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.
Quick List - Top Single Beds
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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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Silentnight Middleton 800 Pkt Memory Single | ![]() | Comes With a Top Quality Memory Foam Mattress | |
2 | Argos Home Aubrey Single Bed Frame | ![]() | A Simple Style That's Perfect for a Minimalist Room | |
3 | Habitat Pandora Single Ottoman Bed Frame | ![]() | Provides Lots of Extra Storage Space | |
4 | John Lewis & Partners ANYDAY Wilton Trundle Guest Bed Frame | ![]() | Turn Your Single Into a Double | |
5 | Argos Home Kourtney End Opening Ottoman Single Bed | ![]() | Stunning Crushed Velvet That Shines | |
6 | Aingoo Single Bed Frame Solid 3ft Metal Bed With Heart Shape | ![]() | Add a Feminine Touch to Your Room | |
7 | Habitat Yani Single Metal Bed Frame | ![]() | Beautifully Designed, With Gold Detailing | |
8 | John Lewis & Partners Non-Sprung 2 Drawer Storage Upholstered Divan Base | ![]() | A Firm Divan Base Made From Non-Sprung Wood | |
9 | Coavas Single Metal Bed Frame | ![]() | Features Reinforced Legs for Better Support | |
10 | Sleep Factory Luxury Plush Single Divan Bed for Adults | ![]() | Available in a Great Selection of Colours |
When you buy this bed, you don't just get a frame and headboard — it comes with a top-quality memory foam mattress with 800 springs too! This will ensure that you get the best night's sleep, as it offers even weight distribution, moulds to the shape of your body and can relieve pain. Plus, the headboard is fully upholstered in smooth canvas for extra comfort.
This bed is ideal for small spaces, as it's slim and you can even opt to have 2 drawers included. It's comfy, compact and has plenty of extra storage space — just what you need in a single bed!
Those who prefer the minimalist aesthetic will love this simple shaker design. Made from pine, the base comes in a white or oak finish, or you could paint it yourself if you want something to match your bedroom décor.
Best of all, this bed is environmentally friendly as the wood has been sustainably sourced. Plus, it's quick and easy to put together in comparison to some of the other frames on our list. Overall, it's a brilliant buy!
Do you need lots of extra storage space? You can fit 470 litres underneath this ottoman bed and any items you store will be hidden from view, keeping your space pleasantly tidy. You can easily open it up again using the gas-lift mechanism when you need to access the things you've put away.
We think this bed looks totally stunning, with soft velvet upholstery and a chic ridged headboard. Not only does it look good but it's practical too — the base is sprung for back support and the wooden slats are super sturdy, so you can doze off peacefully.
When you're in the dating stage of a relationship, sleeping arrangements can be tricky. This trundle bed is the perfect solution, as you can transform it into a double when needed and then turn it back into a single to save space. The base has wheels, so it's easy to move around, and you can store items on it when not in use.
This bed is available in a modern white finish or a rustic natural wood effect, so you can choose the option that best suits your room. It's also incredibly sturdy as it's made from solid pine wood.
If this bed doesn't impress you, we don't know what will! It looks beautiful, thanks to the crushed velvet upholstery and cosy padded headboard. As it's an ottoman bed, there's plenty of storage room too — it can hold 419 litres, to be exact.
The hardwearing wooden slats are sprung, so they'll respond to your body weight and help relieve pressure. This is therefore the ideal choice for anyone who suffers from back pain but still wants a bed that looks stylish.
Add a feminine touch to your bedroom by purchasing this metal frame bed with pretty heart-shaped details. It has a solid base that holds up to 225 pounds (16 stone). Plus, the metal is coated with black powder to prevent it from rusting or scratching.
As it's made from metal, the bed is a little wobbly and noisy, but we'd say that's to be expected. Overall, it's an affordable choice that's fairly easy to assemble. Even those without much DIY experience should be able to put it together in no time!
Looking for a unique bed frame? This metal frame stands out from the crowd, thanks to its unusual shape and gold detailing. The frame is fairly sturdy and it's made from metal with a black powder coating, which makes it less likely to scratch or rust.
Unfortunately this bed is a bit difficult to assemble, so you might want to ask a friend or family member to help you out. Once it's been put together though, it's a gorgeous design that benefits from a slatted base for ventilation and raised legs that ensure you have ample room to store belongings underneath.
Sometimes a divan base is all you need if you already have a headboard and mattress. This one has a firm feel, as the wood is non-sprung and it's upholstered in durable canvas. It's also part-assembled, so you shouldn't have too much trouble putting it together.
One slight drawback to this bed is that it may have a strong smell when it first arrives, because of the fire-retardant treatment that has been applied to the fabric. However, this shouldn't be a problem after a few weeks.
This metal bed frame has extra reinforced legs for better support and weight distribution, meaning it can hold up to 300 pounds (or 21 stone). It also has brackets to stop the mattress from sliding around, for an undisturbed night's sleep.
Again, this is an inexpensive bed that isn't of the highest quality and the metalwork isn't particularly sturdy. On the flip side, the metal is painted to stop it from rusting and scratching, plus there's plenty of storage space underneath.
If you like bright colours, this is the bed for you! Most frames that are designed for adults come in subtle shades like grey and black, but this one is available in a range of bold tones including blue, pink and yellow. It's an inexpensive option that includes a mattress, base and headboard.
Sadly though, this bed is slightly flimsy, which is perhaps to be expected considering the low price. Still, the mattress is hypoallergenic and has a spring system for extra support, so it should provide you with at least a few years of comfortable sleep!
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
No. 1: Silentnight|Middleton 800 Pkt Memory Single
No. 2: Argos Home|Aubrey Single Bed Frame
No. 3: Habitat|Pandora Single Ottoman Bed Frame
No. 4: John Lewis & Partners|ANYDAY Wilton Trundle Guest Bed Frame
No. 5: Argos Home|Kourtney End Opening Ottoman Single Bed
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