Everything You Need to Know About Double TV Beds

A double TV bed is a standard UK double bed, with a mattress measuring 135cm by 190cm, that has a motorised lift built into the footboard. At the press of a remote, a flat screen television rises into view; press it again and the screen lowers back out of sight. It suits medium sized bedrooms, works for single sleepers or couples, and removes the need for a wall mounted screen or a separate TV unit.

Doubles are among the most practical sizes in our range of modern TV beds UK sale, and they fit comfortably within most schemes built from our wider modern bedroom furniture UK collection. This guide explains what to check before choosing one.

How a TV Bed Works

Inside the footboard is an electric lift mechanism. A bracket holds the television, and a motor raises and lowers it along a guided track. Most designs are operated with a handheld remote, and some include a manual switch as well. When lowered, the television sits fully within the footboard, protected from knocks and dust.

The mechanism needs a mains power supply, and the television needs its own power and a source of content, whether that is a streaming device, an aerial connection or a wireless link.

Sizes and Dimensions

The mattress in a UK double TV bed is 135cm wide and 190cm long, often described as four foot six. The external frame is larger because of the upholstered sides, headboard and footboard housing. Depending on the design, the overall footprint is commonly somewhere around 150cm to 165cm wide and 215cm to 235cm long. Always check the specific external measurements before ordering. If you would like to compare these with frames that do not include a lift, our range of modern double fabric beds UK shows the wider choice of double frames available.

Headboard heights also vary. Low headboards suit rooms with windows behind the bed or sloping ceilings, while taller headboards make a stronger statement in rooms with more height.

What Size Television Will Fit?

Each TV bed lists a maximum screen size and a maximum weight for the lift. For double frames, the footboard width naturally limits the screen, and most are designed to accept a mid sized flat screen. Check both the diagonal screen size and the physical width of the television, as models with the same screen size can differ slightly in overall dimensions.

Make sure your television has standard VESA mounting holes on the back, as most lift brackets use these fixings. Slim modern televisions are generally the best match because they sit comfortably within the footboard depth.

How Much Room Do You Need?

Allow around 60cm to 70cm of clear floor on each side of the bed where you want to walk, and similar space at the foot end. As a guide, a room of roughly 3 metres by 3.2 metres will hold a double TV bed with comfortable access on three sides. Smaller rooms can work if one side of the bed sits against a wall.

Check that wardrobe doors and drawers can open fully with the bed in place. Mark the frame dimensions on the floor with masking tape and walk around it before committing. It is a simple step, but it shows very quickly whether the room will feel comfortable.

Bedside space is often the tightest. In a narrow room, a slim cabinet on one side and a wall light on the other can be more comfortable than squeezing in a matching pair.

Choosing a Mattress

A double TV bed takes a standard 135cm by 190cm mattress. The important detail is depth. Each frame has a recommended mattress depth range, and staying within it ensures the mattress sits correctly within the surround and does not obstruct the footboard.

Our range of mattresses UK sale includes a variety of depths, so you can find one that matches your frame. Firmness is a personal choice, and it is worth knowing that firmness labels are not always consistent between brands. Our article on how mattress firmness labels compare for UK sleepers explains what to look for.

Storage Options

Many double TV beds include storage. The two common types are:

• Ottoman bases: the mattress platform lifts on gas struts to reveal a large storage well underneath. Good for bulky items such as duvets, pillows and suitcases.
• Drawers: drawers built into the side of the frame give easier everyday access but need clear floor space to open.

In a smaller room, an ottoman base is often the more efficient choice because it uses the full footprint of the bed and needs no extra floor space to open.

Styles and Materials

Double TV beds come in several upholstery finishes. Fabric frames feel soft and relaxed, velvet adds depth and warmth, and faux leather is sleek and easy to wipe clean. Frame shapes range from simple panelled designs to deep buttoned Chesterfield styles and gently curved headboards.

Think about how the frame will sit with your bedside furniture as well. Our guide to fitting bedside cabinets in small UK bedrooms covers compact options that sit neatly beside a double frame.

Who Double TV Beds Suit

The double size works for a broad range of households, which is a large part of its appeal.

• Single adults: plenty of space to spread out, read and watch television, without the bed overwhelming a medium room.
• Couples in smaller homes: a comfortable everyday bed where a king size would leave too little floor.
• Guest rooms: visitors have their own television, and the screen disappears when the room is not in use.
• Older teenagers: a grown up bed that frees the desk and walls from a mounted screen.
• Studio flats and bedsits: the bed doubles as the main viewing area, so a separate TV unit is not needed.

TV Bed or Wall Mounted Television?

Some people weigh a TV bed against simply mounting a television on the bedroom wall. Both work, but they suit different priorities.

A wall mounted screen requires drilling, which can be a concern in rented homes, and the screen is always visible. In a bedroom, a dark rectangle on the wall can feel at odds with a restful atmosphere. A TV bed keeps the television hidden, which many people find makes the room calmer, and it needs no fixings into the wall.

The viewing position is also different. With a TV bed, the screen rises directly in front of you at a comfortable height for watching from the pillows, rather than sitting high on a wall where you may need to tilt your head. On the other hand, a wall mounted television can be watched from other parts of the room, such as a chair by the window. Think about where you usually sit when you watch television in the bedroom.

Assembly and Delivery

TV beds arrive flat packed in several boxes. Assembly is more involved than a standard bed frame because the footboard contains the lift and wiring. Allow plenty of floor space, follow the instructions closely and, ideally, assemble with two people. Keep the footboard upright and handle it carefully, as the lift mechanism is the most delicate part of the bed.

Before delivery, measure your stairs, landings and door widths. Most double components will pass through standard doorways, but tight turns on older staircases are worth checking.

Power and Connectivity

Position the bed within reach of a socket so cables do not trail across walkways. Many people use a streaming stick or a smart television, which only needs a Wi Fi connection. If you prefer an aerial, check where the nearest aerial point is. Cables should run neatly within the frame and not be pinched by the lift as it moves.

Safety Around the Lift

The lift moves slowly, but it is still a moving mechanism. Keep the area above the footboard clear of objects before raising the screen, and do not lean on or sit on the footboard while it is in motion. In homes with young children, keep the remote out of reach and supervise use. Never exceed the stated weight limit for the lift.

Caring for Your TV Bed

• Vacuum fabric and velvet upholstery with a soft brush attachment.
• Wipe faux leather with a soft damp cloth and mild soap only.
• Blot spills immediately rather than rubbing.
• Keep the bed away from radiators and prolonged direct sunlight.
• Check bolts are tight every few months, especially in the first weeks after assembly.

Looked after well, a double TV bed will give years of everyday use. You can explore our full selection of beds, mattresses and bedroom storage at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mattress fits a double TV bed?

A standard UK double mattress measuring 135cm by 190cm. Check the recommended depth for your specific frame.

Can I use any television in a TV bed?

The television must be within the stated maximum screen size and weight for the lift, and it should have standard VESA mounting holes.

Does a TV bed need to be near a socket?

Yes. The lift and television both need mains power, so a nearby socket avoids trailing cables.

Is a double TV bed big enough for two people?

Yes, for most couples. Those who prefer more personal space may want to consider a king size frame if the room allows.

Are TV beds difficult to assemble?

They take a little longer than standard beds because of the lift. Following the instructions with two people makes the job much easier.