- Furnishing a spare bedroom
- Replacing an older mattress
- Setting up a teenager's bedroom
- Furnishing a rental property
- Creating a comfortable guest room
- Working with a limited furniture budget
- Choosing a mattress for a compact apartment
Because the mattress is smaller than a queen or king, it can also be easier to move and position within a room.
What types of cheap double mattresses are available?
1. Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are often among the simplest affordable options. They can provide a consistent sleeping surface and are suitable for bedrooms where budget is an important consideration.
2. Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is designed to contour around the body, creating a softer, more enveloping feel.
It can be appealing to side sleepers who prefer cushioning around pressure points, although personal preference remains important.
3. Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional spring mattresses use interconnected or individual springs to provide support.
They can offer a more familiar, responsive mattress feel and are available across different price ranges.
4. Pocket Spring Mattresses
Pocket springs operate more independently than traditional connected spring systems. This can help create targeted support and may reduce movement across the mattress.
5. Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, often pairing springs with foam or memory foam.
They can provide a useful balance between responsiveness, cushioning and support, although hybrid models may cost more than basic foam mattresses.
6. Latex Mattresses
Latex can provide a naturally responsive feel and is often associated with durability and breathability.
It is worth comparing the type of latex and overall construction when looking at budget models.
How do you choose a cheap double mattress?
1. Confirm the size
Before purchasing, measure your existing bed frame.
A standard Australian double mattress is generally around 138 × 188 cm, but checking the manufacturer's exact measurements is essential.
2. Consider your sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position can influence the ideal mattress feel.
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Side sleepers: Often prefer cushioning and pressure relief
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Back sleepers: May prefer balanced support
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Stomach sleepers: Often benefit from a firmer, supportive surface
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Combination sleepers: May prefer a medium feel that allows easy movement
3. Choose the firmness carefully
Firmness is subjective. A mattress described as medium by one manufacturer may feel different from another.
If possible, check the retailer's firmness description, trial policy and customer information before purchasing.
4. Consider mattress thickness
A thicker mattress is not automatically better, but thickness can influence comfort, support and how the mattress works with your existing bed base.
Also check that your fitted sheets are suitable for the mattress depth.
5. Think about temperature
If you tend to sleep warm, look for breathable construction, airflow through the materials or cooling features.
This can be particularly useful in warmer Australian climates.
6. Check the warranty and returns
A low price should not mean ignoring after-sales support. Look at the warranty period, trial conditions, returns policy and manufacturer's recommendations before buying.
7. Consider who will use it
A mattress for a guest room may have different requirements from one used every night.
For everyday sleeping, prioritise support and durability over simply finding the lowest price.
Benefits of a Cheap Double Mattress
A carefully selected affordable double mattress can provide several benefits:
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Budget-friendly: Lower initial investment than many premium mattresses.
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Space-efficient: Takes up less room than a queen or king.
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Versatile: Suitable for guest rooms, teenagers and solo adults.
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Easy to style: Works with a wide range of bedroom furniture.
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Practical: A useful middle-ground between single and queen sizes.
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Accessible: Double mattresses and bedding are widely available in Australia.
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Easy to replace: A practical option when furnishing a room on a controlled budget.
In simple terms, a cheap double mattress can provide comfortable everyday sleeping without requiring a large bedroom or oversized furniture budget.
House of Isabella Recommendations
When shopping for an affordable double mattress, House of Isabella's wider bedroom offering provides a useful starting point for creating a coordinated sleeping space.
Consider pairing a double mattress with:
- A simple upholstered bed for a softer appearance
- A timber frame for warmth and natural character
- A storage bed when floor space is limited
- Compact bedside tables for smaller rooms
- Layered bedding in warm neutral tones
- A statement bedside lamp to create a more inviting atmosphere
House of Isabella Australia also offers Afterpay and Zip, fast Australia-wide delivery, East and West Coast warehouses, a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, and Australian-based customer care.
Trends for 2025 (Australia)
Affordable hybrid mattresses
Hybrid constructions continue to appeal to shoppers who want multiple comfort technologies in one mattress.
Cooling features
Breathability and temperature management remain important considerations, particularly for Australian bedrooms.
Space-conscious bedrooms
Compact furniture and double beds work particularly well in apartments, guest rooms and smaller homes.
Warm natural styling
Timber, soft neutrals and tactile fabrics help create bedrooms that feel relaxed and inviting.
Storage-focused furniture
Combining a double mattress with an under-bed storage solution can maximise useful space.
Comfortable guest bedrooms
Homeowners are increasingly treating guest rooms as welcoming spaces rather than purely functional rooms, making mattress comfort an important part of the overall design.
Styling Advice for a Double Mattress
A budget mattress can still be part of a sophisticated bedroom.
Layer your bedding. Use a fitted sheet, quilt or doona, textured blanket and cushions to create depth.
Choose warm neutrals. Cream, beige, taupe and soft grey can make a compact bedroom feel calm and spacious.
Add a statement headboard. An upholstered headboard can give a simple double bed a more luxurious appearance.
Use proportionate furniture. Slim bedside tables and compact storage work particularly well with a double bed.
Introduce texture. Linen-look bedding, rugs, timber and woven accessories can soften the room.
Keep the palette cohesive. Coordinating the bed, bedside furniture and lighting creates a more considered result.
Inspiration from Designer Brands
Designer collections can provide inspiration even when you're shopping for a budget mattress.
Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection can inspire ideas around natural timber, soft upholstery, neutral palettes, sculptural lighting and timeless proportions.
The goal is not to replicate a designer bedroom exactly. Instead, take individual styling cues and combine them with an affordable mattress and practical furniture.
Common Questions
Is a cheap double mattress worth buying?
Yes, provided it offers suitable support, construction quality and comfort for the intended user. For guest rooms or occasional use, a budget mattress can be particularly practical.
What size is a double mattress in Australia?
A standard Australian double mattress is generally around 138 cm × 188 cm. Always check the exact product specifications before purchasing.
Is a double mattress big enough for two people?
Two people can share a double mattress, but the sleeping area is relatively compact. Couples who use the bed every night will generally have more personal space with a queen mattress.
What is the best cheap double mattress?
There is no single best option for everyone. Consider your preferred firmness, sleeping position, materials, temperature preferences and how frequently the mattress will be used.
Can I put a double mattress on any double bed frame?
The mattress and frame need to have compatible dimensions. Always check the internal measurements of the frame rather than relying only on the word "double".
Related Glossary Terms
- Cheap mattress
- Double mattress
- Mattress Australia
- Mattress sizes Australia
- Affordable bedroom furniture
- Double bed
Finishing Touch
A cheap double mattress can be a smart choice when you want to balance comfort, budget and available bedroom space. The double size sits neatly between a single and queen, making it particularly versatile for Australian homes.
Rather than choosing purely by price, compare the mattress construction, firmness, dimensions, warranty and intended use. With the right bedding, bed frame and bedroom styling, an affordable double mattress can provide a comfortable and beautifully considered sleeping space.
Disclaimer
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.