Should you buy a super king size bed or two single beds?

Choosing the right bed size is essential for a good night’s sleep, especially if you share your bed with a partner. If you have a large bedroom, you could consider a super king size bed, which is the largest standard bed size available in the UK. Alternatively, two single beds give you more flexibility, as you can push them together or keep them apart, depending on your needs.

Both options have their advantages, but your choice will depend on your sleeping preferences, lifestyle, budget, and bedroom layout.

What’s the size difference between two single beds and a super king bed?

A single bed measures 90 cm wide by 190 cm long (3’0” by 6’3”) and is suitable for an adult or a child. A super king size bed, on the other hand, measures 180 cm wide by 200 cm long (6’0” by 6’6”). It offers plenty of sleeping space for couples but is best suited to larger bedrooms.

When two single beds are pushed together, they’re the same width as a super king bed. However, standard single beds are three inches shorter, which may make them unsuitable for anyone taller than 6 feet. Ideally, the bed should be at least 10 to 15 cm longer than your height.

Some manufacturers offer extra-long single beds that are the same length as a super king. However, these are classed as non-standard, are not as widely available, and tend to be more expensive.

Can you join two single beds together?

A zip and link set allows two single beds to be joined together to create a super king size bed. The two mattresses are connected with a zipper, while the bases are secured with either linking bars or U-clips.

One of the main benefits of choosing a zip and link bed over two standard single beds is that, when joined together, it is exactly the same size as a super king. Standard single beds, on the other hand, are 3 inches shorter when pushed together. The beds also remain together during the night and won’t separate or leave a gap, as single beds often do.

However, zip and link beds are more expensive than super king beds because they are classed as non-standard and go through a different manufacturing process.

Factors to consider when choosing between a super king and two single beds

Choosing between a super king and two single beds depends on several key factors, including your bedroom space, budget, sleep habits, and how the bed will be used.

Bedroom space

Before choosing your bed, measure your room carefully to determine which bed size will work best. You’ll need to allow extra space if you’re considering a bed frame, because the mattress usually sits inside the frame, and also for any additional bedroom furniture. There should also be at least 2 feet of space to move around the bed once it’s in place.

Although two single beds pushed together are the same width as a super king, they take up more space when separated, because you need room on either side of each bed to get in and out comfortably. You’ll also need to allow extra space if the beds have drawers, so you can easily access your storage.

In contrast, a super king size bed is 3 inches longer than a single bed, so while it doesn’t require extra width, you’ll need to ensure there is enough clearance at the foot of the bed.

You should also consider how bed size will affect the overall look and feel of your bedroom. For example, while a super king bed can look luxurious and create a strong focal point, it may also dominate the room and make the space feel cramped.

Checking your property access is also important to ensure the bed will fit into the room. While super king beds typically come with a split base to make access easier, a one-piece mattress can be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. There may also be issues navigating the mattress through doorways, up stairs or around corners. If you’re unsure, choosing single beds may be the safer option, as they are lighter and easier to move.

Finally, consider how you might use the bedroom in the future. While a super king is ideal for couples, it may be impractical for guests. Two single beds offer greater flexibility, as you can easily push the beds together when needed.

Who will be sleeping on the bed?

When choosing between a super king and two singles, consider who will be using the bed. A super king is ideal for couples who enjoy sleeping close together, whether it’s for cuddling or something more intimate. It also provides a generous amount of sleeping space, allowing each partner to move or stretch out without disturbing the other.

A single bed may not be suitable for a larger adult, as it can feel restrictive, and may make them concerned about falling out of bed when they move during the night. A super king size bed, while the same width as two single beds, provides a larger sleeping area and more freedom to move, even if it means encroaching slightly on their partner’s side of the bed.

If you’re choosing a bed for a guest room, two single beds may be more practical, as they can be pushed together for couples or kept apart for children or single adults.

Sleeping habits

Your choice between a super king and two single beds may also depend on your sleeping habits. If you share a bed with a restless sleeper, sleeping in separate beds will improve your sleep quality, as you won’t be disturbed by their movements.

Similarly, if you or your partner snores or fights over who gets the duvet, sleeping apart may be beneficial.

Couples with different work schedules or lifestyles may also prefer separate beds. For instance, if one partner works late or tends to go to bed later, separate beds allow them to stick to their own sleep schedule without disturbing each other.

Some people also value their personal space, and separate beds can provide a greater sense of independence and privacy.

Comfort preferences

Single beds may be necessary for couples with different comfort preferences or support needs. For example, a firmer bed may be just right for a heavier person, but too firm for someone lighter. Furthermore, some people with certain medical conditions may require a specific type of bed or mattress that may not be suitable for their partner. Having single beds allows each person to choose the bed they find most comfortable and best suited to their needs.

Some beds are available with mattresses in different firmness levels, allowing sleeping partners to choose a soft, medium, or firm feel, depending on their needs.

Otherwise, if you’re considering single beds from different manufacturers, ensure they’re of similar heights. Otherwise, you may be unable to push them together if one bed is taller than the other.

While single beds offer a lot of flexibility, pushing them together can leave a small gap between the two mattresses, which may feel uncomfortable when sleeping close to your partner.

If you prefer a large bed, such as a super king, some manufacturers offer split-tension mattresses, where each side can be made with a different level of firmness, such as soft and medium or medium and firm.

Budget

Your budget may influence your choice of bed. Generally, beds are priced according to size, with super kings typically costing more. Purchasing two single beds is usually cheaper than buying a super king. However, you’ll also need to factor in additional costs such as headboards and bedding for each.

Some manufacturers may have promotions where you can upgrade from a king size bed to a super king, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these offers, as they can provide better value for money.

Future needs

How you plan to use the bedroom in the future may also influence your bed choice. A super king bed can be a good option if the room is mainly used for sleeping, but its size may limit how you can use the space over time. For example, if you plan to use the room as a study or lounge area, a super king may be too large for the space. In contrast, two single beds give you more flexibility in how you arrange and use the space.

If you’re choosing a main bed, consider how your sleeping preferences or arrangements might change in the future. While a super king is ideal for couples who sleep together, single beds give each person their own sleeping space. They can be placed side by side or moved into separate rooms, depending on their needs.

Care and maintenance

Most mattresses require regular turning to even out the wear. A one-piece super king size mattress can be heavy and difficult to move, whereas a single mattress is lighter and easier to handle.

Pros and cons of two single beds

A single bed measures 3 feet by 6 feet 3 inches (3’0” x 6’3”) and is suitable for a single person.

Pros

• Easy to manoeuvre.
• Ideal for smaller bedrooms.
• Suitable for properties with access restrictions.
• Reduced sleep disturbances as each partner sleeps in separate beds.
• Perfect for individuals valuing personal space and independence.
• Ideal for couples with different sleep schedules.
• Single beds are typically more affordable than other beds.
• Greater flexibility for changing room layout or relocating beds into different rooms.

Cons

• Limited sleeping space.
• Single beds are not ideal for couples sharing a bed.
• Extra cost for separate bedding, headboards, and accessories.
• Single beds may look lost in larger bedrooms.

Pros and cons of super king size beds

A super king size bed measures 6 feet by 6 feet 6 inches (180 cm x 200 cm), making it the largest among the UK’s standard bed sizes, ideal for couples who prefer their sleeping space.

Pros

• Spacious for couples.
• Great for families co-sleeping with children or pets.
• Promotes better sleep by minimising disturbances between partners.
• Ideal for taller individuals.
• Super king size beds work well in larger bedrooms.
• Offers a luxurious hotel-style appearance.
• Creates an impressive focal point in the bedroom.
• Offers additional storage space.

Cons

• Heavy and difficult to move.
• May not fit into the bedroom due to property restrictions.
• Could overpower smaller bedrooms.
• Limited flexibility for different sleeping arrangements.
• Typically pricier than other beds.
• Requires larger bedding and headboard.

Final thoughts

Both super king size beds and two single beds have their benefits and drawbacks, and it isn’t necessarily the case that one option is better than the other. It might be worthwhile to visit your local mattress store and try both options to see which works best for you.

If you’re still undecided, a zip and link set offers the best of both worlds, as it allows you to join two single beds to create a super king when needed.