Double bed or small double bed for daughter's room

Postik

We've moved house recently and one of the things my teenage daughter really wanted was a new double bed (she currently has a single).

I was going to go with a small double, because she doesn't really need a double bed, it's just a nice to have.  I figure a small double will take up slightly less room, hence making the room look a little bigger and providing a bit more flexibility for things like a bedside table.

However, I'm wondering how two pillows fit on a small double?  I heard they have a tendancy to overhang.  Then it got me wondering about bedding, fitted sheets, etc.  Seems like the small double might be a headache and offer less choice of bedding.  A standard double bed is 15cm wider so it's not a huge difference.

What should I do?

LateStarter

We use a small  double for one of our children - 2 standard pillows fit fine, as do double fitted sheets (you just pull them tighter under the mattress. And a double duvet also works quite well. I'd definitely recommend it.

Van_Girl

Same experience as LateStarter. I have looked for small double sheets, as some places do offer them, but I've never actually seen any in stock, so I just use standard double. Two pillows fit fine

twopenny

The benefit of a small double fo one is that you have the space to spread out without the large cold area you get with a double.
A double quilt has extra hang so even if you toss it's still wrapped around you.
Double sheets stay tucked in.
The only adjustment is if you want a valance. Spread over base and make pleat down the middle. 

horsewithnoname

I’m a big fan of having as big a bed as will fit. Currently have a king so that I can get bedside table in as well. What is nice is that when it’s hot you can move to the cool side. I am quite a restless sleeper mind you. 

daveyjp

Small double is 4ft wide, 190cm. Never had an issue finding bedding for them.

Postik

Thanks for your replies.

@horsewithnoname I know where you are coming from, but my daughter is only small and petite at the moment. She really doesn't need a double bed at all. But amongst all the chaos last year it's something I promised her when we moved, so I can't really go back on it now!

It sounds as though a small double won't be a headache like I thought it would.  It will provide a fraction more space in the room which I am quite keen on.  I hate it when a room is chock full of furniture with no space to move.

Separate question, but can anyone recommend a half decent matress?  Currently she has a single memory foam one, with no springs at all.  It's very comfortable and I got it for a bargain price a few years back.  I am worried about "downgrading" her matress so have looked at an Emma which is a bit pricey, and my wife says I am being a matress snob!

Doom_and_Gloom

I had a small double since I was a teen and when I moved out with my OH we continued with the small double. Honestly we've slept on bigger beds but it didn't make a difference to how much room we took up to normal.

Pillows fit on it fine. Don't worry about buying small double bedding as they usually are more expensive. A double fitted sheet will mean you don't struggle putting it on the mattress as much and I find it hugs the mattress better, you can get the sheet under the mattress, leading to less chance of it riding off 😜. Double duvets/covers/blankets can be useful in winter to help keep warm.

A small double does give you more bedroom space for more options, something that in my opinion is more beneficial. As a teen an area for a small foldable homework table with a chair would be a good idea which would be easier to fit in a room with a small double for example.

horsewithnoname

Postik said:

Thanks for your replies.

@horsewithnoname I know where you are coming from, but my daughter is only small and petite at the moment. She really doesn't need a double bed at all. But amongst all the chaos last year it's something I promised her when we moved, so I can't really go back on it now!

It sounds as though a small double won't be a headache like I thought it would.  It will provide a fraction more space in the room which I am quite keen on.  I hate it when a room is chock full of furniture with no space to move.

Separate question, but can anyone recommend a half decent matress?  Currently she has a single memory foam one, with no springs at all.  It's very comfortable and I got it for a bargain price a few years back.  I am worried about "downgrading" her matress so have looked at an Emma which is a bit pricey, and my wife says I am being a matress snob!

Ah, it’s been a while since I was petite 😂
I got a really nice mattress by going to Dreams and using their mattress finder. I have a petite friend who swears by her Simba mattress. The hybrid mattresses are quite heavy I find. But mattresses are quite personal as to what you find comfy. 

Eldi_Dos

M&S have some good deals on mattresses at the moment with up to 40% off but no discounts for small double, if that helps decide what size to buy.

GDB2222

What’s the etiquette for introducing yourself to the boyfriend at breakfast, if he comes down first?