One of the key decisions you need to make before purchasing a bed frame and mattress is how big you want your sleep surface to be. As you well know, there are lots of different options available to you, from a single right the way through to a king size.
- But what exactly is a small double bed?
- How big is it?
- And who is it best suited to?
Let’s take a look now.
How long is a small double bed?
As you would expect from its name, a small double bed is slightly smaller than a traditional double bed. Small doubles are sometimes referred to as three-quarter beds or even queen beds, which further adds to the confusion!
In the UK, a small double is 6ft 3in long, which equates to 190cm. This is long enough for those of average height but might not be ideal if you’re particularly tall!
How big is a small double bed in feet?
The UK industry standard for small double beds is 4ft wide and 6ft 3in wide. This makes them wider than single beds but smaller than standard doubles.
Homeowners tend to favour small doubles for spare bedrooms, as they take up less space and are often cheaper to buy which is ideal when the bed is only in use once in a while.

How big is a small double bed in cm?
Going by the metric system, a small double bed is 120cm wide and 190cm long. As we’ve mentioned, the smaller size of these beds makes them ideal for spare bedrooms, but you might also find them useful if you’re not particularly tall, or if you don’t like to feel lost in too much space, as small doubles are fairly cosy.
So, you might be wondering if a small double is big enough for two people? Let’s find out.

Is a small double enough for two people?
The short answer to this question is yes; small double beds are big enough for two people. Ultimately, whether it is appropriate for you and your partner is down to personal preference.
If you like the idea of snuggling into one another during the night and don’t have a great deal of space in your bedroom, then a small double will work well for you. However, if you like your own space in the bed and tend to overheat at night, you would be better opting for a traditional double.
Is a small double bed right for you?
A small double bed falls in between a single and conventional double in terms of size. It is 4ft (120cm) by 6ft 3in (190cm), which is more than adequate for single sleepers who want a bit more space, or couples who don’t mind snuggling into one another during the night.
They are also a great option for spare bedrooms, as you can easily save some floor space while still providing a comfortable sleeping option for any overnight guests that you welcome into your home.
If you want something smaller than a small double bed, consider a single size bed. However if you want something bigger, then consider a double or king size bed.
- Single size bed measures: 3′ wide x 6’3″ long (90cm x 190cm).
- Double size bed measures: 4’6″ wide x 6’3″ long (135cm x 190cm).
- King size bed measures: 5′ wide x 6’6″ long (150cm x 200cm).
Keep in mind that the bigger the bed the more expensive it is, and the more expensive the mattress is as well. Plus, you’ll need a bigger room in your home for it to fit.