What Is the Length of Twin-Size Beds?

Twin beds, also called single beds, allow for versatility in sleeping arrangements since, pushed together, two twins form a king bed. A single twin bed sleeps a child comfortably, and some twin beds come in extra-long lengths for teens or adults. Knowing a twin bed’s length helps the homeowner plot the room’s floor plan and choose the appropriate linens to dress it.

Types

Twin beds come in regular length and in extra long. Regular-length twin beds require a mattress about 75 inches long and 38 inches wide. An extra-long twin bed is the same width but measures 80 inches long, giving more space to a taller adult or teen. Linens for twin beds come in both standard length and extra long, so check the label for the length before purchasing so that it fits your bed.

Benefits

A single twin bed can give a child an ample area to sleep while allowing plenty of additional space in the bedroom to decorate. Two children can sleep in bunked twins that help save space in the bedroom by utilizing the vertical area in the room. In college dormitories, extra-long twin beds can flank the center of a room allowing space in the middle. As an alternative, create a loft bed in a dorm room with two beds, allowing all of the floor space underneath for storage, working and relaxing.

Two extra-long twin beds, when pushed together, form a bed the same size as a king. This option for a guest room, as opposed to a queen or king bed, allows comfortable sleeping arrangements for both pairs of single visitors and couples who visit.

Considerations

For versatility, buy an extra-long twin if you can once your child graduates from his crib or toddler bed. Although a regular twin bed will fit him fine for a while, an extra-long twin guarantees even greater longevity and a wiser furniture investment. Linens for extra-long twins become more prevalent in stores at back-to-school time when college students look to furnish dorm rooms containing the beds. Later in the fall, clearance sales may help you find bargain sheets and comforters to dress the bed.

Features

Two extra-long twin beds, when pushed together, form a single bed the same size as a king. Bed joiners can help eliminate the seam between the mattresses, and the bed can be made with king-sized linens as needed.

Misconceptions

Although some people perceive twin beds as small, they actually allow more sleeping space than a full or double bed does when two people are in it. A full or double bed only allows as much width per person as a crib mattress when two people sleep together. Although a full-size bed does offer more width than a twin bed for a single sleeper, it’s only 75 inches long. An extra-long twin measuring 80 inches long may be more comfortable for taller single sleepers who don’t toss and turn much horizontally.