Small Double Ottoman Bed UK: The Complete Buying Guide
If your bedroom isn't enormous — and let's be honest, most UK bedrooms aren't — then the small double bed is one of the most practical decisions you can make. Wider than a single, more space-efficient than a standard double, and available in a range of storage configurations that can genuinely transform how a compact room feels and functions.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a small double bed in the UK: what the dimensions actually are, how a small double ottoman compares to other storage options, which styles work best in smaller rooms, and how to pick the right mattress to go with it.
What Is a Small Double Bed?
A small double bed — also called a three-quarter bed or a queen single in some older references — measures 120 cm wide by 190 cm long. That puts it exactly halfway between a standard single (90 cm) and a standard double (135 cm).
In practical terms, a small double is:
- Comfortable for one adult who wants more sleeping space than a single
- Workable for two slim adults in a pinch, though snug
- The ideal choice for a guest room, a teenager's room, or a smaller master bedroom where a full double would dominate the space
The 15 cm difference between a small double and a standard double might not sound like much on paper, but in a room that's 3 metres wide, it's the difference between the bed feeling proportionate and the bed feeling like it fills the entire space.
Small Double vs Double: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question people ask when they're measuring up a smaller bedroom, and the answer genuinely depends on your room dimensions and how you use the space.
Choose a Small Double If:
- Your bedroom is under approximately 3 metres wide
- You sleep alone but want more room than a single offers
- The room doubles as a home office, dressing room, or study
- You're furnishing a guest room that needs to be versatile
- You want space on both sides of the bed to walk comfortably
Choose a Standard Double If:
- Two people will be sleeping in the bed regularly
- Your bedroom is at least 3–3.5 metres wide
- Bedroom space isn't the primary constraint
If you're genuinely on the fence, our complete UK bed sizes guide includes a full room-by-room sizing breakdown to help you decide.
Why a Small Double Ottoman Bed Is the Smartest Choice for Compact Rooms
Here's where it gets interesting. A small double bed already saves you floor space compared to a standard double — but if you pair that with an ottoman storage base, you solve a second problem at the same time: where to put everything.
Small bedrooms rarely have enough wardrobe space, and under-bed storage boxes are awkward, dusty, and hard to access. An ottoman bed solves all of that in one clean unit.
How Ottoman Storage Works
An ottoman bed uses a hydraulic gas lift mechanism built into the base. When you lift the mattress — usually from the foot end or the side — the entire sleeping surface rises smoothly and stays open, revealing a large, completely clear storage space beneath. There are no internal dividers, no drawers to pull out, and no awkward corners to reach around.
In a small double ottoman, that storage space typically holds:
- 2–3 full sets of bedding
- A winter duvet and spare pillows
- Out-of-season clothing
- Towels, blankets, or bulky items that would otherwise sit in a wardrobe
For anyone living in a UK flat, a smaller Victorian terrace, or a room that doubles as both a bedroom and a workspace, that storage capacity is genuinely transformative.
You can browse our full range in the ottoman beds collection, which includes small double, double, king size, and super king options.
Small Double Ottoman vs Small Double Divan: What's the Difference?
Both are solid, upholstered bases designed to maximise storage in a compact bedroom — but they work differently and suit different needs.
| Feature | Small Double Ottoman | Small Double Divan (Drawers) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage access | Full lift-up base | Side or foot drawers |
| Storage volume | Very large — full base depth | Moderate — drawer depth only |
| Best for | Bulky, seasonal items | Everyday clothing and linen |
| Clearance needed | Foot/side space to lift | Side space to open drawers |
| Price | Mid-range to premium | Budget to mid-range |
| Base type | Solid platform top | Platform or sprung |
The key practical consideration: if your small double is positioned against a wall, a side-opening ottoman (which lifts from the foot end) is usually easier to use than a foot-opening model, since it doesn't require space at the bottom. Always check the opening direction before buying.
Our Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed guide covers this in much more detail if you're weighing up both options.
Small Double Bed Styles: Finding the Right Look for a Smaller Room
One of the advantages of shopping for a small double is that you're not short of style options. The size hasn't constrained the design market — quite the opposite. Here are the most popular styles and how they work in compact spaces.
Upholstered Small Double Beds
Upholstered beds — padded in fabric, velvet, or faux leather — are consistently the most popular choice for UK bedrooms, and they work particularly well in smaller rooms because the soft finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making the space feel calmer and less cluttered.
Neutral tones like oatmeal, dove grey, and mink are especially versatile — they photograph well, complement almost any wall colour, and don't date quickly. Our upholstered beds collection includes small double options in a range of fabric finishes.
High Headboard Small Double Beds
A tall or winged headboard on a small double bed creates a strong vertical focal point that draws the eye upward — one of the most effective tricks for making a smaller bedroom feel taller and more spacious. It's also a genuinely elegant look that's become a staple of UK interior design.
If you want a statement piece that makes a compact room feel considered and styled rather than squeezed, a high headboard bed in a small double is one of the most impactful choices you can make.
Ottoman Small Double Beds in Velvet or Boucle
Textured fabrics like crushed velvet, boucle, and chenille have had a sustained moment in UK bedroom design — and they translate beautifully to smaller rooms. A small double ottoman in deep teal, charcoal, or sage green becomes the centrepiece of the room rather than something that just fills space.
If you're drawn to this aesthetic, our storage beds range includes ottoman options in several fabric finishes designed specifically for this kind of bedroom.
What Size Mattress Do You Need for a Small Double Bed?
A small double mattress measures 120 cm × 190 cm — this is a non-standard size compared to a full double (135 × 190 cm), which means you'll need to check you're ordering the correct size when buying separately.
Key points on small double mattresses:
- Don't assume a double mattress will fit — it won't. A standard double is 15 cm wider and will overhang or won't sit correctly in a small double base
- Small double mattresses are widely available — all major UK mattress brands produce them, though stock can be slightly more limited than standard doubles
- Pocket sprung mattresses work well with ottoman bases, as do memory foam and hybrid options — the solid platform top of most ottoman bases is compatible with all three
- Check the weight rating of any ottoman base before selecting a heavier hybrid or latex mattress — most small double ottomans are rated for the mattress weight comfortably, but it's worth verifying
Our complete mattress buying guide will help you narrow down the right type for your sleep style and budget.
How to Make a Small Bedroom Work Around a Small Double Bed
Getting the bed right is only part of the equation. Here are some practical tips for making a small bedroom feel larger and more functional once the bed is in place.
Leave at Least 60 cm on Each Walkable Side
This is the minimum comfortable clearance for moving around a bed. If you have a room that's exactly 3 metres wide and your small double is 120 cm, you have 180 cm of remaining width — that's 90 cm on each side if centred, which is generous. In a room where one side is against a wall, you have a full 180 cm on the open side.
Use Vertical Space
In a room where floor space is limited, tall storage draws the eye up and keeps the floor clear. A high headboard bed naturally contributes to this effect, as does a tall wardrobe positioned on the wall opposite the bed.
Choose a Bed with the Maximum Possible Storage
An ottoman small double gives you the entire under-bed volume as usable storage — typically around 45–55 cm deep across the full footprint of the bed. Used well, this can replace a large chest of drawers entirely, freeing up floor space for other things.
Keep the Colour Palette Calm
Beds in neutral, muted tones — particularly light greys, warm whites, and natural linens — help a smaller room feel airier. Deep, saturated colours like velvet navy or forest green can look stunning but work best when the room has good natural light to balance them.
Avoid Over-Furnishing
A small double with ottoman storage, a single bedside table, and good lighting is often all a compact room needs. Resist the temptation to add a footboard bench, an armchair, or a second chest of drawers — the room will feel fuller and smaller than it needs to.
Small Double Ottoman Beds: What to Look For When Buying
Before you commit to a specific model, here are the practical details worth checking:
Opening mechanism direction. Does the ottoman lift from the foot end, or from the side? Foot-end opening requires clear space at the bottom of the bed. Side-opening is more flexible for rooms where the foot of the bed is close to a wall or wardrobe.
Gas lift strength. Good-quality ottoman bases use hydraulic gas pistons that hold the mattress open without you having to support it manually. Test (or check reviews for) how easily the mechanism operates under the weight of a mattress.
Base construction. Look for a solid timber frame inside the upholstered base — avoid bases where the frame feels hollow or flexes noticeably when you press on the corners. A well-built base will last 10–12 years under normal use.
Fabric and finish. Upholstery options typically include plain fabric, faux leather, crushed velvet, and boucle. All are practical choices; the main practical difference is that faux leather is easier to wipe clean, while fabric and velvet tend to feel warmer in cooler months.
Headboard included or separate? Some small double ottomans come with a matching headboard; others are sold as a base only. If you're buying separately, check the headboard strut fitting is compatible before ordering.
FAQ: Small Double Ottoman Beds UK
What are the dimensions of a small double bed?
A small double bed measures 120 cm wide by 190 cm long. This is 15 cm narrower than a standard double (135 cm) and 30 cm wider than a standard single (90 cm).
Is a small double big enough for two people?
A small double can accommodate two people, but it's a snug fit — particularly for adults. It's most comfortably used as a single sleeper's bed where more space is wanted than a single provides. For two regular sleepers, a standard double or king size is recommended.
What is the difference between a small double ottoman and a regular ottoman bed?
The only difference is the width — a small double ottoman is 120 cm wide versus 135 cm for a standard double ottoman. The storage mechanism, construction, and function are identical. Both use a gas lift base to reveal full under-bed storage.
Can I use a standard double mattress on a small double ottoman base?
No — a standard double mattress (135 × 190 cm) is 15 cm wider than a small double base (120 × 190 cm) and will not fit correctly. Always order a small double mattress (120 × 190 cm) specifically.
How much storage does a small double ottoman provide?
This varies by model, but most small double ottoman bases provide a storage depth of 40–55 cm across the full footprint of the bed. In practical terms, this is enough for several sets of bedding, out-of-season clothing, and bulky items that would otherwise need wardrobe space.
Are small double ottoman beds suitable for children's rooms?
Yes — a small double ottoman is a popular choice for older children and teenagers who need more sleeping space than a single but whose room can't accommodate a full double. The under-bed storage is also particularly useful in children's rooms where toy and clothing storage is always at a premium.
What is the best fabric for a small double ottoman bed?
This is largely a personal preference, but for smaller rooms, lighter fabric tones (oatmeal, grey, stone) tend to keep the space feeling open. Velvet and boucle add a tactile, premium feel and work well in rooms with good lighting. Faux leather is the most practical choice for families or anyone who wants easy-clean upholstery.
Do small double ottoman beds need assembly?
Yes — most small double ottoman bases require some assembly, typically attaching the headboard and fitting the gas lift mechanism. Most UK retailers provide assembly instructions, and the process usually takes 30–60 minutes for two people.
Conclusion
A small double ottoman bed is, for many UK shoppers, the most sensible combination of sleeping comfort, space efficiency, and practical storage available — particularly in bedrooms under 3.5 metres wide where a standard double would feel oversized.
The 120 cm width gives you a genuinely comfortable sleeping surface for one (or a workable surface for two), while the ottoman base quietly solves the storage problem that affects almost every compact bedroom in the country.
Whether you're styling a first flat, a guest room, or a teenager's space, you'll find a range of small double ottoman options — in fabric, velvet, and faux leather, with a variety of headboard styles — in our ottoman beds collection. For a broader look at storage beds across all sizes, our storage beds range and divan bed collection are both worth exploring.
