A single bed isn't just for kids! In fact, it's the ideal size if you live alone or have a small bedroom. There are many styles to choose from, including standard metal frames, divans with a mattress included, and beds with a trundle feature. If you're in need of extra storage, you could even try an ottoman design that lifts up so you can keep things inside.
To help you select the best bed for your budget, we've put together a buying guide with loads of helpful tips such as information on the different materials that are used for the base and headboard. Once you've read that, check out our ranking of the top 10 best single beds available to buy in the UK, from top brands like Argos Home, Silentnight and Habitat.
Before you buy a new bed, there are a few things you should consider. In this section, we'll run through the different styles available, as well as their pros and cons. Plus, we'll include some useful information about materials so you can pick the sturdiest option!
Do you know your ottoman bed from your divan? Below we've put together some key information about the different types of single beds and their benefits. If you follow our advice, you'll easily be able to select the right one for your needs!
Most single beds have a standard frame with a headboard and a base that has slats or bars. We highly recommend this option if you have a tight budget, as standard frames are inexpensive. They often have an open bottom too, so you can store items underneath the bed.
The standard frame has some design variations, with one of the most popular being the "shaker" style which was actually created by a religious group of the same name in the 18th century! It's a simple, clean design featuring a headboard and end made of slatted wood, making it perfect for a minimalist bedroom.
Do you have guests over regularly? If so, you might want to consider a trundle bed. This design has a second bed underneath on wheels, which you can pull out when needed. There are also pop-out versions — these are perfect for couples because they can be raised to the same height as the original bed, turning it into a double bed.
When not in use, you can use the space at the top of the second bed frame for storage. Although it doesn't provide a huge amount of room, it can be pulled out easily if you need to access items.
Ottoman beds are the best storage solution, as they have a gas lift that opens up to reveal ample space underneath! Anything you decide to store will be hidden, keeping your bedroom nice and neat. Furthermore, as this section is enclosed, it offers better protection for your possessions than if you were to put them on the floor under a frame.
You also might want to consider an ottoman bed rather than a bed with drawers if you have limited space, as drawers may not open fully in small spaces. Even though a single bed is smaller than a double or kingsize frame, there should still be plenty of room in an ottoman to store everything.
Divans have a solid upholstered base so that the mattress fits snugly, leaving no leftover room like other designs. They tend to come as a complete set with a matching mattress and headboard, so you don't have to shop around separately for these products.
Some divan beds come with drawers underneath too. While these provide less storage space than you'd get under a frame, they're suitable for storing small items or bed linen. Just make sure to check if you have enough space to open each drawer out fully.
As we've mentioned, ottoman and divan beds are always upholstered. The headboard is padded and the base is usually covered in either canvas or velvet fabric.
If it's comfort you're after, we recommend opting for velvet upholstery which is luxuriously soft and smooth. Some velvet beds even have patterns or a sparkly sheen that will really make your room feel glamorous!
On the other hand, canvas fabric is hardwearing and practical. The material is strong, so it will last a long time without ripping or tearing, and it's easy to clean too. It may not feel as soft as velvet, but a canvas headboard will still be a lot more comfortable than a metal or wooden one.
The base of a bed is either made from metal, wood or a mix of both materials. Metal is inexpensive and holds up better to wear and tear, whereas wood can become scratched and marked. Unfortunately though, metal beds are noisy and creaky, so they're no good if you tend to toss and turn during the night.
Wooden beds, which are often made from solid pine, are generally sturdy and reliable. They can be heavy, but you shouldn't really need to move your bed around once you've arranged your room. Another benefit of choosing a wooden base is that you can easily paint it and customise it to match the rest of your décor!
Ottoman designs tend to have a frame that's made from both metal and wood. Usually, the strong and sturdy wooden slats are surrounded by a metal frame, while the metal components help the gas lift mechanism to work so you can store things underneath.
After reading our buying guide, you should know exactly what to look for when choosing a single bed. To make life even easier, we've put together a ranking of the top 10 best products available to buy online, with options to suit a range of budgets!
£199.99
Type | Divan |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard, mattress |
Drawers | Yes - 2 |
Upholstery | Velvet |
Base | Wood |
Size | 91.44 x 195.58 x 60.96 cm |
£59.99
Type | Standard frame |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | - |
Base | Metal |
Size | 91.2 x 197 x 80.5 cm |
£499.00
Type | Divan |
---|---|
Includes | Base |
Drawers | Yes - 2 |
Upholstery | Canvas |
Base | Wood (pine) |
Size | 90 x 190 x 31.5 cm |
£110.00
Type | Standard frame |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | - |
Base | Metal |
Size | 99.2 x 201.5 x 105 cm |
£59.89
Type | Standard frame |
---|---|
Includes | Base, frame |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | - |
Base | Metal |
Size | 91.5 x 197 x 88.5 cm |
£203.00
Type | Ottoman |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | Crushed velvet |
Base | Metal, wood |
Size | 100 x 211 x 106 cm |
£299.00
Type | Trundle |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | - |
Base | Wood (pine) |
Size | 98.5 x 203.8 x 99.5 cm |
£270.00
Type | Ottoman |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | Velvet |
Base | Metal, wood |
Size | 101.5 x 204 x 101 cm |
£170.00
Type | Shaker frame |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard |
Drawers | - |
Upholstery | - |
Base | Wood (pine) |
Size | 106.2 x 200.5 x 110 cm |
£395.10
Type | Divan |
---|---|
Includes | Base, headboard, mattress |
Drawers | Yes - 2 |
Upholstery | Canvas |
Base | - |
Size | 90 x 190 x 120.5 cm |
Image | 1 ![]() Silentnight | 2 ![]() Argos Home | 3 ![]() Habitat | 4 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 5 ![]() Argos Home | 6 ![]() Aingoo | 7 ![]() Habitat | 8 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 9 ![]() Coavas | 10 ![]() Sleep Factory |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Middleton 800 Pkt Memory Single | Aubrey Single Bed Frame | Pandora Single Ottoman Bed Frame | ANYDAY Wilton Trundle Guest Bed Frame | Kourtney End Opening Ottoman Single Bed | Single Bed Frame Solid 3ft Metal Bed With Heart Shape | Yani Single Metal Bed Frame | Non-Sprung 2 Drawer Storage Upholstered Divan Base | Single Metal Bed Frame | Luxury Plush Single Divan Bed for Adults |
Features | Comes With a Top Quality Memory Foam Mattress | A Simple Style That's Perfect for a Minimalist Room | Provides Lots of Extra Storage Space | Turn Your Single Into a Double | Stunning Crushed Velvet That Shines | Add a Feminine Touch to Your Room | Beautifully Designed, With Gold Detailing | A Firm Divan Base Made From Non-Sprung Wood | Features Reinforced Legs for Better Support | Available in a Great Selection of Colours |
Price | £395.10 | £170.00 | £270.00 | £299.00 | £203.00 | £59.89 | £110.00 | £499.00 | £59.99 | £199.99 |
Type | Divan | Shaker frame | Ottoman | Trundle | Ottoman | Standard frame | Standard frame | Divan | Standard frame | Divan |
Includes | Base, headboard, mattress | Base, headboard | Base, headboard | Base, headboard | Base, headboard | Base, frame | Base, headboard | Base | Base, headboard | Base, headboard, mattress |
Drawers | Yes - 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | Yes - 2 | - | Yes - 2 |
Upholstery | Canvas | - | Velvet | - | Crushed velvet | - | - | Canvas | - | Velvet |
Base | - | Wood (pine) | Metal, wood | Wood (pine) | Metal, wood | Metal | Metal | Wood (pine) | Metal | Wood |
Size | 90 x 190 x 120.5 cm | 106.2 x 200.5 x 110 cm | 101.5 x 204 x 101 cm | 98.5 x 203.8 x 99.5 cm | 100 x 211 x 106 cm | 91.5 x 197 x 88.5 cm | 99.2 x 201.5 x 105 cm | 90 x 190 x 31.5 cm | 91.2 x 197 x 80.5 cm | 91.44 x 195.58 x 60.96 cm |
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Before your bed is ready to sleep in, there's a few other essentials you need to buy. Check out the articles below to see our recommendations for duvets, covers and mattress protectors to keep your new purchase in tip-top condition.
You're almost certainly guaranteed a good night's sleep in your new bed thanks to our handy guide. When selecting a frame, remember to pay attention to the material and the amount of storage space underneath, to ensure that you're totally happy with your purchase. Sweet dreams!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
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