Choosing a bed size sounds like a simple decision until you actually start comparing options. Single, king single, and double beds all serve different needs, and picking the wrong one can mean years of cramped sleep or wasted space in a room that could have been used more efficiently. Understanding the practical differences between these sizes makes the decision much easier, whether you’re furnishing a child’s room, a teenager’s space, or your own bedroom.

Single Beds: Compact and Practical

A single bed is the smallest standard option, typically measuring around 92cm by 187cm. It’s the go to choice for young children, single occupancy guest rooms, or smaller bedrooms where floor space is limited. Because of its compact footprint, a single bed leaves more room for storage, a desk, or play space, which is why it remains a popular pick for kids’ rooms and shared households.

The tradeoff is obvious: a single bed suits one person and offers limited room to stretch out or shift positions during sleep. It’s not designed for long term use by teenagers or adults who need more space as they grow, and taller sleepers in particular may find the length restrictive.

King Single Beds: A Practical Middle Ground

King single beds sit between single and double, usually measuring around 107cm by 203cm. The extra length compared to a standard single makes it a better fit for growing teenagers and taller sleepers, while the width remains narrow enough to suit smaller bedrooms.

This size has become increasingly popular for teenage bedrooms and even some guest rooms because it offers a noticeable comfort upgrade without requiring a full double bed’s worth of space. It’s often seen as a transitional size, bridging the gap before someone eventually moves into a double or queen bed of their own.

Double Beds: Extra Width for Comfort

A double bed typically measures around 137cm by 190cm, offering considerably more width than either single option. This makes it a solid choice for single sleepers who want extra room to move, as well as for couples who don’t mind a cosier fit compared to a queen or king.

Double beds work well in slightly larger bedrooms and are a common choice for spare rooms meant to accommodate occasional guests comfortably, including couples staying over. The added width can make a real difference in sleep quality for people who tend to move around during the night.

Things to Consider Before Choosing

Before settling on a size, it helps to think through a few practical points:

  • Measure the bedroom carefully, allowing enough space around the bed for walking and furniture like wardrobes or bedside tables
  • Consider who will be using the bed now and whether that will change in the next few years
  • Think about whether the room needs to serve double duty as a study, guest space, or storage area
  • Factor in mattress cost differences, since larger sizes generally cost more
  • Check doorway and hallway widths if the bed frame needs to be moved into place fully assembled

Getting the size right from the start saves the hassle and cost of upgrading again down the line.

Making the Purchase Easier

Once you’ve settled on a size, comparing bed and mattress combo deals can make the buying process simpler and often more affordable, since bundling the frame and mattress together tends to work out better than purchasing each piece separately. For households furnishing more than one room, looking at different bed sizes for sale at the same time can also help with planning a consistent look and comfort level across bedrooms, whether that’s matching frames for siblings or coordinating a guest room with the rest of the home.

Final Thoughts

There’s no universally right bed size, only the right size for a particular room, sleeper, and stage of life. Taking the time to measure, consider future needs, and compare combo options rather than rushing the decision will help you land on a bed that actually works for your space and your comfort.

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Bedpost, one of New Zealand’s trusted names in beds and mattresses. With years of experience helping Kiwis furnish their homes, Bedpost offers a wide range of beds, bases, and mattresses across every size and budget. Visit your nearest Bedpost store or shop online to find the right fit for your space.