When choosing a bed size, it is important to consider two things: "sleeping comfort, which is affected by the size of the bed" and "room size." In the explanation below, we have tried to visually show you the minimum width you need to sleep comfortably and the size in relation to the size of the room.
Single bed size
To get a good quality sleep in bed, you need some space to be able to turn from side to side. It is said that having 15cm of space on either side of your shoulder width will allow you to turn and improve the quality of your sleep .
The average shoulder width for Japanese men is 45cm, and for women it is 41cm, so if we add 15cm of extra space on both sides, for a total of 30cm, a minimum width of 75cm for men and 71cm for women would be good.
Even the narrowest semi-single bed is about 80cm wide, so you can think of all sizes of semi-single, single, and semi-double as being wide enough. If you are looking for a bed for one person, you can simply purchase the bed size you like after considering the size of your room and your budget! If you are of average build, no size will be too narrow.
A bed for two people that you should carefully consider
Unlike a single person, it is recommended that you understand the size of a bed for two people before deciding on the size. First, we would like to dispel any preconceived notions about "double" beds.
You might think that a single bed is a "double" because it's for two people, but is that right? A queen bed is often thought of as an even bigger bed than a double bed.
Certainly, "double" gives the impression of being "twice as large," but as you can see from the size chart below, it is not twice as large. A double is narrower than 1.5 times the width of a single bed. Even queen and king sizes, which are often thought of as larger, are less than twice the width of a single bed .
In the end, two single rooms are spacious!
For one person, the guideline for the amount of space needed is your shoulder width + 30 cm, but for a bed for two people, the guideline for the amount of space needed is "the combined shoulder width + 60 cm."
The average shoulder width for both men and women in Japan is 86cm, and adding an extra 60cm makes it 146cm. It's only a small gap for a double bed, but for an average-sized couple, it means the space on both sides is a little insufficient.
The sizes listed here are for reference only. Sizes may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Semi-single bed
A semi-single bed is a useful bed size when you want to make the most of a small room. Although it is small, it has a minimum width that allows you to turn over comfortably. It is recommended for single use in a one-room apartment or for children, but you can also create a comfortable sleeping environment by using two semi-singles side by side.
If you put two semi-single beds side by side, the space will be 160cm (80cm x 2), which is the same size as a queen size bed. When using two semi-single beds, you can use your favorite mattresses separately, which is an advantage.
When comparing the use of two semi-single beds in a 6 tatami mat room with two single beds, two single beds will make the room feel cramped. Even though they are called two semi-single beds, the width of each is 80cm x 2, which is equivalent to a 160cm queen size bed, so if you are of average size, it is worth considering using two semi-single beds to make the 6 tatami mat room more spacious.
With a semi-single bed, you can use the 6-tatami room to its fullest potential!
A semi-single bed in a 6 tatami room
2 semi-single beds in a 6 tatami room
Single bed
A standard single bed for a 6-tatami room
A single bed is literally a bed for one person. It can be easily brought into a room of at least six tatami mats, and fits neatly in the room. Along with semi-singles, two single beds are also popular. In terms of size, the width of two beds is 97cm, making a total of 194cm, which is wider than the king size bed (180cm), ensuring a comfortable environment.
Two single beds can be placed side by side in a 6 tatami room. The sleeping space for two is perfectly large and comfortable, but if you place two single beds in a 6 tatami room, there won't be much room for other furniture, so you will have to use the room as a bed-only space .
Lift-up storage beds are becoming increasingly popular as they are convenient when space in a room is limited! Lift-up beds can provide storage space even in small rooms, and are currently a very popular product as they can neatly store belongings in a one-room apartment or a small bedroom, making effective use of space. When arranging two single beds side by side, combining a vertical lift-up type with a horizontal lift-up type makes it easy to take out stored belongings. For more information, please see the details on lift-up beds. A single bed of 6 tatami mats with a focus on comfortable sleep
Possible to achieve in a 6 tatami room - 2 single rooms for sleep
Example of 2 single beds in a 6 tatami room
Use a single bed in an 8 tatami room for a relaxed feel
If you put two single beds in a 6 tatami room, it will inevitably feel cramped. Furthermore, there will be almost no space to put other furniture, and it may not be able to fully function as a bedroom. If you use two single beds, we recommend an 8 tatami room, taking into consideration the placement of furniture such as a closet and chest of drawers, and the spaciousness.
Example of 2 single beds in an 8 tatami room
If you use an 8 tatami room with one single bed, you can put in other furniture and expand the room's uses. It can be used not only as a bedroom but also as a small living room. If you add a sofa bed, you can accommodate guests.
Semi-double bed
Use a semi-double room for one person in a 6 tatami room, with an emphasis on sleep
Semi-double beds are suitable for people who want to sleep spaciously alone , and can be used in a 6-tatami room. When you hear the word "semi-double," you might have the impression that "double = 2 people," but since it is relatively narrow at 120 cm wide, it is not suitable for two people to sleep together.
This bed size is not recommended for two people. It is recommended for those who want to prioritize sleeping space in a 6 tatami room, or for those who want to balance sleeping comfort with other space in an 8 tatami room.
Example of placing a semi-double bed in a 6 tatami room
A multipurpose room with a luxurious 8 tatami semi-double bed
Even if you put a semi-double bed in an 8 tatami room, you can freely arrange other furniture in more than half of the room. You can finish it into a one-room apartment of your choice.
8 tatami mat room with 2 semi-double rooms, similar to those in luxury hotels overseas
If you place two semi-double beds side by side in an 8 tatami room, the total bed width will be 240cm, making for an incredibly comfortable bedroom. If you have the space, this is the ideal bedroom for two people.
If you don't have much storage space in your home, you can use a semi-double large lift-up bed to store extra items under the bed, making the room look neater. You can choose from three different sizes of storage space under the bed, with the largest "large" having a storage capacity of 830 liters.
Double bed
The double bed is a little small for two people to sleep in. Unless you are a very petite couple, I think it's best to just think of the double bed as a super luxurious single bed .
The average shoulder width for both men and women in Japan is 86cm, but on top of that, 30cm of space is needed for each person to turn over, totalling 60cm. A total of 146cm is needed for two people to be able to turn over properly, but a double bed is 140cm, meaning there is an insufficient 6cm of turning space, which can disrupt sleep.
We do not recommend considering a double bed for two people just because it fits neatly in a 6 tatami room. In any case, you need to carefully consider whether you can sleep in a space that is 20 cm narrower than two semi-single beds (160 cm).
On the other hand, if you are traveling alone, a double bed will provide plenty of space and be extremely comfortable.
A double bed provides a blissful sleep for one person.
The ideal bedroom with 2 double beds in an 8 tatami room
Two double beds can be installed, which is possible in an 8 tatami room. However, since there is only space for aisles on both sides, it is assumed that there is another place to store luggage.
Queen size bed
If you choose a queen bed with storage, it can be used in a six-tatami room.A queen-size bed is the same size as two semi-single beds (160cm). A queen-size bed will fit nicely in a 6-tatami room, but there will not be enough space to install storage furniture. A queen-size flip-up bed made up of two semi-singles allows you to allocate the space under the bed for storage, so it is recommended for small rooms.
If you have a queen-size bed in an 8-tatami room, you can watch movies on a large TV.
If you put a queen-size bed in an 8-tatami room, it will become a spacious and special bedroom. If you watch a movie on the large TV, it will become a second living room.
To create a sense of spaciousness, the beds are flip-up storage beds (2 semi-single beds), so you can store clutter under the bed and enjoy a nice open space.
Two semi-single lift-up storage beds
King-size bed
Change your bedspread and make your bedroom look great
A king-size bed is truly the king of beds. Its size makes you think of a high-class hotel. However, even though a king-size bed is larger than a queen-size or double bed, it actually cannot beat two single beds in size. Two single beds are 194 cm long, which is larger than a king-size bed's 180 cm.
Even though it may be smaller, the biggest attraction of a king-size bed is its presence. Just having one in your bedroom will improve the quality of the room. A king-size bed can be enjoyed not only as a bed, but also as an interior piece, by changing the bedspread to create a wonderful bedroom.
A king-size bed is best paired with a large room!
Example of a king-size bed in a 6-tatami room
If you put a king-size bed in a 6-tatami room, you will have aisles on both sides, but 50% of the room will be taken up by the bed and the aisle, which seems to diminish the luxury feel that is its charm. How about putting two single beds in a 6-tatami room, prioritizing substance over atmosphere, and aiming for more space than a king-size bed?
Of course, if you have an 8-tatami room, you can put a large king-size bed in the middle of the room and create a comfortable bedroom like a hotel suite.
A king-size bed in an 8-tatami room that will improve the quality of your room
Introduction of various bed types
Please check out the various bed types from the link below. You are sure to find your favorite bed. If you have any questions about the products, please feel free to contact us using the form.
