How to Measure Your Bedroom for a Queen Bed Frame

There's nothing more frustrating than ordering a beautiful bed frame only to discover it makes your bedroom feel cramped, blocks a doorway, or leaves you squeezing past furniture every morning. Proper measurement before purchasing isn't just about whether the bed will physically fit—it's about ensuring your bedroom remains functional, comfortable, and aesthetically balanced. This guide will walk you through every measurement you need to consider before committing to a queen bed frame.

Understanding Queen Bed Dimensions

In Australia, a standard queen mattress measures 153cm wide by 203cm long. However, the bed frame itself will always be larger than the mattress it holds. External frame dimensions typically add 5-15cm to both width and length, depending on the frame style. Frames with prominent headboards and footboards can add even more to the overall length.

Before measuring your room, check the specific external dimensions of any bed frame you're considering. A sleek platform frame might measure only 160cm x 210cm overall, while an elaborate upholstered bed with a statement headboard could span 175cm x 230cm. These differences of 15-20cm can significantly impact how the bed fits in your space.

Step-by-Step Room Measurement

Step 1: Measure the Overall Room

Start by measuring the total length and width of your bedroom. Use a metal tape measure for accuracy, and measure at floor level where the bed will actually sit. Record measurements in centimetres for easy comparison with bed frame specifications.

If your room has alcoves, bay windows, or irregular shapes, create a rough sketch and note the dimensions of each section. This visual reference will be invaluable when planning bed placement.

Step 2: Map Fixed Features

Identify and measure all elements that cannot be moved:

• Door locations and swing direction (inward or outward)
• Window positions and heights
• Built-in wardrobes or closets
• Radiators, air conditioning units, or heating vents
• Power points and light switches
• Ceiling fans or pendant lights

Pay particular attention to door swings. A door that opens into the bedroom needs clear space to operate—if your bed blocks even part of this arc, you'll struggle with access every day.

Step 3: Calculate Clearance Requirements

This is where many people make mistakes. A bed might technically fit in a space while still making the room impractical. Interior design standards recommend these minimum clearances:

Step 4: Consider Headboard Placement

If your bed frame includes a headboard, or if you plan to add one separately, consider what will be behind it. Ideally, the headboard should rest against a solid wall section, not in front of a window where it blocks light and access. Also check that the headboard height won't interfere with any wall-mounted elements like light switches or artwork you want to keep.

For upholstered headboards, allow a small gap (2-3cm) between the headboard and wall for air circulation, which helps prevent mould growth in humid conditions—a common issue in Australian coastal areas.

Planning for Additional Furniture

Bedside Tables

Most people want bedside tables on at least one side of the bed, if not both. Standard bedside tables range from 40-60cm wide. Add this to your required side clearance—so instead of just 60cm access space, you'll need 60cm plus your bedside table width, plus any gap between the table and bed frame.

Other Bedroom Furniture

Consider the other furniture you need in the room: dressers, desks, chairs, or a television unit. Map out where these items will go relative to the bed, ensuring each piece has appropriate access clearance and the overall layout supports easy movement through the space.

Special Considerations

Storage Bed Frames

If you're considering a storage bed frame, remember that ottoman-style lift mechanisms need clearance above the bed to open. Measure your ceiling height and subtract your mattress height to ensure you'll have adequate room. Drawer-style storage beds need floor space beside the bed for drawers to extend fully—usually 40-60cm depending on the drawer depth.

Ceiling Height and Fans

While standard ceilings of 2.4m rarely pose problems, be cautious with tall four-poster frames or canopy beds in rooms with ceiling fans. These frames can reach heights of 2m or more, potentially interfering with fan blades or creating an oppressively cramped feeling in lower-ceilinged spaces.

Delivery Access

Before finalising your purchase, measure your delivery path. Can the bed frame boxes fit through your front door, up the stairs, and around corners to reach the bedroom? Most bed frames come disassembled in manageable boxes, but some larger pieces—particularly solid wood headboards—may pose access challenges in apartments or homes with narrow hallways.

Visualising the Space

The Tape Method

Before committing to a purchase, use painter's tape to outline the bed frame's footprint on your floor. Include the full external dimensions plus headboard projection. Live with this outline for a day or two, walking around it and imagining the bed in place. This simple technique reveals spatial issues that measurements alone might miss.

Digital Planning Tools

Various free apps and websites allow you to create digital floor plans and experiment with furniture placement. While not as accurate as physical measurement, these tools help visualise different arrangements and can prevent costly mistakes.

Room Size Recommendations

Based on standard clearance requirements, here are our minimum room size recommendations for a queen bed:

• Absolute minimum: 2.7m x 3m (bed only, minimal clearance, one side against wall)
• Functional minimum: 3m x 3.5m (one bedside table, basic clearances)
• Comfortable: 3.5m x 4m (two bedside tables, dresser, easy movement)
• Spacious: 4m x 4.5m or larger (full furniture suite, seating area)

If your room falls at the smaller end of these ranges, consider frames with lower visual profiles—platform beds and metal frames typically feel less imposing than bulky upholstered options with large headboards.

Final Checklist

Before placing your order, confirm you've measured and considered:

• Total room dimensions and shape
• External dimensions of your chosen bed frame (not just mattress size)
• Door locations and swing clearance
• Window positions relative to planned bed placement
• Clearance for bedside access (60cm minimum)
• Space for additional furniture
• Ceiling height for tall frame styles
• Storage bed access requirements
• Delivery path from entrance to bedroom

Taking the time to measure thoroughly might feel tedious, but it's far easier than returning a bed frame or living with a cramped bedroom for years. When in doubt, opt for a slightly smaller or less elaborate frame—your daily comfort will thank you.