Best Single & Small Double Ottoman Beds UK: Sizes & Storage

Last updated: August 2026

A single ottoman bed is 3ft (90cm x 190cm) and a small double is 4ft (120cm x 190cm). Both lift on gas struts to reveal a storage well running the full footprint of the base — 1.71 m² for a single and 2.28 m² for a small double — which is far more usable space than drawer storage in the same footprint.

Single and small double dimensions

Note how close a small double is to a full double — only about 11% less storage area for 15cm less width, which is why it works so well in rooms where a double is just slightly too wide.

Which should you choose?

• Single (3ft) — children's rooms, box rooms and single guest rooms where floor space is the priority
• Small double (4ft) — a solo sleeper who wants more room, a teenager's room, or a guest room that occasionally sleeps two

For a fuller comparison see our small double sizes guide.

Do smaller ottoman beds still have useful storage?

Yes — because the entire base lifts, even a single gives 1.71 m² of well, typically enough for a duvet set, off-season clothing or a child's toys. That is the key advantage over drawer beds, where the drawers only occupy part of the underbed space and can't be opened if the bed is pushed against a wall.

Strut ratings on smaller frames

Smaller frames use lower-rated struts because the mattress is lighter. This creates a specific pitfall: pairing a very light single mattress with struts rated for a heavier one means the base won't stay closed. If a new small frame keeps springing open, that is usually the cause — see newly assembled ottoman bed won't close.

Room and clearance

Allow around 70cm of walking space on the sides you need to access. In a box room, an end-lift frame is usually the better choice, since it can sit between walls and still open. Check vertical clearance too — the base lifts to near-vertical, so nothing can sit in its arc.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a UK single bed?

90cm x 190cm (3ft x 6ft3). A small single is 75cm wide; a small double is 120cm wide.

Is a small double big enough for two people?

It can work for two at a squeeze, but at 120cm it gives each person 60cm of width. Most couples prefer a double (135cm) or king (150cm).

Are single ottoman beds suitable for children?

Yes, and the storage is genuinely useful for toys and bedding. As with any ottoman bed, children shouldn't operate the lift mechanism unsupervised — see are ottoman beds safe.

How much storage does a single ottoman bed have?

About 1.71 m² — the full footprint of the base, which is more than most people expect from the smallest size.

Related reading

Read our single ottoman beds guide, ottoman beds for small rooms and what makes a good ottoman bed. Browse single or small double ottoman beds.