The Ultimate Guide to Small Double Beds
For me, when it comes to bed sizes, the bigger the better! You won’t find a queen size bed in my bedroom, I’m all about the king-sized varieties. Why? Because nothing beats stretching out like mommy octopus in all directions with my little octa-kids and octa-dog in an appropriately sized bed. We may only take up a small amount of space for the actual sleeping bit of bed use, but beds are more than just sleep stations; they’re a comfortable place to catch up on a bit of TV, or read a book or my very favourite, a mass cuddle with the family and a bit of marmite toast.
This little realisation of mine got me thinking about how my children have the same love of space and that in fact, they’re not alone: the popularity of small double beds for kids has exploded. Single bed frames are good when space is tight but if you’ve got the room, a small double can offer so much more.
What is a Small Double Bed?
A small double bed is essentially a double but narrower than its standard counterpart. Whereas a standard UK double measures 135cm by 190cm a small double is 120cm by 190cm. It’s the same for European small doubles too. A standard European double is 140cm by 200cm and a small European double is 120cm by 200cm.
Are Small Doubles Suitable for all Ages?
Absolutely! As a professional bed procurer for Cuckooland it’s my job to ensure all our kid’s beds are suitable for each age range. When it comes to finding a bed type for all ages, I’m like a dog with a bone! I can’t stand the idea that some kiddies will miss out on their dream bed because it isn’t functional for their size. Scouring through bed designers, I managed to find small doubles for every age range, from toddler to teen, there’s a small double for everyone who wants one.
Toddlers
A small double bed is a great option for toddlers. Not only does the extra space allow them to move around freely, but you will also get a lot more use out of the frame as the extra space takes on the various development phases that happen over that 7+ year period. Some small-double frames also have safety elements, like safety rails, built into the design. Take, for example, the exceptionally beautiful Lifetime Kids Beach House Bed. This stunner features a small double bed frame with a playhouse secured on top! That means those wriggly little tots have all the space to move around at night and a wooden house to play in during the day. This fab bed has loads of additional extras such as large storage drawer and trundle pull out. Made from Scandinavian ethically sourced pine and finished in a neutral white, this small double is a toddler’s dream house bed.
Small Kids
A bed for a small child is usually more than just a bed. With imaginations that far surpass their little bodies, younger kids will transform their beds into a playground of wondrous exploration. With the extra space afforded in a small double bed, they will have fewer restrictions when it comes to imaginative play.
Younger children who are a little more steady on their feet than toddlers are well catered for in the small double bed department. The Mathy By Bols Carriage small double is a perfect example of gorgeous design and space savviness. This enclosed bed has a carriage design that can be colour customised with a whopping 26 different colours to choose from. The Carriage bed comes with internal shelving and external drawers for maximum storage. It’s like an entire kids bedroom incorporated into a small double bed!
Big Kids
In the blink of an eye our tiny tots turn into rambunctious, independent kiddos who know they’re own mind and style! Suddenly, that single bed frame they’ve had for a few years seems a little on the small side. Small double beds are a natural progression from a single bed frame. Extra room, and ‘big kid friendly’ designs and features all play into why a small double bed is a great option for big kids.
The New York Small Double Bed in White is a great example of a slightly more grown-up bed but still suitable for big kids. This chic white bed is made from a durable metal frame and provides plenty of under bed storage space for all those extras big kids acquire. The real beauty of this bed is how easy it is to customise. Think fairy lights, fabric flowers or even bunting intertwined around the metal headboard.
Teens
If there’s any age bracket that truly needs a small double, its teens! As those bodies grow into the next stage of development, they need a little more space to stretch out. A small double is often the perfect fit for teenagers. The Vox 4you Small Double with Storage Shelves was made for a teens bedroom. Not only does it come with all the space advantages of a small double but it features a pretty great shelving unit built into the lower frame. This means that all those coveted possessions teens seem to amass overnight can be neatly displayed and organised.
Key Considerations
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when buying a new small double bed. First up, delivery. Some beds are made to order and if this is the case, you may have to wait a few weeks for your new bed to arrive. For example, one of our favourite designers, Mathy By Bols, produces their beds to order in Belgium and can take between 4-5 weeks to deliver. Perfection can’t be rushed and I would always say it’s worth the wait for such fabulous beds.
Another consideration is the assembly. If you love the prospect of DIYing a double bed yourself, I’d recommend grabbing your partner or friend to come help with the job. All the beds at Cuckooland come with full assembly instructions included. If constructing a bed isn’t quite your thing, Cuckooland offers a two-man service where we can come and put that new bed up and remove all the packaging in the process. This allows you to pop your feet up with a cuppa before you take some Instagram worthy pictures of that brand new bed!
Right, that’s enough of my ramblings. I’m off to grab a nice cup of tea and browse my fav Instagram accounts to get those interior design juices flowing.
