Watching a film from bed is one of life's small luxuries. The trouble is that a wallmounted screen can look awkward, and a TV on a chest of drawers eats into floor space. A double tv bed solves both problems by building the television into the bed itself. This guide explains how these beds work, which sizes suit which rooms, and what to check before you spend your money.

What is a double TV bed?

A double TV bed is a bed frame with a television hidden inside the footboard or base. At the press of a remote, the screen rises into view, and when you have finished watching, it lowers out of sight. Most are upholstered, so the frame doubles as a soft, padded headboard and base. In the UK, a "double" bed takes a 135 cm x 190 cm mattress. Many shoppers also search for "tv bed double", "double tv beds uk" or "tv bed frame" when they mean the same product.

How does a bed with a TV actually work?

Inside the footboard sits a motorised lift. The mechanism raises a screen from a hidden compartment, and a remote control operates it. Some designs lift the TV up from the base. Others tilt it forward from the footboard itself. Because the TV is concealed when it is not in use, the room looks like an ordinary bedroom. That is the main reason people choose an upholstered tv bed over a standard frame with a separate television stand. The mechanism is simple to use, but the quality of the motor matters. A smooth, quiet lift is a better sign of a wellmade frame than any marketing claim. Look for a reliable motor, a sturdy steel or hardwood internal frame, and a cable route that keeps wiring tidy. If a bed lifts the screen unevenly or makes a grinding noise during the demonstration, walk away.

Why UK homes suit the TV bed

British bedrooms are often small. Terraced houses, newbuild flats and converted lofts rarely have space for a bed, a wardrobe and a TV unit. A bed with tv removes the need for a separate unit, which frees up wall and floor space. It also helps in rented homes, where drilling a TV bracket into the wall may not be allowed. Brands that build in the UK can also offer shorter lead times and easier aftersales support. Style Beds makes its upholstered frames in Yorkshire, and its listings include free UK delivery, a 3year warranty and a 30night trial. These details matter, because a TV bed is a bigger purchase than a standard frame and you want to know someone will answer the phone if the lift stops working.

Double TV bed sizes explained

Before you choose a style, you need the right size. UK mattress sizes are standardised, but frames are always larger than the mattress they hold. A TV bed frame is larger still, because the footboard has to house the screen and the lift. Measure your room carefully, allowing for the frame's overall footprint and at least 60 cm of walking space on each side if you can manage it.

The double is the size most people mean when they search for a tv bed double. It sleeps two adults, though they will have less room than in a king. It also suits a main bedroom of around 3 m x 3 m, where a king frame plus a TV lift footboard might feel cramped.

Upholstery why fabric matters

An upholstered tv bed frame is wrapped in fabric over padding, which makes the headboard comfortable to lean on. It also softens the look of the footboard, where the lift cabinet sits. Fabric choice affects looks, durability and cleaning, so think about how you will use the bed. Velvet feels luxurious but can show marks. Lineneffect and chenille weaves hide wear better. Plush and bouclé textures look warm but may catch pet claws. 

Style Beds offers a range of fabrics and colours on its TV beds, and you can compare them on its fabric guide before you order. If you are unsure, ask for swatches.  Colours look different on screen than in daylight, and a swatch tells you far more about texture than a photograph can. The Elliott Bed is a good starting point if you want a premium upholstered frame from the TV bed range. At the time of writing it is listed at £949.99, reduced from £1,099.99. Check the product page for the sizes and finishes currently available.

What size TV can a double TV bed hold?

Most TV bed lifts take screens from around 32 to 43 inches. The right size depends on how far you sit from the screen. A common rule of thumb for HD and 4K viewing is to sit between 1.5 and 2.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement away. In a bedroom, where you may be 2 to 2.5 m from the footboard, a 32 or 40inch screen is usually enough. Check whether the TV is supplied with the bed or whether you need to buy your own. If you supply it, measure its depth, as a very deep or curved screen may not fit the lift. Also check that your TV's weight is within the lift's limit. The Evie Sleeping Bed is one of several models in the Style TV Beds range, so confirm its compatible screen sizes on the product page before ordering.

Cost what should you expect to pay?

TV beds cost more than standard frames because of the motor, the lift and the reinforced footboard. In the Style Beds TV range, current listed prices run from £849.99 to £949.99 on sale at the time of writing. Cheaper imports exist online, but they often use thinner timber and weaker motors, which can lead to repair bills.Think about the whole cost, including a mattress and the TV. A TV bed does not include a mattress, and a good one is a separate decision. If you want to pair your frame with a mattress that suits your sleeping position, browse the options before you finalise the order. Value is also about the warranty, so a 3year guarantee is a more reassuring sign than a vague promise. The Ellis Rest Bed is listed at £849.99, down from £999.99, which makes it one of the more affordable entries in the range. It is worth a look if your budget is firm.

Safety and comfort what to check

Any bed with a motor needs sensible safety features. Look for an antitrap design so that fingers or cables cannot be caught as the screen lowers. Check that the remote is easy to use in the dark, and that the lift has a stop function if something blocks it. Keep cables tidy and make sure the power lead reaches a socket without crossing a walkway.

Comfort also matters. Watching TV in bed is relaxing, but sleep experts often advise avoiding screens close to bedtime because the light and content can keep you alert. NHS guidance says most adults need around six to nine hours of sleep a night, so use the TV for winding down early in the evening rather than late at night. The Dickens Sleeper is a comfortable frame to consider if you like to sit up and read or watch for a while before lights out.

Delivery, assembly and trial

TV beds are heavy. A double frame with a lift may arrive in several boxes, and you will usually need two people to carry and assemble it. Ask whether assembly is included, and check whether the delivery crew can carry the parts upstairs. Measure doorways, stairwells and landings in advance, particularly in older UK properties with narrow staircases.

A trial period also helps. A 30night trial gives you time to decide whether the frame suits your room and sleeping habits. That is particularly useful with a new type of bed, because you will not know whether you enjoy using a TV bed until you have lived with one for a few weeks. The Byron Lounger is listed at £849.99 and is another model to compare during your trial research.

How to choose a short checklist

Before you buy, run through these questions Does the frame fit your room with walking space on both sides? Is the double size right for how you sleep? Does the frame include storage, and do you need it? Will your TV fit the lift, or is one supplied? Does the fabric suit your lifestyle? Is there a warranty and a trial period? If you can answer yes to all of these, you are close to a confident purchase. The Atwood Premium Bed rounds out the current TV bed range at £849.99. If you have narrowed your list to two or three frames, compare their product pages for dimensions, finishes and delivery details, then choose the one that fits your room best.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is a double TV bed?

A double TV bed is a bed frame with a motorised lift that hides a television inside the footboard or base. It is built for a 135 cm x 190 cm UK double mattress.

Is a double TV bed big enough for a couple?

Yes, many couples use a double, but each person gets about 67.5 cm of width. If you want more room, consider a king size TV bed.

Can I use my own TV in a TV bed?

In many cases, yes. Check the lift's maximum screen size, depth and weight limit on the product page before you order.

Do TV beds come with storage?

Some do Look for tv beds with storage, such as ottomanstyle bases, and read the product description to confirm what each frame includes.