The Complete Guide to Buying a Double Bed with Storage in the UK
Struggling for wardrobe space in a compact bedroom? A practical double bed with integrated storage lets you reclaim your floor space without compromising on everyday style or a good night's sleep.
A double bed with storage combines a standard UK double sleeping frame—measuring four feet six inches wide by six feet three inches long—with built-in underbed space designed to hold bedding, seasonal clothing, or extra clutter. Rather than leaving the space beneath your mattress to collect dust bunnies, these smart designs make use of every square inch of your bedroom footprint.
Whether you opt for smooth-glide drawers built into a sturdy divan base or an end-lift gas-strut ottoman, this style of bed is ideal for typical British master bedrooms and guest rooms alike. By taking advantage of the hollow base beneath the mattress, you can eliminate the need for bulky extra chests of drawers, instantly making a modest room feel airy, tidy, and genuinely restful.
Why a double bed with storage is the ultimate space-saver
Space is at a premium in modern UK homes, particularly in new-build properties or period terraces with awkward alcoves. Traditional bed frames waste valuable floor area, while standalone storage units crowd your walkways and block natural light.
When you invest in a quality double bed with storage, you effectively double the utility of the largest piece of furniture in the room. High-capacity ottoman frames, such as the Birlea Phoenix Ottoman Bed or the Julian Bowen 친 Ottoman Frame, reveal the entire interior of the base with a gentle pull, assisted by gas-lift pistons that hold the mattress upright safely. That gives you deep, dust-free floor-level space for winter duvets, spare pillows, suitcases, and shoe boxes.
For rooms where you have ample perimeter clearance, pull-out drawers are an effortless alternative. Deep two-drawer or four-drawer divan bases—like the classic Aspire Upholstered Divan Base—let you slide compartments out in seconds. They are ideal for everyday essentials such as spare sheets, pyjamas, and towels, keeping what you need close to hand without disturbing anyone resting on the mattress above.
Ottoman vs drawer divan: Which style suits your bedroom?
Choosing between an ottoman mechanism and pull-out drawers comes down to your bedroom layout, room dimensions, and what you plan to store inside.
- Ottoman storage bases: Best for smaller bedrooms where bedside tables or fitted wardrobes block the sides of the bed. Since the mattress platform lifts from the foot end (or sometimes side-opening for tight corners), you do not need clear floor space beside the frame to get to your belongings. Ottomans provide the maximum possible volume because the entire base cavity is available for storage.
- Drawer divan bases: Best for rooms with at least two to three feet of clearance on either side. Pull-out drawers allow for quick, segregated organisation, meaning you do not have to lift the bedding or mattress to grab an extra blanket. You can even choose "continental" drawers, where smaller front drawers leave room for bedside cabinets.
- Wooden and metal frames with underbed clearance: If you prefer an open, Scandinavian aesthetic, a timber frame with matching rolling wooden boxes gives you flexible underbed access, though it offers slightly less total capacity than an enclosed divan or ottoman.
How to furnish your bedroom when you have poor credit
Replacing a broken or outdated bed frame should not depend on a spotless credit history. Unexpected life events, missed utility bills, or past defaults can drag down your credit score, leading to automatic rejections from high-street finance brokers and big furniture chains.
That is where a monthly payment plan makes all the difference. Offered through our partner shop, a monthly payment plan provides an accessible store-credit facility with absolutely no credit checks required. You do not have to worry about a hard footprint damaging your credit file, and there are no surprise charges hiding in the fine print.
With a monthly payment plan, you pay 0% APR interest across your agreement, breaking down the cost of your brand-new storage bed into predictable, stress-free instalments. Everyone deserves a comfortable, organised sanctuary to retreat to at night, regardless of their past credit rating.
Frequently asked questions
Will a double bed fit in a smaller UK bedroom?
A standard UK double mattress measures 135cm wide by 190cm long (4ft 6in by 6ft 3in). Divan and ottoman bases match these exact dimensions, making them the most compact choice because the mattress sits directly on top of the base rather than inside a wide outer lip. As long as your room is at least 2.8 metres by 3 metres, a double storage bed will usually fit comfortably while leaving walking room.How heavy is it to lift an ottoman double bed?
Modern ottoman frames use pressurised gas-lift pistons similar to the tailgate of a car hatchback. Once you start lifting the strap, the hydraulics take over most of the weight of the mattress, holding it securely at an angle so you can use both hands to organise your items beneath.Can I spread the cost with no credit check?
Yes. By using a monthly payment plan at our partner shop, you can purchase your bed frame using guaranteed store credit without undergoing any credit checks. Your repayment plan is interest-free at 0% APR, allowing you to furnish your home comfortably on a manageable weekly or fortnightly schedule.Shop with our partner shop to explore our full range of double storage beds and enjoy straightforward bedroom upgrades with 0% APR.
Shop with our partner shop and spread the cost at 0% APR, subject to eligibility.