Room fit

How to measure a room for a hospital bed

Five measurements, two minutes, no delivery-day disaster.

How to measure a room for a hospital bed

Quick answer: Measure five things: the wall length where the bed will sit (allow 2.2m), the doorway width, the narrowest corridor turn, the space on the caregiver's side (allow 700mm), and the distance to a socket if the bed is electric.

The five checks

  1. Wall length. The bed is about 2.1m. Allow 2.2m so the boards clear the wall and the skirting.
  2. Doorway. Measure the clear opening with the door open, not the frame. Boards come off if needed.
  3. Corridor turn. Stand where the bed has to pivot and measure both walls. This is where deliveries actually get stuck.
  4. Caregiver side. Leave at least 700mm on one long side. If a wheelchair or commode will be used, leave a metre.
  5. Socket. Electric beds and mattress pumps need mains power that will not be unplugged for a kettle.

Small rooms

In a compact apartment bedroom, put the head of the bed against the shorter wall and accept access from one side only. Do not push the bed into a corner with rails on both sides: somebody has to reach the patient.

If it will not fit

Tell us the measurements before you pay. We would rather talk you into a different frame or a different room than deliver a bed that has to go back down four flights of stairs.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does a hospital bed need?

About 2.2m of wall length plus 700mm of standing space on one side. A metre if a wheelchair or commode is in use.

What if my doorway is too narrow?

Head and foot boards come off, which is usually enough. If not, we will tell you before dispatch rather than at your door.

Ask before you buy

Two minutes on the phone settles most of these questions.

Page updated 2026-09-08. Prices confirmed on the call before dispatch.