Small Double Beds

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A small double bed gives you more room to spread out than a single, without taking over the room the way a standard double can. At 120 x 190cm (4ft), it’s the same length as a double and 15cm narrower, which makes it a favourite for guest rooms, box rooms and older kids’ bedrooms. You’ll also see it called a 3/4 bed or a queen size bed: they’re all the same size.

What is a small double bed?

Picture something in between a single and a full double. That's a small double, the same length as a standard double but 15cm narrower. It gives you more width to spread out than a single bed, without eating up the room a standard double would need, making it a popular choice for guest rooms, box rooms and older kids' bedrooms alike.

Is a small double bed the same as a queen-size bed?

It is. A queen-size bed, a ¾ bed and a small double are all the same size, just going by different names, depending on who you ask. "Small double" and "¾ bed" are the terms used most consistently across UK bed shops, while "queen" tends to come up more in everyday conversation. It's worth keeping in mind if you're comparing frames across a few different sites, as the sizing language seems to shift between them.

What is a 3/4 bed?

A 3/4 bed is another name for a small double: 120cm wide and 190cm long, or 4ft x 6ft 3in. It’s a common UK name for this size. It suits one adult who likes room to move, or a teenager who’s outgrown a single.

What is a British queen size bed?

In the UK, ‘queen’ isn’t an official bed size. When British retailers say queen, they usually mean a small double at 120 x 190cm. A US queen is much bigger, at around 152 x 203cm, so always check the measurements before you buy.

Can two people sleep in a small double bed?

Some couples happily share a small double, especially in a room that couldn't fit a full double frame, and it can work well for a while if you don't mind being cosy. But if you'd rather have more elbow room, it's at its best as a solo sleeper's bed, or as a comfortable option for a guest room where two full-time sleepers aren't the priority.

What types of small double bed frames are available?

There's more choice here than you might expect. Ottoman beds lift at the base or side to reveal hidden storage underneath, a real win in a room that's short on space. Divan beds bring a sturdy, upholstered base, often with drawers built into the sides for extra storage without an ottoman lift. Bed frames with built-in storage offer a similar solution in a more traditional headboard-and-frame style. And if the room doubles up as a guest space, a sofa bed is worth a look too, giving you seating by day and a bed by night.

What mattress size do I need for a small double bed?

120cm by 190cm is best. Our small double mattress range spans memory foam, pocket sprung, hybrid, and latex builds, so whether you sleep hot, prefer a plush feel, or need firmer support, there's an option built for you. It's worth checking the maximum mattress depth for your chosen frame, especially with ottoman beds, before deciding on thickness.

Small double beds with a mattress

If you’d rather sort the bed and mattress in one go, look at our small double divan sets, with mattress options available where the product offers one. Prefer a frame? Pair it with any 120 x 190cm small double mattress for the right fit.

What bedding fits a small double bed?

A standard double duvet or fitted sheet won't fit properly, since small double sizing is its own measurement, rather than a scaled-down double. Head to our bed linen range to find sets cut to the correct size.

To see how a small double compares with other sizes, our UK bed sizes and mattress size guide breaks down the full range in more detail.