Making the most of a small bedroom doesn't have to mean compromising on comfort or style. Whether you're furnishing a compact London flat, updating a guest bedroom or simply looking for clever ways to reduce clutter, choosing the right bed can make a significant difference to how your space looks and functions.
One of the simplest ways to maximise bedroom storage is to make better use of the space beneath your mattress. From practical divan beds with built-in drawers to stylish ottoman beds with generous hidden compartments, modern storage beds offer a smart solution for keeping your bedroom organised.
At Fishpools, discover a range of storage beds designed to combine comfort, functionality and style. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of ottoman and divan beds, how to choose the right option and our favourite space-saving ideas for smaller bedrooms.
Why Choose a Storage Bed for a Small Bedroom?
When bedroom space is limited, every piece of furniture needs to work a little harder. Traditional storage solutions such as wardrobes, chests of drawers and blanket boxes can take up valuable floor space, making smaller rooms feel crowded.
Stamford - Ottoman Bed Frame, Freya Vanilla
A storage bed provides a practical alternative by making use of the space directly beneath your mattress.
The benefits of storage beds include:
Maximising available space: Store belongings beneath your bed without adding extra furniture.
Reducing bedroom clutter: Keep spare bedding, seasonal clothing and other essentials neatly organised.
Creating a more spacious feel: Reducing the need for additional storage furniture can help open up your bedroom.
Combining style and practicality: Choose from upholstered designs, contemporary finishes and different storage configurations.
Versatile bedroom solutions: Storage beds can work well in main bedrooms, guest rooms and smaller homes.
For compact bedrooms, particularly in London apartments and modern homes where storage can be limited, an ottoman or divan bed can help create a more organised and relaxing environment.
Ottoman Beds: Hidden Storage Without Compromising on Style
If you're looking to maximise storage without sacrificing floor space, an ottoman storage bed could be the ideal solution.
Regency Hotel Ottoman Bed, Oslo Cream Fabric
Unlike traditional bed frames, ottoman beds feature a lifting mattress platform that reveals a concealed storage compartment beneath. Depending on the design, the base may lift from the foot or side of the bed, allowing access to the space underneath.
This makes ottoman beds particularly useful for storing bulkier items that might otherwise take up valuable wardrobe or cupboard space.
What Can You Store in an Ottoman Bed?
Ottoman beds are ideal for organising belongings that you don't need to access every day, including:
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Spare duvets, pillows and bed linen
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Seasonal clothing and winter blankets
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Extra throws and bedding
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Towels and other household textiles
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Lightweight items that can be stored safely within the bed's specified capacity
With everything neatly concealed beneath the mattress, an ottoman bed helps maintain a clean, uncluttered bedroom aesthetic.
Are Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?
Ottoman beds can be particularly beneficial in smaller bedrooms because they provide substantial hidden storage within the bed's existing footprint.
They can be an excellent option for rooms where there isn't enough space for a large chest of drawers or additional storage furniture.
Sleepeezee Elysium 9000 Divan Bed & Mattress
However, it's important to consider how the bed opens. A side-opening ottoman, for example, requires sufficient access along the opening side, while an end-opening design needs space at the foot of the bed.
Before choosing an ottoman bed, check the external dimensions, lifting mechanism and available clearance to ensure it works comfortably within your bedroom.
Explore the Storage & Ottoman Beds collection at Fishpools.
Divan Beds: Practical Storage for Everyday Living
Another excellent option for smaller bedrooms is a divan bed.
Divan beds typically feature an upholstered base designed to support your mattress, with many models offering integrated storage drawers.
Their streamlined design can make them particularly suitable for compact bedrooms, as they often have a smaller external footprint than decorative bed frames with wider surrounds.
Why Choose a Divan Bed with Storage?
Divan beds offer a combination of practicality, comfort and flexibility.
Depending on the model, you may be able to choose from different drawer configurations, making it easier to find a storage solution that suits your room layout.
For example, a divan with drawers on one side may be more practical if your bed is positioned close to a wall, while a four-drawer design can offer additional organisation where space allows.
Divan drawers can be particularly useful for storing smaller bedroom essentials, such as spare pillowcases, clothing, towels and bed linen.
Are Divan Beds Suitable for Small Bedrooms?
Yes, divan beds can be an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms, particularly when you want a practical sleeping solution with accessible storage.
Their relatively streamlined design can help make the most of available floor space, while integrated drawers provide storage without requiring another piece of furniture.
Wansford Ortho - Divan Bed & Mattress
However, you'll need to allow enough room to open the drawers fully. If your bedroom has limited space beside the bed, an ottoman design may offer a more convenient alternative.
Browse the Divan Beds collection at Fishpools.
Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which Is Better for a Small Bedroom?
Both ottoman and divan beds can help maximise bedroom storage, but the best choice depends on your available space and how you intend to use the storage.
| Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed with Drawers |
|---|---|---|
| Storage type | Large concealed compartment | Integrated storage drawers |
| Best for | Bulkier belongings and seasonal storage | Smaller items and everyday essentials |
| Access | Lift-up mattress platform | Pull-out drawers |
| Space considerations | Requires clearance for the lifting mechanism | Requires floor space to open drawers |
| Design | Wide range of upholstered styles | Streamlined upholstered base |
| Ideal use | Maximising hidden storage | Keeping belongings organised and accessible |
If maximising concealed storage is your priority, an ottoman bed may be the better option.
If you prefer having smaller items organised in separate compartments, a divan bed with drawers could be more practical.
The right choice ultimately depends on your bedroom layout, storage requirements and personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Bed Size for a Small Bedroom
When furnishing a compact bedroom, choosing the correct bed size is just as important as choosing the right storage design.
A bed that is too large can restrict movement and make the room feel crowded, while a carefully chosen size can help create a more balanced and comfortable layout.
UK Bed Size Guide
| Bed size | Standard mattress dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190cm |
| Small Double | 120 × 190cm |
| Double | 135 × 190cm |
| King Size | 150 × 200cm |
| Super King | 180 × 200cm |
Remember that these measurements refer to standard UK mattress sizes. The complete bed frame may be larger, particularly if it features an upholstered surround or statement headboard.
Are Small Double Beds Good for Compact Bedrooms?
A small double bed can be a practical compromise between a single and a standard double bed.
Measuring 120cm wide at the mattress, it provides more sleeping space than a single while taking up less room than a standard double.
Small double storage beds can be particularly useful for compact guest bedrooms, smaller main bedrooms and homes where floor space is limited.
Explore Small Double Beds at Fishpools to compare different styles and storage options.
5 Space-Saving Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Room Feel Bigger
Choosing a storage bed is a great starting point, but a few additional design choices can help your bedroom feel more spacious and organised.
1. Choose Furniture with Built-In Storage
Multifunctional furniture can make a significant difference in a smaller bedroom.
An ottoman or divan bed allows you to store belongings beneath your mattress, potentially reducing the need for additional drawers or storage units.
Consider what you need to store before purchasing furniture so that every piece serves a practical purpose.
2. Keep Your Colour Palette Light and Coordinated
Soft neutrals such as cream, beige, ivory and warm grey can help create a calm and open atmosphere.
An upholstered storage bed in a neutral fabric can provide an elegant foundation for your bedroom, while coordinating bedding and accessories help maintain a cohesive appearance.
Introduce warmth through different textures rather than relying on lots of contrasting colours.
3. Make the Most of Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, consider using the height of your room.
Wall-mounted shelving, taller wardrobes and carefully positioned mirrors can help you make better use of the available space without overcrowding the floor.
Keeping furniture proportions balanced will help maintain a comfortable and practical bedroom layout.
4. Avoid Overcrowding with Furniture
A smaller bedroom doesn't necessarily need lots of individual furniture pieces.
Instead, prioritise essentials such as your bed, wardrobe and bedside storage.
Choosing a bed with integrated storage may allow you to reduce the number of freestanding storage units, helping create a cleaner and more spacious feel.
5. Layer Soft Lighting and Textures
A well-designed small bedroom should feel comfortable and inviting, not simply practical.
Soft lighting, textured bedding, cosy throws and carefully selected accessories can add warmth and character without taking up unnecessary space.
Table lamps or wall-mounted lighting can also help create a relaxing atmosphere while complementing your bedroom furniture.
Storage Bed Ideas for London Flats and Compact Homes
Making the most of bedroom space is particularly important in smaller London homes, flats and apartments, where bedrooms may need to accommodate sleeping, dressing and storage within a limited footprint.
A storage bed can provide a practical solution by reducing reliance on additional furniture while helping keep everyday belongings organised.
For a compact main bedroom, an ottoman bed can offer concealed storage for spare bedding and seasonal items. In a guest bedroom, a divan bed with drawers can provide useful storage without requiring a separate chest of drawers.
Whether you're furnishing a London apartment, a family home in Hertfordshire or a smaller bedroom elsewhere in the UK, choosing furniture that combines comfort with practical storage can help you make better use of your space.
Shop Storage Beds Online at Fishpools
Finding the right storage bed is about creating a bedroom that works for your lifestyle.
At Fishpools, explore a wide range of beds, including stylish ottoman storage beds and practical divan beds, in a selection of sizes, fabrics and finishes.
Based in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, Fishpools helps customers create comfortable, stylish homes, with bedroom furniture available to browse and purchase online.
Compare different designs, storage options and dimensions to find a bed that suits your bedroom, whether you're updating a compact guest room or creating a more organised main bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best storage bed for a small bedroom?
The best storage bed for a small bedroom depends on the available space and your storage requirements. Ottoman beds offer generous concealed storage beneath the mattress, while divan beds with drawers provide practical compartments for organising smaller items. Consider your room layout and how easily you can access the storage before choosing.
Are ottoman beds better than divan beds for storage?
Ottoman beds can provide more continuous storage space than traditional drawer divans, making them useful for larger items such as spare bedding and seasonal clothing. Divan beds with drawers can be more convenient for organising and accessing smaller belongings. The best choice depends on the bed's design and how you plan to use the storage.
Are storage beds worth buying?
Storage beds can be worth buying if you want to maximise bedroom storage without adding extra furniture. They make use of the space beneath your mattress, helping keep belongings organised and reducing clutter. They can be particularly beneficial in smaller bedrooms and homes with limited storage.
What is the difference between an ottoman bed and a divan bed?
The main difference between an ottoman bed and a traditional divan bed is the storage design. Ottoman beds typically feature a lifting mattress platform that reveals concealed storage, while divan beds may incorporate pull-out drawers within an upholstered base. Some divan designs also offer ottoman storage mechanisms.
Are ottoman beds suitable for everyday use?
Yes, ottoman beds are designed to function as everyday beds while providing additional storage. When choosing one, consider the quality of the frame, mattress compatibility and how easily you can operate the lifting mechanism. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and storage weight limits.
Can you get small double beds with storage?
Yes, small double storage beds are available in both ottoman and divan designs. A standard UK small double mattress measures 120 × 190cm, making it a useful option for bedrooms where a standard double may take up too much space.
How much space do you need around a storage bed?
The space required around a storage bed depends on its design and opening mechanism. Divan beds with drawers need sufficient clearance for the drawers to open, while ottoman beds require room to operate the lifting mechanism safely. Always check the complete bed dimensions and recommended clearances before purchasing.
What can you store underneath an ottoman bed?
Ottoman beds can be used to store spare bedding, pillows, seasonal clothing, blankets and other suitable household items. The amount and type of storage available depend on the bed's construction and weight limits. Avoid overloading the compartment and follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations.
Are storage beds good for London flats and apartments?
Storage beds can be particularly useful in London flats and apartments where bedroom space may be limited. Ottoman and divan beds make use of the space beneath the mattress, helping reduce the need for additional storage furniture and keeping smaller rooms organised.
Where can I buy storage beds online?
You can buy storage beds online at Fishpools, including ottoman beds, divan beds with storage and a variety of bedroom furniture. Browse different sizes, fabrics, designs and storage configurations to find a bed that suits your space and requirements.
Create a More Spacious Bedroom with Fishpools
A smaller bedroom doesn't have to limit your interior design possibilities. With the right storage bed, thoughtful furniture choices and a coordinated colour palette, even a compact room can feel comfortable, stylish and beautifully organised.
Whether you prefer the generous concealed storage of an ottoman bed or the everyday convenience of a divan bed with drawers, choosing furniture that works harder for your space can make a lasting difference.
Explore the Beds & Mattresses collection at Fishpools and discover practical storage solutions for your bedroom.