Choosing A Short Projection Ottoman Bed: A Space-Saving Guide
Written by Jaillan Yehia
What Does This Post Cover?
Guide to Choosing a Space-Saving Ottoman Bed in the UK
If you’re anything like me, you probably started looking for an ottoman storage bed because your home doesn’t have enough storage space for your needs. In my case I wanted a dedicated space for my beloved handbag collection, and a place to keep clothing that’s not in season, but ottoman beds are brilliant for anyone who wants to keep extra bedding, linen, bulky winter coats – or anything else for that matter – out of sight but within easy reach.
Most UK homes aren’t known for their vast dimensions, and period homes rarely come with the kind of cavernous bedrooms we see in interior design magazines, while in newer builds the box room really does live up to its name.
In fact a report on the UK bedroom furniture market* highlighted the fact that storage is a “significant concern” for UK households due to limited bedroom space so there is rising demand for furniture that does double duty
So ottoman beds feel like the perfect answer: one big piece of furniture that doubles up as a wardrobe, or linen chest all in one. But here’s the catch I discovered when I began my own hunt – many ottoman beds are actually bigger than their standard bed equivalents. The extra projection (especially in length) can defeat the whole point of swapping out your existing frame.
After a lot of searching – and I mean trawling every major retailer and more than a few obscure websites – I finally found the right option for me, that genuinely saved space and transformed my bedroom. Along the way I picked up quite a few tips that no one really tells you about.
This guide is for anyone else trying to make the same decision.
Why Ottoman Beds Aren’t Always Space-Savers
You might assume that an ottoman bed is just a normal bed with a lift-up base. The reality is more complicated. Many upholstered ottomans come with oversized headboards or footboards that add several extra centimetres to the overall length.
While a King Sized mattress is 200cm long, most of the ottoman beds I found and liked the look of were up to 220 cm long, sometimes much longer. That might not sound like much on paper, but in a modest-sized bedroom those few centimetres can mean the difference between being able to open a door or wardrobe or having enough space to walk around the bed – and the last thing you want is a frame that creeps into your walking area.
It also doesn’t help that many retailers show only one or two glossy product shots and you have to dig around for detailed info on the dimensions of the bed itself.
It really helps when the bed’s dimensions are spelled-out clearly on the website
In fact it started to feel quite bizarre to me that when buying a piece of clothing online for just a few pounds I’d get 4-5 pictures of the item from multiple angles, and often a video to help me make an informed decision, yet when choosing a new bed, costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds and which I’ll be spending around one third of my life in (and which will determine my sleep quality and therefore my mood and my health), I get 1 maybe 2 small pictures from one angle – and usually no clear images of what the storage actually looks like inside.
The Surprising Thing I Learned about Storage Beds After Searching Every Retailer
Through weeks of research online, checking the well-known bed shops and an exhaustive selection of lesser known websites, and hours reading reviews of obscure bed companies and ordering fabric samples that never turned up, as well as driving to every major bed retailer in the area, I stumbled on something that isn’t explained anywhere: divan-style ottomans are more space-efficient than the upholstered lift-up frames with one large storage cavity.
A divan is essentially a rectangular bed base, usually on castors, designed to match the mattress size exactly. That means no chunky side rails, no extra headboard depth, and very little wasted projection. If your goal is to keep the footprint as close to a ‘normal’ bed as possible, this design makes a real difference.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Ottoman Storage Bed
Simba’s Melrose Bed in Moss Green
Here are the key points I’d recommend checking before you order anything:
Understand that not all Ottomans are Created Equal – Divans are a sturdy, solid base, sealed on all sides while ottomans with a single space beneath the mattress are often boarded out with thin MDF or even just a fabric dust cover. Knowing which you’re getting is key.
Check Overall Length and Width – Check and double check the total frame dimensions, especially if you already have bedside tables or doors that need clearance. Often the information is contradictory, or additional measurements are contained in small print.
Don’t Ignore Headboard Height – A lot of ottoman bed frames have oversized headboards that look great in photos and while you’re unlikely to be short of wall space they may overpower a modest-sized bedroom.
Look at Side vs End Opening – A side-opening ottoman can be a lifesaver in small rooms where there isn’t enough space at the foot of the bed to lift the whole frame.
Consider Colour and Fabric – Dark velvets can look stunning, but in a small room they may overwhelm the space. I was initially tempted by a jewel-green finish velvet but in the end chose a light taupe, which brightens the room and feels less imposing.
Focus on Photographs and Samples – Always look for retailers who provide clear photos, including an image of the storage area. Fabric swatches can also help you decide if the material will work with the light and style of your own room.
Read Reviews – I was shocked at how many new beds from trusted retailers received terrible reviews, with beds creaking, squeaking or not lasting well. If you’re getting rid of a bed you want the new one to be an upgrade, not a downgrade.
Details Make A Difference: Legs vs Sliders – I started my quest for the perfect bed wanting wooden legs to give the look of a traditional bed. I quickly learned that not only does this reduce the overall depth of the storage space but it also makes the bed less stable. Most divans come with sliders for this reason. I compromised and got wooden sliders and couldn’t be happier.
The Bed I Chose: Simba King-Size Ottoman
The Melrose in Taupe
After all that searching I eventually concluded that Simba’s king size ottomans range was the best solution for my bedroom. I went for the Melrose as it’s one of the shortest projections, has a classic, elegant headboard, and even though it isn’t actually the shortest projection Ottoman bed design they make (the Ludlow is only 204cm vs this one at 210) I liked the luxe but minimalist look of the Melrose and had the space needed to accommodate it.
I already knew Simba for their mattresses, but because I love my Four Seasons Hotel mattress too much to part with it, I totally dismissed Simba’s website on my internet deep dive for a long time. But once I checked their site I was impressed how thorough Simba’s information about bed frames and ottomans was.
-
The website has clear dimensions right on the page, not hidden in small print and shows photography from all angles, plus it has a 360 view of the bed and a clear image of the storage area (a rarity!).
-
They send out a generous pack of fabric samples so you can see what works best with your room.
-
The design is well thought out, balancing a modern upholstered look with sensible, standard dimensions and no unnecessary projection.
The taupe fabric I picked keeps the room feeling light and airy – which is exactly what you need when your bedroom is north facing, has limited natural light, or is modest in size.
Final Thoughts on Ottoman Beds
If you’re living in the UK with limited bedroom space, an ottoman bed can be a brilliant way to reclaim storage without cluttering up the rest of your home. But don’t assume that every ottoman will save you space; check the full dimensions carefully, think about how the lift mechanism will work in your room, and be sure to request fabric swatches before committing because colours can look very different on screen.
For me, the process was longer (and more frustrating) than I expected, but it was worth it. I’ve now got a stylish and luxurious upholstered bed that doesn’t eat into my room’s footprint and actually takes up less space than my traditional wooden bed, plus it gives me a huge hidden cupboard’s worth of storage underneath.
If you’re embarking on the same search, I hope my experience saves you a bit of time, a lot of hassle – and a few fights with the measuring tape.
*Domestic Bedroom Furniture Market Report 2023-2027, published by Barbour ABI.
This post is sponsored by Simba. However, all opinions, experiences, and recommendations shared are my own and based on my personal experiences.
