The best bed for a couple gives you both room to stretch out, a mattress that suits two different sleepers and somewhere to stash the stuff that clutters a shared bedroom. Get those three things right and you'll both sleep better. Here's what to think about before you choose.
Start with size
Size is the biggest decision for couples. A double is the classic choice, but it's the smallest bed that two adults can comfortably share. If one of you sprawls, kicks or gets up in the night, a bigger bed can make a real difference.
| Bed size | Typical mattress size | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Double (4ft 6in) | 135cm x 190cm | Smaller rooms and couples who like to snuggle |
| King (5ft) | 150cm x 200cm | Most couples, with extra width and length |
| Super king (6ft) | 180cm x 200cm | Restless sleepers, taller couples and bigger rooms |
Sizes can vary slightly between makers, so always check the dimensions on the product page. Measure your room too, leaving space to walk around the bed and open wardrobe doors and drawers.
Taller couples
If either of you is tall, a king or super king is worth a look for the extra length as well as the width. Feet hanging off the end is nobody's idea of a comfy night.
Choose a mattress that works for both of you
Couples often like different things. One of you might want a firmer feel and the other something softer. One might sleep hot and the other cold. A few things help:
- Pocket springs move independently, so when one of you turns over, the other is less likely to feel it. A mattress like the Capsule Elite Pocket 1000 is a good example of this style.
- Medium firmness is often the happy middle ground if you can't agree.
- Two mattresses zipped together let each of you choose your own feel on one bed. Our guide to zip and link mattresses explains how this works.
For more on types and firmness, see our quick guide to choosing a mattress.
Storage beds: more room for both of you
Two people means twice the clothes, bedding and bits and bobs. A storage bed helps keep the bedroom tidy without adding more furniture.
Ottoman beds
An ottoman bed lifts up to reveal a big storage space under the mattress. It's brilliant for spare duvets, out-of-season clothes and suitcases. Because the whole base is storage, you get a lot of room without needing extra floor space for drawers. Have a look at our ottoman beds to see the range of styles and sizes, including our own made-to-order gas lift ottomans.
Beds with drawers
Drawers are handy for things you use every day, like jumpers and spare sheets. Just make sure there's enough space beside the bed to pull them all the way out.
TV beds for film nights
If you love a film in bed, a TV bed is worth a look. TV beds usually hide a television in the footboard and raise it when you want to watch, so the room stays clear of a TV stand and wall brackets. Browse our TV beds and check each product page for how the lift works and what screen sizes fit.
Bedding tips for couples
- Size up your duvet. A king size duvet on a double bed, or a super king on a king, means no more tug of war in the night.
- Split the difference on tog. If one of you runs warm and the other cold, a medium tog is a fair compromise. Some couples simply use two single duvets. Our guide to duvet tog ratings has more.
- Pick pillows separately. You don't need matching pillows. Choose the firmness that suits how each of you sleeps.
Style that suits you both
Your bed is the biggest thing in the bedroom, so it sets the tone. An upholstered bed feels soft and cosy, while wooden and metal frames give a more classic or pared-back look. Our own Any Bed range has 14 headboard designs in 14 colours, with fabric samples at £1 each if you want to see the colour in your own light first.
Beds for couples FAQs
Is a double bed big enough for two adults?
It can be, especially in a smaller room or for couples who like to cuddle up. If either of you is restless or tall, a king size gives a lot more breathing space.
What's the difference between a king and a super king?
A super king is wider. A UK king is usually 150cm wide and a super king is usually 180cm wide. Both are normally 200cm long.
Are ottoman beds easy to lift?
Many use gas-lift pistons that take most of the weight, so lifting the base is easier than you might expect. Check the product page for details on how each one opens.
Do your beds need putting together?
Many of our beds arrive flat-packed for home assembly, so check the product page before you order. With two of you, putting a bed together is a good team job.
Ready to find a bed you'll both love? Browse our full range of beds, with free delivery to England, Wales and most of Scotland.
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