Single Beds Guide

A single bed measures 3 feet x 6 feet 3 inches (3' x 6'3", 90cm x 190cm, 35" x 75"). As a result, you might also see them referred to as a 3-foot bed frame.

What is the difference between a small single and a single?

A small single bed measures 2'6" in width, whereas a single bed is 3'. A small single bed and a single bed are 6'3" in length, so the width differs by six inches between the two.

Because they are narrower, a small single bed is often preferred to a single bed, especially for small bedrooms or rooms that need two separate beds.

What is the difference between a European single and a single?

European single beds and single beds are the same widths but different lengths. Both beds are 3' wide, but they are two different lengths - a single bed is 6'3" in length, compared to a Euro single bed, which is slightly longer at 6'6".

Three inches may not seem like too much difference, but you must choose the right mattress to fit your bed frame. Opt for a single mattress for a European single bed frame, and you’ll have an annoying gap between your mattress and the frame. Likewise, choose a European single mattress for a single bed frame, and you’ll struggle to fit it in the frame!

The same goes for bedding to avoid having sheets too loose or too small for your mattress.

Is a single bed the same as a twin bed?

A single bed frame is almost the same size as a twin bed, with a single size bed measuring 3' x 6'3" and a twin bed measuring 3'3" and 6'3". This makes a twin bed slightly wider than a UK single.

You might see this name used interchangeably here in the UK, even though they're slightly different sizes. The term 'twin bed' is more commonly used in the USA.

Although single beds are often associated with children’s bedrooms and box rooms, they’re suited to various sleepers, including:

• Children
• Teenagers
• Adults
• Elderly people

We answer your most popular questions about each below:

What age should a child sleep in a single bed?

Children should ideally graduate from a cot to a toddler bed around two years old, and then a 'big kid bed' (aka a single bed) around four years old. However, this isn't an explicit rule, and some parents might want to move their child into a single bed earlier or later, depending on how their child is growing.

If a single bed seems too daunting for your child, then consider a small single bed as an in-between solution until they are ready for something bigger. Alternatively, choose a low single bed frame, which can help reduce the risk of accidents!

Find out more about transitioning your child to a new bed in our guide, or read our kids' bed buying guide for more advice.

Are single beds suitable for adults?

Single bed frames are perfectly fine for adults, as they are the same length as a double bed at 6'3" - just smaller in width! A solo sleeper can sleep comfortably in a single bed just as easily as in a double.

There are plenty of stylish and modern single beds available for adults. Opt for a single bed with storage, such as under-bed drawers or a single ottoman bed, to take full advantage of all the space in your bedroom.

Can two people fit in a single bed?

Technically, yes, though we don't recommend it, as it would be both uncomfortable and a tight fit.

As their name suggests, single bed frames are for solo sleepers, meaning two people would sleep much better in a larger bed, such as a double bed or a king-size bed.

So, while you can technically squeeze into a single bed, it's not recommended! Plus, a single bed is designed to take a smaller weight than two people, especially two adults, so please bear this in mind. A way around this would be to buy a single bunk bed, as it means two people can sleep comfortably on a single sized bed without taking up any extra space!

Do single beds have a weight limit?

The weight limit for a single bed will differ depending on the frame, but generally, they can accept a mattress and a single adult. If you're unsure about the weight limit of your single bed frame, you should contact the retailer or supplier to find out more information!

Are single beds suitable for the elderly?

Older people may find a single bed more convenient, especially if they need to maximise the space in their bedroom to aid their mobility or sleep away from their partner.

Many options are available, but we recommend a higher single bed frame, which can be easier to get in and out of than a low bed frame.

How you position a single bed in your chosen bedroom will depend on multiple factors, such as the size of the room and the space's primary purpose. To create a harmonious interior, we recommend the following when positioning your bed:

• Positioning a single bed along a wall can give a sense of extra stability for the sleeper, which might be particularly useful for a child’s bedroom, especially if they’re swapping to a ‘grown-up’ bed for the first time. It can also maximise your available floor space, which could be a priority depending on how you use it.
• If you prefer to have your bed in a more central location, the trick is to balance the space around your bed. This can be done by ensuring you have an even amount of space on either side and mirroring your decor on either side. For example, you might have artwork on either side of the bed.
• However you position the bed, make sure you can still gain access to the essentials, whether sockets for plugging in bedside lamps and phone chargers or open drawers and wardrobe doors fully. It may seem like something you can live with, but being unable to access storage easily can get frustrating very quickly!

We’d avoid the following:

• Positioning your single bed directly opposite the door to the room. Doing so compromises the sleeper’s privacy and links to negative feng shui.
• Placing your bed under a window is not advised. Outside walls are often colder, and you may feel drafts from your window. If your only option is to position the bed under the window, consider a bed with a headboard or high sides to offer an extra level of insulation between you and the cold wall.

How to style a single bed

Because of its smaller dimensions, a single bed is often not considered a luxurious choice. However, with the right bedding and styling advice, you can add a premium feel to your single bed and overall bedroom aesthetic. Here’s how to do it:

• If you’ve positioned your bed along a wall, make sure it’s pulled out slightly. A bed pressed close to the wall is difficult to dress, and your bedding can look crumpled.
• Allowing an inch or so between your bed and the wall will make your bed feel less cramped and means the bedding can hang right.
• Show off a stylish bed frame by tucking your bedding in. Creating a neat look also means you see more of the frame itself. If your bed isn’t the most attractive, consider leaving your bedding untucked - or why not shop for a new single bed frame?
• Pull the duvet cover back to expose around a third of your bed’s sheet. We recommend choosing a bed sheet in a complementary - not the same colour - as your duvet cover. You can carry these colours through your other soft furnishings.
• Stand the main pillow against the headboard and prop up two or three cushions in front. Choose cushions in patterns and colours that complement the room’s overall decor. It’s very easy to get carried away with cushions, so given the smaller size of a single bed, we recommend sticking to two or three. The cushions can be removed before sleep.
• Drape a throw across the bottom of the bed. The throw should be long enough to drop over the bed's edges and in a complementary colour or pattern to the rest of your interiors.

Can I put a double duvet on a single bed?

Single beds are designed to be used with a single duvet, which measures 135x200cm (53 inches x 78 inches approx). However, some prefer a double duvet (200x200cm) instead.

You can use a double duvet on a single bed if you want extra bedding to snuggle into and wrap yourself in. However, as the duvet will be significantly larger than the bed, you’ll likely have a lot of overhang, and it could even touch the ground.

Yes, you can get a single ottoman bed if you want something with hidden storage. They're the perfect solution for bedrooms running short on space or if you have a lot of things that need storing away.

Our single ottoman beds also have a range of opening styles, with some opening from the foot end and others being side openings to find the perfect match for your available space. Find out more about these innovative beds in our ottoman bed buying guide.

We've got you covered if you're looking for a single bed with storage that's not an ottoman. We have everything from single beds with underbed drawers to single bookcase beds with shelving in the headboard and single bunk beds with storage.

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