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Original poster

Having a single bed as an adult

51 replies

Chamomileteaplease · 07/01/2023 12:37

Six months ago I moved house and my bedroom is now rather small.

As much as I love my big bed, it does take up too much room now and I am seriously considering getting a single bed.

Is this weird as an adult? I am 52, don't have a partner but presumably could change my bed if I needed to in the future.

I am just after more breathing room in my bedroom which a single bed would offer.

What do you think?!

OP posts:
CatsEatDogs · 07/01/2023 19:38

I never understand why some adults claim they could never sleep in a single bed. If you’re sleeping with a partner even in a king size bed, you have no more room than in a single bed. Obvs if you’re single and sleeping in a double or king, then you’re used to all that space, but anyone sharing a bed has less space than a single bed

Orangio · 07/01/2023 19:57

I think it is probably partially dependant on your own, um, width. A skinny person is probably going to be comfier in a single bed than a very large person who perhaps nearly fills it. Sorry to be so blunt!
I think you just get used to what you have. DH and I share a standard double and quite happy with it, but we stayed in a hotel for a couple of nights recently with a king and it was nice. Sure I lost him at one point 😆 But after a night back in the double, no problem.
If I was single in the future, I'd probably switch to a single so I had space for yoga on the carpet. But I would definitely keep the double duvet with it!

Tumbleweed101 · 07/01/2023 20:30

I've been single in a single bed for a decade, just moved into a 4ft bed since decorating my room and it's lovely. A single bed is fine though for one person.

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DisforDarkChocolate · 07/01/2023 20:31

We have a single bed with a truckle bed underneath for our son. Both mattresses are the same size and you can turn it into a king size for guests.

swapcicles · 07/01/2023 20:39

I've thought about it, although I do have 3 cats and at least one of them is on the bed all night though rarely all 3 thankfully!
Tbh I rarely sleep in more space than a single would give me.
As for relationship issues, well I've been single for so long I'm not convinced a double would be any use anytime soon 😂

pointythings · 07/01/2023 20:55

I'm single and I have the smallest bedroom in the house, but I wouldn't change my double for anything smaller. If I did ever have another partner (absolutely not happening ever) I would want a king at least.

ItsNotReallyChaos · 07/01/2023 21:01

In different phases on my own over the years I’ve had a single, 4ft and a standard double to myself. By far my favourite was the 4ft. Perfect compromise between single and double and really does make a difference to the floor space in the room compared to a double. Not actually much wider than a single which is 3ft6 but feels so much nicer.

Caramelsmadfuzzytail · 07/01/2023 21:08

I have had a single bed for the last 11 years. There is a tiny voice in my head saying "ain't no other fucker sleeping in my bed", apart from my cat.
I have a double duvet so I can still slug.
It mainly stems from having men in my life who insisted on disturbing my sleep to the point where I moved. Although men in my life us not happening now.

GoodVibesHere · 07/01/2023 21:22

A single bed is perfectly comfortable. And the bonus is that it is so much easier to change the bedding.

emmathedilemma · 07/01/2023 21:35

I can’t think of anything worse! I never sleep well in single bed and even find a double small as Im used to having a king sized to myself. How much breathing room do you need in a bedroom? I only have space for a bedside cabinet on either side of the bed and space at the foot end but I literally use my bedroom to sleep in so it’s not an issue.

pointythings · 07/01/2023 21:51

@GoodVibesHere when you're 5'10'' changing a double or even a king is a piece of cake.

Nanalisa60 · 07/01/2023 22:12

Small double 4ft , perfect for a small room , use a double duvet

MoscowMules · 07/01/2023 22:13

I sleep in a single sometimes, and I like it.

As a PP said pushed up against a wall it's snuggly!

If I ever were to be in a relationship again, I'd demand twin beds 😂 after so many years of sleeping on my own I will not return to sharing a bed! I'm happy to share the room not the bed.

Can shag in his bed, leave the damp patch there and then get in my nice warm dry bed 🤣

Poodleporn · 07/01/2023 22:19

My current bed is 6 foot wide so if I went down to a 3 foot wide it really would offer up more space.

A double os only 4"6 wide, so why not do that? Could push it against a wall.

What are the dimensions of the bedroom?

maryofthevirginkind · 07/01/2023 22:20

I'd second small double, especially if you're in a 6' bed now.

Bluebellbike · 07/01/2023 22:55

My bedroom is long but narrow. The door is at one end and the window at the other.The house only has one bedroom.
have a 4ft wide bed and it is a "shorty bed" at only 5ft 9 inches long so I can walk past the end of the bed to get to the window. A 6ft long bed wouldn't leave enough space to do that. The 4ft wide bed is just the right size for me and the cat. A single wouldn't be wide enough. I have a double duvet on it.

Violinist64 · 07/01/2023 23:02

We are moving house and have put two single beds in the spare bedroom as it offers more flexibility. There have been several occasions when I have slept in a single bed when staying in someone else’s house and have always had a very good night’s sleep. I agree with others who suggest a single bed with a double duvet. Very cosy.

Jakeyachey · 07/01/2023 23:02

I’d also go small double. I stayed with some friends over new year and my husband and I were In singles and there is something a little sad and child like about them. As much as they are functional, I also don’t move much, having space in bed , even if it’s just to leave a book or tray is , for me, important.

teddybearsbear · 07/01/2023 23:08

Small double definitely my parents have one as a spare that I sometimes use if staying without DH and it feels really spacious

CarPoor · 07/01/2023 23:11

100% small double, with a double duvet. It's the best of both worlds. Personally I find a single too small. I like to stretch my legs in bed. It's okay for a short stay but long term feels cramped. Don't go to a single!!

gamerchick · 07/01/2023 23:15

I've got a single bed. It's fine, it's a beautiful bedframe with a comfy mattress. I don't get the needing a bigger bed thing really for the average sized adult.

GroggyLegs · 07/01/2023 23:18

I've occasionally ended up in twin rooms while travelling for work - I'm always slightly miffed that I haven't got a big bed, but once I'm in I realise I still have more room than at home with DH.

I think I'd take the extra space over a big bed.

Original poster
Chamomileteaplease · 08/01/2023 17:43

My daughter has a four foot bed I think, so I could try that for a night or two and see how it feels.
It would be an expensive mistake but not irreversible if I make the wrong decision I suppose.

Fascinating to read everyone's views. Thank you everyone for contributing!

OP posts:
Fifthtimelucky · 08/01/2023 17:50

I usually sleep in a single bed and am perfectly happy in it (and my single quilt). Things might be different if I was very tall, but I'm not!

Goosefatroasts · 08/01/2023 17:50

There is a size that is bigger than a single but smaller than a double I used to have one.