Our guide to choosing a bed to maximise the valuable space in your small bedroom
To maintain a happy and healthy well-being, creating the ideal oasis is a priority to fulfil our full potential. With a combination of creative storage solutions, appropriate furniture and styling tricks it is possible to create the ideal haven in your bedroom without making major sacrifices.
There are a variety of different bed styles to cater to small spaces: from beds with in-built storage, bed frames which allow under-bed storage or beds which can be completely stored away to allow multi-functional use of the space.
Before purchasing a particular style of bed, it is imperative to identify whether it is for everyday use in a master bedroom, or for a spare room which can serve as both a guest room or a home office.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the proportion of the bed in relation to the dimensions of the room.
See below typical UK bed sizes. It is worth noting that European and USA bed sizes differ from UK sizes, so it is important to be aware of the actual measurements of the bed.
typical UK bed sizes
name | imperial size | metric size |
---|---|---|
small single | 2’6″ x 6’3″ | 75 x 190cm |
single | 3′ x 6’3″ | 90 x 190cm |
small double | 4′ x 6’3″ | 120 x 190cm |
double | 4’6″ x 6’3″ | 135 x 190cm |
king | 5′ x 6’6″ | 150 x 200cm |
super king | 6′ x 6’6″ | 180 x 200cm |
N.B. Metric and imperial sizes are not exact equivalents
There are plenty of options to maximise the available space.
bedsteads
Bedsteads are offered in a variety of styles with different heights, slat choice and upholstered headboard finish. Storage solutions for a bedstead include under bed storage boxes, bags or drawers which can conveniently slide underneath the bed to utilise the available space. Bedsteads are beneficial for more of an everyday bed if comfort and support is the primary factor.
storage beds
ottoman beds
Ottoman beds have a mattress base which utilises the inside of the bed frame to provide sleek and discreet storage. With the power of hydraulics, storage can be revealed by lifting up the mattress base to store possessions underneath. Great for extra bedding, luggage/travel bags or any other awkward or bulky items.
Ottoman beds are available with two different modes of accessing the storage: either side opening or front opening to suit the positioning of the bed within the room.
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£494.99
Utah Double Velvet Ottoman Bed Grey
Robert Dyas
At home in a >
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£224.99
Side Lift Ottoman Bed Single Faux Leather Grey
Robert Dyas
This stunning side lift >
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£442.99
Regal Fabric Ottoman Bed Double Grey
Robert Dyas
The Regal upholstered fabric >
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£214.99
Berlin Steel Crushed Velvet Fabric Ottoman Storage Bed – 3ft Single
Happy Beds
The Berlin Steel Crushed >
divan beds with drawers
Divan Drawer beds are available with either two or four drawers, located on either side or a single drawer towards the foot of the frame.
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£823.49
Silentnight Mirapocket Latex 1400 4-Drawer Divan Bed – Velvet Silver Double
Robert Dyas
The Mirapocket Latex 1400 >
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£566.99
Silentnight Mirapocket Latex 1000 2-Drawer Divan Bed – Velvet Silver Single
Robert Dyas
The Mirapocket Latex 1000 >
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£189.00
Rio 4ft 6in Double Divan Bed Inc Orthopaedic Mattress
Divan Beds Centre
The Rio 4ft 6in >
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£2,669.00
Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign 2 Drawer Divan Bed Set, King
Leekes
A timeless classic with >
multi-functional beds
With the advance of technological innovation, designers have incorporated lots of solutions into beds to maximise space, from TV storage to bedside tables and even sound systems. These bed frames can include light fittings and USB ports in order to charge and use any electrical item.
Smart Bed with Multi-Media
TV Beds
If you are an avid watcher of television, but have limited space for a floor-standing TV unit, it is possible to get a bed which has an in-built TV stand. This type of bed frame is particularly beneficial if the wall cannot support the weight of a TV.
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£1,133.78
Sweet Dreams Mazarine 5ft King Size Upholstered Fabric TV Bed Frame
Archers Sleepcentre
Fully upholstered and generously >
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Sale!
£1,699.99£1,274.99Starla Ottoman TV Bed Frame – King – Woven Oatmeal
Bensons for Beds
Style and quality – >
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£620.00
Habitat Gemini Kingsize TV Bed Frame – Black
argos.co.uk
Tuck up, snuggle down >
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£950.00
Birlea Plaza Kingsize TV Bed Frame – Grey
argos.co.uk
The ultimate luxury, indulge >
Bookcase Beds
It is possible to purchase a bedframe with a functional bookcase or shelves to provide maximum storage and aesthetic.
2-in-1 Beds
This bedframe style is great for rooms with the potential for guests to stay. These frames are available with lots of different styles from single beds which can transform into a double bed or into two separate single beds.
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£329.99
Modern Fabric EU Small Single Trundle Bed Frame Buttoned 2ft6 Navy Blue Libourne
ManoMano UK
2 Beds in One. >
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£369.99
Modern Fabric EU Single Trundle Bed Frame 3ft Beige Buttons Libourne
ManoMano UK
2 Beds in One. >
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Sale!
£499.99£474.99Hip Hop 3 in 1 Wooden Trundle Bed Frame – Single – White
Bensons for Beds
Cosy Scandinavian design – >
Day Beds
Day Beds can provide a space for relaxing and for guests to stay. Day Beds are a great option for spare rooms which can also serve as a guest room. Day Beds can convert from a single bed to a double bed, or to two tiers of single beds.
Sofa Beds
Sofa Beds are a great option if you enjoy having guests come to stay but are limited by space. Sofa Beds come in different shapes and styles. From two-seater fold out beds to an L-shape (which equates to the size of a double bed) There is a vast array of styles to suit your budget and your needs.
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£295.00
Habitat Matteo Velvet Sofa Bed – Teal
argos.co.uk
A simply stylish sleep >
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£270.00
Habitat Matteo Velvet Sofa Bed – Pink
argos.co.uk
A simply stylish sleep >
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£525.00
Habitat Kota 3 Seater Velvet Sofa Bed – Teal
argos.co.uk
The Kota teal fabric >
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£745.00
Argos Home Milano 2 Seater Leather Sofa Bed – Chocolate
argos.co.uk
Invest in some serious >
Loft Beds
Loft beds are ideal when there is not much floor space but where there is more ceiling height/space. If the bed is elevated onto a platform, it allows for maximising the space in lots of different ways; whether to store things or more commonly provide a wardrobe solution or workspace.
Take a look at our beds section to shop for space maximising beds.
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