The ultimate double bed buying guide
What are double beds?
Double beds are in the middle of the size table in South African bed sizes. They are bigger than three-quarter and smaller than queen-size beds. They come in many comfort and support options and are made of many different mattress types. They are available in all the technologies that will provide a solution for any sleep issue that you need to address.
Benefits of Double Beds
Space and Comfort: Double beds are larger than single and three-quarter beds and provide enough space for a comfortable sleep experience.
Versatility: Suitable for almost every sleep need. Great for adults, children teens or couples.
Affordable: Double beds are quite budget-friendly and can provide great quality sleep.
Use in Any Bedroom: A double size gives you the option to use in any room, for your kid’s room or guest bedroom through to the main bedroom.
Who are double beds for?
Perfect For Couples: Double beds are ideal for a couple who have limited space to work within the bedroom. They have enough sleeping space to sleep comfortably without compromising your sleep quality.
Students: Many students today have to do with limited space accommodations. With communal living becoming all the more popular, this bed size gives you enough space to get a good nights rest and not clutter the room where you need to have a functional work space to get your assignments done.
Single Adults: There is nothing like a bit of freedom in your single years and your sleep space should not cramp that style. Double beds offer a good sleeping space to be able to get into your favourite sleep position and still leave you enough bedroom space for your other bedroom furniture. This is an ideal solution if you live in a small house, granny flat or apartment.
Teenagers: With a teen’s bedroom normally not being as big as the main bedroom, the first step into adult beds for a teen is often double beds. With teens spending a great deal of time in or on their bed these days it has enough space for sleeping and for the gadgets that seem to follow them everywhere, they go.
Homeowners looking for spare room bed: Guest or spare bedrooms often also act as a hobby room or home office so space is important to maintain for those activities. Double beds are the perfect size for single guests or couples who may be staying over.
Budget shoppers: Double beds are affordable and great for budget shoppers you don’t have the finance options for the larger sizes. They are perfectly suitable for most main bedrooms where bigger beds are not within the spending budget.
Double Bed Size and Dimensions
The standard double bed size in South Africa is 137 cm wide and 188 cm in length. There are also extra length options available for taller sleepers that measure 200 cm in length. Double beds are in the middle of the bed size range. The smallest being single, followed by three-quarter, double, queen, and king sizes. Please refer to our bed size chart below for the different sizes and their dimensions.
Standard South African bed sizes in cm
Mattress types available for double beds
Selecting the right mattress type for your double bed is the most important factor when shopping for double beds. The mattress type can have a big influence on whether or not you are able to achieve quality sleep.
Memory Foam: Made from viscoelastic foam, these types soften when they come in contact with your body heat.
Benefits: Pressure relief – Proper Spinal Alignment – Motion Isolation – Durability – various Comfort Levels.
High-Density Foam: Made from high-density polyurethane foam layers that provide a resilient and uniform sleep surface.
Benefits: Affordable – Durable – Various Firmness Options – Full Body Support – Use on Any Base Type – Minimal Motion Transfer.
Innerspring: Traditional innerspring mattresses are made with interconnected hourglass-shaped springs. They are topped with one or several foam layers to provide a comfortable sleep surface.
Benefits: Affordability – Durable – Effective Body Support – Breathability – Responsive Feel – Edge Supports – Availability.
Pocket Spring: Made with individually wrapped steel coils that react independently to your body pressure points.
Benefits: Targeted Support – Motion Isolation – Superior Spinal Support – Breathability – Noise Reduction – Premium Comfort.
Hybrid: Made with a combination of either an innerspring or pocket spring support structure and topped with one of the premium foam types. Latex, memory gel or memory foam.
Benefits: Enhanced Comfort – Responsive Feel – Superior Spinal Support – Breathable – Motion Isolation.
Latex: They are available in synthetic and lateral latex. They are often the top of the range in many mattress stores. They provide exceptional spinal support and different comfort levels
Benefits: Body Contouring – Super Supportive – Low Maintenance – Natural Types Renewable – Motion Isolation – Durable – Comfort.
Firmness levels of double beds.
Some manufacturers have a firmness scale and others do not. The reason behind this is that firmness is relevant to individual interpretation. While a firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, it is difficult to put an exact reference point on it.
What you might feel as soft, another customer may feel as medium. At The Bed Guy, we pass on the information that the factories supply but prefer to talk to customers about that requirement to give a more personalised recommendation based on our experience. The image below will give you information about how the scale works.
Importance of choosing the right size bed
Getting a good night’s rest is a vital component of a healthy and balanced life. Quality sleep is the basis of this so choosing the right size bed is highly important. Quality sleep is defined as the amount of undisturbed sleep you get as opposed to the total amount of hours you spend sleeping.
When buying a double bed make sure that it ticks the boxes for an undisturbed sleep. Make sure that you or your partner don’t interfere with each other’s sleep patterns. If a double bed might hinder your ability to get quality sleep it is advisable to look at a queen bed.
If you and your partner are comfortable in this size and don’t disturb the other’s sleep the double bed will be just fine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Double Beds
Room size: It may seem like a no-brainer but we have often in the past had customers that have had to change sizes because they have not taken free bedroom space into account. Check out our bed sizes info below to get the correct dimensions you need and take into account any furniture you have or plan on buying for the room.
Mattress type: Your mattress choice is essential if you want to get quality sleep. The incorrect mattress choice can leave you feeling like a zombie even if you have had the “recommended” number of hours asleep.
Budget: Lawys be aware of your budget, and consider the additional extras that you may need to buy such as pillows, duvets, pedestals and the like. Also check with the bed shop about delivery costs and other admin fees, if any.
Measuring room image, mattress shopping image, counting money image
Double bed prices and comparisons
The prices of double beds vary between models and manufacturers. At The Bed Guy where we prioritise value for money, we tend to have the lowest double bed prices in Gauteng. With an entry-level bed coming in at just over R 2000.000 and our top-of-the-range model costing around R 15000.00 for an extra length option. You can expect to pay considerably more for a big brand-name bed.
Factors that influence the price of double beds.
Type of mattress- The mattress type has the biggest influence on the price. The type of foam or spring that is put inside the mattress and the features that they possess are the driving force behind the price. It is important to note when shopping for double beds that the prices for the different types do overlap. Here is a breakdown of the low, mid and high-end double bed prices based on the mattress price. This of course is based on our prices and is not a reflection of other bed shops.
| Price Range | Low | Mid | Top |
| Innerspring | R 2750.00 | R 4500.00 | R 6300.00 |
| HD Foam | R 2350.00 | R 3500.00 | R 10999.00 |
| Pocket Spring | R 6750.00 | R 8900.00 | R 11.000.00 |
| Memory Foam | R 5800.00 | R 9400.00 | R 13000.00 |
Maintenance and Care of Double Beds
Now that have bought your bed you will need to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Caring for your double bed properly will not only increase its life span but will also give you a better night’s sleep.
Cleaning tips
Vacuum Regularly: Get rid of dust and fine debris by vacuuming regularly. This reduces deep-set dirt and keeps the breathable air clean while sleeping.
Spot Clean Stains: In the event of a slight spillage, immediately dab the mattress with a soft absorbent cloth. Do not rub or scrub it as that will just spread the stain. Before the mark dries use a mild detergent and dab the spot. Repeat as many times as necessary until the mark is gone.
Flip and Rotate: Your mattress will come with specific instructions on how and when to flip and rotate your mattress. It is important to follow these instructions to get the best out of your mattress. If you fail to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations they may waive the warranty or guarantee.
Air the mattress: When the weather is good remove all the bedding and let the mattress get some air. This will reduce moisture buildup and eliminate the chances of mould developing.
Use a mattress protector: Using a mattress protector will help keep the mattress clean in the event of accidental spillages. Please note that some manufacturers will also not entertain warranty claims if the mattress is stained so a protector is a wise investment.
Takeaways
Double beds are a great choice for those who have limited bedroom space or a limited budget. They are perfectly suitable for all sleepers, any sleep position and any sleep issue that you may have.
Frequently asked questions :
Is a double bed for 2 adults?
Yes, a double bed is perfect for 2 adults. They are the most popular choice for couples who are moving into their first apartment or townhouse. The limited space offered in these bedrooms makes double beds the best option to have a good night’s sleep and still have enough space in the bedroom.
What is the double bed size?
The size of a double bed in South Africa is 137 cm wide and 188 cm long. If happen to be a taller person, there are extra length options available that will measure 200 cm in length. It generally costs about 10% more for extra-length options.
What size bed is best for couples?
The customer favourite for couples is a queen-size bed. This size measures 152cm x 188cm providing generous sleep space. They are a perfect fit for the main bedroom in most houses