The Australian Double Mattress for Comfortable Everyday Sleep
A double size mattress is a mattress designed for an Australian double bed, offering more sleeping width than a single or king single while taking up less floor space than a queen. The typical Australian double mattress is approximately 137 cm wide × 187–188 cm long, although exact dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers.
A double mattress can be an excellent choice for a teenager, guest bedroom, solo adult or compact bedroom. It can accommodate two people, but for couples who sleep together regularly, Australian mattress guides generally recommend stepping up to at least a queen for greater personal space.
Quick Facts About Double Size Mattresses
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Typical Australian width: approximately 137 cm.
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Typical length: approximately 187–188 cm.
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Long Double: approximately 137 × 203 cm.
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Common constructions: spring, foam and hybrid.
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Best for: teenagers, single adults, guest rooms and smaller bedrooms.
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For couples: workable for occasional use, but a queen generally provides more room.
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Important shopping tip: check the exact mattress and bed-base measurements before purchasing.
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Mattress height: varies considerably depending on construction and model. Current Australian double mattresses tested by CHOICE range from relatively slim designs to mattresses more than 30 cm thick.
What Is a Double Size Mattress?
A double size mattress is an Australian-standard mattress that sits between a king single and queen in overall width.
It provides 137 cm of sleeping width, making it substantially wider than a single or king single, while remaining shorter and narrower than a queen.
This combination makes the double particularly useful where floor space is limited. It can give a teenager more room to grow, provide a generous sleeping surface for one adult or create a comfortable guest bed without requiring the footprint of a queen.
What Are the Dimensions of a Double Mattress?
The commonly quoted Australian double mattress size is approximately:
137 cm × 187 cm
Some manufacturers use approximately 137 × 188 cm, so a small dimensional variation is normal.
Australian Mattress Size Guide
| Mattress Size |
Typical Australian Dimensions |
| Single |
92 × 187–188 cm |
| Long Single |
92 × 203 cm |
| King Single |
106–107 × 203 cm |
| Double |
137 × 187–188 cm |
| Long Double |
137 × 203 cm |
| Queen |
153 × 203 cm |
| King |
183 × 203 cm |
| Super King |
203 × 203 cm |
Exact dimensions can vary between brands, so use the manufacturer's measurements when buying a mattress, bed frame, fitted sheet or mattress protector.
What Is a Long Double Mattress?
A long double mattress keeps the same approximate 137 cm width as a standard double but extends to around 203 cm in length.
This makes it particularly useful for taller teenagers and adults who like the width of a double but need additional legroom.
It can be a smart alternative when a queen is too wide for the room but a standard double feels too short.
Who Is a Double Mattress Best For?
Teenagers
A double provides considerably more space than a single and can remain useful as a child grows into their teenage years.
Single Adults
For one adult, a double offers generous room to move around while remaining relatively compact compared with a queen or king.
Guest Bedrooms
A double mattress can be an excellent guest-room solution where you want to accommodate one or two occasional visitors without dedicating too much floor area to the bed.
Compact Bedrooms
If the room is narrow or you need space for wardrobes, a desk or other furniture, a double can provide a useful balance between sleeping space and room to move.
Couples
A double can technically accommodate two adults, but it is relatively narrow for regular shared sleeping. Sleepyhead describes a queen as the minimum size it recommends for couples, while noting that a double can work when space is limited or the bed is not used regularly by two people.
How Do You Choose a Double Size Mattress?
1. Measure the Room
Before choosing a mattress, measure the bedroom rather than simply measuring the existing bed.
Remember to allow space for:
- Walking around the bed
- Opening wardrobe doors
- Bedside tables
- Drawers
- Bedroom doors
- Windows and curtains
- Other furniture
A mattress that technically fits can still make a bedroom feel cramped if there isn't enough circulation space around it.
2. Consider Your Height
CHOICE recommends choosing a mattress that is at least 10–15 cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it.
If you're tall, a Long Double measuring around 203 cm may therefore be worth considering over a standard double.
3. Decide on the Mattress Construction
Common options include:
Spring mattresses — use a spring support system and remain a traditional choice.
Foam mattresses — use foam-based construction and can provide a more uniform sleeping surface.
Hybrid mattresses — combine springs with foam or other comfort layers.
Current Australian mattress ranges include all three construction types, with significant variation in thickness and firmness.
4. Think About Firmness
Firmness is highly personal. A mattress that feels supportive to one person may feel too firm or too soft to another.
Rather than selecting purely by a label such as "medium" or "firm", consider your sleeping position, body shape and personal comfort preferences.
5. Check the Mattress Height
Mattress thickness can vary dramatically.
Current CHOICE-tested double mattresses range from around 15 cm to more than 30 cm thick, depending on construction and model.
This matters when choosing fitted sheets, mattress protectors, bed frames and the overall height of the finished bed.
Double Size Mattress Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit |
Why It Matters |
| Space efficient |
Takes up less room than a queen |
| Generous for one |
Gives a solo sleeper plenty of room |
| Teen-friendly |
Provides room to grow |
| Guest-room friendly |
Accommodates occasional visitors |
| Versatile |
Available in spring, foam and hybrid designs |
| Long Double option |
Provides extra length without extra width |
| Easy to style |
Works with a wide range of bedroom furniture |
Why Choose a Double Instead of a Queen?
The biggest advantage is floor space.
A typical double is around 137 cm wide, while a queen is around 153 cm wide. That 16 cm difference can be surprisingly valuable in a smaller bedroom.
For a teenager or solo adult, the double may already provide more than enough sleeping space. The smaller footprint can leave additional room for a wardrobe, desk, reading chair or larger bedside tables.
However, if two adults will sleep on the mattress every night, the extra width of a queen is usually worthwhile.
Double Mattress Styling Ideas
A double mattress can form the foundation of a beautifully considered bedroom.
For a Guest Bedroom
Pair the mattress with a simple upholstered or timber bed frame, neutral fitted sheet, soft doona cover and two or three layers of cushions.
Keep the colour palette restrained so the room feels welcoming to a range of guests.
For a Teenager's Bedroom
A double creates more room for lounging, reading and relaxing during the day. Combine practical storage with adaptable bedding that can evolve as their style changes.
For a Minimalist Bedroom
Choose a low-profile bed frame, neutral bedding and simple bedside lighting. Allow the proportions of the bed itself to create the room's visual anchor.
For a Warm Australian Interior
Layer natural textures, timber, linen-look bedding and earthy colours such as oatmeal, olive, clay and warm brown.
Double Mattress Trends for 2026
Flexible Bedroom Design
Bedrooms are increasingly expected to perform several functions. A double mattress can leave useful space for desks, reading areas and storage.
Mattress-in-a-Box Convenience
Compressed and roll-packed mattresses continue to make delivery and access easier, particularly in apartments and homes with narrow staircases or difficult entryways. CHOICE notes that mattress-in-a-box brands commonly offer extended trial periods and warranties, although terms vary considerably.
Hybrid Construction
Hybrid mattresses continue to appeal to shoppers looking for combinations of spring support and foam comfort layers.
Taller Mattress Profiles
Thicker mattresses remain popular, but shoppers should consider the finished bed height as well as the mattress itself.
Personalised Comfort
Rather than choosing solely by brand or appearance, shoppers are increasingly considering firmness, sleeping position, partner movement, body size and individual comfort.
Double Mattress vs King Single
A king single is approximately 107 × 203 cm, while a double is approximately 137 × 187–188 cm.
So the king single is:
- Narrower
- Longer
- Particularly useful for taller teenagers
The double is:
- Wider
- Shorter
- Better for a solo sleeper who wants more width
- More suitable for occasional two-person use
If length matters more than width, a king single or Long Double may be the better choice.
Double Mattress vs Queen
A queen mattress is approximately 153 × 203 cm, compared with approximately 137 × 187–188 cm for a standard double.
A queen therefore provides:
- More width
- More length
- More personal space for couples
A double provides:
- A smaller footprint
- Better space efficiency
- Plenty of room for one sleeper
- A practical option for teenagers and guest rooms
House of Isabella Recommendations
At House of Isabella Australia, we believe a bedroom should feel both beautiful and genuinely comfortable. A double size mattress can be an excellent foundation for a thoughtfully designed guest bedroom, teenager's room or compact adult bedroom.
Once you've chosen the mattress, consider the complete sleeping environment. A well-proportioned bed frame, double fitted sheet, quilt or doona, textured cover and carefully selected bedside lighting can turn a practical sleeping area into a welcoming retreat.
Warm timber, natural textiles and softly layered neutral colours work especially well with the relaxed Australian interior aesthetic. Collections and pieces from names such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero and Emac & Lawton can provide complementary inspiration when furnishing the surrounding space.
House of Isabella Australia offers a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and distinctive designs, Australian-based customer care, fast delivery Australia-wide and East & West Coast warehouses. Buy Now, Pay Later options including Afterpay and Zip can also make furnishing a bedroom more flexible.
Common Questions About Double Size Mattresses
What is the standard double mattress size in Australia?
A typical Australian double mattress is approximately 137 × 187–188 cm. Exact dimensions can vary between manufacturers.
Is a double mattress big enough for two people?
It can accommodate two people, but the sleeping space is relatively limited. For two adults who regularly share a bed, a queen is generally a more comfortable starting point.
What is the difference between a double and a Long Double?
Both are approximately 137 cm wide, but a standard double is around 187–188 cm long while a Long Double is approximately 203 cm long.
Is a double mattress good for a teenager?
Yes. A double can provide generous sleeping space for a teenager and leave room for growth, although a Long Double can be particularly useful for taller teenagers.
What is the best double mattress?
There is no single best double mattress for everyone. The right choice depends on firmness preference, sleeping position, construction, body size, room dimensions and budget. CHOICE recommends considering your sleeping needs carefully and, where possible, testing mattresses before buying.
Do double mattresses all have the same thickness?
No. Mattress height varies considerably between models and constructions. Current Australian examples range from around 15 cm to more than 30 cm.
The Finishing Touch
A double size mattress offers an appealing balance between comfort and space efficiency. With approximately 137 cm of width, it gives a solo sleeper generous room while remaining compact enough for many smaller bedrooms.
For taller sleepers, a Long Double can provide valuable extra length. For couples who share a bed every night, a queen may be the more comfortable option.
Choose the size first, then consider construction, firmness, height and your personal sleeping preferences. With the right mattress and thoughtfully layered bedding, even a compact bedroom can feel wonderfully comfortable, practical and inviting.
Related Glossary Terms
- Double Bed Fitted Sheet
- Double Bed Quilt
- Double Bed Doona Cover
- Bed Linen Bedding
- Bedroom Drawers Furniture
- Desk Chair
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.
Mattress dimensions, construction, firmness, thickness, warranties and trial periods can vary between manufacturers. Always check the individual product specifications and measure your available bedroom and bed base before purchasing.