Quick Summary

• Size difference: A single (3'0") is about 90 cm wide; a double (4'6") is about 135 cm — roughly 45 cm more.
• Shared doubles are tighter than you think: Two adults get about 67.5 cm each — less than one person in a single.
• Measure the frame, not just the mattress: Frames can add around 5–10 cm on each side.
• Leave walking space: Aim for about 60–75 cm on the sides you use, and check that wardrobe doors open fully.
• Choose a single for children, students, small rooms, guest rooms and rooms that double as a study.
• Choose a double for couples, master bedrooms and single adults who have the space — and consider queen if a double feels cramped for two.

What are the standard bed sizes at TFP?

At TFP, bed sizes are usually described with traditional foot-based labels such as 3'0", 4'6" and 5'0". These are general size categories — exact measurements can vary between manufacturers, especially between imported and locally made beds.

Approximate mattress dimensions for general guidance. Confirm the exact measurements of your chosen TFP bed frame and mattress before purchasing.

How much wider is a double bed than a single?

A standard single is about 90 cm wide and a standard double about 135 cm — around 45 cm of extra sleeping width. For one person, that feels significant. But in a compact bedroom, those extra centimetres can be the difference between fitting a study desk comfortably and removing it altogether.

How much space does each person get in a shared double bed?

A double gives more total space, but two people sharing it each get less width than one person alone in a single. This is why many couples eventually consider a queen-size bed.

Is the bed frame the same size as the mattress?

Not always. A mattress may measure 135 × 190 cm, but the frame holding it can be larger. Upholstered edges, side panels and headboards can extend beyond the mattress — some frames add about 5–10 cm on each side, depending on the model.

When planning your bedroom, always use the external dimensions of the complete bed frame.

Will any "double" mattress fit any double bed frame?

No. Imported and locally made models can use different dimensions. When replacing a mattress on its own, measure the frame's internal mattress space first.

What room size suits a single or double bed?

No single room size guarantees a bed will work — door positions, wardrobe placement, room shape and other furniture all matter. These examples are useful starting points for Mauritian bedrooms:

General planning guidance only. These recommendations do not guarantee that a particular bed will fit your bedroom.

How much walking space should I leave around the bed?

Where possible, aim for about 60–75 cm of clearance on the sides you use. In very compact rooms, about 45–50 cm may be acceptable on a less-used side, but the main walking route should ideally stay around 60 cm or more.

These are guidelines, not strict rules. The real test is whether you can move around naturally, open furniture doors and use the room comfortably.

See how single and double beds fit into real bedroom layouts.

What is the most common bed-buying mistake?

A common mistake TFP sees is measuring the bed against the wall space but forgetting the wardrobe doors. The bed fits, the wardrobe fits — but the wardrobe doors cannot open fully. That is not a functional bedroom.

Sliding-door wardrobes can help because they remove door-swing clearance, although the wardrobe itself still takes up the same floor space.

How can I test whether a bed will fit before buying?

Try the masking tape test. Mark the bed frame's external dimensions on the floor, then:

1. Walk around the outline.
2. Open the bedroom door.
3. Check wardrobe clearance.
4. Picture the bedside tables in place.
5. Check the study desk or dressing table position.
6. Consider the space needed to make the bed.

This simple step can prevent an expensive mistake: buying a bed that fits physically but makes the room hard to use.

Is a single bed best for a child's bedroom?

Single beds are especially popular with parents furnishing school-age children's rooms. Children need space for more than sleeping, including:

• Study desks and school bags.
• Bookshelves and wardrobes.
• Toy storage and play space.

A double bed may offer more sleeping space, but it can make the room less useful during the years when study and play space matter most.

When should a teenager move to a double bed?

Teenagers do not automatically need doubles — many stay comfortable in singles throughout secondary school. At TFP, double-bed requests often become more common around ages 15–16, when teenagers want a more grown-up bedroom.

Still, the room decides. If upgrading means removing the study desk, keeping a single may be the better option.

For more guidance, see: Kids Growing Up Fast? Trade In Their Furniture as They Outgrow It.

What bed size works best for a student's room?

In a 3 × 3 m student bedroom, a single bed usually gives a better balance between sleeping, studying and storage. A double may physically fit but leave too little space for a comfortable study area.

Is a single bed a good choice for an adult living alone?

Yes, it can be a perfectly sensible long-term choice. If the bedroom also works as a home office, or extra wardrobe space matters, the smaller footprint may give more everyday value than extra sleeping width. Choosing a single is not a compromise — it can be a deliberate decision to make the room more functional.

Are single beds good for guest rooms and rentals?

Yes. Single beds are practical for:

• Guest bedrooms and multipurpose spare rooms.
• Student accommodation and rental properties.
• Shared children's rooms.

Two single beds can also work well in a shared room when separate sleeping is preferred, as long as the room can fit both.

Is a double bed right for couples?

A double is the standard starting point for many newly married couples furnishing their first shared bedroom. It balances sleeping space with bedroom footprint. If a standard double feels cramped and the room allows it, consider a queen.

Should a single adult buy a double bed?

More single adults at TFP are choosing doubles for the extra personal sleeping space — about 45 cm more than a single. If the room has enough wardrobe storage and does not need to fit a desk, a double can be a sensible choice for one person.

Why are double beds popular in master bedrooms?

In master bedrooms, the bed is usually the main feature. Upholstered frames, matching bedside tables and warm neutral finishes create a comfortable, modern look — but the design should stay in proportion to the room.

Should couples choose a double or a queen?

For couples, the real choice is often not single vs double — it is double vs queen. A standard double is about 135 cm wide, while a queen is about 150 cm.

That extra 15 cm gives each person about 75 cm instead of 67.5 cm — a noticeable difference if you or your partner move a lot in your sleep.

A queen also needs more floor space, so check your walking clearance and wardrobe doors before upgrading.

Does a double bed cost more overall?

Usually, yes. Beyond the frame and mattress, a double also means larger sheets, covers and duvets. When comparing prices, budget for the complete setup, not just the bed.

Can a storage bed help in a small room?

Yes. Beds with drawers or lift-up storage can hold bedding, clothes and seasonal items, freeing up wardrobe and floor space. Check that drawers have enough room to open, and that nothing blocks access to the storage.

Should I buy the mattress and frame together?

Where possible, yes. Buying them together helps make sure the mattress fits the frame properly. If you buy separately, measure the frame's internal mattress space and ask TFP to confirm compatibility.

So, single or double — which should I choose?

• Choose a single for children, students, guest rooms, small bedrooms, or rooms that also need a desk or extra storage.
• Choose a double for couples, master bedrooms, or single adults who want more sleeping space and have room to spare.
• Consider a queen if you are a couple and a double feels cramped — and your room allows it.

What should I check before buying?

• The bed frame's external dimensions, not just the mattress size.
• Walking space on the sides you use.
• Room for wardrobe doors and drawers to open fully.
• Space for a desk, bedside tables or dressing table if needed.
• Mattress and frame compatibility.

The right bed is not the largest one that fits your bedroom. It is the bed that gives you enough sleeping space while keeping the room comfortable, functional and easy to use.

Still deciding? Visit a TFP showroom to compare single, double and queen beds in person, or browse the full bedroom range at tfp.mu.