How to Measure Your Bedroom for a Double Bed Frame

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a bed frame is failing to measure their space properly. A bed that looked perfect online can turn a comfortable bedroom into a cramped obstacle course. This guide provides a systematic approach to measuring your bedroom, ensuring your new bed frame fits perfectly and allows for comfortable daily living.

What You'll Need

Before starting, gather these essential measuring tools:

• A tape measure at least 5 metres long
• A notepad and pen or your phone for recording measurements
• Painter's tape or masking tape for marking floor positions
• A helper for large rooms (makes measuring easier and more accurate)

Step 1: Measure Your Room Dimensions

Start by measuring the complete dimensions of your bedroom. Record the length and width of the room at floor level, measuring from wall to wall at the widest points. Don't forget to note any irregularities such as alcoves, bay windows, or angled walls that might affect bed placement.

For accurate measurements, extend your tape measure along the baseboard or skirting board where it meets the floor. This gives you the true usable floor space rather than measurements that might be affected by textured walls or uneven surfaces.

Step 2: Account for Clearance Space

A bed frame needs breathing room to function properly. Walking space, cleaning access, and the ability to make your bed comfortably all require clearance around the frame. Industry standards recommend the following minimum clearances:

Essential Clearances

• Side clearance: At least 60cm on each side you need to access for getting in and out of bed
• Foot of bed clearance: At least 90cm between the footboard and any furniture or wall
• Doorway clearance: Ensure doors can open fully without hitting the bed
• Drawer clearance: If choosing a storage bed, add the drawer extension depth (typically 50-60cm)

In smaller bedrooms, you might push one side of the bed against a wall to save space. While this works, consider that making the bed becomes more difficult, and if two people share the bed, one person must climb over the other to exit.

Step 3: Check Doorways and Hallways

Your new bed frame needs to actually get into the bedroom. Measure all doorways, hallways, and staircases the delivery team will need to navigate. Pay particular attention to:

• Bedroom doorway: Width and height, including any moulding
• Hallway width: Especially any corners the frame must turn
• Staircase dimensions: Width, ceiling height at turns, and any tight corners
• Building entry: For apartments, measure lift dimensions or stairwell access

Step 4: Consider Ceiling Height

Ceiling height matters more than many people realise, especially for beds with tall headboards or canopy designs. Measure the floor-to-ceiling height where your bed will sit, and compare this to the total height of any frames you're considering.

For comfortable visual proportions, the top of your headboard should sit at least 30cm below the ceiling. This prevents the bed from dominating the room and allows space for wall art or shelving above the bed if desired.

Step 5: Map Out Your Floor Plan

Now comes the practical part: visualising your bed in the space. Use painter's tape to outline the footprint of the bed frame on your floor. Include the mattress dimensions plus any frame overhang. This physical representation reveals spatial relationships that measurements alone might miss.

Walk around your taped outline. Open and close doors. Pull out imaginary drawers. Pretend to make the bed. These actions reveal whether the space actually works for daily use or merely accommodates the furniture technically.

Step 6: Factor in Other Furniture

Your bed doesn't exist in isolation. Consider the other furniture that needs to share the bedroom space. Bedside tables typically require 40-50cm width each, plus space behind for any charging cables or lamps. If you have a dresser, wardrobe, or desk, map out their positions relative to your planned bed location.

Draw a simple floor plan with all furniture pieces to see how everything works together. Free room planning tools available online can help visualise different arrangements before committing to a purchase.

Step 7: Verify Bed Frame Dimensions

When you've found a bed frame you like, check the exact product dimensions carefully. Don't assume a "double bed frame" means standard dimensions—frames vary significantly. Look for the overall footprint including headboard depth, footboard depth, and any side rails that extend beyond the mattress.

Quality retailers provide detailed dimension diagrams. If dimensions aren't clearly listed, contact customer service before purchasing. The few minutes spent confirming measurements can save the hassle and expense of returning an unsuitable frame.

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

Even careful shoppers make these errors. Keep them in mind as you measure:

• Measuring only once: Always take each measurement twice to catch errors
• Forgetting the mattress: Your mattress adds height; account for it when considering headboard proportions
• Ignoring baseboard heaters: Bed frames shouldn't block heating vents or radiators
• Overlooking light switches: Don't position the headboard where it blocks switches or outlets
• Not checking the floor: Uneven floors can affect how the bed sits and whether drawers operate smoothly

Taking time to measure properly prevents the disappointment of a bed that doesn't fit or creates an uncomfortable living space. With accurate measurements in hand, you can shop with confidence knowing exactly which frames will work in your bedroom.

Ready to compare bed frames that fit your space? Visit our comparison tool to find the perfect match for your measured dimensions.