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Original poster

Double vs small double for teen

65 replies

worldcupfan · 06/04/2023 10:17

Hello everyone,

I am moving into my "first" ever proper home in a couple of months and becoming a bit overwhelmed with all the stuff that I need to get.

DS, 12, will be having his first proper bedroom at the new place (we live in a very small 1 bed flat). He has a single bedroom at the new place but it is a decent size. Not as big as a double bedroom but he could fit two single beds as a stretch in the new place.

I'm not sure if I should get him a small double bed or a double bed? A double bed will fit but I would want space for the wardrobe, desk and chair and... (what else do you need for a teen room?)

OP posts:
FlounderingFruitcake · 06/04/2023 10:24

A small double will be more expensive because not everywhere sells them e.g. it rules out buying from ikea. If you can fit a proper double with room for the stuff you’ve mentioned than I would do that.

Original poster
worldcupfan · 06/04/2023 10:30

The only issue is that if we were to get a double bed, he would not have proper space for a wardrobe and a desk and chair.

OP posts:
lsanny · 06/04/2023 10:30

I would stick with a single bed tbh as you will find the need for space is greater than an empty side of a bed.

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CatOnTheChair · 06/04/2023 10:31

Do you already own a single bed? If so, take that with you, and see how things fit.
Yes to wardrobe, maybe drawers, yes to desk and chair.
My teen (and tween) have singles, and there is no plan to increase that to a double in the near future.

shiningstar2 · 06/04/2023 10:31

I would go for the small double. He will need space for study and to relax with his mates. If you are going to use the bed if guests come a small double is fine for short stays. Alternatively you could get the type of single that has another pull out single underneath which makes two comfortable beds when necessary and provides plenty of space when you don't need it. We have a good one from John Lewis with both beds having good quality mattresses which works well. If you are thinking of mates sleeping over just get what suits you best and don't worry about where they will sleep. Dgs often has his mates. They bring sleeping bags ext and use the floor quite happily. If it's one or two they are in his room. If it's a celebration they use the living room (about once a year) and have a great time

DamnThatHitsHome · 06/04/2023 10:32

Honestly, stick to a single. There’s no point squeezing a double in and having no space to move or put essential furniture in like a wardrobe and desk.

He will be much, much better off having his own space later on, rather than just extra bed space that he won’t be sharing (hopefully!) for a longggg time.

CatOnTheChair · 06/04/2023 10:33

Seeing your cross post about a double bed not leaving space for wardrobe/desk, I'd remove the double from the list of possibilities.

DamnThatHitsHome · 06/04/2023 10:34

For what it’s worth, teenaged boys usually can’t bear the thought of sharing a bed with friends for sleepovers so the extra floor space would be better for that too!

h3ll0o · 06/04/2023 10:34

Does he have many pieces of clothes that need to be hung? Would an ottoman bed or a divan with draws on one side work instead?

My toddler has a small double and as she’s a tall child I already regret it. The bed feels really small and she’ll quickly struggle to have a friend in there for a sleepover

coolcahuna · 06/04/2023 10:34

I got a small double for my 14 year old son, works really well. Leaves space in the room, got fitted sheets for it but just a normal double duvet. Wasn't any more expensive than a double.

h3ll0o · 06/04/2023 10:36

When your DS is older is he likely to have a partner to stay? Would you be using the bed as a quest bed when hes moved out, might come back with a partner?

lsanny · 06/04/2023 10:37

h3ll0o · 06/04/2023 10:36

When your DS is older is he likely to have a partner to stay? Would you be using the bed as a quest bed when hes moved out, might come back with a partner?

I don't think you can base the space needs of a young to GCSE teenager on what might happen when they are older or have moved out. He will need the space for years before a partner may stay over or a guest bed is needed. OP can change the bed later if she needs to. For now space is vital.

HappyintheHills · 06/04/2023 10:38

Ikea do small doubles but cheaper still we found small double ottoman - easy for them to open up an store a load of stuff.

HappyintheHills · 06/04/2023 10:38

... on Amazon

JuneOsborne · 06/04/2023 10:40

I'd start off with the existing single. But teens grow! If prioritise the biggest bed possible for a growing teen! But they do also need a desk and a wardrobe. Got a floor plan with measurements?

JumpToRecipe · 06/04/2023 10:40

Two single beds is the equivalent of a super king. Are you sure a double will restrict the space that much?

lsanny · 06/04/2023 10:41

JuneOsborne · 06/04/2023 10:40

I'd start off with the existing single. But teens grow! If prioritise the biggest bed possible for a growing teen! But they do also need a desk and a wardrobe. Got a floor plan with measurements?

The majority don't grow bigger then a single bed?

Adults can also sleep on these!

TheHomeEdit · 06/04/2023 10:42

When my older boys got new bedrooms they picked small doubles - precisely so they had more space in their rooms to hang out. Now one of them has fully left home we have swapped his to a queen bed. This makes more sense as a room that is now primarily used as a sleeping space. It’s still his room but when he visits it’s more to spend time with family rather than sit in his room!

FionnulaTheCooler · 06/04/2023 10:45

We did up my 12 year old's room last year and got a small double, she needed a new bed anyway and wanted one she can spread out a bit more in. We went for one of those ones that lifts up and has storage underneath. There's still space in her room for a chest of drawers and desk (wardrobe is built in). It doesn't leave a massive amount of floor space but it's not an issue, it's not like she needs space to get toys out and play with them at her age and the bonus is less hoovering and less space for clothes to be left on the floor.

IglesiasPiggl · 06/04/2023 11:00

I got a small double with storage drawers for my DS. You can use a normal double duvet, and Dunelm sell small double sheets and matress protectors at very reasonable prices. Best thing we ever did in his room - he loves it.

Original poster
worldcupfan · 06/04/2023 11:02

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

DS has a single bed but he found it uncomfortable as his getting taller. He currently has my bed (which is a single) but a bit bigger than a single bed that you will usually get for and he sleeps better in that- but again he can't really stretch out his arms comfortably. I thought it would be nice to get a small double as his had a single for years.

You can fit two single beds in the room but that would leave very very little space for a wardrobe and no space for a desk and chairs.

OP posts:
Original poster
worldcupfan · 06/04/2023 11:05

But a small double would fit in well and he would have space for a wardrobe, a table, a chest of draws and a small table.

OP posts:
Original poster
worldcupfan · 06/04/2023 11:11

@IglesiasPiggl

When you got your children a small double with drawers- did they also need a separate chest of drawers too? Sorry, DS and I have shared a room space for all eternity so I don't know which is sufficient or not.

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 06/04/2023 11:11

Get a small double ottoman bed. Loads of storage for out of season stuff and sports equipment.

You save about 20cm from a double to help fit in room better

Angelselevenx · 06/04/2023 11:12

What about a double bunk bed? Double on top and then space underneath for desk etc?

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