I have heard and seen a lot of people asking and researching what the difference between a single and a twin bed is. It is speculated that a single is smaller than a twin, but this is not true. I did some digging into why people think that one is bigger than the other and why they have two different names if there really is no difference.
What Is A Single?
A single bed measures 39” x 75” and is intended for one person only, hence the term “single”. These are the ideal bed for children’s bedrooms and smaller guest rooms. These may also be found in hotel rooms that are deemed as “triple” rooms. Generally, this is what most kids start off with when they are ready to graduate from a toddler bed to a regular bed. They are affordable and easily accessible.
Twin Bed
What Is A Twin?
A twin bed measures the same as the single at 39” x 75”. It is supposed to be one of a matching pair of single beds, hence the term “twin”. These are generally used in a room that is shared by siblings or in hotel or guest rooms that will be shared by more than one person. These are also used in the practice of couple who do not like to share a bed. Believe it or not, more couples do this than you would think and it seems to bring them closer together.
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Alternate Versions Of The Twin
The Twin bed does have alternate versions, such as the Twin XL. The Twin XL is an extra long version, adding 5” more to the end of the bed. This is ideal for those who are taller and is very commonly found in college dorms.
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So, Why The Different Name But Same Size?
Alright, so why is there a different name for these beds, but they are both the same size? The answer is rather simple, but you wouldn’t know unless you did some digging. In America, we call a single bed a “twin” and in England it’s called a “single”. It just comes down to terminology and what part of the world you reside in. The other difference would be how good your mattress is, but that’s a whole other story.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the true difference between a single bed and a twin bed is where you live! If you live in England, it’s a single and if you live in America, it’s a twin. It’s pretty silly actually if you think about it. There’s no size difference, unless you want a twin XL. I hope this helped clear things up a little bit. If you know someone who would find this article helpful, feel free to pass it on.