Single Ottoman Beds

How to Choose the Right 3ft Single Ottoman Bed

A 3ft single ottoman bed is a clever way to combine a standard single sleeping space with useful hidden storage. Rather than leaving the area beneath your mattress unused, an ottoman bed allows the mattress platform to lift, providing access to a storage compartment within or beneath the bed frame.

This makes single ottoman beds particularly useful in children's bedrooms, teenagers' rooms, guest bedrooms and other spaces where additional storage is valuable.

What Size Is a 3ft Single Ottoman Bed?

A standard UK single ottoman bed is generally designed around a mattress measuring approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (90cm x 190cm).

These measurements refer to the mattress rather than the complete bed frame. Upholstered side rails, headboards and footboards can increase the overall width and length, so always check the full external dimensions of the individual bed before ordering.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed uses a lifting mechanism to raise the mattress platform and provide access to storage underneath. Depending on the design, the bed may lift from the foot end or from one side.

The lifting mechanism assists with raising the mattress and platform, making it easier to access the storage compartment than lifting them manually. The exact mechanism and operation can vary between models.

Who Is a Single Ottoman Bed Suitable For?

A 3ft single ottoman bed can be particularly useful for:

• Children's bedrooms where extra storage for bedding, clothes and other items is useful.
• Teenagers who need to maximise the available space in their bedroom.
• Guest rooms where spare bedding and towels can be stored beneath the bed.
• Adults sleeping alone who want a standard single bed with additional storage.
• Smaller bedrooms where there isn't enough space for additional storage furniture.

How Much Storage Does a Single Ottoman Bed Provide?

The amount of storage varies between individual beds, but ottoman designs generally make use of a large proportion of the area beneath the mattress. This can provide considerably more usable storage than a couple of traditional under-bed drawers.

Always check the individual product specifications for internal storage dimensions and any guidance regarding maximum storage weight.

What Can You Store in a Single Ottoman Bed?

Ottoman storage is particularly useful for bedroom essentials such as spare bedding, pillows, blankets, towels and clothing. It can also help keep less frequently used items out of sight and free up space elsewhere in the bedroom.

Always follow the manufacturer's storage guidance and avoid overfilling the compartment or placing items where they could interfere with the lifting mechanism.

End Lift or Side Lift – Which Should I Choose?

An end-lift ottoman opens from the foot end of the bed, while a side-lift ottoman opens along one side. The best choice depends largely on where the bed will be positioned and how much space you have around it.

An end-lift design can provide convenient access when both sides of the bed are close to furniture or walls, while a side-lift design can work well where there is clear access alongside the bed. Think about the layout of your bedroom and where you'll stand when opening the storage compartment.

Ottoman Storage vs Divan Drawers

Both options provide useful under-bed storage but work differently. Divan drawers allow quick access to smaller storage areas without lifting the mattress, but they require enough clearance alongside the bed to pull the drawers out.

Ottoman storage generally gives you access to a larger area underneath the mattress and doesn't require the same drawer clearance. This can make an ottoman particularly useful in a narrow or compact bedroom.

Are Single Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?

Yes. A single ottoman can be an excellent choice for a smaller bedroom because the bed performs two functions within the same floor space: providing somewhere to sleep and somewhere to store bedroom essentials.

However, remember that the overall bed frame will usually be larger than the 3ft x 6ft3 (90cm x 190cm) mattress. Always use the external bed dimensions when planning your room.

Choosing a Mattress for a Single Ottoman Bed

Most 3ft single ottoman beds are designed for a standard UK single mattress measuring approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (90cm x 190cm).

However, it is particularly important to check the mattress requirements for an ottoman bed. The lifting mechanism may have recommendations or restrictions relating to mattress size and weight, so always check the individual product specifications before choosing your mattress.

Does Mattress Weight Matter on an Ottoman Bed?

It can. Ottoman lifting mechanisms are designed to work within particular weight ranges, and the mattress contributes to the overall weight being lifted.

A mattress that is unsuitable for the mechanism could affect how easily the bed opens or closes. Always follow the manufacturer's mattress and weight recommendations for your chosen bed.

How Do You Open an Ottoman Bed?

The exact operation varies between models, but ottoman beds generally use a lifting mechanism to assist as you raise the mattress platform from the designated lifting point.

Always operate the bed according to the manufacturer's instructions and use the handles or lifting points provided. Children should not operate or play with the lifting mechanism.

Do Ottoman Beds Need More Space to Open?

You'll need sufficient space to stand at the opening side or end and operate the bed comfortably. Unlike traditional drawers, however, the storage compartment doesn't slide out across the floor.

This can make an ottoman useful where furniture or limited floor space makes conventional under-bed drawers difficult to use.

Check Your Access Before Ordering

Before ordering, check doorways, hallways, staircases, landings and any tight turns leading to the bedroom. Ottoman bed frames are generally delivered in separate components for assembly, but component and packaging dimensions vary between models.

Pay particular attention to large headboards and other substantial components, and always check the individual product and delivery information where access is restricted.

Choosing Your Perfect 3ft Single Ottoman Bed

Consider the available bedroom space, how much storage you need, whether end or side opening will work best and the type of mattress you intend to use. Comparing these features alongside the full external dimensions will help you choose a 3ft single ottoman bed that's both comfortable and practical for your bedroom.