What's the Best Mattress Size for an Apartment?

Living in an apartment often means making the most of limited space. Your bedroom may need to fit a bed, wardrobe, bedside tables, storage, or even a desk — so choosing a mattress size is not simply about getting the biggest bed that fits.

For most Australian apartments, a Double or Queen mattress offers the best balance between sleeping space and usable floor space. A Double is usually a practical choice for solo sleepers or smaller bedrooms, while a Queen is often the better option for couples if the room still allows comfortable movement around the bed. A King can work in a larger apartment bedroom, but only if it leaves enough space for furniture, storage and everyday movement.

The right choice ultimately depends on three things: who will sleep on the mattress, how much usable bedroom space you have, and what else the room needs to accommodate.

Which Mattress Size Is Best for an Apartment?

There is no single mattress size that works for every apartment. Instead, think about what you need the bed to do.

• Double: A practical space-saving choice for solo sleepers, guest rooms and smaller apartment bedrooms.
• Queen: The best all-round option for many apartment couples and solo sleepers who want more space.
• King: Best when the apartment has a generously sized bedroom and sleeping space is more important than floor space.
• King Single: A useful option for solo adults, teenagers or narrow bedrooms where extra length is useful without the width of a Double or Queen.

For many apartment dwellers, the decision comes down to Double vs Queen. A Double preserves more floor space, while a Queen gives noticeably more sleeping room and is generally more comfortable for two adults.

The key is not to choose the largest mattress you can physically squeeze into the room. Choose the largest mattress that still allows the bedroom to function normally.

Why Apartment Living Changes How You Choose a Mattress

A mattress can technically fit inside a bedroom and still be too large for the space.

In an apartment, the bed is only one part of the room. You also need to account for:

• Wardrobes and drawers
• Bedside tables
• Bedroom doors
• Windows
• Desks or work areas
• Storage furniture
• Walking paths
• Cleaning access

This becomes even more important when the bedroom has more than one purpose.

A spare bedroom might also be a home office. A small bedroom might need additional storage. In a studio apartment, the sleeping area may form part of the main living space.

That means usable floor space matters just as much as mattress dimensions.

A Queen mattress may be a better choice than a Double for one person who values sleeping space, but if the extra width means the wardrobe door cannot open properly, the larger mattress may not be the better overall choice.

If you're unsure how much space different mattress sizes require, see our guide to Mattress Size vs Bedroom Size before making a decision.

Double Mattress: Best for Saving Space

An Australian Double mattress is approximately 138 × 188 cm.

For apartment living, a Double can be a smart choice when preserving floor space is a priority.

It works particularly well for:

• Solo adults
• Teenagers
• Guest bedrooms
• Smaller apartment bedrooms
• Multi-purpose rooms
• People who want more space than a Single without moving to a Queen

For one adult, a Double provides considerably more sleeping width than a Single while taking up less floor space than a Queen.

The main compromise is length and width compared with a Queen. At 188 cm long, a Double may also be less suitable for taller sleepers who prefer additional legroom.

For a solo sleeper in a compact apartment, however, that trade-off can be worthwhile.

Choose a Double if your priority is keeping more of the room available for furniture, storage or everyday movement.

Queen Mattress: The Best Balance for Many Apartments

An Australian Queen mattress is approximately 153 × 203 cm.

For many apartment couples, Queen is the most practical starting point.

It provides significantly more sleeping space than a Double without taking up as much floor area as a King. The additional length also makes it more comfortable for taller adults.

A Queen can work particularly well for:

• Couples
• Solo sleepers who want extra space
• Apartment master bedrooms
• People who move around during sleep
• Couples who want more personal space without upgrading to King

The important question is not simply whether a Queen physically fits.

Ask:

• Can we still walk around the bed comfortably?
• Can the wardrobe doors open fully?
• Can we fit bedside tables?
• Can the bedroom door open without hitting the bed?
• Is there still enough room to use the rest of the bedroom normally?

If the answer is yes, a Queen is often the sweet spot between sleeping comfort and apartment practicality.

King Mattress: Only When Your Bedroom Has the Space

An Australian King mattress is approximately 183 × 203 cm.

That extra width can make a noticeable difference for couples. It gives each sleeper more personal sleeping space and can be particularly appealing if one person moves frequently during the night or if children and pets regularly join the bed.

But in an apartment, King comes with a larger space commitment.

The issue is not necessarily whether the mattress fits inside the bedroom. The real question is whether the rest of the bedroom still works after the King is installed.

A King may be worth considering when:

• You have a large apartment bedroom
• Both sleepers want maximum personal space
• You regularly share the bed with children or pets
• You need more room to change sleeping positions
• The room has enough space for furniture and clear walkways

For a compact apartment bedroom, however, a King can quickly make the room feel crowded.

If choosing between a Queen and King means sacrificing wardrobe access or usable floor space, the Queen is usually the more practical choice.

King Single: An Underrated Option for Small Apartments

A King Single is approximately 107 × 203 cm.

It is easy to overlook because shoppers often jump directly from Single to Double. But for apartment living, King Single can solve a very specific problem: you want extra length and sleeping space without taking up the width of a larger mattress.

It can work well for:

• Taller solo sleepers
• Teenagers
• Narrow bedrooms
• Guest rooms
• Home offices that also function as bedrooms
• Solo adults who want more length than a Single

For a narrow apartment bedroom, a King Single may sometimes create a better layout than a Double simply because its footprint is narrower.

Double vs Queen vs King for an Apartment

If you're trying to narrow your choice quickly, use this as a starting point:

Your priority	Mattress size to consider
Maximum floor space	Double
Solo sleeper in a compact bedroom	Double
Solo sleeper wanting more space	Double or Queen
Couple in a typical apartment bedroom	Queen
Couple wanting more personal space	Queen or King
Large apartment bedroom	Queen or King
Narrow bedroom for one person	King Single
Bedroom also used as an office	King Single, Double or Queen depending on layout

These are starting points rather than strict rules.

The biggest mistake is choosing a mattress based only on the sleeping surface. The mattress needs to work with the entire room.

How Much Space Should You Leave Around an Apartment Bed?

The mattress itself is only the starting point.

You also need enough space to move around the bed, access storage and use other furniture.

As a practical rule, aim to maintain comfortable walking space around the accessible sides of the bed rather than filling every available centimetre.

Think about what you actually do in the room.

Can you:

• Walk past the bed without turning sideways?
• Open your wardrobe fully?
• Open drawers?
• Reach both sides of the bed?
• Change the sheets without struggling?
• Vacuum or clean underneath the bed?
• Open the bedroom door completely?

If the answer is no, the mattress may be too large for the room — even if the dimensions technically work.

Also remember that mattress dimensions are not the same as the finished footprint of the bed.

A bed frame can add width and length through:

• Side rails
• Headboards
• Storage structures
• Decorative edges
• Built-in shelving

Always measure the complete bed setup before ordering.

How to Measure Your Apartment Bedroom Before Buying a Mattress

Measuring the room from wall to wall is useful, but it is not enough.

Use this simple process before choosing your mattress size.

Step 1: Measure the usable bedroom space

Measure the area where the bed can realistically go.

Don't include areas already occupied by fixed wardrobes, built-in furniture or spaces that cannot be used.

Step 2: Mark the mattress footprint

Use masking tape on the floor to mark the approximate mattress dimensions.

This gives you a much better idea of how much floor space the bed will actually occupy.

Step 3: Add the bed frame

Check the dimensions of the frame, not just the mattress.

A large headboard or storage frame can significantly increase the footprint.

Step 4: Add your furniture

Mark the position of:

• Bedside tables
• Wardrobes
• Dressers
• Desks
• Chairs
• Storage units

Step 5: Check doors and drawers

Make sure doors can open fully.

This includes the bedroom door, wardrobe doors and furniture drawers.

Step 6: Walk through the room

Finally, physically walk through the layout.

If you have to squeeze between the bed and wardrobe before you have even bought the mattress, the layout probably needs reconsidering.

What's the Best Mattress Size for a Small Apartment Bedroom?

For a small apartment bedroom, the best mattress size depends heavily on whether you sleep alone or with a partner.

For one person

A King Single or Double can be a good starting point.

Choose King Single if floor space is particularly limited or extra length is important.

Choose Double if you want more sleeping width.

For two people

A Queen is usually the more practical starting point.

A Double can work for couples who are comfortable with a smaller sleeping surface, but two adults have considerably less personal space than they would on a Queen.

For a very large apartment bedroom

A King becomes more realistic, particularly if both sleepers value personal space.

The important point is that apartment size itself does not determine mattress size.

Bedroom layout matters more than the total size of the apartment.

A large apartment can still have a compact bedroom, while a smaller apartment may have a surprisingly spacious bedroom.

Is a Queen Mattress Too Big for an Apartment?

No. A Queen mattress is not automatically too large for an apartment.

In fact, it can be one of the most practical choices for an apartment couple.

The question is whether the bedroom layout can accommodate it comfortably.

A Queen is more likely to work when:

• The bedroom has reasonable floor space
• The wardrobe is not directly blocked by the bed
• You can fit bedside tables without restricting movement
• The bedroom is primarily used for sleeping
• There is enough clearance around the bed

Consider a Double instead if:

• The bedroom is particularly narrow
• You need a desk in the room
• Storage takes up significant floor space
• The Queen would block furniture
• You strongly value having open floor space

For many Australian apartment couples, Queen remains a good compromise because it gives more sleeping space without the larger footprint of a King.

Can a King Mattress Work in an Apartment?

Yes, but the bedroom layout matters much more than the apartment itself.

A King can work in an apartment if the bedroom is large enough to accommodate the mattress, bed frame, furniture and comfortable walking paths.

Before choosing King, check the entire layout rather than looking only at the empty floor area.

Ask yourself:

Where will the wardrobe go?

Where will the bedside tables go?

How will you walk around the bed?

Can the doors and drawers still open?

Will there be enough room to make the bed?

If the answer to several of these questions is no, moving down to a Queen may produce a much better overall bedroom.

What's the Best Mattress Size for Couples in an Apartment?

For most apartment couples, Queen is the safest starting point.

It gives two adults more sleeping width than a Double while taking up less space than a King.

However, your sleeping habits also matter.

Choose Queen when:

• Your bedroom is compact
• You want a balance between sleeping and floor space
• You both sleep relatively comfortably close together
• You want enough room without dominating the bedroom

Consider King when:

• One partner is a restless sleeper
• You both prefer significant personal space
• Children or pets regularly share the bed
• The bedroom is large enough to accommodate it comfortably

There is another factor worth considering: motion isolation.

A mattress with good motion isolation can reduce how much one person's movement is felt by the other. This can make a Queen feel more comfortable for couples without necessarily requiring a move to King.

In other words, mattress size and mattress construction work together.

What If Your Apartment Bedroom Has Multiple Uses?

Apartment bedrooms are not always used exclusively for sleeping.

If your bedroom also needs to function as a home office, guest room or storage area, mattress size becomes a bigger design decision.

Bedroom + Home Office

A Double or Queen may leave more usable space for a desk.

Bedroom + Guest Room

A Double can be a practical compromise if the room is also used for storage or work.

Bedroom + Storage

Avoid choosing a mattress so large that wardrobes and drawers become difficult to access.

Studio Apartment

If the sleeping area is part of the main living space, consider the visual and functional footprint of the entire bed setup — including the frame and headboard.

In these situations, the best mattress is not necessarily the largest one you can afford. It is the one that leaves enough room for the rest of your life.

Does Mattress Type Matter in a Small Apartment?

Yes, but mattress size should usually be decided first.

Once you know the size that works for the room, consider the mattress construction.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam can be appealing for couples because it can provide good pressure relief and help reduce motion transfer.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort layers with springs and can provide a more responsive feel and strong support.

They can also be worth considering if edge support and usable sleeping surface are priorities.

Mattress-in-a-box

For apartment living, delivery can be an important consideration.

A mattress compressed into a box can be easier to move through narrow hallways, staircases and lifts than a full-size mattress, depending on the product and building access.

But packaging dimensions vary, so always check the delivery specifications before ordering.

Don't Forget Mattress Delivery in an Apartment

There is one apartment problem that is easy to overlook:

The mattress needs to reach the bedroom before it can fit in the bedroom.

Before ordering, check:

• Apartment entrance width
• Hallway width
• Lift dimensions
• Staircase access
• Doorway clearance
• Building delivery restrictions
• Whether the delivery team can access your floor

This is particularly important for larger mattresses and solid bed frames.

A mattress can be the perfect size for your bedroom and still be difficult to get through a narrow hallway or lift.

If you are buying a mattress online, check the packaged dimensions and delivery format, not only the mattress dimensions.

How to Make a Larger Mattress Work in a Small Apartment

If you want a Queen or King but are worried about space, changing the rest of the room can sometimes make a significant difference.

Choose a streamlined bed frame

A bulky frame can add unnecessary width and length.

Use smaller bedside tables

You may not need large bedside furniture on both sides of the bed.

Avoid oversized headboards

A large headboard can make a compact bedroom feel even smaller.

Use vertical storage

Wall-mounted shelves can preserve valuable floor space.

Consider under-bed storage

This can reduce the need for additional storage furniture, provided there is enough clearance to access it.

Keep the main walkway clear

A clear path through the bedroom will usually make the room feel larger than simply choosing a smaller bed.

A Simple Mattress Size Decision Guide for Apartments

Still unsure?

Start with this decision process.

Are you sleeping alone?

If yes, consider a King Single or Double if space is limited. Move towards Queen if you have plenty of room and prefer a larger sleeping surface.

Are two adults sharing the bed?

If yes, Queen is usually the best starting point for an apartment. Consider King if the bedroom is large and both sleepers want more personal space.

Does the bedroom have another purpose?

If yes, prioritise the mattress size that leaves enough room for the desk, storage or furniture you actually need.

Is the bedroom narrow?

Look at the mattress width first. A King Single or Double may work better than simply choosing a wider mattress.

Can the bed block furniture or walking paths?

If yes, go smaller or reconsider the room layout.

The final question should always be:

Will this mattress still allow the room to function comfortably every day?

Apartment Mattress Buying Checklist

Before placing your order, check all of these:

☐ Mattress width and length
☐ Bed frame dimensions
☐ Bedroom dimensions
☐ Available floor space
☐ Wardrobe access
☐ Bedroom door clearance
☐ Furniture placement
☐ Walking paths
☐ Storage requirements
☐ Who will sleep on the mattress
☐ Whether the bedroom has another purpose
☐ Lift and staircase access
☐ Mattress packaging dimensions
☐ Delivery restrictions in your building

This takes only a few minutes and can prevent a surprisingly expensive mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mattress size for a small apartment?

For a solo sleeper, a Double or King Single is often a practical choice. For couples, Queen usually offers the best balance between sleeping space and floor space, provided the bedroom layout allows comfortable movement.

Is a Queen mattress good for an apartment?

Yes. A Queen can be an excellent apartment choice, particularly for couples. The key is making sure there is enough space around the bed for furniture, wardrobes, doors and comfortable movement.

Can a King mattress fit in an apartment bedroom?

It can, provided the bedroom is large enough. Measure the complete bed footprint and check furniture access and walking space before choosing a King.

Is a Double mattress big enough for one adult?

Yes. A Double gives a solo sleeper considerably more sleeping width than a Single and can be a practical choice when bedroom space is limited.

What mattress size is best for a couple in a small bedroom?

A Queen is generally the best starting point. It provides more sleeping space than a Double while taking up less floor area than a King.

What mattress size is best for a studio apartment?

The best choice depends on how the sleeping area is integrated with the rest of the living space. A Double or Queen can work, but prioritise the total footprint of the bed and frame and how much living space remains afterwards.

How much space should you leave around a bed?

There is no single clearance that works for every bedroom layout. The important thing is to leave enough usable space to walk around the bed, access wardrobes and drawers, make the bed and move through the room comfortably.

Does a bed frame make a mattress take up more space?

Usually, yes. Bed frames, headboards, side rails and storage bases can extend beyond the mattress dimensions. Always check the complete frame footprint before buying.

How do I know if a mattress is too big for my bedroom?

If the mattress or bed frame blocks doors, wardrobes, drawers or comfortable walking paths, it is probably too large for the room — even if it technically fits.

Is a mattress-in-a-box better for an apartment?

It can make delivery and movement easier in some apartment buildings because the packaged mattress may be more manageable through lifts, hallways and staircases. Always check the packaged dimensions and delivery requirements for the specific mattress.

Final Recommendation: 

For most Australian apartments, a Queen mattress is the best all-round choice for couples, while a Double is often better for solo sleepers who want to preserve floor space. A King Single can be useful in narrow bedrooms, and a King makes the most sense when the bedroom has enough usable space around the bed.

But there is no universal “best” size.

The right mattress size is not the biggest mattress you can physically fit into the room. It is the largest size that gives you enough sleeping space while still allowing you to move around, access your furniture and use the bedroom comfortably.

For apartment living, measure the room, consider how you sleep, plan the furniture, and then choose your mattress size. That approach will usually lead to a better result than choosing a mattress size based on dimensions alone.