Having recently moved to Spain, I’ve been house-hunting on Idealista and Fotocasa, and I’ve run into a confusing problem: the bed sizes in property listings are a complete mystery. What on earth are ‘cama de 90’, ‘cama de 135’, and ‘cama de 150’? These don’t match the conventions we might be used to, like beds being described as 1.5 or 1.8 meters wide. I’ve asked a few landlords, but their explanations were a bit vague, leaving me worried I’d rent a place only to find the bed is too small for a comfortable night’s sleep. I’m sure many newcomers face the same issue, so I’ve done some research and put together this guide to help anyone currently looking for a place!
A Guide to Common Bed Sizes in Spain
In Spain, beds are typically named directly after their width in centimeters. So, a ‘cama de 90’ is simply a bed that is 90 cm wide. Unlike in some other countries, the length isn’t usually emphasized because the standard lengths in Spain are 190 cm or 200 cm, which is sufficient for most people. This means you just need to focus on the width when considering apartment rental sizes. So, what do these numbers actually mean?
The Mainstream Sizes
Cama de 90: This is the most common single bed you’ll encounter, often a key detail alongside rental agency fees. It measures 90 cm wide and is typically 190 cm or 200 cm long. You’ll find this size in most student dorms and individual rooms in shared flats. It’s perfectly adequate for one person, with enough room to turn over comfortably.
Cama de 135: This size can be a bit awkward. It’s known as the ‘traditional double bed,’ measuring 135 cm wide and 190/200 cm long. Although it’s called a double, it can feel very cramped for two people, especially if they are not small-framed. Many older apartments feature this size in the master bedroom. If you’re single and want more sleeping space, it’s a great option. However, couples should consider it carefully unless both are quite slender.
Cama de 150: This is the modern standard for a comfortable double bed, measuring 150 cm wide and 190/200 cm long. For context, it’s very similar to a standard Queen size bed. It provides enough space for two people to sleep comfortably without disturbing each other. Many newly renovated or higher-quality rental apartments equip their master bedrooms with this size, making it the top choice for most couples.
Beyond these, there are even larger sizes, such as a Cama Queen Size (160 cm) and Cama King Size (180 cm or 200 cm), and even super king beds measuring 200cm x 200cm. However, these are less common in rental properties and are more often found in owner-occupied homes or hotels. Understanding the 90, 135, and 150 sizes is usually all you need for navigating the rental market.
To make it easier to compare, here is a simple table:
| Spanish Term | Width (cm) | Common Length (cm) | Commonly Known As |
|---|
| Cama de 90 | 90 | 190 / 200 | Standard Single Bed |
| Cama de 135 | 135 | 190 / 200 | Small Double Bed / Large Single Bed |
| Cama de 150 | 150 | 190 / 200 | Standard Double / Queen Size |
| Cama de 180 | 180 | 190 / 200 | King Size Bed |
One last tip: it’s always best to confirm the bed size in person when viewing an apartment, as sometimes even landlords can get it wrong. Plus, once you know the exact dimensions, you won’t make a mistake when buying bedding sets at IKEA or El Corte Inglés. Hope you all find your perfect apartment and get a great night’s sleep!
