Before you buy...

When it comes to bed buying, while we're happy to shop around and do hours of online research if we're after a new double bed (or bigger), with single beds, we're often quite wiling to makedo with a hand-me-down or bargain buy. But if you consider that a bed might be in use for 15 years of more, it makes sense to go for one that's built to last.

Measure up
First things first, make sure you buy the right size bed for the person who will be sleeping in it, whether its an adult or a child, as single bed sizes can vary greatly. Most standard sized single beds are are made for a 3ft x 6ft 3in mattress, but there are also small singles for a 2ft 6in x 6ft 3in mattress and children's beds which are both quite a bit smaller in width and length. All the beds features here are standard

Think about style
We don't just mean deciding between a chic padded headboard or rustic pine one. Most beds fall into one of two catagories - bedstead or divan. Then there is storage to consider. You can never have enough storage, so a divan that pops open to reveal storage big enough for your suitcases or winter bedding could be appealing. Or you might simply want to opt for a bedstead that has a pull-out drawer underneath. Finally, if someone always ends up on the sofa when you have guests over, check out our pick of single beds with an extra truckle bed underneath.

Solo 1000 Latex Dawn bed in Blush Pink, £519, Rest Assured

Ready to buy? Click on to flick through our pick of the best single beds on the high street

Chosen by Ideal Home

This image contains:
- Neutral Wood Shelving
- Neutral Paint
- Turquoise Curtains
- Neutral Bed
Tags:
- bedside table
- neutral paint
- striped duvet
- green curtain
- rest assured
- shelving
- bed