Which one? Single vs King Single Beds for Kids
Choosing your child’s first “big bed” can feel like a surprisingly big decision. Do you choose a Single that fits beautifully into their room now, or invest in a King Single that gives them more space as they grow?
For many parents, the question isn’t simply “What size bed does my child need today?” It’s “What size bed will still work for them in five or ten years?”
When you’re investing in a beautifully made bed designed to last, getting the size right from the beginning can mean avoiding the need to replace it as your child moves from little kid to teenager.
Here’s our guide to choosing between a Single and King Single bed for kids.
What is the difference between a Single and King Single bed?
In Australia, a standard Single mattress is approximately 92cm wide x 188cm long, while a King Single mattress is approximately 107cm wide x 203cm long.
That extra 15cm in width and 15cm in length may not sound enormous, but it makes a noticeable difference — particularly as children grow.
| Single Bed | King Single Bed | |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress size | 92 x 188cm | 107 x 203cm |
| Best for | Younger children and smaller bedrooms | Growing children, teens and guest rooms |
| Space required | More compact | Slightly larger footprint |
| Longevity | Excellent through childhood | Excellent from childhood into teenage/adult years |
| Extra sleeping space | Standard | Wider and longer (same length as a queen) |
Remember that these are mattress dimensions. The overall dimensions of a bed will be larger depending on its frame, bedhead and design, so always check the finished measurements against your room before ordering.
Is a Single bed big enough for a child?
For most younger children, absolutely.
A Single bed is a wonderful choice for a child's bedroom, particularly where floor space is tight. It leaves more room for a rug, a desk, bookcase, bedside table or simply some much-needed storage.
For a child transitioning from a cot or toddler bed, a Single can also feel like a natural next step without overwhelming both the child and the room.
And if you choose a beautifully made bed rather than a design that feels particularly young or themed, a Single bed can comfortably take a child through many years.
The key question is how you expect the bedroom, and your child, to change over time?
Why choose a King Single bed for kids?
If the room has enough space, a King Single bed for kids can be a particularly good long-term choice.
The additional width gives a growing child more room to stretch out, while the extra length becomes increasingly valuable as they head towards their teenage years.
A King Single is actually the same length as a Queen mattress, making it an excellent option for taller children and teenagers without taking up the width of a Double or Queen bed.
It can also make those everyday parenting moments a little more comfortable — reading together at bedtime, cuddling up when they're unwell or simply having somewhere to sit and chat at the end of the day.
Most importantly, it is a size that doesn't feel like a “children's bed” once your child becomes a teenager.
Single or King Single: which is better for a small bedroom?
This is where we would always choose proportion over size for size's sake.
A King Single may offer greater longevity, but the biggest bed isn't necessarily the best bed for the room.
If choosing a King Single means squeezing past furniture, losing valuable storage or leaving very little usable floor space, a Single will usually create a better bedroom.
Before deciding, map out the full dimensions of the bed on the floor. Painter's tape is perfect for this. Then consider how the bedroom needs to function beyond sleeping.
Can drawers open comfortably? Is there room for a bedside table? Will your child eventually need a desk? Is there enough space to move around the bed?
A child's bedroom should feel comfortable and considered, rather than dominated by furniture.
What age should a child move into a King Single bed?
There isn't a particular age when a child needs to move from a Single to a King Single.
Instead, we suggest thinking about the room, the child and how long you want the bed to last.
If you're furnishing a younger child's room and space is limited, a Single may be all they ever need.
If you're buying for an older child, have a tall child, have the room available or simply want to make one bed purchase that will comfortably see them through their teenage years, a King Single is well worth considering.
This is particularly relevant when investing in quality furniture. If the bed itself is built to last, choosing a size your child is unlikely to outgrow allows you to get much more life from that investment.
Don't just think about their age now
One of our biggest pieces of advice when designing children's rooms is to look beyond the age your child is today.
Children grow. Their tastes change. The dinosaurs, fairies or favourite colour they adore at six may have disappeared entirely by twelve.
That's why we love starting with beautiful, timeless investment pieces and allowing the personality of the room to come through in the things that are easier to change — bedding, cushions, artwork, rugs and accessories.
The same philosophy applies to choosing a bed size.
Ask yourself:
Will this bed still suit my child when they're 10? 13? 16?
Thinking ahead can completely change the way you approach the room.
An upholstered bed they can grow into
At Lilly & Lolly, our philosophy has always been to create children's furniture with longevity in mind.
Our Australian-made upholstered beds are handcrafted with solid timber frames and designed to take children from their early years through to their teenage bedrooms and beyond.
Rather than looking overtly “childlike”, the simplicity of an upholstered bed allows the room around it to change.
Choose a playful fabric for a younger child's bedroom or opt for a sophisticated neutral, olive, navy or textured upholstery that will transition beautifully into a teenager's space.
As their style evolves, change the bedding, artwork and accessories — not necessarily the bed.
Our Archer Upholstered Bed is available in Single, King Single, Double and Queen, giving you the flexibility to choose the size that best suits your child and their room.
What about sleepovers?
If sleepovers are already part of life — or likely to be in the future — it is also worth considering a bed with a trundle.
A trundle gives you an additional sleeping space when you need it without permanently giving over precious bedroom floor space to a second bed.
It's particularly useful in smaller homes where a child's bedroom may also need to double as an occasional guest space.
Our Archer range can be configured with a trundle, creating an additional bed that simply rolls away underneath when it isn't being used.
What about a Double bed?
For larger bedrooms, a Double can be another excellent long-term option, particularly for teenagers.
It provides considerably more width and creates a more grown-up bedroom, but it also takes up more valuable floor space.
If you want extra growing room without committing to the footprint of a Double, the King Single often sits in the sweet spot between the two.
So, should you buy a Single or King Single bed for your child?
There isn't one right answer.
Choose a Single bed if floor space is at a premium, your child is younger or you want to preserve more room for playing, studying and storage.
Consider a King Single bed if you have the additional space and want a bed that offers extra room and length as your child grows — particularly if you're hoping this will be the bed that takes them right through their teenage years.
Whichever size you choose, think beyond what fits your child today.
A well-designed children's room should be able to grow with them.
And when the larger investment pieces are chosen with longevity in mind, transforming the room as your child gets older can be as simple as changing the layers around them.
Find the bed they'll grow up with
Explore the Lilly & Lolly Archer Upholstered Bed Collection, handcrafted in Australia and available in Single, King Single, Double and Queen sizes, with your choice of upholstery.
And if you're not sure which size, fabric or configuration is right for your child's room, we're always happy to help.
Purchase a Lilly & Lolly bed and we'll also create a complimentary personalised Design Board, valued at $250, to help you visualise the complete room before you commit to the final look.
Made by us. Made for your family.
