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Since beds take up a considerable amount of space among furniture, many people consider purchasing a single bed to make their room feel more spacious.
This article explains how a single bed affects the feeling of space in a room and how to choose the right single size.
Single Bed Size
The typical size for a single bed is 97–100cm in width and 195cm in length.
Currently, the mainstream mattress width is 97cm, but the size may vary slightly (e.g., 100cm wide) depending on the bed manufacturer, so be sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.
This size is recommended for one person of average build, so there is a wide variety of types available, making it easy to find a bed that suits your preferences.
Can it fit in a 6-tatami mat room?
A 6-tatami mat room is said to be the most common size in Japanese homes. In a 6-tatami mat room, a single bed will only take up about one-quarter to one-third of the space, leaving plenty of room for other furniture like a table or bookshelf.
If you plan to place two single beds side-by-side, it is highly likely that you will need a room of at least 8 tatami mats, otherwise opening and closing doors or closets might be difficult.
Even in a 6-tatami mat room, it might be possible depending on the layout, but careful consideration of placement is crucial.
Furthermore, if the room is used as a bedroom, it can barely fit in a 4.5-tatami mat room if a pathway from the door to the bed can be secured.
However, there will be no space for a side table, the room will feel cramped, and depending on the room's shape, other furniture doors or drawers might not open, or electrical outlets might be inconvenient to use. Therefore, please confirm the bed's placement in advance.
Are there sizes smaller than a single bed?
There is also a "semi-single" size, which is slightly smaller than a single. With a width of 80–90cm and a length of 195cm, its compact width allows for a spacious feel even in a 4.5-tatami mat room, making it recommended for smaller women or children.
When two people use a bed
A large bed may seem comfortable for sleeping, but for long-term use by two people, it may be better to use two single beds side-by-side.
Also, while sizes vary slightly by manufacturer, the typical size for a double bed is 140cm wide x 195cm long, and for a queen bed is 170cm wide x 195cm long.
Two single beds placed side-by-side will have a combined width of approximately 200cm, making them larger than a double or queen bed.
Advantages of using two single beds
Here are 5 advantages of using two single beds placed side by side.
Advantage 1: You can sleep without disturbing your partner
When sharing a bed with someone, vibrations can be transmitted to the other person through some mattresses, potentially waking them up.
Therefore, if you have different sleep schedules or tend to move a lot in your sleep, having separate beds can make it easier to get a comfortable night's rest.
Advantage 2: Easy to turn over
The typical size of a double bed, often used by two people, is 140cm wide, and a queen bed is 170cm wide. When two people sleep in one, each person gets about 70cm in a double and about 85cm in a queen. Therefore, placing two single beds, each typically 97-100cm wide, side by side offers more spaciousness.
Advantage 3: You can choose a mattress that suits your body
The optimal mattress firmness varies depending on body type and weight. If two people use one mattress, they have to compromise, but when two single beds are placed side-by-side, each person can choose the mattress that is best for them.
Advantage 4: They can also be used separately
Since they are originally separate beds, you can adapt to different life stages, such as moving one to a child's room in the future or sleeping in separate rooms from your partner. You can also temporarily separate them when someone has a cold or influenza.
Advantage 5: Wide variety of single sizes
Single size beds are the most common, offering a wider variety than other sizes. This means you can choose a bed that suits you, from affordable options to high-quality ones. Additionally, there are many single-sized duvets and blankets available, allowing you to choose your preferred bedding.
Advantage 6: Smooth moving in and out
Single-sized beds and mattresses are easier to transport than double or queen sizes, which is convenient for moving.
Larger beds can sometimes face issues with securing a clear path for transport in common areas of condominiums, elevators, entrances, room doors, or hallways. However, single-sized beds are highly likely to fit into a new home.
Advantage 7: Easy to rearrange and clean
Single-sized items are less burdensome to move, making it easy to casually rearrange your room or temporarily move them for cleaning.
Advantage 8: Easy to change bed sheets
The larger the size, the more difficult it is to change and wash sheets. While it can be challenging to change sheets on a large mattress alone, a single size allows for easy bed-making by one person, ensuring it can always be kept clean.
Disadvantages of using two single beds
Here are 3 disadvantages of using two single beds side by side.
Disadvantage 1: Gaps can easily form between the two beds
When using two beds side-by-side, a gap can form between the mattresses.
Also, because heights can vary by manufacturer, you might be concerned not only about horizontal gaps but also about differences in height.
If the horizontal gap presses against your body, it can be bothersome, and dirt can easily accumulate in the gap. Therefore, it is recommended to use a gap filler pad to bridge the gap. However, the connection pad part will add thickness, so if you plan to use it with three people, such as with children, it is safer to opt for a queen or king size instead of two single beds.
Disadvantage 2: May feel cramped depending on the room
When two single beds are placed side-by-side, the combined width is greater than that of a double or queen size, which can create a feeling of pressure or confinement depending on the room's size.
Beforehand, check the room's size and shape, the pathway from the door to the bed, the location of outlets, and ensure that other furniture doors and drawers can open and close smoothly.
Disadvantage 3: May incur higher expenses
To place two single beds side-by-side, you'll need to purchase two of each bedding item, including beds, mattresses, and sheets, which can be more expensive than buying one large bed.
However, because there is such a wide variety of single sizes, it is also possible to keep costs down. Consider the balance between your preferred products and their prices when making your purchase.
How to choose a single bed
Single beds come in a wide variety of types, offering various materials and functionalities. Here are 3 points to check when choosing a single bed to ensure a comfortable sleep.
1: Number of people sleeping in the bed
The average shoulder width for Japanese people is said to be about 44cm for men and 39cm for women. When sleeping with arms slightly outstretched, it's about 60cm for men and 55cm for women.
To turn over smoothly, you'd want an additional 20cm of space on both sides, which means men need about 100cm (60 + 20 + 20cm) and women about 95cm (55 + 20 + 20cm) of width.
Single beds are generally 97-100cm wide, which is just right for one adult. However, if you toss and turn a lot or are of a larger build, it might feel narrow. In that case, consider using a wider semi-double or double size bed.
2: Frame material
The material of the bed frame significantly changes the atmosphere of the room, so choose according to your preference.
Wood frame
This is a bed frame made of wood. Available in various colors from pale to beige and dark tones, its wood grain design creates a natural and gentle atmosphere.
Steel frame
Steel pipe frames are also known as pipe beds or iron beds. Many products are affordable and very light, making them easy to carry and assemble.
Synthetic leather frame
Genuine leather is rarely used for beds due to its vulnerability to water, so most products are made by processing synthetic resin onto fabric for leather products. They offer elasticity and a glossy finish, creating a sophisticated impression.
Fabric frame
This is a frame made of synthetic fiber fabric. Its soft texture makes it safe for homes with small children.
3: Functionality
Choosing functions that match the size of your bedroom and your lifestyle can make your use of the bed more comfortable.
With power outlets
This type of bed has power outlets built into the headboard.
In addition to charging smartphones and tablets, you can also use lights, humidifiers, or aroma diffusers at your bedside.
With storage function
A bed with a storage function can also help save space that would otherwise be occupied by other storage furniture.
Standard drawer storage types have one drawer, while types with two drawers are called chest beds.
The opposite side of the drawers can also be used as storage space by removing the bed base, allowing you to store many items.
Additionally, some products allow you to change the direction of the drawers to match your room layout, so if you anticipate moving, be sure to check the product details before purchasing.
Furthermore, the lift-up type, where the entire bed base and mattress can be lifted to reveal storage space within the frame, offers a deep, undivided storage area perfect for large items like duvets and suitcases.
Sofa bed/Foldable bed
Sofa beds or foldable beds allow you to use them as a sofa when not sleeping or fold them up to make the room more spacious.
Loft/System bed
Loft beds allow you to utilize the space underneath, ensuring that even in a small room, you can still have space for other furniture.
Single bed bedding size
If you're buying a single bed, you should also get a single-sized duvet. Here are the typical sizes for a fitted sheet and a duvet.
Single bed fitted sheet size
The typical size for a single fitted sheet is 100cm wide x 210cm long. The fitted sheet cover size is 105cm wide x 215cm long, and the flat sheet size is 150cm wide x 250cm long.
The fitted sheet cover is 5cm wider and longer than the fitted sheet, and the flat sheet is larger to allow for tucking in.
Single duvet size
The typical size for a single bed duvet is 150cm wide x 210cm long.
Comparing the fitted sheet and duvet, the length is the same, but the duvet is 50cm wider. Therefore, when purchasing covers, make sure to check if they are for a fitted sheet or a duvet, in addition to the size like "single" or "semi-double."
Introducing Recommended Bedding
The type of bedding used with a bed can affect the quality of sleep, so it's important to choose not only the right size but also features that suit you. If you want to achieve better sleep, it's crucial to be particular in your search.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Guidelines for Sleep Health 2014," sleep plays a role in recovering from physical and mental fatigue. It has been found that insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality can lead to lifestyle-related diseases. Furthermore, it is also clear that insomnia can lead to mental illnesses like depression, and daytime sleepiness caused by sleep deprivation or sleep disorders can result in accidents due to human error.
Choose a size for deep sleep
Even if you sleep for a long time, it's counterproductive if the sleep isn't high quality, so it's important to choose a bed and size that matches your body type and sleep concerns.
Single-sized beds come in a wide variety, making them recommended not only for those who want to make their room feel spacious but also for those who prioritize features and quality. [Reference] * Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "Guidelines for Sleep Health 2014"
