Best single beds: single beds for kids, guests and solo sleepers

Looking for the best single bed you can buy? Whether you’re seeking a grown-up option for teenagers, designing a kid's room, or treating yourself to an elegant new sleeping spot, there are more single bed options on the market than you might expect. 

To make choosing the bed that's right for you as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best single beds from some of our favourite retailers. 

Find out how to buy the best bed in our guide. Or, visit our bedroom hub page for advice on decorating and product recommendations.

What is the best single bed you can buy?

We think the best single bed you can buy is the La Redoute Jimi Platform Shelved Bed. It's made from oak-stained solid pine and features a handy built in shelf. There's also matching furniture available if you want to complete the set. Find out more below.

How to buy the best single bed online

While buying a single bed online can feel a little risky, there’s so much information out there these days that so long as you keep an eye on the relevant specifications, it can be simpler than you think. 

Bed size

An obvious first step is to make sure you have enough space for your bed. Bear with us, though, as this doesn't just mean widthwise and lengthwise. While the standard single bed measures in at 3 foot wide and 6 foot 3 inches long, don't assume this is the amount of space they'll take up.

A thicker headboard can mean the bed protrudes further into the room than you expected, so take time to ensure that your bed frame fits the space you have in mind for it. 

Bed frame or divan base?

When it comes to buying a single bed, you have the choice between a bed frame and a divan base; both have their individual considerations. 

Single bed frames come with one of two types of slats: static or solid, which remain as they are and provide solid support; or sprung slats, which bend in response to weight being put on them, returning to form when weight is removed. 

Divans are a solid, legless platform that sits flush to the floor, and many include storage in the form of drawers or a lift-up platform that reveals a hollow base. This makes them a good space-saving solution for small rooms, especially those without a wardrobe or cupboard. If this has piqued your interest, you might like to check out our best beds with storage buyer's guide.

Mattress quality

While it's important to think about how your bed will impact your sleep, it's important to remember that, to an extent, any bed is only as good as the mattress you use with it. Take a look at our list of the best mattresses to find your perfect pairing. 

THE BEST SINGLE BEDS FOR SOLO SLEEPERS

We can't get enough of the retro feel of this single bed. The low slung base and tapered legs are so on trend right now (think pallet bed with out the discomfort). The overhanging shelf can either be positioned at the end of the bed or at the top, in place of a bedside table.

Shop more single beds at La Redoute

With a clean and minimalist finish, the Franklin Bedstead from John Lewis & Partners is a child friendly option that will successfully see your little ones through their childhood. Its strength is definitely in its simplicity, as bedding can be used to reflect tastes and interests as they grow. A suitable distance from the ground, this sturdy bed frame provides plenty of space for under-bed storage.

Shop more single beds at John Lewis & Partners

If your style is sleek and stripped back, the Made Essentials Kano bed – which has distinct Japanese influences – could be everything you've been looking for. Its sturdy pine base provides the perfect base for a fuss-free sleep set-up, though there is understated significance in its simple design. For those with a taste for all things Scandi and simple-silhouettes, it doesn't get more straightforward than this stylish bed frame. 

Browse more single beds at Made.com

If you're looking for a single bed that suits the needs of a spare room, but don't want to fork out for a sofa bed, a day bed can make a lovely alternative. Style with extra cushions and throws when not in use as a bed and this stylish bed is instantly transformed into a space to relax. The best bit? The Versailles Day Bed can extend into a double bed, should you wish.

Browse more single beds at Dunelm

This single storage bed is just the thing if you're short on space and looking for bedroom storage, as it not only occupies a teensy footprint, but also works hard for the space it does take up. A perfect guest room bed, the top of the base lifts to reveal a deep well of (secret) storage ideal for stowing away extra bedding, towels, out of season clothing and small suitcases. Its trendy grey finish and unfussy design ensures your guests will remain none the wiser. 

Find our selection of the 10 best guest beds in our buyer's guide. Or, shop more single beds at John Lewis

if you love mid-century modern design, you'll love this simple yet elegant Alana Copper Bed Frame from Made. With sleek tapered spindles and feet, for a look that's both retro and contemporary, and sprung slats designed to provide responsive support to fidgety sleepers, it doesn't get much better than this stylish single. The best bit? It's marvellously affordable.

Looking for more bed ideas and inspiration?

• The best kids' beds for modern homes
• The best bunk beds for kids
• The best toddler mattresses