Double Bed vs. Small Double Bed – What’s The Difference?

Double is the most popular bed size because it sleeps most couples comfortably. Small doubles are 15cm narrower than doubles but 30cm wider than singles, occupying a sweet spot for small bedrooms and solo sleepers.

Which is best depends on who you sleep with and how much space you need. 

The double mattress measures 135 x 190cm, and the small doubles measure 120 x 190cm, so they share the same length, but the doubles are 15cm wider.  

That 15cm extra space provided by a double bed is more valuable than it sounds, effectively increasing the width of your bed by the same area taken up laying on your side.

Sleeping with a partner is much more comfortable on a double bed, but small doubles are perfect for solo sleepers and occasional couple use.

If you have a small guest room, a small double bed is a fantastic way to save space without sacrificing people’s comfort when they stay over.

Is it best to have a small double or a double bed?

Double beds are wider than small doubles, so they are more comfortable for couples, people who like to sprawl out, and sleeping pesky young children in the middle. A double bed is better than a small double if you have the space.

Some bedrooms aren’t wide enough to accommodate a double bed, but most bedrooms can accommodate a small double. Small double beds are best for small bedrooms and guest rooms because they preserve floor space.

Drawer sizes and in-built storage

Both double and small doubles are available as divans (built-in drawers) and ottomans (lift-up base). With divan beds, doubles can have more drawers (or more spacious drawers) than small doubles because they are wider.

You will generally find one drawer at the foot end of small doubles and two drawers at the foot end of doubles. Both sizes can have the same number of side drawers because only the width is different, not the length of the bed.

Price differences between doubles and small doubles

You will pay around 10% more for an equivalent double bed over a small double, which applies to both the bed frame and mattress. If you don’t need the extra sleeping space, saving a little money on a small double isn’t to be sniffed.

Can a double bed sleep two adults?

Double beds sleep two adults comfortably. The 135cm width is enough for most couples to sleep together without feeling constrained. Small double beds are 120cm wide, which may not be enough for some couples.

Most couples choose a double bed because it strikes the right balance between sleeping space and preserving bedroom space.

Is a small double a queen? 

Small doubles are sometimes called queens with UK bed sizes, which can confuse you when comparing US bed sizes to UK sizes. A US queen is equivalent to a UK King Size, but a UK queen is equal to a small double bed.

So, UK queens sit between doubles and singles, more commonly known as small doubles, while US queens are equivalent to UK kings.

Is a double bed a king? 

Double beds are smaller than kings – kings measure 150 x 200cm, so they are 15cm wider and 10cm longer than double beds. A king size bed is most suited to tall couples or anyone who likes to sprawl out without hitting the edge of the bed.

The downside to king-size beds is they take up more vertical and horizontal space, making them less suited to small bedrooms.

Double bed vs. king size?

Although double beds are more popular than king beds, the reality is that if everyone had the space, most people would go for a king.

King beds are significantly more spacious than double beds and are best for tall and big couples. Double beds take up less space and are cheaper, but a king-size bed is a worthwhile upgrade if these factors don’t bother you.