Single Mattress Size Guide Australia: Best for Kids & Small Rooms
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When space is limited, the humble single mattress often becomes the most practical solution.
Whether you're furnishing a child’s bedroom, setting up a guest space, or trying to maximise a small apartment layout, a single mattress remains one of the most versatile bed sizes in Australia.
But how big is a single mattress exactly? And is it still comfortable enough for teenagers or adults?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the single mattress size in Australia, including dimensions, room planning tips, who it suits best, and when it might make sense to upgrade to a larger size.
If you want to compare all standard bed sizes, you can also explore our complete Bed Mattress Size Guide Australia for a full overview.
What Is the Standard Single Mattress Size in Australia?
The standard single mattress size in Australia is:
- 92 cm × 188 cm
- 36 inches × 74 inches
A single mattress is commonly used for:
- Children
- Teenagers
- Guest rooms
- Small bedrooms
- Compact apartments
Single mattresses are the smallest standard adult-compatible mattress size available in Australia.
Compared with other popular mattress sizes:
Australian Mattress Size Comparison
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 cm | Kids and compact rooms |
| King Single | 107 × 203 cm | Teenagers and taller sleepers |
| Double | 138 × 188 cm | Solo adults |
| Queen | 153 × 203 cm | Couples |
A single mattress offers enough width for one person while keeping the overall footprint compact, which makes it perfect for smaller bedrooms.
Because the length is the same as a standard double mattress, a single bed can still accommodate many teenagers and adults comfortably.
Who Should Choose a Single Mattress?
A single mattress is the smallest standard mattress size in Australia, but it remains one of the most practical options for many households.
Its compact size makes it ideal for situations where saving space is just as important as comfort.
Children and Younger Sleepers
Single mattresses are a popular choice for children because they provide enough sleeping space while leaving room for play areas, desks, storage, and other bedroom furniture.
Teenagers in Smaller Bedrooms
For teenagers with limited bedroom space, a single mattress can provide a comfortable sleeping solution without taking up unnecessary floor space.
However, taller teenagers may prefer a king single mattress because it offers additional length for growing bodies.
Guest Rooms and Flexible Spaces
A single mattress works well in guest bedrooms, home offices, and multi-purpose rooms where space needs to remain flexible.
Small Apartments and Compact Bedrooms
For apartments and smaller Australian homes, a single bed allows you to maximise usable floor space while still providing a comfortable sleeping area.
Overall, a single mattress is best suited for sleepers who value practicality, space efficiency, and a compact bedroom layout.
Who Should NOT Buy a Single Mattress?
A single mattress may not be suitable if:
- You are over 185 cm tall
- You move frequently during sleep
- You want extra personal space
- You plan to use the mattress long term into adulthood
In these cases, a king single or double mattress may provide better comfort and longevity.
Can Adults Sleep on a Single Mattress?
Yes, adults can sleep on a single mattress, especially in:
- Studio apartments
- Guest rooms
- Small bedrooms
However, taller adults may find a standard single mattress too short, as it measures 185 cm long.
For better comfort, many adults prefer a king single mattress because of the additional length and width.
What Room Size Do You Need for a Single Bed?
One of the biggest advantages of a single mattress is how easily it fits into smaller bedrooms.
A room around 2.7 m × 3 m usually provides enough space for a single bed while allowing room for basic furniture and movement.
This layout can accommodate:
- A bedside table
- A wardrobe or dresser
- A study desk
- Comfortable walking space around the bed
Because a single mattress has a smaller footprint than larger sizes, it leaves more usable floor space for storage, study areas, or play areas.
This makes single beds especially practical for children’s bedrooms, compact apartments, and multi-purpose rooms.
Single vs King Single: What’s the Difference?
For Australian shoppers, the choice between a single and king single mattress usually depends on whether you need more space to move or more room to grow.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 cm | Kids, small rooms, compact spaces |
| King Single | 107 × 203 cm | Teenagers, taller sleepers |
The key difference:
- Single = more compact
- King Single = longer and wider
Choose Single if:
- Bedroom space is limited
- The mattress is for younger children
- You want to maximise floor space
Choose King Single if:
- Your child is growing
- The sleeper is taller
- You want a longer-lasting option
For many Australian teenagers, a king single is often the preferred upgrade because the additional length provides more comfort as they grow.
Single vs Double: When Should You Upgrade?
The biggest difference between a single and double mattress is sleeping space.
| Mattress Size | Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 cm | Kids, compact bedrooms, solo sleepers |
| Double | 138 cm | Adults wanting more room to move |
A double mattress provides 46 cm more width than a single, creating significantly more space for adults who want extra comfort.
Upgrading from a single to a double mattress may make sense when:
- An adult is using the bed long term
- You want more freedom to move while sleeping
- Your bedroom has enough space for a larger mattress
However, a single mattress remains the better choice when floor space is limited or the bed is mainly used by children, teenagers, or occasional guests.
The right choice depends on whether you prioritise more sleeping space or more room in your bedroom.
Choosing a Single Mattress from Onebed
Final Thoughts
The single mattress size in Australia (92 × 188 cm) remains one of the most practical bed sizes for smaller spaces.
While it may not provide enough room for couples or taller adults who need extra length, it offers excellent flexibility for children, teenagers, guest rooms, and compact living spaces.
If you are deciding between a single, king single, or larger mattress size, consider how the bed will be used, the available bedroom space, and whether the sleeper may need additional room in the future.
For a complete comparison of Australian mattress sizes, visit our Bed Mattress Size Guide Australia.
FAQs
1. Is a single mattress the same size as a twin mattress?
A single mattress and a twin mattress are similar sizes, but the exact dimensions can vary depending on the country. In Australia, a standard single mattress measures 92 cm × 188 cm, while twin sizes in other markets may follow different measurements.
2. Can two single mattresses make a king size bed?
Two single mattresses do not create a standard Australian king bed. While combining two mattresses can create a larger sleeping surface, the dimensions and comfort level may not match a purpose-built king mattress.
3. How long does a single mattress last?
A quality single mattress typically lasts around 7–10 years, depending on the materials, construction quality, and how frequently it is used. Mattresses used by children or occasional guests may last longer than those used every night by adults.
4. Is a single mattress suitable for teenagers?
Yes, a single mattress can be suitable for teenagers, especially when bedroom space is limited. However, taller teenagers may prefer a king single mattress because it provides an additional 15 cm of length for more comfortable sleeping.
5. What is the difference between a single mattress and a king single mattress?
The main difference is size. A king single mattress measures 107 cm × 203 cm, making it wider and longer than a standard single mattress. It is often chosen for teenagers, taller sleepers, and people who want a mattress that can last through different life stages.
6. Can a single mattress fit in a bunk bed?
Yes, many standard bunk beds are designed for single mattresses. However, always check the bunk bed manufacturer’s recommended mattress dimensions and maximum mattress height before purchasing.
