Single vs Small Double Bed: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a single and small double bed can be surprisingly difficult. Both are practical choices for bedrooms where space matters, but they offer a different balance of sleeping room, floor space and flexibility.

A standard UK single bed measures 90cm wide by 190cm long, while a small double measures 120cm wide by 190cm long. In other words, both have the same length, but a small double gives you an extra 30cm of width.

So, which one should you choose? The answer depends on who will use the bed, how much room you have and how much sleeping space you prefer.

What Is the Difference Between a Single and Small Double Bed?

The main difference is width.

A UK single bed is 3ft wide, making it a practical option for one person. A small double, sometimes called a three-quarter bed, is 4ft wide and offers noticeably more room without taking up as much space as a standard double.

Bed Size	Width	Length	Typical Use
Single	90cm / 3ft	190cm / 6ft 3in	One person
Small Double	120cm / 4ft	190cm / 6ft 3in	One person with extra space, or occasional sharing

The extra 30cm on a small double may not sound significant on paper, but it can make a noticeable difference when you sleep, move around or relax in bed.

When Is a Single Bed the Better Choice?

A single bed is often the simplest solution when space is limited or the bed is intended for one person.

Small bedrooms

If you are furnishing a compact bedroom, box room or student room, a single can leave more floor space available for a wardrobe, desk, drawers or other furniture.

Its narrower footprint can also make it easier to move around the room without the bed becoming the main feature.

Children’s and teenagers’ bedrooms

A single bed is a practical choice for children and teenagers, particularly when the room needs to accommodate study furniture or storage as well as the bed.

It also gives you more flexibility when arranging the rest of the room.

Guest rooms

If your spare room is used occasionally, a single bed can be a sensible option. It keeps the room useful without taking up unnecessary floor space.

This can be especially helpful if the room has another purpose, such as a home office or study area.

When Should You Choose a Small Double Bed?

A small double is worth considering if you sleep alone but want more freedom to move around during the night.

You like extra sleeping space

Some people naturally spread out while sleeping. Others simply prefer not to feel restricted by the edges of the mattress.

A small double gives a solo sleeper considerably more width than a single while keeping the same 190cm length.

Your bedroom cannot comfortably fit a standard double

A small double sits between a single and a standard double, making it useful when a single feels too restrictive but a double would make the room feel cramped.

This can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms where every centimetre of floor space matters.

You occasionally share the bed

A small double can accommodate two adults when necessary, although it is considerably more compact for two people than a standard double. For regular couple sleeping, the extra width of a standard double or larger bed may be more suitable.

The small double therefore works well as a compromise rather than a replacement for a larger shared bed.

Single vs Small Double: Which Takes Up More Space?

A small double is 30cm wider than a single, while both standard UK sizes are 190cm long.

That extra width needs to be considered carefully, particularly in a narrow room.

Before choosing, measure the available floor area rather than relying only on the mattress dimensions. The actual bed frame can be larger than the mattress, depending on its design.

Also consider:

• Wardrobe and cupboard doors opening fully
• Space around the bed for walking
• Bedside tables
• Radiators and windows
• Bedroom doors
• Drawers or under-bed storage
• How easily the bed can be brought into the room

A bed may technically fit into a bedroom but still make the space uncomfortable to use if there is very little room around it.

Don’t Forget the Mattress

The bed frame and mattress need to match in size.

For a standard UK single, look for a 90cm x 190cm mattress. For a small double, the standard measurement is 120cm x 190cm.

It is also worth checking measurements carefully when replacing an existing mattress. Names such as “single”, “small double” and “queen” can sometimes be used differently in different markets, so the exact dimensions are more reliable than the name alone.

Which Bed Is More Comfortable?

Comfort is personal, but width can make a big difference.

A single provides enough room for most solo sleepers to sleep comfortably, particularly when the bedroom is small.

A small double gives you an additional 30cm of width, which can be useful if you move around frequently, prefer to stretch out or simply dislike feeling confined.

However, a wider bed is not automatically more comfortable. Your mattress firmness, support, sleeping position and personal preferences all matter as well.

What About Taller Sleepers?

Both standard UK single and small double beds are 190cm long.

If you are particularly tall, the width difference between the two may not solve the issue of limited legroom. In that situation, it is worth looking at longer bed sizes or alternative sizing where available.

Always check the mattress dimensions rather than assuming every bed with the same name has identical measurements.

Single vs Small Double for a Guest Bedroom

For a guest room, the right choice depends on how you expect the room to be used.

A single is useful when the room is small or usually accommodates one guest. It also leaves more space for other furniture.

A small double gives guests more sleeping space and provides greater flexibility if two people occasionally need to stay overnight. It can therefore be a useful middle ground when the room is large enough to accommodate it.

Think about how often the room is used and whether you want it to serve another purpose when guests are not visiting.

How to Decide Between a Single and Small Double

Before making your choice, ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. Who will sleep in the bed?

For one person, both sizes can work. For occasional sharing, a small double offers more flexibility.

2. How much floor space do you have?

Measure the bedroom first. Don’t forget to account for the bed frame and the space needed to move around it.

3. Do you prefer extra sleeping space?

If you enjoy having room to stretch out, the small double may feel more comfortable.

4. What other furniture needs to fit?

Consider wardrobes, desks, drawers, bedside tables and storage before deciding how much room you can give to the bed.

5. Is the room likely to change in the future?

A bedroom used by a child today may eventually become a teenager’s or guest room. Thinking ahead can help you choose a size that remains useful.

Single or Small Double: Which One Is Right for You?

There is no universal answer to the single vs small double bed question. A single is a practical choice when saving floor space is the priority, while a small double gives a solo sleeper noticeably more room without requiring the footprint of a standard double.

If the room is very compact and the bed is only for one person, a single may make better use of the available space. If you have a little more room and value extra sleeping space, a small double could be the more flexible option.

Ultimately, the best bed size is the one that gives you enough sleeping space while still allowing your bedroom to function comfortably. Measure your room, consider how the bed will be used and check the exact mattress dimensions before making your final choice.