Buying a double bed for the first time can feel overwhelming. With countless options available across Australian retailers, understanding what to look for is essential for making a decision you won't regret. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding Australian bed sizing to selecting the right mattress type for your sleep style.
Understanding Australian Double Bed Dimensions
In Australia, a standard double bed measures 138 centimetres wide by 188 centimetres long. This makes it notably smaller than a queen (153cm x 203cm) or king (183cm x 203cm), but larger than a single bed (92cm x 188cm). The double bed occupies a sweet spot for many Australians, offering enough space for two sleepers while fitting comfortably in smaller bedrooms common in apartments and older homes.
When planning your purchase, remember that the bed frame will add to these dimensions. Headboards, footboards, and frame edges can add anywhere from 5 to 20 centimetres in each direction. Always measure your bedroom space carefully and account for clearance around the bed for comfortable movement and other furniture.
- Single: 92cm x 188cm
- King Single: 107cm x 203cm
- Double: 138cm x 188cm
- Queen: 153cm x 203cm
- King: 183cm x 203cm
Choosing Between Bed Frame Types
The bed frame provides the foundation for your mattress and significantly impacts your bedroom's aesthetic. Understanding the main categories helps narrow down your options based on your needs and preferences.
Platform Beds
Platform beds feature a solid or slatted base that supports the mattress directly, eliminating the need for a box spring. They typically sit lower to the ground and offer a clean, contemporary look. Platform beds work well with memory foam and latex mattresses, which require even support across their entire surface.
Slatted Bed Frames
These frames use horizontal wooden slats to support the mattress. The gaps between slats allow airflow, which helps regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup. When choosing a slatted frame, look for slats spaced no more than 7 centimetres apart to ensure adequate mattress support.
Storage Beds
For bedrooms short on space, storage beds offer built-in drawers or a gas-lift mechanism that raises the mattress to reveal a storage compartment. These beds are particularly popular in Australian apartments where cupboard space is limited. Consider the clearance required for drawers to open when measuring your room.
Upholstered Beds
Fabric or leather-wrapped frames add a luxurious feel to bedrooms. Upholstered beds often feature padded headboards that provide comfortable back support for reading or watching television in bed. Keep in mind that fabric options require more maintenance and may trap dust and allergens.
Match your bed frame to your mattress type. Memory foam mattresses perform best on platform or closely-spaced slat bases, while innerspring mattresses work with most frame types including traditional foundations.
Mattress Types Explained
Your mattress has the greatest impact on sleep quality, so understanding the differences between types is crucial for making the right choice.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses use metal coils to provide support and bounce. Modern versions often feature pocketed coils, where each spring is individually wrapped to reduce motion transfer between sleepers. Innerspring mattresses offer excellent breathability and come at various price points, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam contours to your body shape, providing pressure relief for joints and promoting spinal alignment. These mattresses excel at isolating motion, making them ideal for couples where one partner moves frequently during sleep. Some sleepers find memory foam retains heat, though modern designs incorporate cooling gel and open-cell foam to address this issue.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex offers a responsive, bouncy feel with good pressure relief. It's naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive but often outlast other mattress types significantly.
Hybrid Mattresses
Combining pocketed coils with foam or latex comfort layers, hybrid mattresses aim to offer the best of both worlds. They provide the support and airflow of springs with the pressure relief and motion isolation of foam. Hybrids have become increasingly popular as they suit a wide range of sleepers and preferences.
Firmness Levels and Sleep Positions
Mattress firmness is subjective, but general guidelines can help you find the right level for your sleep position. Side sleepers typically benefit from softer to medium firmness that cushions shoulders and hips. Back sleepers usually prefer medium to medium-firm support that maintains spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers often need firmer mattresses to prevent the midsection from sinking and straining the lower back.
If you share the bed with a partner who has different firmness preferences, consider a mattress with zoned support or look into split mattress configurations that allow different firmness levels on each side.
What to Look for When Shopping
Several factors beyond size and type influence the quality and value of a double bed purchase.
- Trial periods: Many Australian mattress companies offer 100-night or longer trial periods, allowing you to test the mattress at home and return it if unsatisfied.
- Warranties: Quality mattresses often come with 10-year warranties covering manufacturing defects and excessive sagging. Read the fine print to understand what's covered.
- Weight capacity: Check the combined weight limit for both the frame and mattress, especially for storage beds where the lifting mechanism must support the mattress plus contents.
- Certifications: Look for CertiPUR-US certification for foam mattresses, which ensures the foam is free from harmful chemicals and meets durability standards.
- Assembly requirements: Consider whether you'll assemble the bed yourself or need professional installation, and factor this into your budget.
Always check the return policy and any associated costs before purchasing. Some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay return shipping, which can be substantial for large items like mattresses.
Budget Planning for Your Purchase
Double bed prices in Australia vary dramatically based on quality and features. Budget-friendly bed frames start around $200, while mid-range options run from $400 to $800. Premium frames with quality materials and craftsmanship can exceed $1,500. For mattresses, expect to spend at least $400 for a decent double mattress, with mid-range options between $700 and $1,200, and premium mattresses from $1,500 upward.
Consider the bed frame and mattress as a combined investment in your health and wellbeing. Spending slightly more on a quality mattress often pays dividends in comfort and longevity. A good mattress should last eight to ten years with proper care, so divide the total cost by the expected lifespan when evaluating value.
Making Your Final Decision
With the knowledge from this guide, you're equipped to navigate the Australian double bed market confidently. Start by measuring your bedroom and determining your budget. Consider your sleep position and any specific needs like temperature regulation or motion isolation. Read reviews from verified purchasers and take advantage of trial periods wherever possible.
Remember that the right bed is personal. What works perfectly for one person may not suit another. Trust your instincts, do your research, and don't rush the decision. A well-chosen double bed will serve you for years to come, providing the restful sleep you deserve.