Furnishing your bedroom is a fun endeavour, and it sounds simple, until it’s not. Once the measuring tape comes out, things get a little bit more complicated. There are more than a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new bed, but that’s where we come in! You need to consider things like how many people will be sleeping in the bed (or the room, if it’s shared!), and once you’ve settled on a size for said people, there’s more to come. While a bed might fit comfortably inside an empty room in theory, the same might not be said once bedside tables, wardrobes, and all your other pieces join the party. Will there still be enough space to move around the room?
I know, it’s a lot to consider. That’s why we recommend starting with your bed, and going from there. Once you’ve narrowed down your options in sizing, it’s much easier to know what you can fit around it! So, starting with the bed; in Ireland, the most common options you’ll see are singles, doubles, and kings. Each size definitely has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the right choice will depend on both your sleeping habits and the space you have available.
Single Beds (3’0”)
Single beds are the smallest choice you’ll find on the market, with ours ranging from about 90cm to 130cm. They’re designed for just one person, which make them a popular choice for children’s bedrooms, guest rooms, and smaller spaces where you’re tight on room. For an adult (just one, mind!), a single bed can be perfectly comfortable, and makes sense if the room is compact. It gives you more floor space to play around with, so if this is a non-negotiable for you, a single bed might be in your future. Just keep in mind that they don’t leave you with a lot of room to stretch out and starfish.
Small Double (4’0”)
A small double is about 120cm wide, putting it in between a single bed and a standard double. It gives one person considerably more room to stretch out, while still not taking up a huge amount of space in a room. This is a great compromise if you don’t fancy going for a single, but find yourself tight on space! Unlike a single, though, a small double can accomodate two people, but unlike a double or king, it will feel considerably cosier, so if you tend to overheat (or just like your space!) during summer nights, this might not be your best option. If a standard double feels too large, but a single feels too small, then this is just right, goldilocks.
Double (4’6”)
A standard double bed is probably the size you’re most familiar with. At about 135cm wide, these are a practical option for most bedrooms. You have ample sleeping space for two people, but the size is still manageable in most average-sized bedrooms. Even if your bedroom is on the smaller size, a double is a good compromise between comfort and maintaining enough usable floor space around the bed itself.
One thing to keep in mind about the double is that while it can comfortably accomodate two people, you’ll still have less personal space than in a larger size. If you tend to move around lots in your sleep, a size up can make a noticeable difference (and hopefully avoid any kicks or shoves).
King Size (5’0”)
Generally coming in at about 150cm, these beds are a comfortable upgrade from a standard double. However, with the extra width comes another 10cm in length. This doesn’t take up a huge amount of extra space, but it is an important consideration if you’re already playing jenga with your bedroom furniture. If you have a larger master bedroom, and want the bed to act as a focal point without dominating the space, then a king size is a great choice.
Super King (6’0”)
If you have the space for it, and consider sleep a priority above all else, then a super king is a hard one to beat. These beds are about 180cm in width, and hold on to that extra 10cm from the king size. You’ll have oodles of space to roll around, starfish, and stretch out as you please. If you’re a restless sleeper (or sleep beside one), these are a great option. Unfortunately, the trade-off here is the amount of space they take up. In a smaller bedroom, a super king will dominate the space, and you might lose out on room for bedside lockers and other pieces around the room. Make sure to measure and check that you’ve still got enough room to move about once the bed is in place!
Is a Bigger Bed Always Better?
Not necessarily! Depending on the space you have at hand, the person using the room, and the kind of sleeper they are, it might sometimes be less of a headache to scale down when needed. If you have a spacious bedroom & enjoy having room to stretch out, a bigger bed is a no-brainer, but if you’re furnishing a smaller guest room, it might be worth considering something smaller and more compact. Make sure to check our mattress guide too — having the bed is all well and good until your mattress doesn’t fit!