downsizing your bed

I live on my own and would never give up my double bed for a single, I love to be able to spread out and stretch...

How about compromising and going for a small double (4ft) ?

My mum replaced her double bed with a single after my dad died. That’s over 20 years ago so I assume she’s perfectly happy with the arrangement!

She says it’s easier for changing the bed and she can get out either side, as well.

I downsized from a king size to a double and still find myself clinging to the edge as ever !
I would probably be ok in a single ! But I have loads of floor space and the rest of the bed is handy for books , tissues box and spare pillows

I have a double bed but a king size duvet and changing the duvet for me is a nightmare.

I have slept in the single bed in the small bedroom a couple of times but felt as though I may fall out if I turn over. I am just used to space.

My son has a small double, he has a smallish room but needed a bigger bed, and I think it’s the ideal compromise for one. The only thing I struggled with finding was bed linen, in the end I got him a mattress cover from M&S, and fitted sheets from Next, but it took a lot of searching. He uses a standard double duvet and covers.

I moved into the smallest bedroom a good few years back, so into a single bed. I have a double duvet which goes well down the sides. I'm quite happy sleeping in it. I don't lay in the bed once awake or watch tv etc so maybe that would make a difference if you wanted to do that.

My OH has a 'queen' size bed in the main bedroom and he is always moaning about the double duvet falling off - but I suspect that's mainly down to his continuous leg movements (partly why I moved out lol) so not much can be done about that.

My son has a double in his room.

Both my single, adult children have small doubles rather than a single. Both are vastly different heights/builds too!

I was the same Charleygirl when I dog/house sat for a friend and slept in a single in her spare room! It seemed which ever way I turned there was a precipice awaiting!

If you do downsize to a single bed may I suggest that you use a double duvet.

I like my single bed but underneath is another bed to make it two singles or a double if necessary. Great when the grandchildren come (says she hopefully!) It gives me more room for sewing, etc.

I have a double with a king size duvet, I have slept in the single in the spare room a couple of times but can’t wait to get back in my spacious double.

When I replaced my old bed I was told to stay with the same size (King size) as it is difficult to adjust to a smaller space. However, I sleep at the very edge of the bed and wished I had gone for a double, which would have given me a little more floor space.
I would sleep in a single bed for a bit before buying one.

I have a normal (4ft 6inches) double electric bed. I need cushions each side to keep my hips in alignment as I can only sleep on my side. When I have to sleep in a single it is always very difficult. Do only use a normal double duvet.

Thank you. There are good points on both sides. What I think I will do is buy a single and trial it for a month or so, as you suggest eazybee. Then, if I don’t like it, I shall put it in my other spare room for one of the GCs. I would then take up Septimia s suggestion of compromising with a small double.
What concerns about the single is involuntarily getting out of it easily! But we shall see.
I’ll definitely use a double duvet with it, with my previous single beds in the guest room, the single ones always looked inadequate in width to me though no one ever complained.

I have been widowed for 17 years. And had a new mattress for our king size last year. I couldn't sleep in another bed at home than the one we brought together. But still only sleep on my side. Never even contemplated a smaller bed. Brought a double for the spare room. It's not sentiment it's the fact there is nothing wrong with the bed we brought. It was very expensive when we brought it and still looks good today.

When DH came home from hospital, still very ill, he needed a bed to himself because he was very restless and getting up a lot of night, so I moved into the immediately adjacent bedroom that had a single bed in it, so that I was on hand and could hear if I was needed.

I used that bed for three months before DH was recovered enough for me to move back into our bedroom, and I never got use to the constrictions on my movements in the narrower bed.

When I downsized to a 2-bedroom house, I decided to use the smaller bedroom and leave the double bed in the spare room for visitors. I bought a small double bed 20 years ago and had a new mattress two years ago. I have been able to get the small double fitted sheets from Amazon and use a standard double duvet and cover. When I go to visit family and have to sleep in a single bed, I am glad I'm not a restless sleeper otherwise I'm sure I would be falling off the edge!

If you change to a single bed you will still want a double duvet as a single duvet wont cover you and will slip in the night

I sleep in a single bed with a single size duvet and everything stays put, I am on the small size though at under 10 stone.

so much easier to change quilt cover

Double - I’m also on my own but I couldn’t sleep on a single - I’m a sprawler - i also love to sometimes curl up - I couldn’t do that in a single - your nocturnal habits should dictate what you eventually go for - good luck with you bed hunting !

Actually DH and I have 2 singles pushed together; 2 different mattresses,2 duvets(different again) and we are now more comfortable than we were in a king-size.

We had to get rid of our double bed when the hospital bed had to be brought in as he was in failing health.

I bought a single bed to go in the small room where I slept most nights.

When dh died I eventually moved the single bed back into the bigger room and stayed with it for almost 7 yrs.

I have recently put the single back in small room and bought double bed and mattress (ohh the trouble choosing a mattress)!
But even in the double I don't encroach on the other side of the bed, in fact I am usually found clinging to the edge for some reason.

I don't find single beds very comfortable. I second the idea of buying a small double.