Small Double Ottoman Beds (4ft)

How to Choose the Right Small Double Ottoman Bed

A 4ft small double ottoman bed can be an excellent choice when you want more sleeping space than a single bed but don't quite have room for a standard double. Adding lift-up storage makes this compact bed size even more practical, allowing you to make use of the space underneath the mattress for storage.

Before choosing your bed, consider the available bedroom space, the direction in which the ottoman opens, how much storage you need and the mattress you intend to use.

What Size Is a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

A UK small double ottoman bed is generally designed around a mattress measuring approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm). It is the same length as a standard single and double but sits between them in width.

Remember that these measurements refer to the mattress size. Upholstered side rails, headboards and footboards can make the complete bed larger, so always check the full external dimensions of the individual product before ordering.

Why Choose a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

A small double ottoman is particularly useful when both sleeping space and storage are important. You get more room to sleep than you would with a 3ft single while retaining a more compact footprint than a 4ft6 double.

The storage beneath the mattress can also reduce the need for additional drawers or storage furniture, which is particularly useful in compact bedrooms, guest rooms and teenagers' bedrooms.

How Does an Ottoman Bed Work?

An ottoman bed uses a lifting mechanism to assist with raising the mattress platform, providing access to the storage area underneath. Depending on the design, the platform may lift from the foot end or from one side of the bed.

The exact mechanism varies between models, so always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions for your chosen bed.

How Much Storage Does a Small Double Ottoman Bed Have?

Storage capacity varies between individual designs, but ottoman beds can make use of a large proportion of the space underneath the mattress. This makes them particularly useful for bulky bedroom items such as spare bedding, pillows, blankets and seasonal clothing.

Internal storage depth and construction vary between models, so check the individual product specifications if storage capacity is particularly important to you.

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 provides access from one side. The best option depends largely on your bedroom layout.

An end-lift bed can work particularly well when you have access around the foot and sides of the bed, while a side-lift design can be useful where access from one side is easier. Think about the position of walls, wardrobes and other furniture and where you will stand when opening the bed.

Are Small Double Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?

Yes. This is one of the main reasons to choose a 4ft ottoman bed. A small double gives you additional sleeping width compared with a single without occupying as much room as a standard double, while the ottoman storage makes productive use of the space beneath the mattress.

This can help reduce the need for additional bedroom furniture and leave more usable floor space elsewhere in the room.

Can Two People Sleep in a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

Yes, although a 4ft small double provides less personal sleeping space than a standard 4ft6 double. It can work well for occasional use by two people, such as in a guest bedroom, but couples sleeping together every night may prefer a larger bed where bedroom space allows.

Are Small Double Ottoman Beds Suitable for Teenagers?

Yes. A 4ft small double can be a particularly good option for a teenager because it provides more sleeping room than a standard single while remaining compact enough for many smaller bedrooms.

The additional storage beneath an ottoman bed can also be useful for keeping bedding, clothes and other bedroom essentials neatly out of sight.

Ottoman Storage or Divan Drawers?

Both can be useful, but they work differently. Traditional divan drawers provide convenient access to smaller storage areas without lifting the mattress, but you need sufficient floor clearance alongside the bed to pull the drawers out.

Ottoman storage generally provides access to a larger area beneath the mattress and doesn't require drawers to extend into the bedroom. This can make an ottoman particularly practical where space alongside the bed is restricted.

Choosing a Mattress for a Small Double Ottoman Bed

Most 4ft small double ottoman beds are designed for a mattress measuring approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm). However, you should always check the mattress requirements specified for the individual bed.

Mattress weight can be particularly important with an ottoman because the lifting mechanism is designed to operate within an appropriate weight range. Always follow the manufacturer's mattress recommendations.

Does Mattress Weight Matter on an Ottoman Bed?

Yes. The mattress forms part of the weight being raised by the lifting mechanism. A mattress that is too heavy or unsuitable for the particular mechanism can affect how easily the bed opens and closes.

Check any mattress weight guidance supplied with the bed before purchasing your mattress rather than assuming every small double mattress will be suitable.

What Can I Store in a Small Double Ottoman Bed?

Ottoman beds are useful for storing bedroom essentials such as spare bedding, pillows, blankets, towels and clothing. They can be particularly useful for items that take up a lot of wardrobe or cupboard space.

Avoid overfilling the storage compartment and make sure stored items don't obstruct the lifting mechanism. Always follow any storage weight or usage guidance provided by the manufacturer.

Check Your Bedroom and Delivery Access

Before ordering, check both the space available in the bedroom and the route the bed will need to take through your property. Measure doorways, hallways, staircases, landings and any tight turns.

Ottoman beds are generally supplied in separate components for assembly, but large headboards and other sections can still cause access difficulties. Pay particular attention to floor-standing headboards and check the individual product dimensions before ordering.

Choosing Your Perfect Small Double Ottoman Bed

Think about how much sleeping and storage space you need, whether an end-lift or side-lift design best suits your room, the full external dimensions of the bed and the mattress you intend to use.

A well-chosen 4ft small double ottoman bed can provide a particularly useful combination of comfort, storage and efficient use of bedroom space.