Low, calm and made of natural wood, Japanese bed frames suit Singapore’s smaller bedrooms well. But there’s one thing that catches many people out: a Japanese-style bed and a Japan-size bed aren’t the same thing, and the wrong mattress won’t fit. Here’s how to choose a Japanese bed frame in Singapore: the main styles, how Japan sizes compare with Singapore sizes, and which mattress to pair with it.
The quick answer
- Japanese-style means the look: low to the floor, natural wood, clean lines, often with slats instead of a solid base.
- Japan-size means the measurements: Single 97 × 195cm, Semi Double 120 × 195cm, Double 140 × 195cm. These are 5cm longer than Singapore sizes, with different widths.
- Match the mattress to the frame’s size, not its style. A Japan-size frame needs a Japan-size mattress; a UK-size frame needs a UK-size mattress.
4 styles of Japanese bed frame
| Style | What it is | Good for | Examples from our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slatted wooden frame | A simple wooden frame on legs, with slats that let the mattress breathe | Small rooms, easy cleaning underneath | Cuenca from $199, Cuenca with Headboard from $349 |
| Wooden storage bed | A Japanese-style wooden frame with drawers or a lift-up base | Storage in a compact bedroom | Aube from $399, Koda $919, Take $1,299 |
| Tatami-style platform | A low, wide oak platform inspired by traditional tatami beds | A grounded, minimalist look | Haku from $389, Vara from $449, Mikuru $1,169 |
| Floating bed | A low frame on a hidden base set back from the edges, so the bed seems to hover | A modern Japandi look, robot vacuums | Misami from $389, Nisha $469 |
Prefer upholstery to wood? The Yuni Velvet Japandi Bed Frame is a low, padded platform bed from $179, in both Singapore and Japan sizes.
Japan sizes vs Singapore sizes
| Japan size | Mattress size | Closest Singapore size | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (JP) | 97 × 195cm | Single, 91 × 190cm | 6cm wider, 5cm longer |
| Semi Double (JP) | 120 × 195cm | Super Single, 107 × 190cm | 13cm wider, 5cm longer |
| Double (JP) | 140 × 195cm | Queen, 152 × 190cm | 12cm narrower, 5cm longer |
The Semi Double (JP) has no Singapore equivalent. It’s roomier than a Super Single for one adult, or a parent with a young child, but fits in a room too small for a Queen.
Will a Singapore mattress fit a Japan-size frame? Not properly. It will be 5cm short and leave gaps at the sides or foot, so it can slide around. See our full mattress size guide for every Singapore, Japan and UK size.
Which size is your Japanese bed?
| Frame | Size system | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Aube, Cuenca, Cuenca with Headboard | Japan | Single, Semi Double, Double (JP) |
| Yuni | Singapore and Japan | Single to King (SG), Single to Double (JP) |
| Haku, Vara, Misami | UK | Semi Double, Queen, Super King (UK) |
| Koda, Take, Mikuru, Nisha | UK | Queen, Super King (UK) |
| Natsuki | Singapore and UK | Queen and King (SG), Semi Double, Queen and Super King (UK) |
UK sizes are 200cm long, 10cm longer than Singapore sizes, which suits taller sleepers. Always check the size options on the product page before you choose a mattress.
The right mattress for a Japanese bed frame
Every Nuloft mattress comes in Japan sizes, plus the Dorme Shizuka:
| Mattress | Feel | Thickness | Single (JP) from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorme Shizuka | Medium firm, 7/10 | 15 or 20cm | $209 |
| Nuloft Lite | Firm, 8/10 | 20cm | $319 |
| The Nuloft | Medium soft, 6/10 | 25cm | $479 |
| Nuloft Hybrid | Medium firm, 7/10 | 28cm | $579 |
| Nuloft Orthofirm | Firm, 8/10 | 30cm | $699 |
| Nuloft Luxe | Medium firm, 7/10 | 28cm | $769 |
Tips for low Japanese frames:
- A slimmer mattress keeps the look low. On a low platform or tatami-style bed, a 20 to 25cm mattress like the Nuloft Lite or The Nuloft keeps the bed close to the floor.
- A thicker mattress is easier to get out of. If you find low beds hard on your knees, pair a low frame with a 28 to 30cm mattress.
- Slats help in Singapore’s humidity. Wooden slats let air reach the underside of the mattress, so it stays fresher. Air your mattress now and then if your bed has a solid base.
Prefer it matched for you? Our Aube + The Nuloft and Cuenca with Headboard + The Nuloft bundles come with the sizes already matched. Shop all Japan-size mattresses or wooden bed frames.
Don’t forget the bedsheets
A Japan-size mattress needs Japan-size sheets, or the fitted sheet won’t sit snugly. Our Nuloft Dreamer, Nuloft Radiant and Nuloft Natural Tencel sets come in Japan and Singapore sizes. Buying a mattress too? Bedding accessories get an extra 20% off with code PWB20. See Bundle & Save.
Delivery and assembly are free on orders above $300, and we can take away your old mattress when we deliver.
FAQ
What is a Japanese bed frame?
A low, simple bed frame inspired by Japanese interiors, usually in natural wood with clean lines and a slatted base. Styles include slatted wooden frames, tatami-style platforms, floating beds and wooden storage beds.
What size is a Japanese Double bed?
A Double (JP) mattress is 140 × 195cm: 12cm narrower but 5cm longer than a Singapore Queen (152 × 190cm).
Can I use a Singapore mattress on a Japan-size bed frame?
Not properly. A Singapore mattress is 5cm shorter and a different width, so it leaves gaps and can slide around. Choose the Japan-size mattress that matches your frame.
Are all Japanese-style beds in Japan sizes?
No. Some Japanese-style beds are made in Japan sizes, while others, like our oak tatami and floating beds, come in UK sizes. Check the size options on the product page before choosing a mattress.
Do Japan-size mattresses come with the 100-night trial?
No. The 100-night trial covers selected Nuloft mattresses in Singapore sizes only. Japan sizes, bundles and made-to-order mattresses aren’t included.
