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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Couples in twin beds?

98 replies

Sandalison · 28/12/2020 14:10

I just watched an episode of Fawlty Towers where Basil and Sybil are in twin beds. Is that part of the comedy that they’re a weird couple, or was this quite usual in the 60s? Do some couples sleep like this now?
Have to say, it appeals to me, I like my own space!

OP posts:
ForeverBubblegum · 28/12/2020 14:14

I think it was depicted that way on older TV shows/ films, as they though a double bed was inferring that sex happen (or something) though I don't know if that's the case with faulty towers.

Aquamarine1029 · 28/12/2020 14:14

My dad's parents slept in twin beds for the entirety of their 65 year marriage. The absolutely adored each other, were always very affectionate, and had 5 children, so it clearly worked for them!

Hangingover · 28/12/2020 14:15

I could be wrong but didn't double beds used to be considered not very smart?

Bringbackthestrips · 28/12/2020 14:16

It was really common for couples to be shown in twin beds, I always thought it was to avoid any suggestions that they actually had sex.

www.theguardian.com/books/2019/aug/16/rolled-over-why-did-married-couples-stop-sleeping-in-twin-beds

Sandalison · 28/12/2020 14:27

Interestinf! Thanks for the link @Bringbackthestrips

OP posts:
gamerchick · 28/12/2020 14:29

Sod that, seperate bedrooms is the future imo. Wouldn't have it any other way me Grin

Joanmoans · 28/12/2020 14:31

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

NannyR · 28/12/2020 14:33

My grandparents had single beds for most of their marriage, they bought their first double when they were in their eighties.

pinkdragons · 28/12/2020 14:36

My grandparents (born in the late 1920s) had twin beds. I remember asking why as a child, and got 'because grandad is sweaty in the night' I laughed at the time. But now I am married I think twin beds make complete sense!

Parky04 · 28/12/2020 14:40

Agree with previous poster, separate bedrooms is the way to go!

Bloodybridget · 28/12/2020 14:40

My parents (married in 1950 until DF died in 87) always had twin beds. But DM moved to sleeping on the living room sofabed eventually as his snoring and constant nocturnal loo trips were intolerable!

poshredrose · 28/12/2020 14:40

My dh and I sleep in two singles pushed together. Separate mattresses and duvets.
I don't get woken by him turning around during the night and I don't wake him throwing covers off during the night.

Reedwarbler · 28/12/2020 14:41

Sod twin beds - separate bedrooms and bathrooms for me.

Titterofwit · 28/12/2020 14:43

I know a couple who have had separate single beds for many years. This is because the husband has back problems and is given to spasms so needs to be propped up with multiple cushions to be able to sleep.
They each have a double duvet to ensure they lack nothing in the comfort department.

GintyMcGinty · 28/12/2020 14:50

My husband and I have separate rooms. Double beds though not twins.

BackforGood · 28/12/2020 14:55

I can see advantages, but that isn't my experience.

My parents married in mid 50s and always had a double bed, as did all adults where I ever saw into their bedroom - not just relations, but when you used to put your coat on the bed when going round for a party, or the door wa open when you went upstairs in a friend's house to use the toilet, etc. I can't think of ever seeing anything other than a double, so don't think it was a common thing.

GaraMedouar · 28/12/2020 14:59

My parents had twin beds - I’m in my fifties .

starfishmummy · 28/12/2020 14:59

Pinkdragons lol. My dh gets sweaty too and has a habit of eating disgustingly smelly things as a late supper....there are times a single bed would be wonderful

Heavymetaldetector · 28/12/2020 15:00

All 3 sets of my grandparents (paternal, maternal and my half sisters dad's parents) had separate twin beds. I think it was very common at one point

portocristo · 28/12/2020 15:04

Morcambe and wise used to sleep in a double bed Grin

FrankskinnerscRoc · 28/12/2020 15:04

If you book a room in a hotel there’s usually an option to book a twin bed. I’ve found this usually means 2 singles pushed together. It’s ideal if you have a restless partner as they can bounce around on their own mattress without disturbing you.

Joeblack066 · 28/12/2020 15:05

Very common irl. My parents had twin beds. I don’t know doubles existed till I was in my teens! I was born in the 60s.

FrankskinnerscRoc · 28/12/2020 15:06

Sorry I meant 2 single mattresses on a superking base.

LouLou789 · 28/12/2020 15:06

I’m 60, and my parents always had twin beds. We now have a zip and link in case illness etc means we need to be separate (learned how helpful this was when my husband was off work for a couple of months after a car accident last year) I do know a number of friends and associates who have separate rooms now that the kids have moved out.

Gatehouse77 · 28/12/2020 15:09

My parents slept in twin beds beside each other. They preferred different mattresses, went to bed/got up at different times (less disruptive for the other one) and one had a duvet and the other sheets and blankets!