Have you finally bitten the bullet and decided to decorate that spare room? Need a place for guests and family members to sleep when they visit? Are you looking to do something with that attic conversion or box room? Then, you’re in the market for a single bed. On the surface, discovering a single bed should be relatively straightforward. However, there’s more to consider than you might think. There are multiple single-bed options to consider. So if you don’t know your divan bed from your ottoman, then GetLocal has you covered. We’re going to discuss in detail the various single-bed options. But first, let’s examine single beds’ pros and cons
Pros and Cons of a Single Bed
The main advantage of single beds is their sheer versatility. In larger rooms that can be placed alongside a queen-sized bed as an extra sleeping space. Single beds are perfect for kids, especially for children who are graduating out of their toddler beds. Their size means they can fit into any room, making them ideal for converted attics or box rooms. The small size of single beds means that they can be stored in sheds or non-habitable attics when not in use. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s break down the pros and cons of single beds in a list.
Pros
- As we mentioned, single beds’ first and most significant advantage is their versatility. They can have multiple functions within a property.
- Their compact size means they fit snugly into even small rooms.
- They are more suitable for young children than larger beds like king-size beds or double beds.
- Some elderly individuals may find a single bed more comfortable and easier to get out of.
Cons
- Due to the compact design of single beds, taller adults may find them uncomfortable.
- Single beds are not suitable for couples sharing.
Getting the most out of your single bed
Okay, so you’ve considered the pros and cons of a single bed and decided that purchasing one is the right option for you. Before you commit to a purchase, we recommend considering the various options to ensure you get the absolute most out of your single bed.
Did you know that almost a quarter of married couples sleep in separate beds? There are some immediate advantages of a couple having two separate single beds.
Temperature Control
No matter how in-sync a couple is, they likely have different temperature requirements when sleeping. Some people like to be snug and warm others like a cooler environment. Whatever your requirements having two single beds can allow a couple to customise they’re sleeping conditions to their individual needs.
Awkward Sleeping Positions
Unfortunately, when sharing a bed, individuals may find themselves twisting into an awkward sleeping position to accommodate their partner. Strange sleeping positions can lead to issues like hip and back pain. A single bed may help an individual if they are experiencing pain due to their sleeping position.
Blanket Hogging
While blanket hogging – to my knowledge – has never been cited as a reason for a divorce, I do have an inkling this sleeping faux pas causes more marital stress than we’ll ever know. When people toss and turn in their sleep, they can wrap themselves in the blanket, effectively stealing it from their partner. Inevitably, this causes the partner to get cold, wake up, and generally have an interrupted and less restful sleep. This problem can be eliminated when sleeping in a single bed.
Waking Up During the Night
There are two types of sleepers. Those that close their eyes fall asleep and get their 8 hours in and those that get up multiple times during the night. These nighttime wanderings can disturb a sleeping partner if they’re sleeping in a double bed. Two single beds allow a person to get up at night without waking their significant other.
Pushing the Beds Together
Did you know that if you push two single beds together, they create a bed bigger than a king-size bed? If you’re tired of sleeping apart, the single beds can easily be pushed together, making a large bed perfect for sharing.
Advantages for Small Kids
It’s not just couples that can benefit from a single bed. Single beds are an excellent option for young children who have graduated from their cot.
Most single beds are 91 cm by 188 cm, which is the perfect size for children aged 5 to 12.
If room space is at a premium, two single beds can easily fit in a children’s room.
Bunk beds are also an option. Bunk beds save on floor space while giving children an adequate sleeping area.
Overnight Visitors
One of the primary reasons people purchase a single bed is to give visitors a comfortable place to sleep that isn’t a couch.
The size of single beds allows for incredible flexibility. When in use, they can be dressed as usual when not, they can be pushed up against the wall or stored in an attic. Most single beds are very light and easy to move. Therefore they are perfect for overnight guests and even surprise visitors.
We’ve even seen beautiful examples of elevated single beds that are easy to hide when not in use.
Spare rooms with single beds can even be decorated like a couch when not in use. When visitors arrive, the cushions can be removed, leaving an comfy bed for your guests.
Other uses for single beds
Like we said at the start, single beds are incredibly versatile. One option is to skip purchasing a bed frame and instead select a daybed frame. Daybed frames essentially use the single bed mattress like a cushion, allowing the bed to be decorated like a sofa. This creates a multi-functional piece of furniture.
Types of Single Beds
So you’ve convinced yourself you are going to discover a single bed. There are just a few other things you need to know first. Single beds come in a few varieties that we outline below.
Divan Beds
A divan bed is a wooden box-type base that is upholstered with soft fabric. Divan beds usually come in two variants platform tops and sprung edge tops. These beds are delivered in two parts and are easily connected using clips. Divan beds remain the most popular bed choice. The reason for their popularity is that they are available in various colours and sizes. Their solid construction provides a consistent surface to support your mattress, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Some divan beds come with integrated storage options in their base, which is particularly convenient for homes with limited storage capacity.
Sprung Edge Divan Bed Bases
Divan bed bases are fitted with a spring unit at the top. This spring unit is upholstered in fabric and available in various colours. The top springs create a soft environment for sleeping. While suitable for all types of mattresses, individuals should remember that the springs will make the mattress feel softer. Therefore to ensure you get the best night’s sleep, we recommend purchasing a firmer mattress.
Of the two types of divine mattresses, Sprung Edge divan bases are usually a little more expensive.
Platform Top Divan Bed Bases
The simpler of the two divan bed options, platform top divan beds are constructed from wood and provide a solid wooden base. This base is upholstered, leaving a smooth and firm base for a mattress to sit on. These beds are cheaper than Sprung Edge bases. They are suitable for all mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, hybrid mattresses, etc.
Slatted bases
Slatted base bed frames come in a vast range of designs and styles. These bases are made from various materials, most commonly wood, antique brass and metal. While not as compact as divan beds, slatted base beds look elegant and sleek and are fitted with a headboard and a footboard.
The mattress sits on a slatted base on these beds. This base is usually made from wood. Due to these slates, setting the bed can be a little more time-consuming. Still, slatted base beds are often considered more aesthetically pleasing than divan beds.
Ottoman Beds
Ottoman bed base lifts, allowing access to the entire bed base for storage. Ottomans are great for rooms with little to no storage.
The base of an Ottoman doesn’t have any springs. Instead, the mattress sits on a steel grate. Because of this, you may want to choose a slightly softer mattress than usual.
Electric Beds
The electric bed is the absolute pinnacle of comfort and luxury. These beds are controlled with a remote control which can be used to raise and lower parts of the bed. Commonly used in health facilities, electric beds are becoming increasingly common within homes. Electric beds are particularly convenient for older individuals or people with mobility issues. It’s essential to keep in mind that not just any mattress will work with an electric bed. Spring mattresses are not flexible enough to allow for the raising and lowering mechanism to work. Latex mattresses at the ideal choice for an electric bed.
Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful information on single beds. When comparing and contrasting bed retailers, check out GetLocal. GetLocal makes discovering from Irish businesses easier than ever. We also allow individuals to compare furniture retailers from one convenient location. Discover Local with GetLocal.
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