Single & Double Beds for Children
Not surprisingly, Single Beds, or Small Doubles, are still the conventional bed for a children's bedroom. Your children will spend many, many hours of comfortable, unencumbered and restorative sleep in these beds.
It is therefore very important that the bed - and an equally supportive mattress - is designed and built to do the job. Our beds are thoughtfully crafted to carry your child from their earliest years through teenage growth spurts (and beyond), and they're just as suited for young dreamers as they are for overnight guests. Yes, even grown-ups sleep soundly in them!
Single Bed or Small Double Bed?
Single Bed
Our single beds are full-sized adult frames and so more than large enough for any child. The way we specify and make our beds means that performance and longevity are woven into every detail, so you can expect your child to grow up and still be comfortable in their bed.
Sleepovers are possible as trundle beds will neatly roll away underneath - and no worries if you have to spend the odd night there beside a sick child.
Small Double
If space is available then you might consider a small double - the next size up. Everything else is much the same, but you could argue that a teenager might find a slightly larger bed more accommodating.
There's also the argument that visiting dignitaries get to use the double bed for the duration of the stay.
A trundle can also be added underneath for storage or last minute sleepovers.
What to Look for in the Perfect Bed
Materials Used
It's a simple equation - use the right materials for the job. Solid hardwoods will be stronger and more durable; softwoods are not nearly as strong and will dent and bruise more easily. Pine - the most commmon softwood - often includes knots that make it weaker (they break easily) and the sap seeps through the paint finish over time.
How They're Made
It's not just about materials but how they're put together. Traditional "mortice and tenon" jointing - where solid wood goes through solid wood - is far stronger than modern methods using small dowels to join pieces of wood. Many beds come as separate parts and even the beds ends have to be assembled using a pile of dowels, bolts and screws. Apart from a lot of assembly time this method of construction is not nearly as strong and durable. Our bed ends come fully assembled, strong and square.
Safety Standards
UK regulations don't enforce safety testing for single and double beds, but the testing regime does cover some really important areas such as strength and integrity of the mattress base and how solid the assembly is (so-called shake rattle and roll testing). Ask where the bed was made, how it's been tested, and who designed it.
The Mattress Base
Ultimately you're reliant on the mattress base for a good night's sleep. There are quite a few options from chipboard and plywood boards, but we recommend solid wood slats (preferably hardwood for strength) as this allows air to circulate for the health of the mattress and offers good support.
Think About Hidden Extras
The space beneath the bed is brimming with possibility. Whether for pull-out storage, tidy bedlinen drawers, or trundles tucked away ready for sleepovers, our beds make room for modern family life.
Need a comforting bedtime companion nearby? A trundle with a spare mattress is a lovely solution for shared evenings and spontaneous guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your single beds all full size?
Yes, all of our single beds are standard full-size adult singles - 3'0" x 6'3" or 90cm x 190cm. That makes them ideal for children, teens, and even adult guests. Our doubles are referred to as small or queen size - that is 4'0" or 120cm wide.
From what age is a single bed suitable?
Every child is different, but we generally recommend a move to a proper single bed from around three years old, once they've outgrown the cot and are ready for more independence. The most important thing is to pair with a good mattress to ensure a good night's sleep from the outset.
What is the mattress base made from?
Our bases are fitted with solid hardwood slats to help support the mattress while allowing air to flow beneath - important for maintaining the health of the mattress and longevity. The "webbed" design means the slats easily roll out and are spaced equidistantly.
What woods are your bed frames made from?
We use solid hardwoods across our range of bedframes. These materials provide the strength and structural integrity needed for safe, long-term use, especially as children grow and jump, tumble, and sprawl. Proper jointing is also incorporated and which enhances the benefits of hardwoods.
What is different to most other beds?
We are relatively unique in using solid hardwoods for our bedframes, and from sustainable sources. We also use traditional "mortice and tenon" jointing for the bed ends - which makes them far stronger and of course the ends come fully assembled which is part of that integrity.
Need help choosing the perfect bed?
We're here to help you find the right bed for your little one. No call centres, no middle people - just honest advice from the folks who know our beds inside out.
01985 300588
