Double Bed

A double bed is a bed designed to comfortably accommodate two people, offering more sleeping space than a single bed while taking up less room than a king or queen. It is a versatile choice for guest bedrooms, compact master bedrooms, apartments and homes where space needs to be used thoughtfully.

In Australia, the term double bed commonly refers to a mattress measuring approximately 137 cm wide × 188 cm long. The exact dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so checking the measurements of your mattress, bed frame and bedding is always recommended.

Quick Facts

• What is a double bed? A two-person bed designed for comfortable sleeping in a relatively compact footprint.
• Common Australian size: Approximately 137 cm × 188 cm.
• Ideal for: Guest rooms, couples, teenagers, apartments and smaller bedrooms.
• Larger than: A single or king single bed.
• Smaller than: A queen, king or super king.
• Key consideration: Check mattress, frame and bedding measurements before buying.

Why Is a Double Bed So Popular?

The main reason Australians choose a double bed is its balance between comfort and space efficiency.

A double bed gives two people considerably more room than a single bed while remaining compact enough for bedrooms where a queen or king might feel overwhelming.

It is also an excellent choice for guest accommodation. A well-styled double bed can comfortably welcome couples while leaving more floor space for bedside tables, a wardrobe, luggage or a comfortable chair.

For teenagers and young adults, a double bed can also provide generous sleeping space and room to relax without taking up the footprint of a larger bed.

In simple terms, a double bed is an excellent middle ground when you want more sleeping space without committing to a larger bedroom layout.

Double Bed vs Other Bed Sizes

Understanding how a double bed compares with other Australian bed sizes makes choosing much easier.

Single Bed

A single bed is designed for one person and is generally around 92 cm wide. It is a practical choice for children's bedrooms, compact guest rooms and smaller spaces.

King Single Bed

A king single provides additional length and width compared with a standard single, making it useful for teenagers and adults who want more room without moving to a double.

Double Bed

A double bed provides approximately 137 cm of width and is designed for two people. It offers a practical compromise between space and room size.

Queen Bed

A queen bed is wider and longer than a double, making it a popular choice for couples who want more personal sleeping space.

King Bed

A king bed provides substantially more width and is ideal when bedroom space and sleeping comfort are priorities.

The best choice is not necessarily the largest bed you can fit. A beautifully proportioned bedroom should allow enough room to move around the bed comfortably.

Popular Double Bed Styles

Upholstered Double Beds

An upholstered bed can bring softness and sophistication to the bedroom. Fabric headboards are particularly effective when you want to create a comfortable, boutique-hotel-inspired atmosphere.

Neutral upholstery works beautifully with layered bedding, while deeper colours can create a more dramatic focal point.

Timber Double Beds

Timber brings warmth and natural character. A timber double bed can work particularly well in Australian interiors influenced by coastal, Scandinavian, contemporary or organic design.

Choose finishes that complement existing flooring and furniture rather than trying to match every timber element exactly.

Minimalist Double Beds

Simple frames with clean lines are ideal for contemporary bedrooms. Their understated appearance allows bedding, artwork and decorative accessories to become the focus.

Statement Headboard Beds

A distinctive headboard can turn a double bed into the visual centrepiece of the bedroom. Consider curved shapes, textured upholstery or elegant architectural detailing for a more luxurious effect.

Storage Double Beds

Where bedroom space is limited, an integrated storage bed can be particularly useful. Drawers or lift-up storage provide somewhere to keep spare bedding, clothing or other household items.

How to Choose a Double Bed

1. Measure Your Bedroom

Before choosing a double bed, measure the available floor space carefully.

Remember to allow room for:

• Bedside tables
• Wardrobe doors
• Drawers
• Bedroom doors
• Walking space
• Dressing areas
• Additional furniture

A double bed may fit on paper but still make a bedroom feel cramped if there is insufficient clearance around it.

2. Check the Mattress Dimensions

Australian mattress dimensions can differ slightly between manufacturers. Always check the exact mattress measurements before purchasing a frame.

The mattress should sit securely within the bed frame without excessive gaps or overhang.

3. Consider the Bed Height

A higher bed can provide useful storage underneath, while a lower profile can create a contemporary and visually lighter appearance.

Consider how the bed height works with your bedside tables and overall proportions.

4. Choose the Right Headboard

A headboard can dramatically change the appearance of a double bed.

For a calm bedroom, consider an upholstered or softly curved design. For a more architectural interior, timber or structured headboards can create definition.

5. Think About Mattress Comfort

The frame is important, but the mattress ultimately determines sleeping comfort. Consider firmness, support and sleeping preferences when building your double bed setup.

Benefits & Use Cases

A double bed offers several advantages for Australian homes.

Space efficient: It provides sleeping space for two without requiring the footprint of a queen or king.

Guest-room friendly: Ideal for creating a welcoming room that accommodates couples.

Versatile: Suitable for bedrooms, apartments, holiday homes and teenage rooms.

Easy to style: Double beds work beautifully with a wide range of bedding, cushions and throws.

Cost effective: A smaller mattress and frame can be more economical than larger bed sizes.

Flexible furniture placement: Its relatively compact dimensions can make room planning easier.

House of Isabella Recommendations

At House of Isabella Australia, styling a double bed is about making the most of its proportions without making the room feel crowded.

Begin with the bed as the anchor point, then build the room around it. A pair of appropriately sized bedside tables can create symmetry, while layered bedding adds depth and softness.

Collections and brands such as Florabelle Collection, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home and Café Lighting & Living can provide inspiration for complementary furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.

For a refined Australian bedroom, consider combining a neutral bed with tactile bedding, natural timber accents and carefully selected decorative pieces. This creates a sophisticated result without making the room feel overly formal.

House of Isabella Australia offers a large in-stock catalogue, Australian-based customer care, fast delivery Australia-wide and warehouses on both the East and West Coasts. Afterpay and Zip also provide flexible payment options when furnishing or refreshing your bedroom.

Double Bed Trends for 2025 in Australia

Natural Timber

Timber remains a strong choice for Australian bedrooms because it introduces warmth and pairs naturally with neutral textiles.

Soft Upholstery

Upholstered headboards continue to create a comfortable, luxurious feel. Boucle-inspired and tactile fabrics can make a double bed feel particularly inviting.

Curved Forms

Rounded headboards and softly curved bed frames help soften bedrooms dominated by straight architectural lines.

Warm Neutrals

Cream, oatmeal, beige, taupe and soft brown create an elegant foundation that can easily be updated with seasonal cushions and throws.

Layered Bedding

Rather than matching every textile, contemporary bedrooms often combine complementary colours and textures. A duvet, bed cover, cushions and throw can create a more relaxed designer appearance.

Practical Storage

As Australian homes become increasingly conscious of space, beds with integrated storage can offer an attractive combination of style and practicality.

Styling Advice

A double bed can look incredibly luxurious when it is styled with the right proportions.

Start with a simple bedding foundation, then layer different textures rather than adding too many colours.

Try:

• Crisp sheets as the base layer
• A quilt or duvet for volume
• A textured bed cover for visual depth
• Two or three layers of cushions
• A folded throw across the lower part of the bed
• Bedside lighting for symmetry
• Artwork or a mirror above the headboard

If your room is small, avoid oversized bedside furniture that competes with the bed. Slim-profile tables can preserve valuable walking space.

For a more luxurious appearance, use tonal colours. Cream, ivory, beige and warm taupe can create an elegant layered effect without overwhelming a compact bedroom.

If you prefer colour, introduce it through a throw, cushions or artwork rather than making every major element bold.

Common Questions

Is a double bed big enough for two people?

Yes. A double bed is designed for two people, although couples who prefer more personal sleeping space may find a queen or king more comfortable.

What is the size of a double bed in Australia?

A standard Australian double mattress is approximately 137 cm wide × 188 cm long. Always check the manufacturer's exact measurements before buying a frame or bedding.

Is a double bed bigger than a queen?

No. A queen bed is wider and longer than a standard double bed.

Is a double bed suitable for a guest room?

Absolutely. A double bed is an excellent guest-room option because it can accommodate two people while leaving more space for other furniture.

What bedding fits a double bed?

Look for bedding specifically labelled for an Australian double bed and check the product dimensions. This is particularly important for fitted sheets and mattress protectors.

Related Glossary Terms

• Queen Bed
• King Single Bed
• Bed Cover
• Bedside Table
• Bed Frame
• Mattress

The Finishing Touch

A double bed offers a beautifully practical balance between sleeping comfort and efficient use of space. It can transform a guest room, suit a compact main bedroom or provide a generous upgrade for a teenager's room.

The secret is to consider the entire room rather than the bed alone. Measure carefully, choose a frame that suits your interior and use bedding, lighting and accessories to create a cohesive atmosphere.

With thoughtful styling, even a compact double bed can become the centrepiece of a sophisticated Australian bedroom.

Disclaimer: Brand and collection names mentioned in this glossary, including Florabelle Collection, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home and Café Lighting & Living, 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.