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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that 4ft is an unacceptable bed size?

68 replies

LolaNova · 23/05/2021 10:39

Staying with in laws. They are lovely, we all get on well, no complaints... apart from the size of the spare bed!

It’s so small! We are not especially large people. DH is tall (6’3) but as skinny as they come, I’m an average height 10-12. We spend all night trying to get comfortable. It’s even worse when the baby needs feeding and DH ends up with about 1.5ft of bed 😂

It’s not going to kill us and I know I’m being a princess but it’s got me wondering if any adults can manage in such a small bed long term?!

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 23/05/2021 10:41

Well a uk standard double is 4ft6.

A small double is 4ft but I don’t think they are designed for two people, more as a larger single for one person.

Ahwig · 23/05/2021 10:43

My mum and dad had one this size. My mum bought it because it looked better in the room, more space, my dad hated it for 20 years as his thought was never mind what it looks like I want to sleep comfortably.

ThinWomansBrain · 23/05/2021 10:46

Manage long term?
Are you visiting or living with them?
If there's space and more than a couple of nights, consider a fold out or blow up mattress alongside the bed?

Stormwhale · 23/05/2021 10:47

That is my idea of hell, absolute hell. Dh and I share a superking and it is the best thing we have ever bought. 4ft of bed would end up with one of us on the sofa!!

RaspberryCoulis · 23/05/2021 10:49

Yeah that's not a double. To be honest we have a kingsize at home and a standard double feels too small to me but is bearable for a couple of nights. A small double - just no.

DDiva · 23/05/2021 10:50

Perfectly acceptable as a spare. Obviously not ideal long term.

Youngatheart00 · 23/05/2021 10:51

How long are you there for?

safariboot · 23/05/2021 10:52

YANBU. A so called "small double" is a one person bed really.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 23/05/2021 10:52

I’d take an air bed next time and alternate (unless bf)

Skinnytailedsquirrel · 23/05/2021 10:53

4ft wide is an old fashioned double sized bed. I used to have one when I bought my first flat on my own (small!) When I eventually left the flat and rented it out there were several couples rented it for many years.

NemoRocksMyWorld · 23/05/2021 10:56

My mum and dad have always had a small double! They say they like to snuggle Grin. I have a king size with my husband... And considering a superking! I like my space, plus it is better when the kids creep in.

JackieWeaverFever · 23/05/2021 10:57

My thoughtless yet highly "sensitive" MIL has inflicted similar on us.

The room is encased with built in wardrobes (stuffed with her unworn clothes) and we get to share half of one pull out divan drawer

I HATE it.... my DH and I are in a semi deadlock over it as I refuse to sleep in the bed again after the last horrific and tortuous visit.
Covid has deferred with inevitable but it's now looming again.

RubyFowler · 23/05/2021 10:58

OK as a spare bed, or for kids to accommodate the occasional sleep over or family visit.

SimonJT · 23/05/2021 11:00

They’re okay for one adult, but really unsuitable for two. If that was the only bed option and there wasn’t room for a decent air bed I’d go to a hotel/airbnb.

dottiedodah · 23/05/2021 11:03

TBH if its only a night or two not so bad .However we adore our king size 6 footer with separate zip together mattresses! Can you maybe get a premier Inn or similar nearby at all? Some good deals about .Just booked one in Kent for a few days .They have just rooms deals,Breakfast included or whatever you want .May be worth it anyway as more privacy for you, and meet up with MIL for meals .

DifficultBloodyWoman · 23/05/2021 11:03

A Queen is the smallest reasonable size for two adults.
A King should be standard.
A Superking is better

4ft is a ‘small double’ and not designed for two people.

giletrouge · 23/05/2021 11:06

How long are you staying?
How often do you go?
Is the room big enough for a bigger bed?
Do they have many other guests (at other times, I mean)?
Are there any other spare rooms?

Clymene · 23/05/2021 11:11

I would not stay in a bed that small, especially with a baby that needs feeding. As a PP said, stay in a Premier Inn. And you should too @JackieWeaverFever

VeganVeal · 23/05/2021 11:17

For me it would depend if the 4ft was length or width

waitingforthenextseason · 23/05/2021 11:24

Nothing worse than not being able to get a good night's sleep ... and over several nights? Essential.

Couldn't do it.

Singalongasong · 23/05/2021 11:26

Don't think I've ever shared one. It doesn't sound fun. I wouldn't make a fuss or complain but I would take along a secondary bed. Old fashioned canvas camp beds are surprisingly comfortable and not very wide at all so should fit on the floor. Or even just take a spare duvet and one of you sleeps on that if the floor space is really tight.

TommyShelby · 23/05/2021 11:27

Yanbu. 4ft is fine for one person but not two unless their are borrowers!

Notgoingonholiday · 23/05/2021 11:30

My DS13 has a small double. We literally just had a conversation about this as my sister and her husband are staying next week and we quite quickly ruled out them sleeping on his bed, just not practical and would so uncomfortable for 2 adults.

kowari · 23/05/2021 11:31

I doubt many couples choose a small double for the long term, they are usually for a single person or a spare room couple of nights thing.

I find a double comfortable when sharing a bed, and am perfectly happy in a single on my own. I am 5ft 5.

Onairjunkie · 23/05/2021 11:33

Goodness me, I’d not cope with that. I have an emperor-size bed and it’s just right. Neither my husband or me are very big but I like a huge acreage in which to sleep.