A family bed is rarely a decision for life. It comes about when a child comes to visit at night more often or when a new sibling arrives – and it dissolves again when the children want their own room. That’s why it’s worth investing in a family bed that adapts to exactly those changes.
The simplest solution: two single beds that are firmly connected to each other. This creates a large sleeping surface without the need to purchase a giant bed that no one will need later on.
How large should a family bed be?
As a rule of thumb: about 80 to 90 centimeters per adult and 60 to 70 centimeters per child. A width of 240 centimeters is a good starting point for two adults and one child, while 280 centimeters or more is better for two children.
| Who is sleeping in the bed? | Recommended width | Example combination |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child | approx. 240 cm | 140 cm + 100 cm |
| 2 adults + 2 children | approx. 280–300 cm | 140 cm + 140 cm or 160 cm + 140 cm |
| 2 adults + 3 children | approx. 320 cm and more | 160 cm + 160 cm or 180 cm + 140 cm |
The room is more important than the exact number: there should be enough space left around the bed to get up comfortably and make the bed.
Two beds or one large one?
A continuous, oversized bed is expensive, difficult to transport, and often no longer fits after the next move. Two connected beds have clear advantages:
- Flexible: Later on, they can be turned back into two independent beds – for example, one for the master bedroom and one for the children's room.
- Standard mattresses: Each bed uses a standard mattress instead of an expensive custom size.
- Easier to move: Two beds fit through any stairwell.
What matters when connecting them
Simply placing two beds side by side is not enough: without a firm connection, they slide apart, creating a gap where arms, legs, or stuffed animals can slip through. Three points are important:
- Same height: Both sleeping surfaces must be at the same level – including both the bed frame and the mattress.
- Firm connection: The beds should be connected so that they do not detach from each other even with movement.
- No gap: If the mattresses are placed right next to each other, a mattress wedge (also known as a "love bed bridge") will close the final seam.
How to turn two plug-in beds into a family bed
Our fir plug-in bed is designed from the start to grow with your family. With the family bed extension, two plug-in beds placed side-by-side turn into a continuous sleeping surface:
- The extension consists of two couplings. A coupling works like a support bracket but engages with the runners of both beds at the same time.
- Both beds must be the same height. The couplings are available to fit all three height levels.
- All widths from 90 to 200 centimeters can be combined.
Because the plug-in bed requires no screws, glue, or metal, the connection is just as easy to undo. The family bed can then become two beds again – and if a bed should be narrower or wider later on, there are specific conversion kits available for that.
Sleeping low with children
Many families consciously choose a low bed: children can climb in and out by themselves, and falling out of bed is less dramatic. The plug-in bed comes in three heights – from a floor-level bed to a classic height. You can read more about this in our article on the floor bed for adults.
There are specific recommendations for safe sleeping for babies in their first year of life. It is best to discuss this with your midwife or pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a family bed be?
About 240 centimeters is a good guideline for two adults and one child, and about 280 centimeters or more for two children.
Can I connect two beds of different widths?
Yes. With the plug-in bed, all widths can be combined. The only important thing is that both beds have the same height.
Can the beds be separated again later?
Yes. The connection is a plug-in system and can be detached without tools. You then have two independent beds available again.
Which mattresses are suitable for a family bed?
Two standard mattresses of the same height and similar firmness. A mattress wedge closes the gap in the middle.
Learn more: Family bed extension · Fir plug-in bed
