What Are the Best Types of Beds for Small Bedrooms?

Do you have a small bedroom and are wondering which type of bed is the best fit? You’ve come to the right place.

Making the most of every centimetre of a compact bedroom can feel like a puzzle, especially when you need space for clothes storage, bedside tables and everyday essentials. The good news is that the biggest difference often comes down to one piece of furniture: your bed. Choosing the right bed frame can free up valuable floor space, add hidden storage and make the entire room feel more open.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of beds for small bedrooms, explaining how each one saves space, who it’s best suited to, the stylish options available and the key considerations to keep in mind before making your choice.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bed for a Small Bedroom

Choosing a bed for a small bedroom works best when you approach it step by step. Instead of starting with style, begin with space, then build up through storage, function and finally design. This ensures you end up with a bed that fits your room, rather than one that dominates it.

1. Start by Measuring Your Space: Before anything else, measure your room properly. Don’t just think about where the bed will go - consider the full usable floor space. Make sure you account for walking space around the bed, and check that doors, wardrobes and drawers can still open comfortably. This step alone often rules out oversized bed frames that would otherwise make the room feel cramped.

2. Think about how the room will be used: Next, be clear on how the bedroom needs to function day to day. Understanding this helps you prioritise the right type of bed early on.

• Main bedroom: comfort and relaxation come first
• Guest bedroom: flexibility and occasional use matter most
• Children’s bedroom: space for play is just as important as sleep
• Teen bedroom: often needs to balance sleep and study
• Studio apartment: multi-functionality is key

3. Work Out Your Storage Needs: Once function is clear, think about storage. Small bedrooms quickly feel cluttered without enough hidden storage solutions. Ask yourself:

• Do you already have enough wardrobe space?
• Where will spare bedding, clothes or seasonal items go?
• Could under-bed storage reduce the need for extra furniture?

If storage is limited, beds with built-in drawers or ottoman lift mechanisms can make a major difference.

4. Choose the Right Bed Size for the Room: It can be tempting to go bigger for comfort, but in smaller spaces this often has the opposite effect. A well-proportioned bed will always feel more comfortable than one that overwhelms the room. In most small bedrooms, a single or small double bed offers the best balance between comfort and space efficiency.

5. Prioritise a Space-Saving Frame Design : Next, look at the structure of the bed itself. In compact rooms, every design detail matters.

• Beds without a footboard help maintain an open, airy feel
• Low-profile frames reduce visual bulk
• Minimalist designs with clean lines prevent the room from feeling cluttered

These small design choices help the bedroom feel noticeably larger.

6. Refine Your Style Choices: Once the practical elements are in place, you can focus on style. In small bedrooms, less is often more. Upholstered beds can add softness and comfort, while wooden frames bring a timeless look. However, in tighter spaces, simpler silhouettes tend to work best as they keep the overall feel light and uncluttered. Headboards are also worth considering here - a well-sized headboard can add character and draw the eye upwards, helping the room feel taller.

7. Double-Check Practical Access and Height: Finally, make sure the bed works in everyday use. If you're considering loft or bunk styles, check ceiling height carefully. If you're choosing an ottoman bed, ensure lifting the mattress is practical for regular use. This final step ensures the bed doesn’t just look right, but works comfortably in real life.

How We Chose Our Recommendations

Not every bed is well suited to a compact bedroom. To decide which types deserved a place in this guide, we looked beyond appearance and focused on the features that make the biggest difference in smaller spaces.

Our recommendations are based on factors such as:

• Space efficiency: How well the bed makes use of limited floor space.
• Storage potential: Whether it offers built-in storage or creates room for additional storage.
• Comfort: How suitable it is for everyday sleeping.
• Versatility: Whether it can serve more than one purpose, such as combining sleeping, seating or storage.
• Suitability: Which rooms and users each bed type is best suited to, from compact master bedrooms to children's rooms and guest spaces.

Based on these factors, we've rounded up the bed types we recommend for making the most of a small bedroom. Read on to discover how each one combines space-saving design, storage and practicality, helping you find the best bed for your small bedroom.

Small Double Beds

A small double (also called a "three-quarter bed") measures 120 cm × 190 cm - that's 20 cm narrower than a standard double (140 cm) but 40 cm wider than a single (80 cm). It's a popular compromise for adults sleeping alone who want more room than a single provides, without a full double taking over the room. In a bedroom that needs to feel functional rather than furniture-filled, that 20 cm difference is often exactly what separates a room that breathes from one that doesn't.

How much space it saves: Compared to a standard double, a small double saves roughly 0.38 m² of floor space - enough to fit a small bedside table or leave a comfortable walkway on both sides.

Best For:

• Couples with compact bedrooms.
• Guest rooms that are too small for a standard double bed.

Considerations:

• Small double mattresses are less widely available than standard single or double sizes, so you'll have fewer options to choose from.
• Bed and mattress sizes aren't always labelled consistently, so always check the exact dimensions (in cm) before making a purchase.

Our Top Picks:

Low Profile Frames

A low profile frame sits close to the ground and keeps the visual centre of gravity of the room low, which draws the eye downward and creates the impression of more ceiling height. In a room that feels cramped, this is one of the most effective design tricks available - it costs no floor space but changes how the room feels entirely. It works particularly well in rooms with standard or low ceilings, where a tall headboard or a high divan base would only emphasise the proportional squeeze.

How much space it saves: Low profile frames don't reduce the footprint of the bed, but they create a powerful visual illusion of more space. By keeping the sightline low, they make walls appear taller and the room feel less dominated by furniture.

Best For:

• Adults who prefer minimalist, Scandinavian or Japandi interiors.
• Rooms with low or standard ceiling heights.
• Anyone looking to create a calm, spacious-looking bedroom.
• People who prefer a lower bed height.
• Small bedrooms where creating a sense of visual space is just as important as maximising floor space.

Considerations:

• Most low-profile beds offer little or no under-bed storage.
• Their lower height may make them less suitable for people with mobility issues, back pain or knee problems, as getting in and out of bed can require more effort.

Our Top Picks:

Metal Bed Frames

Metal frames, particularly slimmer and more architectural designs, carry very little visual weight in a room. Because the structure is open and linear, the eye passes through the frame rather than stopping at it - the room does not feel blocked or divided by the bed in the way a solid upholstered frame can make it feel. In a small bedroom, a clean metal frame will almost always read as lighter and more spacious than an equivalent fabric or wooden option at the same size.

How much space it saves: Like low profile frames, metal beds save space visually rather than physically. Their open, skeletal structure means the eye travels through the frame rather than stopping at it - making the bed feel lighter in the room and giving a greater sense of floor space even when the footprint is identical to a fabric or wooden frame.

Best For:

• Renters looking for a lightweight bed frame that's easier to move.
• Small bedrooms with industrial, vintage, Scandinavian or modern interiors.
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for a durable and affordable bed frame.

Considerations:

• Most metal bed frames don't include built-in storage, so you may need to use under-bed storage boxes or choose a storage bed instead.
• Metal headboards aren't padded, so they may be less comfortable if you like sitting up in bed to read or watch TV.

Our Top Picks:

Wooden Bed Frames

Wooden bed frames are a simple, versatile option for small bedrooms where a clean, uncluttered look is important. Typically made from solid wood or high-quality timber, they often feature slim frames and slatted headboards that help maintain a light, open feel rather than overwhelming the space. Their minimalist design makes them easy to style, whether you prefer a modern, Scandinavian-inspired space or a more traditional bedroom setup.

How much space it saves: Wooden bed frames do not directly add storage, but their slim profiles and raised bases help preserve visual space in small bedrooms. Many designs also allow for under-bed storage boxes, making use of otherwise unused floor space where clearance allows.

Best For:

• Small bedrooms with rustic, traditional or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
• Renters who want a lightweight bed frame that’s easy to move and reposition.
• Families with young children who prefer a softer, non-metal frame design.
• Those who prefer a simple, minimalist slatted headboard that doesn’t visually dominate the room.
• Bedrooms where under-bed clearance is needed for cleaning or additional storage boxes.

Considerations:

• Slatted wooden headboards are typically unpadded, which may be less comfortable for sitting up in bed.
• Weight capacity varies by design. Always check individual product specifications.

Our Top Picks:

Sofa Beds

A sofa bed is a dual-purpose piece of furniture that functions as a sofa during the day and unfolds into a sleeping surface at night. This is particularly valuable in studio flats or rooms that need to serve as both a bedroom and a living area. They come in several styles: pull-out (with a hidden mattress mechanism), fold-down (click-clack) and futon-style.

How much space it saves: In sofa mode, a standard two-seater sofa bed typically takes up ~1.4 m × 0.9 m - significantly less than a standard single bed (0.9 m × 1.9 m) lying flat. In a room that doubles as a lounge, this is transformative.

Best For:

• Studio flats, home offices, guest rooms, holiday homes and short-term rental properties.
• Anyone looking to combine seating and sleeping in one piece of furniture.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a more cost-effective alternative to buying a separate sofa and bed.
• Rooms that need to serve multiple purposes throughout the day.

Considerations:

• Many sofa beds have thinner mattresses than standard beds, which may affect comfort during extended use.
• Sofa bed mechanisms vary in design and ease of use. Clic-clac styles are typically quicker and require less effort to convert, while pull-out mechanisms can be heavier and may require more space when opening.

Our Top Picks:

Ottoman Beds

An ottoman bed has a base that lifts upward (either from the foot-end or the side) to reveal a large storage compartment underneath the mattress. In a small bedroom, this matters because every piece of storage furniture you don't need (a chest of drawers, a blanket box, under-bed boxes) is floor space you get back. The result is a room that can feel genuinely uncluttered rather than one where the storage problem has simply been moved around. 

How much space it saves: Ottoman beds don't reduce the footprint of the bed itself, but they effectively replace the need for a wardrobe, chest of drawers, or under-bed boxes - freeing up significant vertical and floor space elsewhere in the room.

Best For:

• Adults who need extra storage but want to avoid additional furniture.
• Bedrooms where keeping floor space clear and uncluttered is a priority.
• Renters who cannot install built-in storage solutions.
• Replacing bulky storage units such as chests of drawers or extra cupboards.

Considerations:

• Requires adequate clearance at the foot or side of the bed to fully lift the storage base.
• Typically heavier than standard bed frames due to the integrated lift mechanism and storage base.
• Generally more expensive than basic divan or slatted bed frames.

Our Top Picks:

Day Beds

A day bed is a single-size sleeping frame that doubles as a sofa or chaise lounge. Most day beds have a raised back and/or sides that allow the user to lean against cushions and use the bed as a seating area. Some models include a pull-out trundle underneath, adding a second sleeping spot.

How much space it saves: A day bed has the same footprint as a single bed, but its sofa-like appearance means the room doesn't feel like a bedroom when it's in use as a lounge. This psychological trick makes small rooms feel less cramped.

Best For:

• Children’s bedrooms where space needs to support both sleeping and play.
• Home offices that double up as occasional guest sleeping spaces.
• Guest rooms where a permanent full-size bed isn’t required.
• Teens’ rooms or multi-use spaces where seating and sleeping need to be combined, with trundle options ideal for occasional extra guests or sleepovers.

Considerations:

• Trundle beds require clear floor space to fully extend the additional mattress.
• Mattresses used on trundles are often thinner than standard beds, which may affect comfort for longer use.
• Day beds are generally better suited to occasional or flexible sleeping arrangements rather than everyday primary use.

Our Top Picks:

Mid Sleeper Beds

A mid sleeper raises the bed to a mid-height position, creating valuable usable space underneath for storage, a desk or a play area. Some designs keep this space open for flexibility, while others include built-in furniture such as wardrobes, shelving or stairs for added organisation. Designed mainly for children aged 6–12, they are a practical way to combine sleeping and storage in smaller bedrooms.

How much space it saves: The under-bed area typically measures around 1.5 m wide × 0.9 m deep × 0.9-1 m high, which can accommodate a small desk setup, storage units, or an organised play area depending on the configuration. In storage-integrated designs, this space is already optimised with fitted wardrobes or shelving, removing the need for additional furniture.

Best For:

• Children aged 6-12 transitioning from a standard single bed.
• Kids’ bedrooms that need to combine sleeping space with study, storage or play areas.
• Parents looking to create clear zones for sleep, organisation and activity within one room.
• More space-efficient use of floor area compared to a bed plus separate desk and storage units.

Considerations:

• Access is typically via a ladder or staircase, so they are not suitable for children under 6.
• Requires sufficient ceiling height for comfortable use of the raised sleeping area.
• Bedding changes are more involved than on a standard bed frame due to elevation.
• Not designed for adult use.

Our Top Picks:

High Sleeper Beds

A high sleeper raises the sleeping surface to near-ceiling height - typically 1.6-1.8 m off the floor - freeing up almost the entire floor area below for a kids’ play area, full-size desk, wardrobe, sofa or workstation. They're most commonly used in kids’ or teens' rooms. It is one of the most space-efficient single-bed options available.

How much space it saves: A high sleeper effectively transforms a single footprint into two functional zones: a raised sleeping area and a full-height usable space underneath for work, storage or play.

Best for:

• Parents looking to maximise floor space for play, study or storage in a child’s bedroom.
• Children and younger teens who want a ‘den-style’ space beneath their bed.
• Rooms where a full desk, wardrobe or seating area needs to fit within a single footprint.
• Multi-functional bedrooms that need clearly defined zones for sleep and daily activities.

Considerations:

• Ceiling height is important for comfort, with at least 2.5 m recommended for safe clearance above the mattress.
• Ladder or staircase access is required, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility concerns.
• Bedding changes and general maintenance are slightly challenging as compared to standard bed frames.
• Typically designed for children, rather than long-term adult use.

Our Top Picks:

Bunk Beds

A bunk bed stacks two sleeping surfaces vertically, allowing two sleepers to share the footprint of a single bed. The most common design features two single beds, one above the other, although modern variations include L-shaped bunks, triple bunks and designs with a double bed on the lower level. 

How much space it saves: A standard bunk bed (two singles) provides sleeping space for two in the same footprint as a single bed - saving approximately 1.8 m² of floor space compared to two separate single beds placed side by side.

Best for:

• Two siblings sharing a bedroom.
• Children aged 6 and above using the top bunk safely.
• Shared bedrooms under around 12 m² where space is limited.
• Holiday homes or rental properties where maximising sleeping capacity is important.
• More cost-efficient than purchasing two separate bed frames.

Considerations:

• Ceiling height should always be checked against product specifications to ensure safe and comfortable clearance.
• The top bunk is not suitable for children under 6 in line with general safety guidance.
• The lower bunk may feel enclosed in very compact rooms.
• Movement on the top bunk can be disruptive for light sleepers on the lower level.

Our Top Picks:

Murphy Beds (Wall Beds)

A Murphy bed (also known as a wall bed or fold-down bed) is a full-size mattress mounted on a wall mechanism that folds vertically into a cabinet when not in use. When folded away, the cabinet can double as shelving, a sofa or a home office wall unit. This makes it one of the most effective space-saving solutions for rooms that need to switch between sleeping and daytime use. 

How much space it saves: When folded, a Murphy bed reclaims the entire floor footprint of a bed - typically 1.9 m² to 2.8 m² depending on mattress size. This allows the room to be used for completely different purposes during the day, such as a living area, workspace or exercise space.

Best for:

• Studio flat owners looking to combine living and sleeping space in one room.
• Home offices that occasionally need to function as a guest bedroom.
• City apartments where floor space is limited and multi-use rooms are essential.
• Maximum floor space recovery compared to other traditional bed frames.

Considerations:

• Requires secure wall mounting, so may not be suitable for most rental properties.
• Typically involves higher upfront cost compared to standard bed frames.
• The cabinet unit remains fixed to the wall even when the bed is folded away.
• Professional installation is often recommended for safety and correct fitting.

Note: Murphy beds aren’t currently available on Wowcher, but our sofa beds and ottoman beds offer a similar space-saving alternative.

Stylish Beds for Small Bedrooms

In small bedrooms, style plays a functional role as well as an aesthetic one. Because space is limited, the bed is often the largest and most visible piece of furniture, meaning its design can significantly influence how open, balanced and cohesive the room feels. The most effective choices combine visual lightness with practical space-saving features. If you’re unsure where to start, these are a few style ideas that work especially well in small bedrooms. 

• Sleek, minimalist frames: Low-profile wooden or metal bed frames with clean lines help create a more open feel in compact rooms. Slatted headboards, slim legs and neutral finishes prevent the bed from visually overwhelming the space, making the room appear larger and more structured.
• Upholstered statement beds: For those who prefer a softer, more luxurious look, upholstered beds in neutral tones can work well in small bedrooms. Opting for simple panel or wingback designs in light fabrics helps add warmth without making the space feel heavy or crowded.
• Multi-functional stylish designs: In smaller spaces where practicality is key, beds with integrated functions can still be stylish. Ottoman beds, sofa beds and day beds now come in modern finishes and fabrics that allow them to blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors while saving valuable floor space.
• Playful and themed designs for children: In children’s small bedrooms, stylish choices often focus on character and creativity without adding extra furniture. Mid sleepers, high sleepers and bunk beds can introduce fun design elements while keeping the floor area clear for play and storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Bed for a Small Bedroom

1. Not measuring the room properly before buying
   One of the most common mistakes is choosing a bed before checking how it fits within the room layout. Always measure the available floor space, including door swings, windows, radiators and wardrobes. It’s also important to allow enough clearance for movement around at least one side of the bed.
2. Overlooking the bed’s overall footprint
   Mattress size does not equal bed size. Most bed frames extend beyond the mattress dimensions, often by several centimetres on each side. Always check the full external measurements rather than relying only on mattress size labels.
3. Ignoring how the bed operates in the room
   Certain bed types need extra space to function properly. Ottoman beds require clearance to lift, sofa beds need space to unfold, and high sleepers require safe access for ladders or stairs. Without factoring this in, even a correctly sized bed can become impractical.
4. Choosing a bed without considering storage needs
   Small bedrooms benefit greatly from integrated storage. Even if you don’t choose an ottoman bed, options like drawer divans or under-bed storage-compatible frames can help reduce clutter and free up floor space.
5. Selecting a bed that doesn’t match how the room is used
   The best bed choice depends on the room’s purpose. For example, a sofa bed may suit a guest room but not a main bedroom used every night, while a single bed in a multi-use space may miss an opportunity for seating or storage functionality.
6. Forgetting ceiling height for raised beds
   For mid sleepers, high sleepers and bunk beds, ceiling height is a key consideration. If clearance is too tight, the bed can feel uncomfortable and impractical to use safely.
7. Prioritising appearance over practicality
   In small bedrooms, an oversized or visually heavy bed can quickly overwhelm the space. While style is still important, practical fit and usability should come first, with design details added through bedding and accessories.
8. Skipping product specifications and reviews
   For beds with mechanisms or safety features, such as ottoman lifts, sofa bed mechanisms or bunk safety rails, checking product specifications and verified reviews is essential to ensure durability and ease of use.

Now that you’ve explored the different types of beds for small bedrooms, it’s clear that choosing the right one is all about making the most of the space you already have. Take a look at Wowcher’s wide collection of beds and find a style that suits your home. With Wowcher, it’s easy to save space and save money at the same time!

What is the best bed size for a small bedroom?

A single or small double bed is ideal for a small bedroom, providing comfort without taking up too much space.

Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms?

Yes. Ottoman beds are one of the best choices for small bedrooms because they replace the need for separate storage furniture. The underbed space is generous, fully enclosed, and clean-looking. Choose a foot-end lift model if one side of the bed sits against the wall.

What colour makes a small bedroom look bigger?

Light, airy colours work best for making a small bedroom feel more spacious. Shades like bright white, soft off-white, pale grey, and gentle pastels such as light blue or muted green help reflect natural light and create a more open, less confined feel. Keeping the palette soft and consistent across walls and larger furniture also helps reduce visual clutter, making theroom appear bigger than it actually is.