No longer for kids: Twin beds make a comeback for grown-ups

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Not since the days of "I Love Lucy" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" have twin beds gotten so much attention from grown-ups.

Whether it's because baby boomers are downsizing or people simply want to maximize their space for house guests, twin beds aren't just for kids anymore.

Once a favorite of TV censors, the twin bed has worked its way back into the limelight as more manufacturers decide that two beds are sometimes better than one. They're showing up not only in the youth furniture segment of the market but also as alternatives to queens or kings in the master bedroom.

Twin beds have several advantages over their larger counterparts, one being their ability to accommodate romantics and non-romantics alike simply by pushing them together or pulling them apart. They offer incompatible sleepers their own space while still allowing for company in the room. Sleeping apart but together also cuts down on sleep interruptions from a partner's tossing and turning.

"We are seeing a lot more people using twin beds because it allows grandchildren, family and friends to utilize one bedroom," said Adam Tilley, senior vice president of marketing for A.R.T. Furniture.

Kenian Furniture, a company known for its rattan and bamboo furniture, featured its Jardin twin headboard in a deep blue with rattan and leather bindings at the Fall High Point Market.

"Twins are our most popular headboards," said the company's president, Clell Smith.

David Francis was another company showcasing rattan and hardwood twin beds. Chippendale, Palm Springs and Chesapeake are some of the headboard patterns available, and the rattan beds with leather wraps come in a range of colors.

Hooker Furniture's Sandcastle is a wood-paneled twin bed in creamy white that can be dressed up or down to suit your decor.

"Homes only have so much space, and twin beds make it possible for you to be able to open your home to more people who otherwise may not be comfortable sharing a bed together," Tilley said.

A.R.T. Furniture's Pavilion bed features an upholstered headboard topped by a metal quatrefoil in an antique brass finish. Mr. Brown London exudes sophistication with its Belmont, a velvet-upholstered headboard on white rustic pine. It also comes in gray.

Vanguard's fully upholstered Hillary beds from its Make It Yours, Sleep on It collection come in almost endless fabric choices, so you really can make it your own.

He noted that consumers are often willing to spend more to get higher quality, matching custom headboards.

Decidedly more youthful is Standard Furniture's Playhouse canopy bed from the Magnolia Home Collection made popular by Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV's popular show "Fixer Upper." The bed comes in white and medium wood finishes.

Universal Furniture's twin beds are sold through its Smartstuff brand.

"A change of linens takes them from fun and youthful to sophisticated and mature," said Jeff Scheffer, the company's CEO. "They also work well in second homes, where there is often a bunk room with three or more twin beds for extra guests."