The 2026 Bedroom Measuring Guide: How to Measure Your Space Properly Before Buying a Bed

Bed Expert December 2, 2025

The 2026 Bedroom Measuring Guide: How to Measure Your Space Properly Before Buying a Bed

Right, love — before you fall in love with a stunning upholstered bed and click “add to cart” faster than a Yorkshire lass at a Greggs sale, let’s talk about something vital: measuring your bedroom. You’d be shocked how many folks buy a bed that looks perfect online, only to realise it’s about as welcome in their room as a wet dog on clean bedding.

This 2026 Funkybedz guide gives you everything you need to measure your bedroom properly. We’re talking floor space, storage clearance, headboard height, doorway access, and even how to avoid that awkward “oops, it doesn’t fit” moment that ends with you sitting on the floor eating biscuits out of stress.

Step 1: Measure the Overall Bedroom Size (The Obvious One)

Aye, it seems simple — but you’d be surprised how many miss it. Grab a tape measure (not the one with chocolate fingerprints on, please) and measure the full length and width of your room.

Write it down. Twice. Because your bedroom won’t magically grow overnight, no matter how much you wish it would.

Pro Yorkshire Tip:

Measure skirting board to skirting board, not wall to wall. That extra inch matters, pet.

Step 2: Check the Bed Dimensions Properly

Don’t just look at the mattress size and think you’re done. All beds have a footprint that goes beyond mattress size — things like chunky headboards, deep footboards, padded sides, and gas-lift mechanisms take up extra space.

On our site, you’ll always see full dimensions under each product. For example, have a peek at our ottoman beds to see detailed measurements.

What to look for:

Total length of the frame
Total width of the frame
Headboard height
Footboard height
Depth of side rails

Step 3: Make Sure You Can Actually Walk Around the Bed

You need at least 60–90 cm of walking space around each side of the bed you plan to use. If not, you’ll be shimmying sideways like a crab every morning — and nobody wants that.

Use masking tape on the floor to visualise your future bed footprint. It’s cheap, easy, and stops you ordering a bed so big you can’t open your wardrobe.

Step 4: Check Doorways, Hallways & Stairs (Most Forgotten Step!)

This is where things get emotional. You’ve found your dream bed. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. It finally gives your room the glow-up it deserves… but it won’t go through your doorway.

Measure:

Your bedroom doorway
Hallway width
Staircase width & turning space
Front door width

Don't skip this bit unless you want your delivery driver tutting louder than your neighbour when you park in their spot. For smaller spaces, consider our upholstered beds which often arrive in flat-pack sections.

Step 5: Consider Headboard Heights (Especially Old Yorkshire Houses)

Headboards can be very tall, and many UK homes have sloping ceilings or awkward alcoves. Measure from floor to ceiling where the headboard will sit.

If you’ve got low ceilings, opt for a chic low-profile design from our fabric beds collection. Tall headboards are gorgeous — but only when there’s room to actually fit them in.

Step 6: Measure Storage Space Needs (Ottomans & Drawers)

Ottoman Beds:

Ottoman beds lift upwards, so you must ensure there's enough vertical space at the foot of the bed. They’re life savers for small rooms — check our ottoman storage beds for examples.

Drawer Beds:

Measure how far the drawers need to pull out. There’s nothing worse than drawers that can only open halfway because the bedside table’s in the way.

Step 7: Think About Bedside Tables & Wardrobes

It's not just the bed you’re fitting — it’s the whole bedroom layout. Make space for bedside tables, wardrobes, drawers, and anything else you need in your daily routine.

Yorkshire Rule of Thumb: If you can’t open all your drawers without whacking something, the bed is too big.

Step 8: Consider Bed Height for Comfort & Practicality

Low beds feel modern, mid beds are most practical, and tall beds give storage and drama. We covered this in-depth in our previous guide, so have a nosey at our article: Choosing the Right Bed Height.

The Final Yorkshire Verdict

Measuring isn’t glamorous — but do it right and you’ll save yourself stress, money, and a bruised ego. Once you’ve nailed your numbers, explore the perfect frame for your room in our curated beds collection.