A small double bed is 120cm wide and 190cm long in the UK (4ft by 6ft 3in). It sits between a single (90cm wide) and a standard double (135cm wide), and you'll also see it called a three-quarter bed or a 4ft bed.
It's one of the most useful sizes there is: roomy enough for a growing teenager or an occasional guest, but compact enough for rooms where a full double would take over.
Small double bed size compared
| Size | Width | Length | In feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90cm | 190cm | 3ft x 6ft 3in |
| Small double | 120cm | 190cm | 4ft x 6ft 3in |
| Double | 135cm | 190cm | 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in |
| King | 150cm | 200cm | 5ft x 6ft 6in |
Watch out for European sizes. Some beds, especially Scandinavian and European designs, use continental sizes, which are 10cm longer: 120 x 200cm for a continental small double. A UK small double mattress won't fit a continental frame properly, so always match the mattress to the size stated on the bed, not just the name. Our kids' bed size guide covers every size in detail.
Is a small double big enough for two?
For one person, it's generous. For two, it's snug: each sleeper gets 60cm, which is less than a single bed each. It works for an occasional guest couple or a sleepover, but if two adults will share every night, a double or king is the better choice.
Who a small double suits
Teenagers. The classic reason to buy one. Teens grow fast, sprawl, and use their bed for homework, gaming and sleepovers. A small double gives them room without swallowing the bedroom. See our beds for teenagers.
Guest rooms. More comfortable than a single for visitors, but it still leaves space for a desk or wardrobe in a room that's used for other things.
Single adults. A step up from a single for anyone who wants room to stretch out, without the footprint of a double.
Smaller bedrooms. At 15cm narrower than a double, it can be the difference between a room that works and one where you're squeezing past the bed.
How much room do you need?
As a rough guide, a small double sits comfortably in a room at least 2.4m wide and 2.6m long. That leaves about 70cm to walk down one side and past the foot of the bed, with space for a bedside table on the other side. Measure before you buy, and remember doors, radiators and wardrobe doors that need space to open.
If the room is tight, a bed with drawers, an ottoman base or a pull-out trundle adds storage or a spare bed without taking extra floor space. See our beds with storage, or our guide to teenage beds for small rooms.
What mattress and bedding do you need?
Mattress. You'll need a small double mattress (120 x 190cm). A single or double won't fit safely or comfortably. Browse our small double mattresses, including our 15cm MemoryDream in small double, or read our kids' mattress guide for help choosing. If the bed is raised, like a cabin bed or a bunk with a small double bottom, check its maximum mattress depth first.
Fitted sheets need to be small double size, so a double sheet will be baggy and slip off.
Duvets are more forgiving. A double duvet works well on a small double and gives a little extra overhang.
Pillowcases are standard size.
Small double vs double: which should you choose?
Choose a small double if it's for one person, the room is on the small side, or you want to keep costs down (frames and mattresses are usually a little cheaper). Choose a double if two people will share it regularly or the room easily takes the extra 15cm.
Common questions
What size is a small double bed? 120cm wide by 190cm long in the UK, or 4ft by 6ft 3in.
Is a small double the same as a three-quarter bed? Yes. Small double, three-quarter and 4ft bed all mean the same UK size.
How much wider is a small double than a single? 30cm. A single is 90cm wide and a small double is 120cm.
What's the difference between a small double and a double? A double is 135cm wide, 15cm wider than a small double. Both are 190cm long.
What is a continental small double? A European size, 120cm x 200cm. It's 10cm longer than a UK small double and needs a matching continental mattress.
Will double bedding fit a small double bed? A double duvet will, but you'll need small double fitted sheets.
Find your small double
Ready to choose? Browse our full range of small double beds, from simple frames to storage beds and designs with a pull-out trundle.