How to Make a Double Bed Feel Like a Queen Bed

Shopping for a new bed? You’ve probably looked at queen beds already. Maybe you like the idea of all that space. Perhaps you’ve been told it’s the 'standard' size for adults. The thing is, though, queen beds aren’t always the best fit. They take up more room and they also cost more.

A double bed, while often overlooked, is still a solid option. It’s a compact size, it fits in most bedrooms without taking over, and it still gives you lots of room to stretch out. Still worried it might feel a bit... small? Don’t stress. There are a few easy ways to make a double bed feel just as royal as a queen.

At Bedpost, we've been doing this sleep stuff for ages. If it’s got springs, slats, or stuffing, we’ve probably sold it. So you're in the right place! In this article, we share some hot tips on how to make a double bed look and feel like something much fancier.

1. Start With the Right Mattress

If you want your bed to feel like a queen, it has to enable you to sleep like one. That starts with the mattress. It's the foundation—literally. To maximise your sleeping space, check the edge support on the double mattresses. Edge support keeps the side of the mattress firm so you can sleep to the edge. This is especially important on a double bed as there is less sleep space than on a queen or king bed.

Go for something that feels plush. Pillow-top mattresses are great. They can be firm enough to support you. But they’ve got that luxuriously soft, sink-in feel. You’ll feel like you’re climbing into something bigger and comfier, even if it’s just a double.

If you're tight on budget, grab a mattress topper for your existing instead. It’ll give you that extra comfort and height without the full cost of a new mattress.

2. Level Up Your Bedding Game

Buy queen-size bedding for your double bed. It hangs over the sides and foot of the bed a bit more, which straight away makes the whole thing look bigger. That extra drape also makes it feel a bit more luxe when you're in it.

Layer it up with a decent duvet and maybe a throw. Also, skip the scratchy sheets. Look for something soft and breathable, like cotton or linen. If it feels good when you touch it, it’ll feel good when you sleep on it.

3. Play With Visual Tricks

You don’t need a massive bed to make a statement. You just need a few clever tricks. For example, a larger headboard. Go for one that’s taller than the bed or a bit wider. You can even mount something to the wall behind the bed. It helps fill the space around the bed and makes it feel like more of a feature, like a queen bed would.

If you can, raise the bed up a bit too. A slightly higher bed looks more substantial. Doesn’t need to be dramatic, even a few extra centimeters helps.

4. Focus on Pillows Like a Pro

Here’s where things really start to feel queen-ish. Stick with two standard pillows at the back, then add two or three cushions in front. Go for ones that are slightly oversized or square if you want to bulk it up a bit.

The goal’s not to build a pillow mountain. You just want enough to make the bed feel full and inviting. Think hotel bed, not couch fort. Choosing the right colours and textures here helps too. Soft neutrals, natural fabrics, a bit of contrast... anything that makes you want to dive in.

5. Declutter Around the Bed

You want the bed to feel like the main event. So keep the space around it clear. Try to avoid clutter, piles of laundry, and random cords everywhere. If you’re short on room, wall-mounted lights or floating shelves can save a lot of floor space and make everything feel a bit more put-together.

A tidy setup helps your bed look more balanced, like it actually belongs there, not like it got shoved in at the last minute.

6. Think Like a Designer

You can dress a bed up all you like, but if the rest of the room feels flat, it won’t hit the same. This is where mood comes in. Add some soft lighting. Try to move away from the big overhead light blasting down on you. Use warm bulbs, fairy lights, or a small lamp with a low glow.

Add a candle, a good smelling diffuser, and maybe even a little speaker for background music. Doing this helps create the kind of space you actually want to fall asleep in. You don’t need a massive bed to feel like you’re living large. You just need the right vibe.

Looking for A Quality Double Bed in New Zealand?

As you can see, you don’t need a giant bed to get a great night’s sleep. With the right setup, a double bed can still feel spacious, comfortable… and even a little bit fancy.

It’s a compact size, so it's the perfect bed for smaller rooms, apartments, or anyone who just doesn’t want their bed swallowing the whole space. And the bonus? It won’t evaporate your budget like a queen bed or king bed might.

Keen to make a double bed work for your space? We’ve got heaps of great double bed options at Bedpost, from supportive double bed mattresses to solid double bed bases and bed frames.

You can shop online or pop into one of our stores to try them out in person. Either way, we’ll help you find a bed that fits your life, not just your room.