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How Much Storage Does an Ottoman Bed Actually Hold? (With Real Measurements)
It holds loads underneath.
That’s what most ottoman bed product descriptions tell you. And while it’s technically true, it’s not exactly helpful when you’re standing in your bedroom wondering whether your two large suitcases, a winter duvet, and four spare pillows are actually going to fit.
Real measurements matter. Real comparisons matter. And real, honest answers about what fits and what doesn’t matter more than vague promises about ample storage space.
So that’s exactly what this guide provides.
We’ve broken down the actual storage dimensions of every standard UK ottoman bed size, from single right through to super king, including a detailed look at the small double ottoman bed, which is one of the most underrated storage solutions in the entire bed market.
We’ve also compared ottoman storage to drawers, answered the questions people actually search for, and given you a practical guide to making the most of every litre of that under-bed space.
Let’s get into the real numbers.
Why Ottoman Storage Is Different From Drawer Storage
Before we get into measurements, it’s worth understanding why ottoman beds offer so much more storage than divan drawer beds, because the difference is more significant than most people expect.
A divan bed with drawers gives you storage in defined, compartmentalised sections. Each drawer has fixed dimensions, typically around 70cm wide, 45cm deep, and 18–22cm tall. You can access them easily by pulling them out from the side, but each item has to fit within those drawer dimensions individually.
An ottoman bed works completely differently. The entire area beneath the mattress, the full length, the full width, and the full depth of the base, opens up as one continuous, unpartitioned space. There are no dividers. No compartments. No drawer-sized restrictions.
This means you can store items that would never fit in a drawer, a large suitcase standing upright, a king size duvet folded flat, a yoga mat, a set of luggage. The storage behaves more like a chest or a trunk than a set of drawers.
According to the Sleep Foundation, reducing bedroom clutter has measurable benefits for sleep quality and morning mood. An ottoman bed, particularly a small double ottoman bed in a compact room, is one of the most effective clutter-reduction tools available for UK bedrooms.
How Ottoman Bed Storage Is Measured
When we talk about storage capacity in an ottoman bed, there are three measurements that matter:
- Internal length: How far the storage runs from the head end to the foot end of the base. This is usually slightly less than the overall mattress length because the gas-lift mechanism and hinge components take up a small amount of space at one end.
- Internal width: The usable width inside the base, from one inner side wall to the other. Again, slightly less than the overall mattress width due to the base frame construction on each side.
- Internal depth: How deep the storage is, from the floor to the underside of the mattress platform. This is the measurement most people underestimate. Ottoman bed depths vary significantly between manufacturers and models, typically ranging from 25cm to 38cm. This single measurement has the biggest impact on total storage volume.
Total volume is calculated by multiplying these three dimensions together: length × width × depth = volume in cubic centimetres, then converted to litres.
A deeper base doesn’t just store more in volume terms; it stores qualitatively different items. A base that’s 28cm deep can’t fit a standard carry-on suitcase lying flat. A base that’s 35cm deep can. That distinction matters enormously in practice.
Real Storage Measurements by Ottoman Bed Size
Here are the realistic internal storage dimensions across every standard UK ottoman bed size. Note that these represent typical measurements for quality mid-range ottoman beds; exact dimensions vary by manufacturer and model, so always check specific product specifications before ordering.
Single Ottoman Bed (90 × 190cm mattress)
Typical internal storage dimensions:
- Internal length: 175–182cm
- Internal width: 78–82cm
- Internal depth: 25–30cm
- Estimated total storage: 340–450 litres
What fits:
- 1 large suitcase (cabin size) lying flat
- 1 double duvet folded
- 4–6 spare pillows
- Seasonal clothing in vacuum bags
- Children’s toys and books stacked flat
What doesn’t fit:
- Full-size check-in suitcases standing upright (depth too shallow in most single models)
- Very bulky sports equipment
Best for: Children’s bedrooms, teenager’s rooms, studio flats, compact single rooms where wardrobe space is limited. A single ottoman provides surprisingly useful storage for its size, far more than the two small drawers a standard single divan offers.
Small Double Ottoman Bed (120 × 190cm mattress)
Typical internal storage dimensions:
- Internal length: 175–182cm
- Internal width: 106–110cm
- Internal depth: 28–34cm
- Estimated total storage: 520–680 litres
What fits:
- 2 large suitcases lying flat side by side
- 1 king size duvet folded
- 6–8 spare pillows
- 2–3 sets of spare bedding
- Seasonal wardrobe items in storage bags
- A rolled yoga mat or exercise equipment
What doesn’t fit:
- Very large, rigid luggage standing fully upright (depth-dependent)
- Items taller than the base depth when lying flat
This is where the small double ottoman bed genuinely surprises people.
At 120cm wide, the small double has an internal storage width of around 106–110cm, meaningfully wider than a single, and wide enough to lay two standard suitcases side by side with room to spare. The additional depth over many single models (28–34cm in quality small double ottomans) opens up storage possibilities that simply aren’t available in a single.
For a guest bedroom, a teenager’s room, a studio flat, or a compact master bedroom where a full double feels slightly too wide, the small double ottoman bed offers a storage capacity that rivals many full-size double divan drawer beds, in a footprint that’s 15cm narrower.
It’s genuinely one of the most underrated size choices in the entire ottoman bed market.
Best for: Guest rooms, studio flats, smaller master bedrooms, rooms where a double is slightly too wide but a single isn’t enough, and anywhere that storage is a genuine daily priority.
Double Ottoman Bed (135 × 190cm mattress)
Typical internal storage dimensions:
- Internal length: 175–183cm
- Internal width: 120–124cm
- Internal depth: 28–35cm
- Estimated total storage: 590–790 litres
What fits:
- 2–3 large suitcases
- Full king size duvet set plus spare covers
- 8–10 spare pillows
- Complete seasonal wardrobe for one person
- Bulky sports equipment (yoga mats, foam rollers, resistance equipment)
- Children’s spare bedding for sleepovers
What doesn’t fit:
- Very tall, rigid luggage that exceeds base depth
- Oversized items wider than the internal width
The double ottoman is the most popular size for UK couples in standard double bedrooms. At this size, the storage capacity becomes genuinely transformative, the equivalent of a medium chest of drawers, completely hidden, taking up no additional floor space whatsoever.
Best for: Main bedrooms for couples, standard UK double bedrooms, any room where storage is a daily priority and floor space is limited.
King Size Ottoman Bed (150 × 200cm mattress)
Typical internal storage dimensions:
- Internal length: 185–192cm
- Internal width: 134–138cm
- Internal depth: 30–38cm
- Estimated total storage: 700–1,000 litres
What fits:
- 3–4 large suitcases (including full-size check-in luggage in deeper models)
- Complete seasonal bedding for a king size bed
- Full seasonal wardrobe for two people in storage bags
- Multiple sets of spare bedding and towels
- Bulky sports and exercise equipment
- Children’s spare bedding and sleeping bags
The king size ottoman is where storage capacity becomes genuinely impressive. At the deeper end of the range (34–38cm internal depth), full-size check-in suitcases fit lying flat, which is the detail that makes the biggest practical difference for frequent travellers.
Best for: Main bedrooms for couples, larger UK bedrooms (minimum 3.5m × 4m), buyers who want maximum storage without additional bedroom furniture.
Super King Ottoman Bed (180 × 200cm mattress)
Typical internal storage dimensions:
- Internal length: 185–193cm
- Internal width: 163–168cm
- Internal depth: 32–40cm
- Estimated total storage: 970–1,300 litres
What fits:
- 4–5 large suitcases
- Complete bedding sets for multiple beds
- Full wardrobe for two people seasonally
- Large sports equipment and hobby items
- Essentially anything that physically fits within the base dimensions
Super king ottoman storage is extraordinary in volume terms, over 1,000 litres in the deepest models. For homes without loft storage, or large families who need to store substantial amounts of bedding and seasonal clothing, this represents a genuine alternative to additional bedroom furniture.
Best for: Large master bedrooms (minimum 4m × 5m), buyers who want the absolute maximum in sleeping space and storage, premium bedroom investments.
Ottoman Bed Storage vs Divan Drawer Bed: The Real Comparison
This is the comparison most buyers want, and the numbers tell a clear story.
Single divan (2 drawers) 90 × 190cm 60–90 litres Small double divan (2 drawers) 120 × 190cm 80–110 litres Double divan (4 drawers) 135 × 190cm 150–220 litres King divan (4 drawers) 150 × 200cm 180–260 litres Single ottoman 90 × 190cm 340–450 litres Small double ottoman 120 × 190cm 520–680 litres Double ottoman 135 × 190cm 590–790 litres King size ottoman 150 × 200cm 700–1,000 litres Super king ottoman 180 × 200cm 970–1,300 litres
The numbers speak for themselves. Even the smallest ottoman bed, a single, provides roughly four times the storage of a single divan with two drawers. A small double ottoman bed provides approximately six times the storage of a comparable small double divan.
This isn’t a marginal difference. It’s the difference between storing a couple of spare pillows and storing two full suitcases plus a season’s worth of clothing.
What Actually Fits? A Practical Packing Guide
Knowing the volume in litres is useful. Knowing what specific items fit is more useful. Here’s a practical guide to what you can realistically store in each size.
Single Ottoman (340–450 litres)
- 1 carry-on suitcase
- 1 spare duvet (folded)
- 4–5 spare pillows
- 2 sets of spare bedding
- Seasonal clothing in vacuum bags
- Shoe collection (10–15 pairs lying flat)
Small Double Ottoman (520–680 litres)
- 2 medium suitcases side by side
- 1 king size duvet plus covers
- 6–8 spare pillows
- Full seasonal wardrobe (vacuum bags)
- Yoga mat and exercise bands
- Children’s spare bedding
Double Ottoman (590–790 litres)
- 2–3 large suitcases
- Complete bedding set plus spare covers
- Seasonal wardrobe for one person
- Sports equipment (yoga mats, foam rollers)
- Extra towels and bathroom supplies
- Children’s sleeping bags and sleepover equipment
King Size Ottoman (700–1,000 litres)
- 3–4 large suitcases including check-in size
- Full seasonal bedding for two people
- Seasonal wardrobe for two people
- Full sports and gym equipment
- Complete spare bedding collection
- Multiple children’s sleeping setups
How to Maximise Your Ottoman Bed Storage
Getting the most out of your small double ottoman bed, or any size, comes down to a few practical habits.
- Use vacuum storage bags for soft items. Duvets, pillows, and seasonal clothing compressed in vacuum bags can reduce their volume by up to 75%. This single habit can effectively double the usable capacity of your ottoman base.
- Store flat items flat. Books, board games, flat storage boxes, and folded clothing stack efficiently and use the full floor area of the base. Items that are tall and narrow waste the depth of the base.
- Keep the most-used items accessible. Ottoman storage works best for items you access occasionally, not daily. Store seasonal bedding, out-of-season clothing, and infrequently used items here. Daily-use items are better in drawers or wardrobes.
- Organise by category. Group similar items together, all bedding in one area, all luggage in another. It sounds simple, but it makes finding things significantly faster when the mattress is raised.
- Don’t exceed the weight rating. Quality ottoman gas pistons are designed for the weight of a mattress plus a reasonable storage load. Excessively heavy storage, dense books, gym weights, very heavy equipment, can stress the mechanism over time. Check your specific product’s guidance.
According to Which?, regular maintenance of gas-lift mechanisms, including periodic checks that all fittings are secure, significantly extends their operational lifespan.
Does Base Depth Vary Between Brands?
Yes, significantly. And this is one of the most important things to check before you buy.
Base depth (the internal vertical measurement from floor to mattress platform) is the single factor that most affects what you can actually store. The difference between a 26cm deep base and a 36cm deep base isn’t just 10cm; it’s the difference between fitting a carry-on case and fitting a full check-in case.
When researching any ottoman bed, including a small double ottoman bed, look specifically for:
- Internal depth measurement (not just the overall base height, which includes the frame thickness)
- Whether the dimensions are internal or external; external measurements always sound more generous
- The gas piston specification; deeper bases need stronger pistons to lift the additional weight of items stored
If a product listing doesn’t clearly state internal dimensions, contact the retailer before ordering. A reputable seller will always have this information available.
Conclusion: Ottoman Storage Is Better Than You Think, and Now You Know Exactly How Much Better
The honest answer to how much storage does an ottoman bed actually hold? is: a lot more than most people expect, and dramatically more than any drawer-based divan bed.
A small double ottoman bed alone provides 520–680 litres of storage, six times more than a comparable small double divan with drawers. A king size ottoman offers up to 1,000 litres, roughly the equivalent of a large wardrobe, completely hidden beneath your mattress.
The key is knowing the real measurements before you buy, particularly the internal depth, which determines what you can actually store in practical terms.
Use vacuum bags for soft items. Store flat items flat. Keep occasional-use items here and daily-use items accessible elsewhere.
Do all of that, and your ottoman bed becomes one of the most genuinely useful pieces of furniture in your entire home.
Ready to explore your options? Visit our full Ottoman Bed collection at Appex Beds, every size from single to super king, in premium upholstered fabrics, with real dimensions listed and free UK mainland delivery on every order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage does a small double ottoman bed have?
A standard small double ottoman bed (120 × 190cm) provides approximately 520–680 litres of internal storage, depending on the specific base depth of the model. Internal dimensions are typically around 175–182cm long, 106–110cm wide, and 28–34cm deep. This is significantly more than a small double divan with 2 drawers, which provides around 80–110 litres.
Is a small double ottoman bed big enough for two people?
A small double ottoman bed (120cm wide) can accommodate two people, but it’s more comfortable for a single sleeper who wants more room than a standard single provides. For two people sharing a bed regularly, a full double (135cm) or king size (150cm) is generally more comfortable for everyday long-term use. The small double is an excellent choice for guest rooms, studio flats, and compact bedrooms.
What can you store in an ottoman bed?
Ottoman beds can store almost any item that fits within the internal dimensions, suitcases, duvets, spare bedding sets, seasonal clothing (particularly in vacuum bags), pillows, sports equipment, yoga mats, shoes, children’s spare bedding, and more. The open, unpartitioned storage area accommodates bulky items that would never fit in standard divan drawers.
How does ottoman storage compare to divan drawer storage?
The difference is substantial. A double ottoman bed provides approximately 590–790 litres of storage, compared to 150–220 litres in a double divan with 4 standard drawers. Ottoman storage is also qualitatively different, one large open space versus fixed-size compartments, which means it accommodates larger and more varied items. The trade-off is that drawer storage is easier to access for daily-use items.
Does the base depth vary between ottoman bed models?
Yes, significantly. Internal base depth typically ranges from 25cm in shallower models to 38–40cm in deeper premium models. This single measurement has the biggest practical impact on what you can store. A 26cm deep base won’t fit a standard check-in suitcase lying flat; a 35cm+ deep base will. Always check the internal depth specifically, not just the overall base height, before ordering any ottoman bed.