Single Beds with Storage: Buyer’s Guide & Best Options
Anyone who’s tried to fit a bed, a wardrobe, and a desk into a single room knows the squeeze. The right bed can either save you or sink you — and single beds with storage are designed specifically for that tightrope act.
Standard single bed size: 90 cm x 190 cm ·
Storage capacity (ottoman type): Up to 60 litres ·
Typical price range: €150 – €600
Quick snapshot
- Ottoman beds use a gas-lift mechanism to access the entire under-bed area (Bedroomking (bed retailer))
- Drawer beds have built-in side drawers but need clearance to open (Furl (furniture brand))
- Standard single mattress size is 90 cm x 190 cm (The Independent (UK newspaper))
- Long-term durability of different storage mechanisms (Furl (furniture brand))
- Exact storage capacity figures vary by product and manufacturer (ABBEDS (bed specialist))
- No major product-recall or innovation timeline — category remains stable throughout 2024–2025 (Moon Sleep Beds (UK retailer))
- More brands are combining headboard shelves with under-bed storage in single sizes (Mairki Beds (online retailer))
Five key specs show how storage type, size, and cost vary across the range.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard single bed width | 90 cm (3 feet) |
| Standard single bed length | 190 cm (6 feet 3 inches) |
| Typical storage volume (ottoman) | 40–60 litres |
| Average weight capacity of storage bed | 100–150 kg |
| Most common material | Engineered wood (MDF/particleboard) |
Do single beds with storage come with a mattress?
What mattresses are compatible with a single storage bed?
- Standard single mattresses measure 90 cm x 190 cm — any mattress of that size fits a single storage frame (The Independent (UK newspaper)).
- Ottoman bases often include a solid or slatted platform that supports the mattress without a box spring (Bedroomking (bed retailer)).
How to decide whether to buy a bundle
- Many retailers sell mattress + bed bundles, which can simplify delivery and guarantee fit (Bedroomking (bed retailer)).
- Buying separately gives you more choice of mattress firmness, but requires careful measurement for storage bases with gas-lift mechanisms.
Which single beds with storage are available at IKEA?
IKEA single storage bed models overview
- IKEA offers several single beds with storage: BRIMNES (drawers), MALM (drawers), and SONGESAND (drawers or open storage) (The Independent (UK newspaper)).
- Most models use side drawers rather than a lift-up ottoman base. IKEA’s SLÄKT line also uses drawers (Adeline Waterson (bedding expert)).
Price range and materials at IKEA
- IKEA single storage beds typically cost £150–£300, with materials mainly particleboard and fibreboard.
- Drawer systems are standard; lift-up bases are rare in IKEA’s single range, which limits storage volume compared to ottoman models (Midas Beds (bed retailer)).
Where can I find cheap single beds with storage?
Budget retailers for single storage beds
- Cheap single beds with storage start around £120–£150 from retailers such as JYSK, IKEA, and online marketplaces (The Independent (UK newspaper)).
- Divan drawer beds are the most affordable storage type, with prices under £500 for a single (The Independent (UK newspaper)).
Price vs. quality trade-offs
- The lowest-price models use MDF or particleboard frames that are lighter but less durable than solid wood (Furl (furniture brand)).
- Ottoman beds cost 15–30% more than an equivalent divan drawer bed, but provide larger storage volume (Midas Beds (bed retailer)).
For a shopper on a tight budget, a divan drawer bed from IKEA or JYSK makes sense. But if maximising storage is the priority, the extra £50–£100 for an ottoman base buys significantly more under-bed space.
The implication: budget-conscious buyers must decide between lower upfront cost and greater storage potential.
What single beds with storage include a headboard?
Headboard storage integration
- Some single storage beds come with an integrated headboard that includes shelves, cubbies, or a compartment for books and bedside items (Mairki Beds (online retailer)).
- Headboard types range from upholstered and wooden to metal, often with a dedicated storage shelf.
Styling considerations
- Combining headboard storage with under-bed drawers or ottoman storage doubles the usable space in a small bedroom.
- Models with headboard storage tend to cost slightly more, but can eliminate the need for a separate bedside table (Moon Sleep Beds (UK retailer)).
How do I choose the best single bed with storage for my room?
Ottoman vs. drawer storage: pros and cons
Two storage mechanisms dominate the single-bed market. Here’s how they compare side by side.
The choice between ottoman and drawer determines not just how much you can store, but how easy it is to access every day.
| Feature | Ottoman single bed | Drawer single bed |
|---|---|---|
| Storage access | Lift entire base with gas pistons | Pull-out side drawers |
| Storage volume | High (entire under-bed footprint) | Medium (drawer depth limits space) |
| Ease of daily use | Requires lifting the mattress each time | Quick access without moving bedding |
| Clearance needed | Headroom above bed to lift base fully | Side space to pull drawers out |
| Typical price premium | 15–30% more than drawer models | Lower upfront cost |
| Best for | Bulky items (blankets, seasonal clothes) | Daily items (books, electronics, toiletries) |
Five key differences, one pattern: ottoman beds offer maximum volume but less convenience, while drawer beds trade volume for ease of access (Bedroomking (bed retailer); Furl (furniture brand)).
Measuring your space and doorways
- Always measure the room width and length before ordering. Drawer beds need at least 45 cm of clearance on one side.
- Ottoman beds require enough ceiling height to lift the base fully — typically 1.2 m from the top of the bed frame (Furl (furniture brand)).
- Measure stairways and door frames to ensure the bed can be delivered assembled, or confirm the bed comes flat-packed.
Assembly and maintenance tips
- Most single storage beds are delivered flat-packed and require 1–2 hours to assemble (ABBEDS (bed specialist)).
- Ottoman gas pistons should be checked annually for tension; drawer runners may need lubrication after a few years.
Upsides
- Ottoman beds provide the largest storage area of any bed type (Moon Sleep Beds)
- Drawer beds keep items organised without lifting the mattress
- Headboard storage eliminates the need for extra furniture
Downsides
- Ottoman beds are heavier and harder to move than drawer models (Miami Living Magazine)
- Drawer storage is limited to the width and depth of the drawers
- Cheap MDF frames may sag over time under heavy loads
The takeaway: ottoman beds suit heavy users who need bulk storage, while drawer beds reward convenience over capacity.
What we know and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Single storage beds are available in both ottoman and drawer types (Bedroomking)
- Standard single mattress size is 90×190 cm (The Independent)
- IKEA and JYSK sell single beds with storage (The Independent)
What’s unclear
- Long-term durability of different storage mechanisms (Furl)
- Exact storage capacity figures vary by product and manufacturer (ABBEDS)
- Durability comparison between steel/gas piston mechanisms and wooden drawer systems (Furl)
This uncertainty means buyers should prioritise warranty length when choosing between mechanisms.
Expert perspective
“Our single storage beds maximise space by combining a comfortable sleeping area with a smart storage solution.”
— IKEA product description
“The Extra Deep Luxury Ottoman Base provides great mattress support along with a huge selection of storage space.”
— Bedworld product page
The decision between ottoman and drawer storage ultimately comes down to your daily habits. For a family using a guest room, a simple divan drawer bed offers easy access for sporadic use. For a student or professional living in a studio, an ottoman single bed unlocks the most storage per square metre. For the budget-conscious UK buyer, the choice is clear: invest in an ottoman base if you need bulk storage, or stick with drawers if convenience matters more — because every centimetre of floor space in a small bedroom counts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a single bed with storage?
A standard single bed measures 90 cm wide by 190 cm long, regardless of storage type (The Independent).
Can you store bedding in a single storage bed?
Yes. Ottoman beds are ideal for bulky bedding, while drawer beds can store folded sheets and pillows in individual compartments (Bedroomking).
Are storage beds suitable for children?
Yes. Many single storage beds are designed for kids, with low-profile drawers and safety-tested gas lifts. Always check weight capacity for the child’s age.
How much weight can a single storage bed hold?
Most single storage beds support 100–150 kg, including the mattress and stored items (Midas Beds).
Do storage beds require special mattresses?
No. Any standard single mattress (90×190 cm) fits. Ottoman bases may need a flexible mattress if the base lifts, but most modern mattresses work fine (Furl).
What is the advantage of an ottoman storage bed over drawers?
Ottoman beds use the entire under-bed footprint, offering 40–60 litres of continuous storage in a single, dust-proof compartment (Moon Sleep Beds).
How to maintain a storage bed to prolong its life?
Wipe frames with a damp cloth, lubricate drawer runners every six months, and inspect gas pistons annually for smooth operation (ABBEDS).
What is the typical warranty on single storage beds?
Warranties range from 1 to 10 years. IKEA offers 10 years on frames, while budget brands may offer only 1 year. Always check the warranty before purchase.
Buyer’s takeaway: A shopper should factor warranty length into the final decision, as it reflects expected durability.
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