How to Choose Between a Single and a Small Double Bed

Choosing a new bed sounds simple enough… until you’re actually faced with the decision. Single or small double? It’s one of those choices that seems minor but can make a huge difference to how well you sleep and how your room works day to day. 

If you’re stuck weighing up the options, don’t worry. Let’s break it down properly; room size, age, comfort, and why (spoiler alert) bigger is usually better… as long as you’ve got the space for it. 

First Things First: What’s the Difference? 

In the UK, standard single and small double bed sizes are: 

• Single bed: 90cm x 190cm (3’0” x 6’3”) 
• Small double bed (also called a “three-quarter”): 120cm x 190cm (4’0” x 6’3”) 

That extra 30cm of width might not sound like much on paper, but in real life it’s noticeable. It’s the difference between stretching out comfortably and feeling slightly boxed in. 

Room Size: Be Realistic About Your Space 

This is the big one (literally). 

Before falling in love with the idea of more sleeping space, measure your room properly. And we mean properly, not just a quick glance and a guess. 

A single bed fits neatly into most small bedrooms, box rooms, or spare rooms. It leaves more floor space for: 

• Wardrobes 
• Desks 
• Chest of drawers 
• Toy storage (if it’s a child’s room) 
• Simply being able to walk around without shuffling sideways 

A small double bed, on the other hand, starts to dominate a smaller room. In a tight space, it can: 

• Make the room feel cramped 
• Reduce natural light flow 
• Limit storage options 
• Leave barely any walking space 

As a general rule, you want at least 60cm of clear space down one side of the bed and at the foot so you can move comfortably. If fitting a small double means you’ll be squeezing past it every day, it might not be worth it. 

That said, if your room comfortably allows it, the extra width is almost always a win. 

Age Matters More Than You Think 

Who’s the bed actually for? 

For Young Children 

A single bed is usually perfect. They’ve got plenty of room, it feels big to them, and it leaves space for play areas. Kids don’t need loads of width and smaller beds often make them feel cosier and more secure. 

For Teenagers 

This is where things change. 

Teenagers grow fast, often very fast. A single can start to feel restrictive, especially if they’re tall or broad-shouldered. A small double gives them space to: 

• Sprawl 
• Turn comfortably 
• Sit up in bed with friends 
• Do homework on a laptop 

It also futureproofs the room. Instead of upgrading again in a few years, a small double can last well into adulthood. 

For Adults 

If it’s for a main bedroom and you’re sleeping alone, a single can feel quite narrow unless the room is genuinely tiny. 

Most adults sleep better with a bit of wiggle room. Even if you’re not sharing the bed, that extra 30cm means: 

• Fewer elbows hanging off the side 
• Less feeling confined 
• More freedom to change position 

And if there’s any chance of sharing – even just occasionally – a small double is the absolute minimum you’d want.  

Comfort: The Bigger-Is-Better Argument 

Let’s talk honestly about sleep. 

The more space you have to get comfy, the more likely you are to sleep well. That’s just common sense. Humans don’t lie perfectly still all night. We roll, stretch, curl up, and move around more than we realise. 

On a single bed, those movements are restricted. You’re more aware of edges. You might subconsciously limit how much you move. 

On a small double, you’ve got breathing room. You can stretch out without your arm dropping off the side. You can curl up without feeling squashed. 

If sleep quality is a priority (and it should be), and the room allows it, a small double tends to win. 

It’s not about luxury; it’s about comfort. 

Are You Planning to Share? 

Be honest with yourself here. 

A small double is marketed as suitable for couples, but in reality, it’s cosy. Very cosy. Fine for occasional nights, but as a permanent solution for two adults? It can feel tight. 

However, if you’re single but might occasionally have a partner stay over, a small double is far more practical than a single. 

A single shared by two adults usually means: 

• Broken sleep 
• Overheating 
• One person clinging to the edge 

A small double at least makes it possible. 

Storage Considerations 

In smaller UK homes, storage is often just as important as sleeping space. 

A single bed frame takes up less floor area, meaning: 

• More room for wardrobes 
• Space for a desk 
• Room for drawers 

However, small doubles often come with ottoman storage options, which can make up for the lost floor space. If you’re choosing between squeezing in extra furniture or having hidden storage under the bed, it’s worth considering what works best for your layout. 

Sometimes going slightly bigger actually improves the room because it reduces the need for additional bulky furniture. 

Budget: Is There Much Difference? 

Generally speaking: 

• Small doubles cost slightly more than singles. 
• Bedding for small doubles is a bit pricier (and sometimes slightly harder to find in shops, though widely available online). 

But the price jump isn’t dramatic. And if it saves you upgrading again in a few years, it could actually be more economical long term. 

Think Long Term 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a bed purely for right now. 

Ask yourself: 

• Will this room’s purpose change? 
• Is a child likely to outgrow the space quickly? 
• Might the spare room become a more frequently used guest room? 
• Could you move house and take the bed with you? 

A single bed is easy to repurpose in a guest room later. But a small double offers more flexibility for teenagers and adults. 

If the room can take it without feeling cramped, it’s often the smarter long-term option. 

When a Single Makes Perfect Sense 

Single beds aren’t inferior. They’re just suited to specific situations. 

A single is ideal if: 

• The room is very small 
• It’s primarily a child’s bedroom 
• You need maximum floor space 
• It’s a rarely used guest room 
• Budget is tight 

There’s nothing wrong with a well-chosen single bed in the right space coupled with the right use case. 

When a Small Double Is the Better Choice 

A small double usually wins when: 

• The room comfortably accommodates it 
• It’s for a teenager or adult 
• Sleep quality is a priority 
• Occasional sharing is likely 
• You want a longer-term solution 

If you have the space to accommodate it, the extra width simply makes life more comfortable. 

The Bottom Line 

If your room is genuinely tiny, a single bed is practical, sensible, and absolutely fine. 

But if you can fit a small double without turning the room into an obstacle course, it’s usually the better choice. 

More space to stretch. 

More room to get comfy. 

Less feeling boxed in. 

Better chance of a good night’s sleep. 

When it comes to beds, bigger isn’t about extravagance; it’s about comfort. And comfort plays a huge role in how well you rest. 

So measure your room properly, think about who the bed is for, consider how long you’ll use it, and if you’ve got the space… 

Go bigger. 

Your future well-rested self will thank you.