To quote the novelist Elizabeth Berg, from her novel Range of Motion,
“I like to do things in bed. I fold the laundry on the bed. Food tastes better to me when I’m under the covers. Bed is the only place to read, the best place to talk on the phone.”
The sentiment that berg expresses in these few words is likely more universal than even she knows. We spend up to a third of our lives sleeping.
Whether it’s just relaxing with a book, watching Netflix on a tablet or even just getting a well-deserved afternoon snooze. Our beds are so much more than the place we go to at night-time. This means it’s essential to get the right bed for your space. One of the most popular beds is a double bed. However, as ubiquitous as this furniture item is, it still often gets confused with other bed types. You may wonder what’s the difference between a double bed, a queen-size bed, or a king-size bed. Perhaps you are in the market for a new double bed and not quite sure what bed you need and what kind of bed will suit your home. This article aims to answer some of the most pressing double bed questions. We also want to share some tips on picking the right double bed for your unique requirements.
getlocal.ieWhat is a Double Bed?
Okay, this may seem like an incredibly redundant question. After all, doesn’t everybody know what a double bed is? Technically yes; however, as we alluded to in the previous paragraph, double beds are often mistaken for other bed types. Let’s clear up this confusion once and for all.
Bed Sizes
A double bed, or a full bed as it’s sometimes known, is differentiated by size. A double bed is 54 X 75″, making it smaller than a queen-size or king-size bed. When purchasing a double bed, it’s essential to discover a full mattress that matches the dimensions of a double bed exactly. So make sure your mattress is 54 x 75″.
Let’s contrast a double bed and a queen-size bed to ensure we have a richer understanding of how the different beds compare.
The primary difference between a queen-size bed and a double bed is the size. A queen-size bed is at least 6 inches wider than a double bed; this is a significant amount of extra space. A queen-size therefore needs a Queen sized mattress.
When considering a double bed or a queen-size bed, it’s essential to know a room’s measurements. The more compact size of a double bed means it would be suitable for slightly smaller rooms. However, if you have the space, and two people will be sleeping in the bed, it may be best to consider a queen-size bed.
For comparison sake, a queen-size bed is 60 x 80″ while a double bed is 54 X 75″.
Double and King-Sized Bed
Like all the other bed options, the only difference between a king-size bed and a double bed is in size.
A king-size bed is larger than a queen-size bed. A King size bed measures 76 X 80″. These beds are extremely wide and therefore require a king-sized mattress. The size of these beds necessitates a large room.
Double Bed Vs A Tumble Bed
Tumble beds aren’t often seen in Ireland; however, they are becoming increasingly popular in smaller homes. A tumble bed is a single bed with a pull-out drawer containing a second mattress. These beds are convenient in places like spare rooms and guest rooms. They may not be as comfortable as a double bed and shouldn’t be used if this is going to be the primary place you sleep. In cases where you’ll be sleeping on the bed daily, we recommend a double bed.
Who best suits a double bed?
A double bed may give the impression that there is space for two people; in actuality, double beds are much more suited to an individual. Double beds are great for teenagers who have grown out of single beds. People who live alone and have limited space should consider a double bed. For couples, a double bed may feel a little bit small. If they have the floor space, they should consider a bigger option like a queen-size or a king-size bed. However, suppose someone is only sleeping in a double bed for a couple of nights. In that case, these beds can be very comfortable even for two people. Therefore we recommend using a double bed in a spare or guest room
Cost of a double bed
The cost of a double bed can vary widely. Everything from the bedroom frame to the storage options within the frame can affect the overall cost. On GetLocal.ie there are double bed listings from €200 up to €2,000. How much you should spend is dependent on your unique requirements. We’ll offer you some bed discovering tips to ensure you make the proper double bed selection.
Double Bed Discovering Tips
Before considering a double bed, it’s essential to ensure that you have the right amount of space for this type of bed. Remember a double bed measures 54 X 75″. Therefore the room dimensions suitable for a double bed are around 132 x 117″.
If you intend to have two people sleeping in the bed regularly, and you have a room space of 150 X 137″, we would recommend purchasing a queen-sized bed rather than a double bed.
Consider your Storage Requirements
As a general rule, in the bedroom, the bed should always be prioritised over other furniture. Sure, everyone wants the biggest bed possible, but this may mean we need to make sacrifice other furniture. However, this loss of furniture can be offset by the type of bed purchased. For example, some divan beds have drawers in the base that can offer significant storage space. This is great as every day or long-term storage for seasonal clothing.
Consider the Appropriate Double Bed Style
As the bed will be the dominant piece of furniture within the room, it’s important to consider what style would complement the overall aesthetic of your home. For a minimalist interior look, consider a simple bed with no headboard. The timelessness of wood makes it a natural choice for any home. If your interior design tastes veer towards the ornate and traditional, consider a regal upholstered bed or a large fabric-based headboard.
Think about Colour Palettes?
Ensuring that you get the right bed for your space is essential. Take some time to consider your colour palette. A double bed’s colour palette is dictated by cushion choice, pillows and bed sheets. White bed sheets mesh with colourful pillows that can add a pop of colour to your bedroom. It’s also cheaper and easier to match cushions and pillows with a room’s overall colour scheme than discovering a bed base.
Mattress Size
A larger mattress on a smaller bed frame can cause drooping and an uncomfortable night’s sleep. Therefore if you own a double bed, always purchase a 54 X 75″ double mattress. Sometimes these mattresses are referred to as full size, so always check the product details for the actual dimensions before purchasing.
Headboard Options
A final consideration when discovering a double bed is to consider the right headboard. Some prefer a minimalistic approach to interior design and often decide not to have a headboard. Others select a plain, single-coloured headboard. There are various headboard options available for those who prefer a much more opulent design style. Fabric headboards with soft cushioning are particularly popular with those who like reading or sitting in bed. Wingback headboards are also increasingly popular in Irish bedrooms. Whatever your headboard style, be sure to match this with the footboard of your bed to ensure design consistency.
This article should make purchasing a double bed that little bit easier. However, if you want to save yourself some time and still make sure you get the best deal possible, check out the double bed selection on GetLocal.ie. There you’ll find double beds available from Irish retailers near you. You can compare and contrast bed models, bed types, bed covers, and prices in one place. When shopping local, shop with GetLocal.
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