Bed sizes in Italy

It can be a little confusing since each country has its own way of describing sleeping arrangements, their own measurements and their own standards.

It can be a little confusing since each country has its own way of describing sleeping arrangements. Twins - singles - double - queen - king - french single - etc., etc. -  The intent of this article is to give a bit of a guide - and it should be taken as such since size vary everywhere, especially in Tuscany where antiques reign!

Using antique bedsteads is a favorite way to showoff  the wonderful Tuscan culture, but ....it does play havoc with standard bed measurements - in fact the mattresses can vary by 4 to 5 inches in width and length.

Most bedrooms in rental homes are comprised of two single beds which can be pushed together to form a large bed or left apart - offering versatility. Just what does this mean in numbers? Well, actually quite comfortable. They are normally put together with a single fitted sheet which assists in keeping them together and stable. A single or twin mattress normally measures 36-38 inches wide (94-96 cm) and 75 inches long (192 cm). So if you double that you get a king size bed, at least in most places. It should be noted that in the USA they are used to a king bed with a few more inches in width.

However, there are many that provide what is equivalent to a queen size bed, that is 60 inches wide (155 cm) and 75 inches long (192 cm). Give or take an inch (cm) or two. Normally this is called a matrimoniale in Italian and a double - on our site. One last comment, most sofa beds - unless specifically stated to be a queen are to be considered a double or full size mattress OR slightly smaller! That is a 54 inch wide x 75 inch long mattress (137 cm x 192 cm).

You may also find bunk beds - standard singles, placed one on top of another.  Normally used in rooms with limited space, and ideal for children or young adults.  The Italians refer to them as letto al castello.  Another solution for rooms with limited space is a French double - or in laymen terms a super-sized single.  You can sleep in two on this matress, especially if you are very very close...however it is better to calculate a bed like this for young children and or a single person travelling in your group.

You can click here for even more general information regarding beds and their sizes:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_(furniture)