Are Small Double Ottoman Beds the Smartest Way to Maximise Space in Tight London Bedrooms?

Yes. A Small Double Ottoman bed is one of the smartest ways to maximise space in tight London bedrooms because it combines a generous 120cm sleeping surface with up to 680 litres of hidden under-bed storage while saving 15cm of width compared to a standard double. By lifting vertically via a gas-lift mechanism, it eliminates the need for side-opening drawers, keeping walkways clear in compact flats, box rooms, and period homes without sacrificing sleeping comfort.

London homes have a reputation for making every centimetre count. From Victorian terraces and converted flats to modern apartments and compact box rooms, bedrooms are often expected to provide sleeping space, clothing storage, and somewhere to keep everything from spare bedding to suitcases.

Combining a 4ft bed with generous hidden storage gives you more sleeping room than a single without taking up the full width of a standard double. Better still, the area underneath the mattress becomes useful storage rather than wasted floor-level space.

A UK small double mattress measures 120cm × 190cm (4ft × 6ft 3in), compared with 90cm × 190cm for a single and 135cm × 190cm for a standard double. For many London bedrooms, that middle ground is exactly what is needed.

What Is a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

A Small Double Ottoman is a 4ft bed (120cm × 190cm) featuring a vertical gas-lift base that raises the mattress platform to reveal a large under-bed storage compartment without taking up extra floor space.

Unlike a traditional bed with empty space beneath it, an ottoman design turns almost the entire bed footprint into a practical storage compartment.

In simple terms, you get:

• 120cm-wide sleeping surface
• 190cm length (the same length as a UK single or standard double)
• Concealed under-bed storage running the length of the frame
• Zero side clearance required (no drawers extending into the room)
• A compact footprint engineered for smaller bedrooms

The result is a bed that effectively performs two jobs: sleeping space and high-capacity storage furniture.

Why Do Small Double Ottoman Beds Work So Well in London Homes?

Small Double Ottoman beds excel in London homes because saving 15cm of mattress width compared to a standard double preserves crucial walkway space while turning dead under-bed space into roughly 570–680 litres of hidden storage.

Fifteen centimetres might not sound dramatic on paper. In a narrow London bedroom, however, it can be the difference between comfortably opening a wardrobe and having to squeeze past the bed.

1. You Gain Sleeping Space Without Committing to a Full Double

A single bed can feel restrictive for an adult. A Small Double gives you an additional 30cm of mattress width compared with a single, while remaining narrower than a conventional double.

That makes it particularly useful for:

• Solo adults
• Teenagers
• Guest bedrooms
• Compact master bedrooms
• Studio flats
• Converted loft rooms
• London rental properties
• Period homes with awkward bedroom layouts

2. You Turn Dead Space Into Storage

An appropriately designed Small Double Ottoman provides valuable storage in bedrooms where you don’t have room for a chest of drawers or storage cabinet. Use the compartment for items you don’t need daily access to:

• Winter duvets and spare pillows
• Extra bedding and towels
• Suitcases and travel bags
• Seasonal clothing and shoes
• Moving boxes and guest bedding

How Does a Small Double Ottoman Compare to a Standard Double Bed?

A Small Double Ottoman (120cm × 190cm) offers the same length as a standard double but is 15cm narrower, making it superior for saving floor space while adding built-in storage. A standard double (135cm × 190cm) provides more sleeping width for couples but requires a larger room footprint.

Bed Size	Mattress Dimensions	Primary Advantage
Single	90 × 190 cm	Maximum floor-space efficiency
Small Double	120 × 190 cm	Excellent balance of comfort and space
Double	135 × 190 cm	More sleeping width for couples
King	150 × 200 cm	Maximum comfort, requires large footprint

Choose a Small Double if:

• A standard double leaves little walking space.
• You sleep alone and want more room than a single.
• Your spare bedroom or box room is compact.
• You live in a studio or one-bedroom flat.

Choose a standard double if:

• Two adults will use the bed regularly every night.
• Your bedroom comfortably accommodates 135cm of mattress width plus clearance.

How Does a Small Double Ottoman Maximise Floor Space Compared to a Divan Bed?

An ottoman bed maximises floor space better than a divan because it opens vertically from the top rather than pulling out from the sides, requiring zero side clearance to access under-bed storage.

When planning a small London bedroom, ask yourself: “How many functions can I get from the space this bed already occupies?” A Small Double Ottoman provides sleeping space and concealed storage within essentially the same footprint.

How Do You Fit a Small Double Ottoman Into a Small Bedroom Layout?

To fit a Small Double Ottoman into a tight room, calculate the full outer frame size rather than just the mattress dimensions, and use masking tape on the floor to verify clearance for doors, wardrobes, and the lift mechanism.

Before ordering, measure:

• Bedroom width and length
• Complete bed frame width and length
• Wardrobe door clearance and bedroom door swing
• Clearance required to lift the ottoman mechanism vertically

Layout Options for Box Rooms & Apartments

• London Box Rooms: Simplify the room by pairing a Small Double Ottoman with a wall-mounted bedside shelf and a tall wardrobe instead of adding floor-standing chests of drawers.
• Flats and Apartments: Compensate for limited closet space by storing seasonal items, luggage, and bedding beneath the bed platform to eliminate clutter.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

1. Exact Outer Dimensions: Always verify complete frame measurements beyond the 120 × 190cm mattress size.
2. Opening Direction: Choose between end-opening (foot of the bed) or side-opening mechanisms based on your room configuration.
3. Gas-Lift Mechanism Quality: Ensure hydraulic struts are rated to handle the combined weight of the mattress and bedding.
4. Headboard Profile: Select a slimline or low-profile headboard so you don’t add unnecessary length to the bed frame.

Is a Small Double Ottoman Bed Comfortable for Two Adults?

A Small Double Ottoman is comfortable for solo sleepers and works well for visiting couples in guest rooms, but its 120cm width is generally too narrow for two adults sharing every night on a permanent basis.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Small Double Ottoman Beds?

Pros

• Superior space efficiency for compact bedrooms
• Noticeably more sleeping room than a single
• Large, continuous hidden storage capacity (570–680L)
• Requires zero side clearance to access under-bed storage
• Helps eliminate room clutter and unnecessary drawers

Cons

• Narrow for two adults on a permanent, nightly basis
• Outer frame dimensions are larger than the 120 × 190cm mattress
• Heavily loaded storage bases require durable gas-strut mechanisms to open easily

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Double Ottoman Beds

What size is a Small Double Ottoman?

A UK Small Double mattress is 120cm wide × 190cm long (4ft × 6ft 3in). Outer bed frame measurements will be slightly larger depending on the frame design.

Is a Small Double the same as a 4ft bed?

Yes. In the UK, a Small Double is commonly referred to as a 4ft bed or a three-quarter bed.

How much can you store in a Small Double Ottoman?

Most standard designs offer approximately 570–680 litres of concealed storage capacity, depending on the internal frame depth.

Does an ottoman bed need clearance space beside it?

No. Because ottoman bases lift vertically, they do not require extra clearance on the sides to open, making them superior to drawer divans in narrow spaces.

Is a Small Double Ottoman Right for Your London Home?

For a tight London bedroom, a Small Double Ottoman is a smart way to make a single piece of furniture perform double duty. By combining a comfortable 4ft sleeping surface with high-capacity under-bed storage, it delivers the ideal compromise between sleeping comfort, storage capacity, and open floor space.