Small Double Mattresses

A small double mattress measures 120 x 190cm, sitting between a single and a full double in both width and sleeping space. It is a size that gets overlooked in favour of the standard double, but for the right room and the right sleeper, it is often the better choice.

The most common use case is a solo sleeper who wants noticeably more space than a single without the full footprint of a double. A small double gives around 30cm of extra width compared to a single, which makes a real difference in terms of comfort and freedom of movement during the night. For a bedroom where a standard double would leave the room feeling cramped or leave too little clearance around the bed, the small double is a practical step up.

It is also a popular choice for guest rooms. A small double gives visitors considerably more comfort than a single bed, handles two adults at a push, and keeps more floor space available than a full double would. In rooms that need to serve multiple purposes, this balance of sleeping capacity and space efficiency is genuinely useful.

In terms of mattress type, the same considerations apply as with any size. Pocket sprung small double mattresses suit those who prefer a more responsive, breathable feel with good motion isolation. Memory foam suits those who sleep on their side or experience pressure discomfort, as it contours around the body more closely. Hybrid versions offer a middle ground with sprung support underneath and foam comfort layers above.

When buying a small double mattress, always confirm the exact dimensions of your bed frame before ordering. Some older or European bed frames labelled as small double may have slightly different internal dimensions that do not match the standard UK small double size.