Small Double Beds & Bed Frames
A small double bed frame, also sold as a 4ft frame, a three-quarter bed or a queen-size bed, is a standard UK bed size that sits between a single and a standard double. Measuring 120cm wide by 190cm long (4ft x 6ft 3in), it gives a solo sleeper more room than a single without the footprint of a full double. Browse small double bed frames on their own, from simple wooden and metal options to upholstered and ottoman storage beds, or look at our small double bed and mattress sets.
What size is a small double bed?
A small double bed frame measures 4 feet (120cm) wide by 6 feet 3 inches (190cm) long. Also known as queen-size beds, they are 30cm wider than a single bed but 15cm narrower than a standard double. The extra width makes it comfortable for one person who likes space to move around, or for two people who don't mind sleeping close together. For a full comparison of bed sizes, see our bed and mattress size guide.
Is a small double the same as a queen size or three-quarter bed?
Yes! A small double bed frame is the same size whether it's called a small double, a queen size, a three-quarter bed or a 4ft bed. The names are used interchangeably, which causes confusion when shopping. The clearest way to check: always look at the dimensions. If the frame measures 120cm wide and 190cm long, it is a small double regardless.
What is the difference between a small double bed frame and a standard double?
A small double bed frame measures 120cm wide by 190cm long (4ft x 6ft 3in). A standard double bed frame is 135cm wide by 190cm long (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in). In a room where space is tight, a small double frame saves 15cm across the width of the bed. That can make the difference between fitting a bedside table on each side or not. It also means the room feels less dominated by the bed, which matters more than most people expect in a compact space. If you are deciding between sizes, browse our double beds to compare options side by side.
Are small double beds suitable for two people?
Yes, but it feels snug. If you sleep close to your partner and don't move much during the night, a small double queen bed works fine. If either of you fidgets, overheats or needs personal space while sleeping, a standard double bed will be more comfortable.
What rooms are small double bed frames best for?
Yes, but it feels snug. If you sleep close to your partner and don't move much during the night, a small double queen bed works fine. If either of you fidgets, overheats or needs personal space while sleeping, a standard double bed will be more comfortable.
In a smaller main bedroom or studio flat, a small double bed makes the room feel workable and helps maximise space in small bedrooms. It is articularly useful in older properties where room widths are narrower, or for adults sleeping alone.
What storage options are available with small double bed frames?
Small double beds with storage help you make the most of limited bedroom space. There are two main types, Ottoman beds and divan beds.
Small double bed frames with ottoman storage have a gas-lift mechanism that raises the mattress to reveal storage underneath, typically up to 24cm deep. The entire base opens up, giving you space for spare bedding, out-of-season clothes or anything you want to keep out of sight. They are useful in box rooms or bedrooms without much wardrobe space.
Divans in a small double bed frame size come with two or four drawers built into the sides of the base. The drawers slide out, so you'll need to leave space beside the bed to open them fully. They are good for storing clothes, shoes or extra pillows.
Not sure which to choose? Read our storage beds guide. If you're trying to fit storage into a tight space, our guide to bedroom storage ideas covers other options, such as wall-mounted shelves and under-bed boxes.
What types of small double bed frames are available?
Our small double bed frames come in a few different types and materials including:
- Wooden beds are sturdy and timeless. These small double bed frames suit most bedroom styles and are available in white, grey or natural finishes.
- Metal frames offer a slimmer profile than wood. These small double bed frames are easy to clean and ideal for creating an industrial or minimalist look.
- Upholstered beds are soft to touch and available in velvet, fabric or faux leather. These small double beds add a luxurious feel to the room.
- Sleigh beds are small double bed frames with a traditional curved headboard and footboard, a statement frame for a larger room.
- TV beds are great for those short on space who want to avoid a separate TV unit. These small double beds come with a built-in TV that lifts out of the footboard at the touch of a button. For ideas on fitting TVs into bedrooms, see our guide to incorporating a TV in the bedroom.
- Tech beds are small double bed frames with LED lights, Bluetooth speakers or USB charging ports, great for teens and gamers.
- Adjustable frames are electric small double bed frames that raise the head or foot of the bed for reading, watching TV or easing aches.
- Folding frames fold away when not in use, making them ideal for guest rooms or multipurpose spaces. For more options, read our guest bed guide.
What colour small double bed frame should I get?
Our small double bed frames come in neutral shades like white, grey, cream and beige, which make rooms feel more open. They are useful in smaller bedrooms where light colours help the space feel less cramped. Black or charcoal frames create a striking focal point and work well in modern or industrial-style rooms.
For something different, pink or orange beds add warmth and personality. Blue and green shades bring a calmer, more natural feel. For more colour ideas, browse our bedroom inspiration.
What size mattress fits a small double bed?
A small double mattress measures 120cm wide by 190cm long (4ft x 6ft 3in), the same size as the bed. That makes it 15cm narrower than a standard double mattress, so a double will not fit. Our small double mattresses are made to this size, and our bed and mattress size guide shows every size side by side.
Can I buy a small double bed and mattress together?
Yes! Our bed and mattress sets put a small double bed with a mattress, so compatibility is taken care of. Small double beds and mattresses come as an upholstered bed frame or as a divan base with a headboard, with pocket sprung, pocket memory or traditional spring mattresses to choose between. It is the most straightforward way to buy a small double bed with a mattress if you're furnishing a room from scratch or replacing both at the same time.
If you'd rather choose separately, all our small double frames are sold as frames only, and you can add a mattress at checkout. Use Sleepmatch to find the right mattress for your chosen frame based on your sleep preferences.
What is the best mattress for a small double bed frame?
Beyond size, the right small double mattress depends on how you sleep and which frame you have chosen.
Pocket spring mattresses give individual spring support across the surface, good for two people, as each spring moves independently. Memory foam mattresses contour to your body shape and distribute weight evenly. Hybrid mattresses combine springs and foam layers, giving the responsiveness of a spring mattress with some of the pressure relief of memory foam.
Not sure which mattress works with your chosen frame? Browse our full small double mattresses range.
Can you help assemble a small double bed frame?
Yes. Our assembly service delivers your bed frame to your chosen room and puts it together for you. If you select assembly, Room of Choice delivery is included at no extra charge. If you're replacing an existing bed, our recycling service will take the old one away when we deliver the new one.
Need help choosing? If you're setting up a guest room or spare bedroom, our budget-friendly spare bedroom ideas cover how to make the space work for visitors. For tips on making the most of tight spaces, read our space-saving beds guide. Have any other questions or need advice? Contact us or visit a store near you.