If you’re considering buying a new bed that sleeps two, but you have a relatively small bedroom, a double bed might be the first option that comes to mind. But a small double is also an appealing option for many, although it’s less commonly seen.

So, what’s the difference between the two? And why might you choose a double bed versus a small double bed?

What’s the difference in width?

This one’s easy. A double bed is typically about 4’6” wide. In contrast, a small double is about 4’ wide – this is why it’s sometimes referred to as a 4-foot bed. (For comparison, a single bed is about 3’ wide.)

So, there’s about six inches of difference in width.

What’s the difference in length?

This one is slightly more complicated. Typically, UK double and single beds are 6’3” in length. Most small double beds are exactly the same – 6’3” long. However, some small double beds are longer – occasionally 6’6”, which is the same as the length of a king size bed.

When should I choose a small double bed over a double?

If your bedroom would feel really cramped with a double bed, but you need to sleep two, then a small double is ideal. Those extra six inches at the side of the bed can really make a difference when you need to open drawers or just walk around the side of your bed without feeling too hemmed in.

The extra length in a longer small double bed is also great for taller sleepers whose bedrooms have a few spare inches at the footboard, but not at the sides. In fact, since taller sleepers in a double bed can find it a touch too short, this is actually more practical than buying a huge king bed just for the length.

Who might benefit from a small double bed?

There are a number of instances when consumers look to small double beds.

One is for teen bedrooms. When children grow up, a single bed can feel too childish to them. They might want a double bed as a sign that they’ve grown up – as well as providing extra room as they grow. However, children’s bedrooms might be a little bit too small for a double bed.

That’s where a small double bed comes in. At a glance, a small double bed doesn’t really stand out as much smaller than a double bed. But it does save you crucial inches where you need them.

Another good place to use a small double bed is in guest rooms or box rooms. Again, these rooms tend to be a little smaller, and spare rooms are often used for storage so they can be a little cramped anyway. A small double is a great solution that still lets you sleep two guests for the night – no need for inflatable mattresses or for anyone to sleep on the sofa.

What’s the difference in bedding?

Those crucial inches of difference in the width and possibly the length of small double beds mean that they really can’t take bedding made for a standard double bed.

That’s why Victoria Linen offers high-quality small double bedding that’s made exactly for small double beds. We’ll break down exactly how small double bedding differs from standard double bedding.

Small double duvets

The perfect small double duvet is going to be slightly narrower so that it doesn’t hang down oddly along the sides of a small double bed, as a standard double duvet would.

However, a small double duvet made by experts in small double bedding is also going to be just a bit longer. This accommodates small double beds that have a few extra inches in length.

In the UK, a standard double duvet is 78” by 78”. In contrast, Victoria Linen’s small double duvets are 72” by 86”. In other words, they’re exactly 6 inches narrower than a standard double duvet – which is just right for a bed that’s 6 inches narrower than a standard double bed. At the same time, our small double duvets are 8 inches longer than a standard double duvet.

Small double duvet covers

Since we at Victoria Linen make our own small double duvet covers too, we can make them a perfect fit for our small double duvets at 72” by 86”. Again, a standard double duvet cover won’t work. It will be too wide on one hand and too short on the other!

We offer an alternative size of small duvet covers at 67” x 86” as well, in case you have a narrower duvet from elsewhere.

Small double bed sheets

Since small double mattresses are smaller, standard double fitted sheets also won’t fit here. They’ll be too baggy in width and potentially too short.

Fortunately, Victoria Linen also offers small double fitted sheets and small double mattress protectors to fit your small double mattress just right.

Don’t forget to complete your small double bedding collection with small double flat sheets and small double sheet sets too – all made to fit the dimensions of a small double bed.

Lastly, if space is at a premium in your home, then you’re probably using under-bed storage too. A small double bed valance looks beautifully tidy and keeps boxes and anything else under the bed out of sight and hidden from guests and visitors.

Get high-quality small double bedding today

Although double beds and small double beds are close in size, the differences can make a big impact! We hope that we’ve shed light on their differences and on the differences between double bedding and small double bedding.

Ready to complete your small double bed with high-quality, hand-finished small double bedding? Take a look at our small double bed linen guide to get started today. All of our small double bedding is sustainably made here in the UK, and we offer a wide variety of fabrics and colours, so there’s something to suit any bedroom.

Need to know more about small double bed sizes.  Check out our full guide to small double bedding for the full lowdown.

And if you have more questions or just want to chat, get in touch with us by phone at 01706 220020. Or if you prefer, send us an email at info@victorialinen.co.uk