In your quest to save space in your bedroom, you might be tempted to choose a small double bed instead of a double. Small doubles are 15cm narrower than doubles but the same length, so you only sacrifice width.
Depending on your size, a small double bed could be perfectly fine and sleep you both comfortably. However, the narrower 120cm width means you need to be prepared to sacrifice some personal space.
Most couples do better with a double bed for more personal space – small doubles are best for guest rooms and occasional use.
Sizing up the idea of a small double
The answer to your big question – whether a small double is okay for two people – depends on the physiology of those two people and how they sleep.
Small double beds are designed for solo sleepers wanting more space than offered by single beds, but they can also sleep two people.
At 120cm, the width of a small double bed sleeps two side sleepers perfectly fine, but back and front sleepers will feel a bit squished.
The bigger you are, the less suitable a small double is, and if you sprawl out and want lots of personal space, a small double won’t suit you well.
The pros and cons of small double beds
Pros
- Saves floor space
- Same length as a double
- Suited to two side sleepers
- Suitable for smaller couples
Cons
- 15cm narrower than a double
- It gives you less personal space
Small doubles are fantastic for guest bedrooms!
Small doubles are great for guest bedrooms because they take up less space and provide a comfortable sleep for a few nights.
You can also get small double ottoman beds with lift-up storage, unlocking abundant storage space for bedding, shoes, and bits and bats. You can get a side or end lift ottoman to suit the size and layout of your bedroom.
Our favourite small double beds
These are our favourite small double beds for ultimate style:
Milan Company Platform (£184)
Embrace industrial, minimalist design with this stunning black metal bed frame. The Milan Company Platform has a solid slatted base and no headboard to maximise space, and it only requires twelve bolts to assemble.
Birlea Atlas (£276)
Available in black or white, the Birlea Atlas has vintage vibes with a metal frame with antique brass finials. It’s perfect for traditional and eclectic interior styles and has a sprung slatted base to improve mattress bounce.
Nordic Mill Shake Low (£299)
The Nordic Mill Shake Low draws on a Scandinavian design with a natural pine frame, minimalist styling, and no footboard. It’s inspired by the Shaker style, with distinctly minimal lines with simple decoration – perfect for any bedroom.
Pictured: Nordic Mill Shake Low 4FT Small Double Bed Frame, Available from Bedstar.
Harmony Beds Amelia (£329)
We love this bed! The Harmony Beds Amelia has a rubberwood frame, oak veneers, and grey painted borders. The contemporary design stands out from the crowd, and you can add a matching bedside table to complete the look.
Birlea Sienna (£369)
The Birlea Sienna is a sleigh bed with plush grey velvet upholstery and a cushioned headboard and footboard. The traditional button effect gives it a classical appearance, while the low height helps preserve visual space in small bedrooms.
Boutique Dove (£329)
Available in green, mustard, grey, and blue, the Boutique Dove sits low to the floor with a luxurious diamond-quilted headboard. We adore the velvet fabric, wooden legs, and sprung slatted base, which provides a natural bounce.
Aspire Chesterfield (£449)
The Aspire Chesterfield is a sleigh ottoman bed with gorgeous fabric upholstery. It has a side-lift platform with lots of storage for bedding and a low footboard. This bed goes great in bedrooms with a neutral or grey colour scheme.
Pictured: Aspire Chesterfield 4FT Small Double Sleigh Bed Frame, Available from Bedstar.
Giltedge Beds Stromness (£699)
The Giltedge Beds Stromness is another gorgeous ottoman bed, this time with a high headboard for thick mattresses. You can specify a right or left-side opening ottoman base and choose from a range of velvet upholstery colours.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Stromness 4FT Small Double Ottoman Bed, Available from Bedstar.