Legend Beds is a UK retailer of upholstered fabric, ottoman and divan beds. This collection covers upholstered children's beds with ottoman storage.

Choosing a children's bed by stage

The right bed depends less on age in years than on how much the child still moves in their sleep and how confidently they climb.

A small double gives an older child more room and lasts longer, but check the floor plan first — at 120cm wide it takes considerably more of a small bedroom than a 90cm single.

Ottoman storage in a child's room

An ottoman kids bed lifts the whole mattress platform on gas struts, turning the space under the bed into one large storage cavity. In a small bedroom this often replaces a toy box or a chest of drawers entirely.

The lift is designed to be operated by an adult, not a child. Gas struts hold the platform open under tension, and a child should not open or close the base unsupervised. Keep the storage for bedding, off-season clothes and bulky toys rather than for things the child needs to reach daily.

Fabric, safety and cleaning

Children's beds take more spills and marks than adult beds. Darker and mid-tone fabrics hide everyday marks far better than cream.

All upholstered beds sold in the UK must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. Ask for the fire label details if you cannot find them on the product page.

Blot spills rather than rubbing. Vacuum upholstery with a soft brush attachment rather than a beater bar. Re-tighten frame fixings periodically, as any bed frame loosens with use.

Before you order

• Measure the room, then the doorway and stairwell the frame must pass through.
• Leave clear floor space for the ottoman lid to open fully.
• Confirm the mattress depth the frame is designed for.
• Check the finished bed height suits a child getting in and out unaided.

Questions before you choose

What size is a UK single bed? A single is 3FT, 90cm x 190cm. A small double is 4FT, 120cm x 190cm.

Is an ottoman bed safe for a child's room? Yes, provided the lift is operated by an adult. Choose drawers instead if the child needs to access the storage themselves.

When can a child move to a full-size single? Most children move from a cot between two and three and a half, once they are climbing out of the cot reliably.

Should I buy a single or a small double? Buy a single if floor space is tight. Buy a small double if the room allows it and you want the bed to last into the teenage years.

Legend Beds is a UK retailer and prices include VAT.