Beds With Storage Single: Drawers, Ottoman and More

If you’re choosing beds with storage single, start with how you’ll use the space. Pick an Ottoman lift-up base for the largest storage area, or drawers underneath if you want quick access to smaller items. Both suit a standard 90cm x 190cm single mattress and help small rooms feel tidier.

Beds with storage single: which style suits which room?

Single storage beds usually come in two main styles. Drawer beds have pull-out drawers set into the base. Ottoman beds have a base that lifts up on gas struts, revealing one open space the size of the mattress.

Here is a quick way to compare them:

Not sure how the three compare in detail? Our guide to Ottoman bed vs divan vs drawer bed goes through them side by side.

Drawers underneath vs Ottoman lift-up: access, clearance and capacity

Beds with storage drawers underneath

Drawers are easy to use because you only open what you need. They work well for folded clothes, shoes, towels and kids’ bits and pieces. The trade-off is that each drawer is smaller than an Ottoman space, so very bulky items won’t fit as well.

You also need side clearance. If the bed sits against a wall, the drawers may only open on one side, or at the foot end. Check the drawer position in the product details before you buy.

Ottoman lift-up storage

With an Ottoman bed, the whole base lifts up to reveal a storage space the full size of the mattress. It suits bulky things such as spare duvets, pillows, winter jumpers and luggage. Many single Ottoman bases are fairly shallow, so think in terms of flat, soft items rather than tall boxes.

Gas lifts hold the base open while you load or unload. If you’re new to them, see how to lift up an Ottoman bed and how the gas lifts work.

Which is easier to keep clean?

Ottoman spaces are one open compartment, so dust can settle on stored items. Using lidded boxes or vacuum bags keeps things tidy. Drawers keep dust out a little better, but you will need to vacuum around them occasionally.

Not sure what to store? Our guide to what fits in an Ottoman bed has practical ideas.

Beds with storage for small rooms: footprint, drawer space and wall clearance

A single bed is already a sensible choice for a small bedroom, and adding storage can replace a chest of drawers. Before you decide, measure these four things:

• Bed footprint: a single mattress is 90cm x 190cm, but the frame is usually a little wider and longer.
• Drawer pull-out space: check the drawer length in the specification and leave room to stand or crouch in front of it. Around 50cm or more is a sensible starting point.
• Lift-up space: for an Ottoman, make sure you can lift the base fully without hitting a wall, wardrobe door or radiator.
• Wall and window clearance: a headboard under a window sill or sloping ceiling may not fit.

If your room is narrow, an Ottoman that lifts from the foot end can be easier than one that lifts from the side. If the foot of the bed is close to a door, drawers on the side may suit better. Draw the bed’s footprint on the floor with masking tape and open a door or drawer as a test.

For more space-saving ideas, our Ottoman bed buying guide for small bedrooms is a useful read.

Bed with storage without headboard or with one?

A bed with storage without headboard is a good option for tight rooms. It saves a few centimetres of depth against the wall and fits more easily under windows, shelves or sloping ceilings. It also gives you a flatter, simpler look that works in guest rooms and student or rented spaces.

A headboard adds comfort for reading in bed and keeps pillows from slipping behind the bed. It can also add padding and a style statement. The trade-off is a little more width and height to plan for.

If you’re torn, compare styles in our guide to Ottoman beds with a headboard or without.

Beds with storage with mattress: what to check

If you’re buying beds with storage with mattress, or adding a mattress separately, check these points first:

1. Size: a standard UK single mattress is 90cm x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in). Our bed size guide lists the other UK sizes.
2. Depth: check the maximum mattress depth recommended for the frame. Very thick mattresses can make an Ottoman base harder to close or leave less room for storage.
3. Base type: slatted and solid platform bases suit different mattresses, so check which one your bed has.
4. Mattress type: pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid mattresses can all work, but weight varies. A heavier mattress puts more load on the gas lifts of an Ottoman.

For more detail, read what mattress to choose for an Ottoman bed. You can browse Furnmart Mattresses alongside your frame to keep sizing simple.

Wooden or fabric: which frame material is best?

Both materials work well, so the choice comes down to look, feel and how you live.

• Wooden frames: sturdy, easy to wipe clean and a good match for traditional or natural-looking bedrooms. They suit kids’ rooms and rented flats where wear and tear is likely.
• Fabric frames: softer to look at and touch, often with padded headboards and a modern finish. Choose a colour that hides marks if you have children or pets.

Whichever you choose, UK bed frames and mattresses used in homes should meet fire safety rules for upholstery and fillings. A clear explainer on this is UK bed frame safety standards explained. If you’re a landlord furnishing a rental, check these rules before you buy.

Delivery and assembly: check doors and stairs

Storage beds are heavier and bulkier than slatted frames, so plan the route before it arrives. Run through this short checklist:

• Measure the width of your front door, hallway and any tight turns.
• Check the stairs, landing and bedroom door, because the packaging is long and heavy.
• Clear a space in the bedroom for assembly.
• Check whether you need a second person to help with the base and the gas lifts.
• Check delivery exclusions for your postcode, such as Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and offshore areas.

Furnmart offers free delivery to the UK Mainland. Our step-by-step Ottoman bed assembly guide will help you prepare.

Ready to choose your single storage bed?

A single bed with storage can replace a chest of drawers and make a small room feel calmer. Pick drawers for easy access to everyday items, or an Ottoman base for bulky bedding and luggage. Browse Beds with storage or our range of single Bed frames to compare styles, then pair your choice with a suitable mattress.

Browse the full Furnmart range of Beds, Mattresses, Sofas and Furniture, with delivery across UK Mainland and Multiple Payment Options.

Frequently asked questions

Are single beds with storage big enough for adults?

Yes, a standard single is 90cm x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in), which suits many adults, especially in guest rooms or small bedrooms. If you’re tall or want more room to turn over, consider a small double instead. Check the frame length as well as the mattress size.

Do beds with storage drawers underneath need space at the side?

Yes. Drawers need floor space in front of them to pull out fully. Check the drawer length in the product details, and think about which side or end of the bed is easiest to leave clear.

Can I use any single mattress on a storage bed?

Most standard 90cm x 190cm single mattresses fit, but you should check the maximum recommended depth and the base type. On an Ottoman bed, a very thick or heavy mattress can affect how easily the base lifts.

Is an Ottoman or drawer bed better for a small room?

It depends on your layout. An Ottoman gives more open space for bulky items and needs lifting room, while drawers suit everyday items and need pull-out space. Measure the area around the bed before choosing.

Can I buy a single storage bed without a headboard?

Yes. Many single storage beds are available without a headboard, which saves a little wall space and suits sloping ceilings or windows. A headboard adds comfort and style, so it’s worth deciding how you use your bed.

Will a single storage bed fit up my stairs?

It usually can, but measure first. Check your door widths, hallway turns, stairs and the bedroom door against the packaging size shown in the product details, and plan for a second person to help carry it.