As children grow, their bedroom needs evolve quickly. What once felt spacious may suddenly feel cramped as they hit new stages of development. This often leaves parents wondering which option is better for long-term comfort: a single vs small double bed.
If you’re unsure which bed size suits your child’s room, this guide offers a clear comparison based on comfort, room size, growth, storage, and practicality. We also include buying tips and design ideas to help you create a functional, stylish and future-proof bedroom.
Understanding Bed Sizes for Children
Choosing the right size starts with understanding accurate bed sizes. Many parents are surprised by the difference between a single and a small double.
Single Bed
-
Width: 90 cm
-
Length: 190 cm
-
Ideal for: Young children, small bedrooms, box rooms, shared rooms.
Small Double Bed
-
Width: 120 cm
-
Length: 190 cm
-
Ideal for: Older children, teenagers, growing children, medium bedrooms.
The 30 cm difference in width creates a noticeable improvement in sleeping space, especially for children who toss and turn.
Benefits of Single Beds for Growing Children
A single bed remains a popular choice for many households. It offers several practical advantages, especially for younger children.
1. Ideal for Small Bedrooms
Single beds take up less floor space, making them perfect for:
-
Compact rooms
-
New-build homes
-
Shared sibling rooms
-
Multi-functional spaces
More floor space helps accommodate toys, play areas, or study desks.
2. Budget-Friendly Option
Single beds are typically more affordable than small doubles. This makes them suitable for families managing multiple room upgrades at once.
MoonSleep Beds offers stylish single options across Ambassador, Divan, and Other designs.
3. Comfortable for Younger Children
Children aged 4–10 usually sleep well in a single bed. It offers enough room to stretch while keeping the room balanced and uncluttered.
4. More Mattress Choices
Single mattresses are widely available in the UK and fit all comfort needs, from orthopaedic to memory foam.
Benefits of Small Double Beds for Growing Children
A small double bed is increasingly becoming the top choice for fast-growing children and teens.
1. Extra Sleeping Space
The additional width provides:
-
More comfort
-
Room to move
-
Better sleep quality
This is especially helpful for children who move a lot during the night.
2. Long-Term Investment
Small double beds can last well into adulthood, reducing the need for future replacements. Many parents choose this size to prepare for teenage years.
3. Ideal for Tall or Big-Built Kids
If your child is already showing signs of a tall or strong build, investing in a small double ensures comfort for many years.
4. Suitable for Sleepovers
A small double can easily accommodate:
-
Cousins staying the night
-
Friends visiting
-
Occasional overnight guests
5. Stylish and Modern
MoonSleep Beds’s premium beds, especially the Ambassador, Wingback, and Sleigh designs look more proportionate and luxurious in small double size.
How to Decide Between a Single vs Small Double Bed
Here are key considerations when choosing the right bed size for your child.
1. Room Size and Layout
Measure the room carefully. Use masking tape to outline the potential bed footprint. Consider:
-
Door opening
-
Wardrobe space
-
Desk placement
-
Walking paths
2. Your Child’s Age and Growth
If your child is already between 10 and 13, a small double may be the smarter long-term option.
3. Storage Needs
Children accumulate belongings quickly. Beds with built-in storage are ideal for:
-
Toys
-
Bedding
-
Clothes
-
School supplies
Storage bed ideas:
Ottoman beds provide full under-bed storage. Divan beds offer drawer storage.
4. Comfort and Sleep Quality
Growing children need better support. A high-quality mattress paired with the right bed size improves posture and sleep quality.
5. Future Room Purpose
If the room may later be used as:
-
A study
-
Guest bedroom
-
Teen room
-
Multipurpose space
A small double can offer more flexibility.
Why Storage Beds Are Perfect for Children’s Rooms
Whether you choose a single or small double, storage beds are extremely practical for growing families. They help maximise space and keep the bedroom tidy.
Ottoman Beds
-
Lift-up hydraulic mechanism
-
Full under-bed storage
-
Ideal for storing extra bedding
-
Perfect for small rooms
Divan Beds
-
Drawer storage
-
Good for organising clothes and accessories
-
Sleek, space-efficient designs
Storage beds solve clutter problems and create a calm environment especially important for children who study and sleep in the same room.
Bedroom Styling Tips for Children and Teen Rooms
1. Choose Neutral Colours for Long-Term Use
Grey, cream, beige, or black fabrics work beautifully as your child grows.
MoonSleep Beds offers a range of luxury fabrics and colours.
2. Maximise Wall Storage
Use shelves, pegboards, or floating units to keep things off the floor.
3. Create a Dedicated Study Zone
Place the desk near natural light if possible. This boosts concentration and reduces eye strain.
4. Use Baskets and Under-Bed Organisers
Storage baskets help manage toys and small items.
5. Add Personal Touches
Let your child choose:
-
Bedding
-
Cushions
-
Wall prints
These small touches make the room feel uniquely theirs.
Why Bed Size Matters for Growing Children
Sleep plays a crucial role in a child’s physical growth, mental development, and emotional wellbeing. The size of their bed can directly influence how comfortably they sleep, how well they rest, and how supported their body is during key developmental years.
1. Better Sleep Posture
A cramped bed can cause children to curl their bodies unnaturally during sleep. Over time, this may contribute to:
-
Poor posture
-
Stiff shoulders
-
Disrupted spinal alignment
-
Restlessness at night
A small double gives more surface area for natural movement, helping maintain a healthier sleeping position.
2. Reduced Night Disturbance
Children often roll, shift, and kick during sleep. When the bed is too narrow, they stop moving freely, wake up more often, or fall towards the edge.
A wider sleeping area, even a high-quality single reduces disturbances and helps children stay asleep longer.
3. Essential for Growth Spurts
During growth spurts, bones and muscles develop rapidly. Adequate space and a supportive mattress help reduce:
-
Leg cramps
-
Lower back pressure
Pairing the right bed size with a medium-firm mattress supports proper body alignment.
4. Better Emotional and Cognitive Health
High-quality sleep is linked to better:
-
Mood regulation
-
Academic performance
-
Memory
-
Concentration
Choosing the right bed size can support these developmental milestones by ensuring uninterrupted sleep.
5. Comfort for Evening Routines
As children grow older, bedtime routines often include:
-
Reading
-
Using a tablet
-
Talking to parents
-
Quiet play
A small double offers more space to sit comfortably without feeling restricted.
6. Prevents Early Replacement Costs
Parents often find themselves upgrading from a single to a small double just a few years later due to comfort issues. Choosing the correct size early prevents discomfort and avoids the cost of buying again too soon.
7. Improved Sleep Hygiene
With more space to sleep comfortably, children develop better sleep habits such as:
-
Falling asleep faster
-
Staying asleep longer
-
Waking up refreshed
A comfortable bed supports a healthy sleep cycle at every stage of childhood.
FAQs
1. Is a small double bed too big for a child?
No. Many parents choose small doubles for long-term comfort. They are suitable for children from around age eight upwards.
2. Is a single bed enough for a fast-growing child?
A single bed works well for younger children, but may feel tight during teenage years.
3. Which bed is better for sleepovers?
A small double comfortably fits two children, making it ideal for occasional overnight guests.
4. Do MoonSleep beds come with free UK delivery?
Yes. MoonSleep offers free UK delivery on most bed frames and mattresses.
5. What mattress is best for growing children?
A medium-firm memory foam or hybrid mattress offers balanced support. MoonSleep’s mattress collection includes multiple options.
Conclusion
Choosing between a single vs small double bed depends on your child’s growth, bedroom size, storage needs and long-term plans. Single beds are ideal for compact rooms and younger children, while small doubles offer greater comfort and longevity, especially for fast-growing kids and teenagers.
Whichever size you choose, MoonSleep Beds offers a wide range of luxury designs including Divan, Ambassador, Wingback and Sleigh beds, all available with fabric customisation and free UK delivery.
Browse our full collection today and create a bedroom your child will love for years to come.
