Ottoman Bed Double: Size, Storage and Room Fit Guide

An ottoman bed double has a 4ft6 (135cm x 190cm) mattress and a lift-up base that opens to reveal storage the full size of the mattress. The frame is a little larger than the mattress, so you need room to open the base as well as fit the bed. Measure the space first, then choose the opening style.

What is a double ottoman bed and who does it suit?

An ottoman bed is a bed frame where the whole base lifts up to reveal a storage space underneath. There are no drawers to pull out, so you do not need clear floor space to the side for drawer runners. The base usually lifts with gas-lift pistons, which hold it open while you reach inside.

A double suits many people:

• Couples in smaller rooms who want storage without adding a wardrobe or chest of drawers.
• Single sleepers who like the extra width of a 4ft6 bed.
• Spare rooms where bulky bedding, towels and guest linens need a home.
• Renters who want a bed that stores things without needing wall fixings.

If you are still deciding between storage styles, our divan bed vs ottoman bed comparison explains the trade-offs. You can also see the full range in our Ottoman Beds category.

What are the standard UK double bed dimensions?

In the UK, a double mattress is 4ft6, which is about 135cm wide by 190cm long. That is the number that sits behind every ottoman bed frame double listing. The frame is larger than the mattress because it has side rails, a headboard and a footboard or end panel.

Frame sizes vary from one design to the next. A padded headboard, a tall footboard or thick side panels will all add to the footprint. Always use the overall dimensions on the product page, not the mattress size, when you plan your room.

For a wider look at sizes, see our bed size guide. If you want more room to stretch out, it also helps you compare a double with a king size.

How much space do you need around a double ottoman bed?

You need space for two things: the bed itself and the movement of the base. A lot of people only measure the first. Start with a simple floor plan.

1. Measure the room. Note the width and length, plus the position of the door, window and radiator.
2. Mark the frame footprint. Use masking tape on the floor, based on the frame’s overall dimensions.
3. Check door swing. Make sure the bedroom door and any wardrobe doors can open fully without hitting the bed.
4. Leave walking space. Aim for around 50cm on any side you will walk along, more if you can spare it.
5. Allow for lifting. Check there is room for the base to rise and hold open, and for you to stand beside it.

Remember that the bed is taller when open. A sloping ceiling, a low shelf or a window sill directly above the headboard can block a lifted base. If the bed sits under a window, check that the open base will not hit the glass or curtain rail.

Also think about access to the storage. If one side of the bed is pushed against a wall, a side-opening base will not be easy to use from that side.

Gas-lift side-opening vs end-opening: which is better in a double?

A gas lift is a piston that holds the base up for you, so you do not have to prop it open. On a double ottoman bed, the base either lifts from the side or from the foot end.

If your double bed sits in an alcove or has a wall on both sides, end-opening is usually the easier choice. If there is open floor on one side and a radiator or wardrobe at the foot, side-opening is likely to work better. Check the product page for the opening type before you buy.

How much storage does a double ottoman bed give you?

The storage space under a double ottoman bed is roughly the full size of the mattress, which makes it much deeper and wider than most under-bed drawers. That suits bulky items you do not need every day. Think spare duvets, pillows, winter coats, suitcases and seasonal clothes.

Some frames have a single open space, while others split it with a divider. The exact capacity varies by design, so check the product listing. For specific ideas, take a look at our guide on what fits in an ottoman bed.

A few practical storage tips:

• Use vacuum bags for bedding and winter clothes to fit more in.
• Keep heavy items near the foot or edge so the base is easier to lift.
• Use boxes or fabric organisers for smaller items.
• Keep things you need daily elsewhere, as reaching in means lifting the mattress and base.

Which frame, base and mattress work together?

An ottoman bed frame double is built to take a standard 4ft6 mattress. The base is the lid that lifts, and the mattress sits on top of it. That base is often a solid platform or slatted panel, so check which one it is, because it affects how breathable and firm the bed feels.

If you want a matching mattress, take a look at our Mattresses range. Here is how common types work with an ottoman base:

• Pocket sprung: springs sit in individual fabric pockets, so it responds to your weight in different spots.
• Memory foam: moulds to your shape and suits those who like a softer, contouring feel.
• Hybrid: combines springs with foam layers for a balance of support and comfort.

Mattress thickness matters. A very deep mattress adds weight, which the gas lifts need to carry, and it makes the bed sit higher. Check the maximum mattress depth in the frame’s details. In the UK, mattresses should carry a fire safety label, and this guide to BS 7177 labels explains what to look for.

Colour is a style choice rather than a fit one. An ottoman bed grey double is popular because the fabric works with many wall colours and bedding. If you are weighing finishes, our ottoman bed buying guide covers fabric and style choices for small bedrooms.

Will a double ottoman bed fit through your doors and stairs?

Ottoman beds are heavy and bulky, so access matters as much as room size. Many are delivered in several parts, which makes it easier to get them upstairs, but the pieces can still be large and awkward. Check the package sizes and weights on the product page.

Before ordering, measure:

• The front door and any internal doors on the way to the bedroom.
• Stair width, the turn at the top and any low ceilings or beams.
• The landing, in case a long box has to pivot around a corner.
• The bedroom itself, so there is room to build the bed.

Plan to have a second person for assembly, and clear the floor in the room first. Read the product page for assembly notes. Delivery to the UK Mainland is free with no minimum spend, and some remote areas have different terms, so check your postcode at checkout. Furnmart does not deliver to Northern Ireland.

Quick checklist before you order a double ottoman bed

1. Confirm you want a 4ft6 double (135cm x 190cm mattress).
2. Check the frame’s overall width, length and height against your floor plan.
3. Decide on side-opening or end-opening, and check that the base can lift fully.
4. Check for ceiling slopes, window sills and shelves above the headboard.
5. Choose a mattress type and check the maximum depth the frame takes.
6. Measure doorways, stairs and landings for delivery access.
7. Look at the storage space and what you plan to keep in it.
8. Check the price match guarantee terms (subject to terms) if you have seen the same bed elsewhere.

If you want more storage choices, our Beds With Storage category also includes other styles, like drawer beds.

Conclusion

A double ottoman bed can turn dead space under your mattress into a large, easy-to-use storage area. The key is to measure for the frame, not just the mattress, and to leave room for the base to lift. Get those right and you have a bed that is comfortable, practical and tidy.

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Frequently asked questions

What size mattress fits a double ottoman bed?

A standard UK double mattress, which is 4ft6 or about 135cm x 190cm. The frame is larger than the mattress, so check the product page for the overall dimensions and the maximum mattress depth the frame can take.

How much space do I need to open a double ottoman bed?

It depends on the opening type. A side-opening base needs clear floor space beside the bed, while an end-opening base needs space at the foot. You also need enough height above the bed, so check for sloping ceilings and shelves.

Can I put any double mattress on an ottoman bed base?

Most standard double mattresses will fit, but it helps to check the frame’s maximum mattress depth. A very deep or heavy mattress can make the base harder to lift and may not suit the gas lifts.

Is a double ottoman bed good for a small bedroom?

Yes, it often is, because the storage is built into the bed, so you may not need extra drawers or a chest. Just make sure you leave space to lift the base and walk around the bed.

Do double ottoman beds need assembling?

Most do, and it is usually easiest with two people. Check each product page for assembly details and package sizes before you order, especially if your stairs or doorways are narrow.

Is an ottoman bed better than a divan for storage?

An ottoman gives one large storage space, which suits bulky items, while a divan with drawers gives easier access to smaller items and needs side clearance for drawers. Our divan vs ottoman comparison explains which suits different rooms.