Is it worth getting a small double bed?

Small double beds are 30 cm wider than singles and 15 cm narrower than double beds, making them a big upgrade from a single bed and not much of a downgrade from a double.


If your bedroom is narrow or awkwardly shaped, small doubles offer the best compromise between floor and sleeping space. Plus, they are fantastic for teenagers who have outgrown their single bed.

Here are the benefits of small double beds

Ideal for compact bedrooms

A small double bed will excel in your small bedroom because its compact size allows for easier navigation around the bed and more space for bedside tables.

Versatile sleeping options

Solo sleepers can luxuriate in the extra space, while some slender couples might find them suitable for cosy nights together - though small doubles are primarily for individual use.

Cost-effective upgrade

Upgrading to a small double is more economical than opting for a double bed, with the prices for both frames and a small double mattress around 10% less.




Pictured: Giltedge Beds Rome 4FT Small Double Mattress. Priced £199. Available from Bedstar.

Abundance of stylish options

There’s a small double bed for every taste, from minimalist wooden and metal bed frames to plush upholstered designs.

Space-saving storage solutions

Ottoman-style beds with lift-up bases provide ample room for stowing bedding and other items, while divan models can have two conveniently placed drawers.

Easy manoeuvrability

The more compact size of small double beds makes them easier to move and manoeuvre during room reconfigurations or house moves.

Suitable for growing teens

Small double beds provide an excellent sleeping solution for teenagers who outgrow their single beds, and the extra width offers more comfort.



Pictured: Milan Bed Company Side Lift 4FT Small Double Ottoman. Priced £281. Available from Bedstar

Preserving visual space

Low-profile small double designs and minimalist styles can make your bedroom feel bigger by creating an illusion of more space within your room.

Versatile placement options

Your small double bed’s compact dimensions allow for versatile placement within your room, including positioning against a wall or in the corner.

Encouraging better sleep habits

Small double beds encourage stretching out and finding more comfortable positions for better sleep quality and rest.

Perfect for guest bedrooms

Small doubles perfectly balance the preservation of floor space and provide a comfortable sleep area for guests stopping over.

Improves home saleability

If you’re selling your house and have a bedroom that won’t quite take a double bed, it might take a small double, which will go down better with buyers than a single bed.



Pictured: Birlea Rio 4FT Small Double Wooden Bed Frame – Pine. Priced £211. Available from Bedstar.

No loss in comfort or sleep quality

Small double mattresses come in all the same top-quality options as larger sizes, so you'll sleep just as soundly whether you prefer springs, foam, or hybrid mattresses.

Tips on choosing the right small double bed


Bed frame material and style

Small double beds come in wooden, metal, and fabric types.

Fabric bed frames give you a comfortable, cushioned headboard to sit up against and are available in a broader range of colours.

Wooden bed frames are more robust than fabric and have an organic feel, perfect for traditional and rustic bedrooms.

Metal bed frames are cold to the touch but work better in industrial spaces and bedrooms where a sleek, ornamental feel is best.

Mattress technology


Your small double needs to provide adequate support and comfort for your favourite sleeping position.

Choose a firmness based on these positions:


Side sleepers – medium
Front sleepers – firm
Back sleepers – medium-firm

The best middle ground is a medium-firm mattress. These are suitable for all sleep positions and provide adequate comfort for guest spaces.

However, if you or your partner is on the larger side – over 220 lbs – a firm mattress is necessary to ensure the support system doesn’t collapse. Too soft a mattress will dip in the middle and provide no edge support, making the usable sleep surface smaller.

Why Is Larimar Such A Special Stone?

Everyone has their own favourite colour when it comes to gemstones in jewelry. Blue has to rank as one of the most popular because of the vibrancy and variety of options. On the more luxurious end of the scale, you have the sparkling sapphires in their multi-faceted cuts. On the other, there are less precious but equally beautiful stones like topaz, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. In the middle sits something special with the same natural beauty as those gemstones but at a higher price. Larimar is something special, and it's worth seeking out for special pieces as well as stunning raw crystals. But what is larimar, and why are people so in love with this stone?


What is Larimar?


If you've never heard of larmiar before, you're not alone. This rare stone isn't as common in jewellery or crystal work as in other forms. It is, however, stunning and worth seeking out if you have an affinity for blue stones. This pale blue stone looks like it came straight out of a tropical ocean rather than the ground. That's fitting because this stone is only found in one place: The Dominican Republic. This location means the stone is hard to come by and, therefore, commands a higher price than other common stones. That desirability is only going to increase because it's a finite resource. It's no wonder people are so keen to sell the crystals to avoid collectors or turn the stones into larimar jewellery.

What Properties Do Larimar Crystals Offer?

The rarity of larimar means it's not widely acknowledged as a birthstone in the same way as other blue crystals. There are a few months with blue stones. March has aquamarine, September has sapphire, and December has blue topaz. Some also choose to wear turquoise for December. Some believe that the properties of the stone make it perfect for those born close to the Vernal Equinox, which does occur in March.

Larimar's beauty as a natural crystal also has many people curious about its potential properties. If you're only into gemstones for aesthetics rather than spirituality, you can skip ahead to the jewellery section. If you're into crystals for their healing properties, here's what you need to know.

The underlying property of larimar is its calming effect. This is easy to see on a surface level by just looking at the stone, whatever your beliefs. However, many believe that this continues on a deeper spiritual level. The stone can soothe the body, mind, and spirit and restore emotional imbalances. It should be a good aid for those dealing with anxiety because of the way it promotes regulation and environmental awareness. This wide-reaching power also means it can interact with 4 of the 7 chakras from the heart to the crown.

Wearing Larimar In Jewellery

The beauty of this blue stone shines even brighter when crafted into stunning pieces of jewellery. The tone works perfectly against a silver setting for something understated and elegant or something fun and in keeping with the tropical setting. Skilled jewellers take these natural stones and set them into all kinds of shapes and styles. They can be beautiful mementoes of time spent in Dominica or a more sentimental birthday or anniversary gift for someone who resonates with the stone's meaning.

Earrings

One of the most popular ways to wear Larimar jewellery is via earrings. They are eye-catching in any form and a great way for creative designers to craft a wide variety of pieces. You can get plenty of larimar earrings as round studs or delicate drop earrings on silver wires and chains. They provide a touch of Carribean sparkle during important events. You can also find more elaborate pieces shaped into various creatures and symbols for the region. These are perfect mementoes of a trip to the region and great conversation starters. Skiller designers will work with the natural shape of the polished stones to build everything from dolphins and seahorses to palm trees and flip-flops. When you get to the more high-end pieces of silver jewellery, you may also find tiny little precious stones set into the silver, illuminating the blue like the crest of an ocean wave. They're exquisite but pricey.

Pendants

If larimar earrings aren't your thing because of the weight but you love the idea of a dramatic piece of larimar jewellery, you can always look at the creators of larimar pendants. These bold statement pieces can look amazing against the right skin tone and outfit. The bigger stones set in silver and on an appropriate chain can showcase the beauty of the crystal even further. You can see more of the geological formations and impurities that make each stone unique. The only downside is that the bigger the stone, the higher the price. These pieces may be something best saved for special occasions like anniversaries.

Rings

Speaking of anniversaries, there's also the option of finding someone who will set Larimar into a ring. Rings are the perfect anniversary gift to show your devotion to your spouse, and a small band with a little piece of bright blue larimar could make their year. You may also find some larger statement rings that show the stone off a little better, but they can be harder to wear long-term. As with any larimar jewellery, it helps to shop around because you never know what you'll find.

Find A Larimar Piece You Can Treasure

Whether you want to find some pure larimar crystals to add to your collection or a gorgeous piece of jewellery for a special occasion, you won't be disappointed. Larimar lives up to the hype because of that amazing hue and the way it seems to radiate the energy of the Dominican Ocean. As a pure crystal, it could become a powerful tool to ease your mental health. As a piece of jewellery, it will make its wearer feel special every time they put it on. See what delightful designs you can find from the best jewellers specializing in larimar.