There’s no reason to sacrifice luxury when dealing with small rooms. If you’re sick of constantly knocking over chairs or tripping over messes, then the answer could lie beneath your bed. The introduction of Ottoman beds has transformed the way we think about floor space, converting unused area into useful storage.
With so many types of ottoman beds available, how do you find the best ottoman beds for small bedrooms? This article will cover all the ins and outs of gas lifts, materials, and more.
Table of contents
- 1. Why Ottoman Beds Are Perfect for Small Bedrooms
- 2. What to Look For in the Best Ottoman Bed for a Small Room
- 3. Ottoman Bed vs Divan: Which One Saves More Space?
- 4. Best Fabric Choices for Small Bedroom Ottoman Beds
- 5. How to Measure for an Ottoman Bed in a Tiny Bedroom
- 6. Storage Capacity: How Much Fits Inside?
- 7. Top 3 Ottoman Bed Styles for Small Bedrooms
- 8. Installation and Delivery Tips for Small Bedrooms
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Ottoman Beds Are Perfect for Small Bedrooms
Traditional bed frames use up all the space underneath them. Drawers are useful but utilise only the sides. The Ottoman bed storage system raises the entire bed platform, creating a spacious area beneath the bed.
These features make the ottoman bed an excellent choice for smaller rooms. Rather than cramming them in a drawer, chest, or wardrobe, you can store bedding, out-of-season clothing, shoes, and even luggage in the bed frame itself.
The advantages of this design include:
- Full-floor accessibility – Nothing obstructs the space underneath the bed.
- Easy storage – One lift accesses everything.
- Cleaner appearance – No cluttering of storage containers or drawers visible.
If anyone wonders, “Is an ottoman bed suitable for small spaces?” the answer is a definite yes.
2. What to Look For in the Best Ottoman Bed for a Small Room
Not all Ottoman beds are created equal. What you need to look for in a smaller room.
Gas Lift Mechanism
The lift mechanism is based on hydraulics, which allows easy lifting of the mattress platform. The use of good-quality gas pistons makes lifting possible even by using only one finger, regardless of whether there is a mattress sitting on top.
Low-Profile Side Panels
It will help keep your bed lightweight. Thick and bulky rails tend to make a room look crowded and small. Choose slender rails that hug the mattress closely.
Fabric Upholstery Over Wood
If you have a small bedroom, sharp angles may be dangerous. Opt for soft and cosy fabric ottoman beds instead of wooden beds to ensure safety. In addition, fabrics such as velvet or linen help to dampen noise, which is beneficial if your room is small and noisy.
Split Base for Delivery
Delivery is a headache in a small house with narrow passages. It’s best to buy the most functional and convenient storage bed for a small bedroom. That means the frame is delivered in half and assembled later.
Mattress Retainer Bar
This item keeps your mattress from sliding out of position during assembly.
3. Ottoman Bed vs Divan: Which One Saves More Space?
Questions come up frequently, like:“ Bed Ottoman vs Divan – Which one’s better?”
With divan beds having drawers, you have to be able to open the drawers on either side, but if there is no clear space in front of the divan bed, 50% of its storage capacity will not be accessible.
The Ottoman bed opens up from the bottom end of the bed, giving access to the total storage irrespective of the room configuration being three-sided against the wall.
Ottoman wins again!
As compared to traditional beds, where none of the under-bed space is used, with the ottoman bed, you get an additional space of up to 30%.
4. Best Fabric Choices for Small Bedroom Ottoman Beds
Not only does fabric impact aesthetics, but it also affects how spacious the room appears.
Light Colours (Oat, Ivory, Pale Grey)
These fabrics reflect light, making the wall appear further away. An ottoman bed upholstered in light tones will add to the spaciousness of a tiny bedroom.
Velvet (Dusty Pink, Sage, Navy)
Ironically, velvet fabric is excellent for a compact bedroom because of the texture rather than the pattern. A storage bed upholstered with velvet material looks opulent and stylish.
Linen-Look Woven Fabrics
This fabric is casual and breathable. This means it’s best for an elegant and uncluttered look as well as disguising any damage.
What to Avoid
Patterned and heavy material, dark-coloured fabric in a windowless bedroom, shiny and synthetic fabric.
5. How to Measure for an Ottoman Bed in a Tiny Bedroom
Always take your measurements before making any purchases. Below is your guide to buying an ottoman bed for your small bedroom.
Step 1: Floor space – The height and width of the bed space. Note that the ottoman needs clearance at the foot to allow lifting. Standard beds will need 30-40cm of clearance space at the foot.
Step 2: Size of mattress – The best sizes are either single (3’0″), small double (4’0″), or even standard double (4’6″), depending on the room’s dimensions. A single bed would be suitable for a child or a guest bedroom.
Step 3: Height of ceiling – When the bed is lifted, the mattress rises vertically upwards. A low ceiling (under 2.2m) might need a lower ottoman bed.
Step 4: Doorways and stairs – Measure the width of your hallway, doors, and staircases to ensure you get a bed with a split base design that fits well.
Step 5: Side clearance – Space left to open wardrobe doors and walk past your bed. Consider buying an ottoman bed with a small footbed design.
6. Storage Capacity: How Much Fits Inside?
A frequently asked question: “What is the capacity of an ottoman bed?”
An average double ottoman bed has about the same capacity as two big suitcases – around 250-300 litres. This includes space for:
- 4-6 winter quilts
- 10-15 pillows
- Out-of-season clothes (two big vacuum packs)
- A suitcase
- Shoe boxes
- Christmas decor or additional quilts
As for the smaller size of the ottoman bed, there will be a little bit of a smaller space, but still more compared to having a standard bed.
The gas lift system provides full access to your belongings without having to reach through the opening of a drawer.
7. Top 3 Ottoman Bed Styles for Small Bedrooms
1. Small Double Ottoman Bed (4’0″)
A great choice for an individual adult or for couples preferring snug accommodation. Works well in places where a full-size double bed would hinder access to the wardrobe. Many flats in the UK prefer small doubles.
2. Single Ottoman Bed (3’0″)
Good option for kids’ rooms, spare bedrooms used as offices, or small, box-shaped rooms. An Ottoman single bed will allow you to forego a chest of drawers.
3. Low Profile Ottoman Bed
Built specifically for attics and rooms with sloped ceilings. Side rails are only 20-25 cm tall – the bed won’t overwhelm the room. The full storage function remains intact.
8. Installation and Delivery Tips for Small Bedrooms
Transporting a huge bed into a small room is not easy. Below are some tips for a successful installation.
- Opt for split-base delivery – Transporting two smaller boxes is easier than moving a bulky frame.
- Empty the room – Remove all furniture in preparation for installation.
- Check the hallway width – Most gas-lift ottoman beds require 70 cm of hallway space.
- Install the bed in the room – Do not attempt to assemble the bed outside and then carry it inside.
Final Thoughts
It’s not about the bigger bed – it’s about better use of space. Ottoman beds for compact bedrooms offer luxurious seating that doubles as extra storage, allowing you to get rid of separate dressers, under-bed storage units, and even crowded wardrobes.
Think of the morning routine in an organised, uncluttered room. Think of raising your bed with just one finger to access an orderly storage compartment. That is the benefit of owning an upholstered ottoman bed.
Whether you opt for a compact double ottoman bed for your urban apartment or a low-profile ottoman bed for your attic conversion project, you will be making a sound decision regarding space utilisation and peace of mind.
Looking to organise your bedroom? Visit our collection of carefully crafted ottoman beds – manufactured in the UK and delivered right to your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes – a clearance of about 30 to 40 cm from the base of the bed is required for the entire mattress platform to rise.
Yes – slightly – because the bed comes with a gas lift system and a sturdier frame. However, no additional costs will be incurred for buying other types of furniture to store items.
Yes – high-quality gas systems have thousands of cycles.
