Ottoman beds offer more storage than divans with drawers, with no clearance issues around the bed, making them the best choice for small bedrooms.
Their mattress platforms lift on gas struts with end or side-lift mechanisms to suit middle-of-the-room and against-the-wall bed placement.
Storage depth ranges from 22 cm to 35 cm and spans the full length and width of the bed frame. Most storage floors use a canvas sheet fixed to the inside with Velcro or loop straps, but some models with taller legs have a solid floor.
You'll pay more for an ottoman than a standard bed frame, and they also weigh more, but if you need storage, no other bed comes close.
Continue reading for a complete buyer's guide to ottoman beds.
How Ottoman Beds Work
Ottoman beds lift using hydraulic gas struts that counterbalance the weight of your mattress and bedding. When you pull the fabric loop or handle at the foot or side of your bed, these struts activate and assist in lifting the platform.
The lifting mechanism locks in place when fully raised, allowing you to use both hands to access stored items without fear of collapse.
The closing action is not automated and requires manual force. The struts resist downward force to slow down the descent, but after a point, they disengage, and you are in control of safely closing the mattress platform.
Related: The Different Types of Beds Explained
Side-lift vs end-lift options
Side-lift ottomans work when your room layout prevents foot-end access. If your bed sits at the end of a narrow room or faces built-in wardrobes, this configuration gives you storage without rearranging your furniture.
End-lift ottomans work when your bed sits in the middle of the room, allowing access from all sides. They're also ideal when both sides of the bed are against walls, and only the foot end has clearance.
Key factors to consider before buying
Size and room fit
Ottoman beds require adequate clearance around the opening side so that you have somewhere to stand. End-lift versions need approximately 30 cm of space at the foot of the bed, while side-lift models require comparable clearance on their opening edge.
Ceiling height matters if your bed is in a spot with a low or vaulted ceiling (e.g., attic conversions or basements). Side-lift ottomans have a lower opening height and usually work best in bedrooms with odd ceilings.
Storage capacity
Storage depth varies between low and high ottoman frames, with typical measurements ranging from 22 cm to 35 cm.
King-size and super-king ottomans offer substantially more storage volume than single or double variations. Ottoman beds with sprung slatted bases sacrifice approximately 3 cm of storage versus solid bases.
Owing to the frame structure, internal storage dimensions typically measure slightly less than the bed's external dimensions. Some ottomans have internal dividers that help organise belongings but reduce overall storage flexibility.
Related: Bed and Mattress Sizes Guide UK
Lift mechanism quality
Higher-quality gas struts make opening smoother and extend operational lifespan by several years. Only buy beds with branded hydraulic systems rather than generic components.
Mechanisms with 'fingertip opening' require less force to initiate lifting but can make it easier for children to access the storage space.
Quality lifting mechanisms remain stable during their range of motion without wobbling or sudden movements that might destabilise stored items. If your bed opens with a wobble, it could be a loose bolt where the struts attach to the frame.
Mattress compatibility and weight
Any mattress — thin or thick, foam or spring-based — works with ottoman beds since manufacturers overrate the lifting struts for safety. However, the base type dictates your mattress's performance and feel.
Solid bases provide a stable foundation for the mattress without any ‘give' or bounce. Since all the comfort and support come from the mattress, thicker mattresses over 26cm work best with solid bases.
If your mattress is under 26cm thick, a slatted or sprung slatted base is best to reduce pressure on the mattress's support system.
Related: How to Choose a Mattress - UK Buyer's Guide
Material and aesthetic options
Fabric ottomans offer greater choice — plush velvet adds luxury, hardwearing linen suits warmer rooms, and practical faux leather handles daily life. Their textures range from soft to sleek, depending on your preference.
Wooden frames in oak or walnut typically cost more but maintain their appearance through years of use. Natural grain patterns create visual warmth impossible with manufactured fabrics, especially in traditional bedrooms.
Fabric beds allow headboard swapping when trends change, while wooden designs remain consistent throughout their lifetime.
Speaking of headboards, these can be optional for fabric ottomans. You can buy just the base to save money or add a headboard and spend more. Headboards give you something soft to sit up against and are worth it for design purposes.
Pros of Ottoman Beds
- No dust bunnies forming under your bed since the base sits flush with the floor
- Whole-bed access lets you see everything at once
- Struts hold the mattress up securely, freeing both hands for rummaging through stored items
- Valuable floor space stays clear for rugs, pet beds or morning stretches
- No need for separate storage furniture means less money spent on bedroom essentials
- Morning bed-making becomes quicker with spare bedding stored directly beneath
Cons to Consider
- Moving house becomes a two-person job due to the heavy frame construction
- Your wallet takes a heavier hit upfront compared to basic bed frames
- Using storage at 3 am might wake your partner as the bed shifts slightly
- Getting items from the head of the bed requires awkward reaching or walking around
- Gas struts eventually need replacement after years of regular use
- Those with bad backs might struggle despite the hydraulic assistance
Who should consider an ottoman bed?
Apartment dwellers gain valuable storage without sacrificing limited floor space. Minimalists appreciate hiding necessary items while maintaining clean visual lines.
Guest rooms benefit from convenient storage that is accessible between visits without cluttering rooms used for multiple purposes.
Anyone lacking built-in storage walls or adequate wardrobe space finds ottomans invaluable for clothing storage. People living in properties without airing cupboards gain perfect spaces for linens and seasonal bedding.
Families with children find ottomans perfect for storing outgrown clothes and toys without cluttering shared spaces. And don't worry about your child opening the ottoman base – it is far too heavy for a child to open by themselves.
Common questions
Can you use any mattress with an ottoman bed?
Any mattress works with ottoman beds regardless of type or construction. The struts are usually overrated, capable of lifting more than 100kg versus a mattress's 30-50kg weight.
Is the lift mechanism noisy?
Not at all. The gas struts make a noise similar to opening a car boot, and because the opening action is under hydraulic control, there's no risk of it slamming as with drawers. The only thing to be careful with is the last few inches of closing, as you will control the action.
Do ottoman beds break easily?
Well-made ottoman beds last many years with proper use. Mechanisms eventually require servicing, with gas struts typically lasting five years before replacement. Most manufacturers provide replacement parts, allowing repair rather than complete bed replacement.
How often can I open and close my ottoman bed?
Quality ottomans withstand thousands of cycles, making them suitable for frequently accessed storage rather than just occasional use. You can access your ottoman as often as you want without worrying about it.