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.

1 comment

  1. Ive found these beds to be very comfortabale

    ReplyDelete