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In a small bedroom the bed occupies more floor area than everything else combined, so it is the only piece of furniture where a storage upgrade meaningfully changes the room. A double ottoman base holds around 370 litres — roughly a four-drawer chest — without adding a single centimetre to the footprint.
Work out what actually fits
Leave at least 70cm of clear floor on any side you walk down, and 60cm at the foot if you choose an end-lift ottoman.
| Room size | Largest comfortable bed |
|---|---|
| Under 3m x 2.5m | Single (3ft) or Small Double (4ft) |
| Around 3m x 3m | Standard Double (4ft6) |
| Around 3.5m x 3m | King (5ft) |
| 4m x 3.5m or larger | Super King (6ft) |
Choose the right lift direction
- End-lift — opens toward the foot of the bed. Needs about 60cm clear at the end. Best when the bed sits with its head against a wall and open floor beyond.
- Side-lift — opens along one side. Best in narrow rooms, or where the foot of the bed faces a wardrobe or radiator.
Getting this wrong is the most common mistake in a small room — an end-lift bed in a room with a wardrobe at the foot simply will not open.
Other space-saving moves
- Choose a small double over a double — 15cm narrower, and often the difference between a door that opens fully and one that does not.
- Use a low-profile headboard — tall headboards make a small room feel shorter, particularly under a sloped ceiling.
- Drop the bedside tables — wall-mounted shelves free the floor and let the bed sit closer to the corner.
- Store seasonally — keep the ottoman cavity for off-season clothing and spare bedding, and keep daily items accessible elsewhere.
For more detail, see side lift vs end lift ottoman beds, small double vs double, where to put the bed and what height headboard you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bed for a small bedroom?
A small double or double ottoman bed with a side-lift base. It gives full-size sleeping space with maximum storage and does not need clearance at the foot.
How much storage does an ottoman bed hold?
Roughly 250 litres in a single, 370 litres in a double, and 520 litres in a super king — enough for spare duvets, pillows and seasonal clothing.
Can I put an ottoman bed in a room with a sloped ceiling?
Yes, but measure the height above the base. The mattress lifts upward through an arc, so you need clear headroom above the bed as it opens.
Is a small double big enough for two people?
At 120cm wide it gives each person 60cm, which is tight for regular use. It suits one adult or occasional guests.
