Ottoman Bed Buying Guide
Ottoman Bed Buying Guide
Looking for a bed that does more than just give you a good night’s sleep? Say hello to the Ottoman bed—the clever space-saving solution that doubles as hidden storage. Whether you’re short on space or just love an organised bedroom, this ottoman bed buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying an ottoman bed.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An Ottoman bed is a stylish, functional bed frame designed with built-in storage. Instead of drawers, the mattress base lifts up, usually with the help of a gas-lift mechanism, to reveal a spacious compartment underneath. It’s perfect for stashing away bedding, clothing, shoes, and more, all while keeping your room tidy and clutter-free.
Ottoman beds are especially handy in smaller bedrooms or minimalist homes where every inch of storage counts.
Why Choose an Ottoman Bed?
1. Hidden, Generous Storage
Forget bulky storage boxes or under-bed drawers. An ottoman bed gives you full access to the space beneath your mattress, offering up to three times the storage of traditional beds with drawers.
2. Keep Your Room Clutter-Free
The built-in storage keeps your belongings out of sight but easily accessible. It’s a cleaner, more aesthetic way to store items without plastic bins poking out or dust gathering underneath.
3. Variety of Sizes & Styles
From small singles to super kings, and wooden finishes to luxurious upholstered fabrics, there’s an ottoman bed for every bedroom. You’ll even find modern TV beds with ottoman bases!
What are the types of Ottoman Bed Bases are there?
When choosing your ottoman bed, pay attention to the base style. It affects not only comfort but also how your mattress feels.
Solid Base
A solid platform gives firmer support; it’s perfect if you prefer a firm feel or use a softer mattress. Think of it like a divan-style support system.
Sprung Slatted Base
These slightly curved slats offer a bit more “bounce” and airflow, keeping your mattress cooler. Great for people who like a softer feel or sleep hot.
What is an Ottoman Baseboard made of?
Your stored items need a good foundation, too! Here are the two main types of baseboards in ottoman beds:
Boarded Base
A sturdy, raised base that keeps your items off the floor, it’s ideal for heavy storage and long-term use as it prevents your things from touching the floor.
Fabric Base
Usually, a sheet of material that sits on or stretches to the floor. Best for lighter items like bedding or soft furnishings.
Which sides can you open the ottoman bed?
Ottoman beds can open in two different ways, so pick the one that fits your room layout:
Side-Opening Ottoman Beds
These open from either the left or right side. Perfect for tight spaces or if your bed sits against a wall. Just make sure you choose the correct side when assembling!
End-Opening Ottoman Beds
Open from the foot of the bed. Best for bigger bedrooms or when side access is limited.
What are the key things to consider before buying an ottoman bed?
Before you click “add to cart,” keep these in mind:
Size of Your Room
Measure carefully! It might be tempting to go for a king or super king, but make sure it fits with the space to walk around.
Ceiling Height
Remember, the bed lifts up, make sure there’s room above so it doesn’t hit a sloped ceiling, shelves, or light fixtures.
Bed Placement
Don’t place the side with the handle against a wall, or you won’t be able to open it. Plan your layout around your chosen opening mechanism.
Are Ottoman Beds Easy to Assemble?
Yes! Most ottoman beds come with step-by-step instructions and don’t require any special tools. If you’ve ever built flat-pack furniture, you’ll be just fine. Prefer to skip the DIY part? Some retailers offer assembly services to save you the hassle.
Are Ottoman Beds Easy to Use?
Absolutely. Thanks to gas-lift hydraulics, lifting the bed is smooth and almost effortless. The mechanism holds the mattress up for you, so you can use both hands to grab what you need—no awkward balancing acts.
To close, simply press down gently until the frame clicks into place. It’s secure, safe, and easy to manage.
Are Ottoman Beds Durable and Reliable?
Ottoman beds are built to last. High-quality frames, strong lift mechanisms, and sturdy materials make them as reliable as traditional beds. And if the hydraulic lift ever wears out over time, you can easily replace it.
Will My Mattress Stay in Place?
No worries there! Ottoman beds are designed to hold your mattress securely, whether you have a solid or slatted base. Many include anti-slip features so your mattress won’t slide even when you’re lifting the frame.
You can use any standard UK mattress size, just make sure it matches the bed frame exactly. Need help choosing? Check out our mattress buying guide for expert tips.
How Much Can I Store Inside?
Storage capacity depends on the bed size. Naturally, a super king ottoman bed offers more space than a single or double. You can store anything from extra bedding and pillows to seasonal clothing, shoes, books, or even kids’ toys.
Just keep in mind that each frame has a weight limit, so don’t overload it. Always check your product’s specific weight capacity.
Ottoman vs. Divan Bed: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed |
Storage Access | Lifts up for full storage space | Drawers on the sides or foot end |
Space Required | Less—no need for drawer clearance | More drawers need room to open |
Storage Capacity | More storage (entire bed base) | Limited to drawer size |
Design Flexibility | Stylish and modern styles are available | More traditional appearance |
If you’re tight on space or want maximum storage without sacrificing design, the ottoman bed is the clear winner.
Is an Ottoman Bed Right for You?
If you want a bed that’s stylish, space-saving, and practical, an ottoman bed is a brilliant choice. Whether you need extra storage in a small room or simply want to reduce bedroom clutter, ottoman beds tick all the boxes.
- Great for small bedrooms
- Built-in hidden storage
- Easy to lift and use
- Available in all sizes and designs
Ready to Buy?
Explore our full range of Ottoman beds from chic upholstered designs to solid wooden frames. Your perfect storage solution is just a click away.
