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Family bed size guide: find the right size

Oliver Christopher Hansen

Oliver Christopher Hansen

Co-owner and Head of Product, FamBed

· 3 min read

Family bed size guide: find the right size

Intro

At FamBed, we surveyed 1,000+ families to answer the question we hear most often: “Which size should we choose?” Below, you’ll find a simple rule of thumb, specific recommendations for different family set-ups and the answer to whether length matters.

The short answer

Our most popular size is the 240 × 200 cm family bed. But is it ideal for everyone? No. According to our data, 240 × 200 cm is particularly well suited to a family with two adults and one child. Other family set-ups benefit from extra width. Limited bedroom space may be one reason why the 240 cm model is our most popular, as our data points to better sleep when there is more space.

The golden rule of thumb (based on 1,000+ customer surveys)

For the most uninterrupted sleep, our analysis shows:

  • 90 cm per adult
  • 60 cm per child

This is the point where the sleep-satisfaction curves cross and most families give top ratings. Overall, satisfaction rises fairly linearly as the amount of available space increases.

Quick width formula

Width ≈ 90 cm × number of adults + 60 cm × number of children Round up to the nearest 10 cm, and we’ll make it for you.

Suggested sizes with recommended room to spare

How to read the table: Minimum is based on the formula. Comfort gives you a little extra room, with sizes available in 10 cm increments.

Family setupRecommended width rangeTypical options
2 adults + 1 child230–260 cm240×200, 250×200, 260×200
2 adults + 2 children290–330 cm300×200, 310×200, 320×200
2 adults + 3 children350–380 cm360×200, 370×200, 380×200
1 adult + 2 children200–230 cm210×200, 220×200, 230×200
1 adult + 3 children260–300 cm270×200, 280×200, 300×200

In short: Families typically enjoy better-quality sleep with more space. If you'd like more room, add a comfort allowance of 10–30 cm within the range.

Please note: Your choice will naturally also depend on your room's size and layout, including whether you'd like bedside tables, wall shelves or extra space to move around beside the bed.

Does bed length matter?

Our data shows no overall change in sleep quality based on length alone. It matters most when:

  • one or more sleepers are significantly taller than average and do not like their feet hanging over the edge of the bed.

However, some taller customers prefer sleeping on their front with their feet hanging slightly over the edge, simply because that is what they are used to.

Rule of thumb: 200 cm suits most people; choose 210 cm if you want to keep your feet on the mattress.

Tips for choosing the right size

  1. Young children often need more space than you might think: They sleep sideways, turn around and move about. A little extra width can make a big difference, allowing you to gently move them to one side without disturbing everyone else.
  2. Cuddlers vs space lovers: If you like sleeping close together, a slightly narrower bed is often enough. If not, the extra space makes a noticeable difference.
  3. Factor in your room & layout: Do you need bedside tables, wall shelves or extra room to move? Decide which matters more: more floor space and bedside tables or a larger sleeping area.
  4. Considering a wall-to-wall setup? A bed spanning the width of the room can make sense, as no one can fall out during the night.
  5. Plan ahead: Consider whether more children may join you in bed over the coming year. Choosing a slightly larger bed could prove cheaper in the long run.

Conclusion: choosing with confidence

  1. Start with the formula: 90 cm per adult + 60 cm per child.
  2. Round up to the nearest 10 cm.
  3. Allow an extra 10-30 cm for comfort if you'd like more space.

Ready to choose?

At FamBed, you can choose a family bed in exactly the right width, available in 10 cm increments and 200 or 210 cm lengths.

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