Before ordering a small double TV bed, check four things: the full external length of the frame including the TV footboard, the screen size the lift bracket accepts, the clearance you need at the foot of the bed with the television raised and the type of storage, if any, built into the base. A small double mattress is 120cm wide by 190cm long in standard UK sizing, but the frame around it will be noticeably larger, and it is the frame that has to fit your room.
Small doubles fill a useful gap between a single and a standard double. They suit box rooms, teenagers’ bedrooms, guest rooms and single sleepers who like extra width. Our collection of TV beds UK sale includes small double options that pair easily with our wider modern bedroom furniture UK range, and this buying guide walks through each point so you can order with confidence.
A small double, sometimes called a three quarter bed, is a good fit for one adult who wants room to stretch out. It is popular in second bedrooms where a standard double would crowd the floor, and for teenagers moving on from a single bed. Couples can share one, though most will find it snug for nightly use.
Adding a TV lift makes a small double even more practical. The room gains a television without a separate stand or wall bracket, which matters in a compact space where every bit of floor counts.
The mattress size tells you very little about how much floor a TV bed needs. The footboard on a TV bed contains the lift mechanism and the television, so it is deeper than a standard footboard. Headboards add a little length too, and upholstered side rails add width.
Always check the external dimensions in the product description, then mark them out on your floor with masking tape. Walk around the outline as if you were getting into bed, opening the wardrobe and reaching the window. This quick exercise often reveals tight spots that a tape measure alone does not.
Leave enough space at the foot of the bed to walk past comfortably when the TV is raised. Along the side you use to get in and out, allow room to stand and make the bed. If one long side sits against a wall, check that the accessible side still leaves space for a bedside table or shelf.
The TV lift bracket accepts a range of screen sizes, usually stated in the product details. On small double frames, the footboard is narrower than on larger beds, so the maximum screen size is smaller too. Check the bracket fitting pattern on the back of your television and compare it to the bracket specification.
Think about weight as well as size. Lifts are rated for a maximum screen weight. Most modern flat screens are light enough, but older or larger sets may exceed the limit. If you plan to buy a new television for the bed, choose it after you have confirmed the bracket details.
In loft rooms and bedrooms with sloping ceilings, measure the height at the foot of the bed. The raised television needs space above it, and if the bed has lift up storage, the platform needs room to open fully. Box rooms in older houses sometimes sit above the stairs with a raised section of floor, which can also affect where the bed can go.
Storage makes a big difference in a small room. A gas lift base gives the most capacity and needs no extra floor space to open, which is why it suits compact bedrooms. Side drawers are easier for daily items but need clear floor space to pull out. A frame with no storage keeps the bed lighter and simpler, with space beneath for slim boxes.
Think about what you need to store. For bedding and seasonal clothes, a gas lift base is usually the best match. For everyday clothing in a room without space for a chest, drawers may be more convenient if the layout allows.
Fabric frames are warm and comfortable, and they come in a range of colours that soften a small room. Our small double fabric beds UK range gives a good sense of the tones and textures available. Light greys, stone and soft greens keep a compact bedroom feeling open.
Faux leather is easy to wipe clean, which is helpful in a teenager’s room or a guest room used by children. It looks crisp and contemporary. Our modern small double leather beds UK collection shows the finishes that pair well with gloss or mirrored furniture.
A small double frame needs a small double mattress, and it is worth checking the size carefully. Mattresses sold as small double in the UK measure 120cm by 190cm, but continental sizes differ, so avoid mixing standards. A mattress that is even slightly too large will not sit flat, and one that is too small will slide on the base.
Depth matters too. The frame description will usually suggest a suitable mattress depth. A very deep mattress raises the sleeping height, which can make the headboard look short and may sit higher than the footboard ledge. On beds with gas lift storage, a much heavier mattress can also affect how the platform behaves when open.
Think about who will sleep on the bed. A teenager may prefer a medium feel, while a guest bed benefits from a mattress that suits most people. If the bed will be used every night, it is worth choosing the mattress with as much care as the frame.
A tall headboard adds presence but can dominate a small room. In a box room, a medium height panelled headboard often looks better balanced. If the bed sits beneath a window, check that the headboard will not block light or interfere with curtains.
Winged headboards are comfortable for sitting up but add width. In a narrow room, a straight headboard keeps the footprint tidy.
The TV lift and the television both need power. Identify the nearest socket to where the foot of the bed will sit and check the length of the supplied power lead. If you use a streaming stick or aerial, plan how that cable will reach the television without crossing a walkway. Many frames include internal routing to keep cables neat.
Small double TV beds arrive flat packed. The footboard containing the lift mechanism is one of the larger boxes, so check stair turns and door widths if your home has tight access. Assembly is straightforward with two people and the instructions provided. Build the frame in the room, fit the lift, test it, then attach the television.
Take care with gas struts if the bed has lift up storage. Fit them with the platform supported and follow the instructions closely, since struts are under pressure.
With the TV and storage built into the bed, a small double room may only need a slim bedside table and a compact wardrobe. Wall mounted shelves and a mirror on the back of the door add function without using floor space.
For guidance on bedside sizing and the gaps that make a room comfortable, our article on bedside table measurements for UK bedrooms is a helpful companion when planning a compact layout.
A soft rug beside the bed adds warmth and helps absorb sound from the television, which is considerate in a home with shared walls.
Confirm the external frame length and width. Mark the footprint on the floor. Check clearance at the foot and side. Confirm the TV bracket fits your screen and its weight. Measure ceiling height if the room has a slope. Decide on storage type. Choose upholstery to suit who will use the room. Plan sockets and cable routes. Check access to the room for delivery.
Working through those points takes a little time, but it means the bed arrives, fits and works as you expect. You can find small double frames alongside our full bedroom range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
A small double mattress measures 120cm by 190cm in standard UK sizing. The TV bed frame is larger because of the footboard and headboard, so always check the external dimensions.
They can, but it is snug for nightly use. A small double is generally best for one adult or for occasional guests.
Each frame lists a maximum screen size and weight for its lift bracket. Small double footboards are narrower, so the maximum size is smaller than on larger beds.
In most small rooms, yes. It uses the space beneath the mattress without needing extra floor area to open.
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