Buying a mattress for the first time in the Netherlands - 4 useful tips
When you move to the Netherlands, you expect certain things to be different. The bikes. The bread. The way people schedule everything. What most expats don’t expect is that buying a mattress can feel like a small cultural experience of its own. You might assume a mattress is just a mattress. Walk into a store, pick one, done. In reality, Dutch mattress shopping comes with its own habits, preferences and terminology.
If you’re new to the country and standing in a showroom wondering why everything feels firmer than back home, you’re not alone. To make things easier (and help you sleep better), here are four down-to-earth tips for buying your first mattress of Slome in the Netherlands.
1. Mattress sizes are not universal (and yes, it matters)
One of the first small frustrations for many expats is mattress size. In the Netherlands, everything is measured in centimeters, and the standard sizes may not line up with what you’re used to. The most common options are:
- 90 x 200 cm (single)
- 140 x 200 cm (often used by one person)
- 160 x 200 cm (double)
- 180 x 200 cm (king size)
If you’re tall, you’ll probably feel very welcome here. Extra-long mattresses (210 or even 220 cm) are easy to find and totally normal. Just double-check that your bed frame and mattress match exactly, especially if you brought furniture from another country or bought a frame second-hand.
2. “Medium” might feel firm, and that’s normal
Many expats are surprised by how firm Dutch mattresses feel. Even when something is labelled “medium”, it may still feel harder than expected. This isn’t a mistake; it’s simply a preference that’s common here. In stores, staff will often ask questions like:
- How tall and heavy are you?
- Do you sleep on your side, back or stomach?
- Do you have back or shoulder pain?
This can feel a bit personal, but it’s not a sales trick. Dutch mattress buying is very focused on support and posture. Take your time. Lie down properly. Close your eyes if that helps. No one will rush you or judge you for testing a mattress for a few minutes.
3. Your apartment (and the Dutch climate) matter more than you think
Dutch homes are usually well insulated. That’s great for energy bills, but it also means bedrooms can get warm, especially in apartments. Because of this, mattress materials are a big deal here. You’ll often come across:
- Pocket spring mattresses, which breathe well
- Cold foam or memory foam, popular in smaller homes
- Latex mattresses, supportive but usually more expensive
If you tend to sleep warm, say so. Ventilation is a common topic in Dutch stores, and staff are used to helping people find something that doesn’t trap heat.
4. Don’t underestimate how much sleep affects settling in
When you’re new in the Netherlands, everything takes energy. New routines, new systems, maybe a new job. Bad sleep makes all of that harder. It’s tempting to buy the cheapest mattress “for now”, especially if your stay feels temporary. But many expats regret that decision after a few weeks. As a rough idea:
- €300–€600 usually gets you something basic but decent
- €600–€1,200 offers noticeably better comfort and support
You don’t need luxury, you just need something that helps your body recover while you’re adjusting to a new country.