By Ruby – A Mum’s Perspective
Hi, I’m Ruby, and if you’re a parent like me, you know that children seem to grow overnight. One day they’re tiny and curled up in a toddler bed, and the next they’re long-limbed tweens tossing and turning in the middle of the night. That’s exactly what happened with my 12-year-old son. And it got me thinking: is it time for a bigger mattress?
More importantly, is a small double (sometimes called a “queen size” in the UK) actually bigger than a single mattress, and would it fit comfortably in his room?
What Is a Small Double Mattress?
A small double mattress measures 120 cm x 190 cm, and in many UK stores, it’s often labelled as a “Queen Size.” Confusing, I know — especially when you consider that in Europe, a Euro Queen measures 160 cm x 200 cm, which is even wider than the UK King size!
This mislabelling can cause a lot of confusion. If you’re trying to understand all the UK mattress types, this mattress size guide really helped me sort it all out.
Is a Small Double Bigger Than a Single?
- A single mattress is 90 cm wide.
- A small double is 120 cm wide.
That’s an extra 30 cm of space across — and yes, it makes a massive difference for a growing child who moves around at night.
Who Should Consider a Small Double Mattress?
Small double mattresses are ideal for:
- Pre-teens and teenagers who need more room
- Single adults who like extra comfort
- Guest rooms or box rooms
- Rooms where a full double would take up too much space
How Much Room Do You Need?
This was one of my biggest concerns. My son’s bedroom isn’t tiny, but it’s not huge either — just a standard room in our UK semi-detached.
Ideally, you should leave at least 60–70 cm of walking space on each side of the bed. A small double bed frame usually measures about 130 cm wide, so a room at least 2.4–2.5 metres wide is ideal.
Here’s a great room planner to help you visualise it.
My Personal Story
My son had been using a single mattress since he transitioned from his cot bed. It worked for years — but lately, he’s been waking up grumpy and visibly tired. And every morning, his arms or legs were hanging off the mattress.
I thought about getting a full double (135 cm wide), but it would have overwhelmed the space. That’s when I came across the small double. It was that sweet spot: enough space for him to stretch out, but still leaving room to walk around.
We went with one from Luxe Mattresses Queen size Collection, and honestly — it was a game-changer. He sleeps better, feels more refreshed, and I don’t have to rearrange the whole room to fit the bed!
Why Extra Sleeping Space Matters
According to the NHS Sleep Guide, good sleep improves focus, mental health, and physical development in children. More sleeping space means:
- Fewer disruptions from hitting mattress edges
- More freedom to change positions
- Better sleep posture, leading to fewer aches and pains
- Room to grow as your child ages
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Single Mattress | Small Double (Queen) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 90 cm | 120 cm |
| Length | 190 cm | 190 cm |
| Best For | Kids, Teens | Teens, Solo Adults, Guest Rooms |
| Space per Person | Limited | Generous |
| Recommended Room Size | 2.1–2.3 m wide | 2.4–2.6 m wide |
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering upgrading from a single mattress and wondering if a small double is worth it, yes, it absolutely is. It’s more comfortable, offers more longevity, and doesn’t require a full-size bedroom to work well. From one mum to another, you’ll be glad you made the switch.
Need help choosing the right bed frame or bedding? Make sure your sizing matches by checking this UK bed size guide before you click ‘buy’.
Roman is a seasoned expert in mattress development with over a decade of experience in sleep technology, material innovation, and product engineering. He has played a key role in designing and refining sleep solutions for leading mattress brands, with a deep focus on ergonomics, pressure relief, and sleep quality optimization.
With a background in product design and biomechanics, Roman combines scientific research with hands-on development to create mattresses that address real-world sleep issues—from spinal alignment to temperature regulation. His work has contributed to several award-winning mattress lines known for their comfort, durability, and user satisfaction.
