Ottoman Beds Guide: Maximise Storage Space In Your Bedroom
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
When space is at a premium, choosing the right bed can make a huge difference to your bedroom. Ottoman beds combine a comfortable place to sleep with generous hidden storage, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms of almost any size.
Whether you're furnishing a compact bedroom or simply looking for somewhere to keep spare bedding, clothes and other belongings out of sight, an ottoman bed offers a practical solution without taking up additional floor space.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed looks like a regular divan base, but the top lifts with the mattress to reveal a large storage compartment underneath.
Unlike beds with traditional storage, such as drawers, you don't need extra space at the sides of the bed to access the storage area. The lifting mechanism is usually assisted by gas-powered struts, helping you raise and lower the mattress platform with hardly any effort.
Why Choose an Ottoman Bed?
One of the biggest advantages of an ottoman bed is the amount of storage it provides.
Because much of the area underneath the mattress can be used for storage, there's plenty of room for items such as:
Spare bedding and duvets
Pillows and blankets
Towels
Seasonal clothing
Shoes
Suitcases and travel bags
Children's toys
Items you don't need every day
Everything can be stored neatly out of sight while remaining easily accessible when you need it.
Ideal for Smaller Bedrooms
Ottoman beds are particularly useful in smaller bedrooms where adding additional wardrobes, drawers or storage units isn't always practical.
A traditional drawer bed needs enough clearance around the sides or foot of the bed for the drawers to open. With an ottoman bed, the storage is accessed from above instead.
This can make them an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms, guest rooms and children's bedrooms, where space is often at a premium.
Side-Lift or End-Lift Ottoman Bed?
You'll generally come across two main types of ottoman storage beds: end-lift ottomans and side-lift ottomans.
When choosing which is right for you, consider how much space there is around the bed, and on which sides. You'll want at least enough room to comfortably lift the ottoman. For example, side-lift ottoman beds are particularly useful when the foot of the bed is close to a wall or other furniture.
Before choosing, think about where the bed will sit in your room and which direction will give you the easiest access.
Storage Without Compromising on Style
Practical doesn't have to mean boring. Ottoman beds often look like any other divan, and come with just as many styles, colours and fabrics to choose from.
Modern ottoman beds are available in a huge selection of designs, including contemporary upholstered beds, traditional styles and statement headboards.
With so many options available, ottoman beds are a popular choice that provide valuable storage while becoming a stylish centrepiece for your bedroom.
Ottoman Beds vs Storage Drawers
Both options can provide useful bedroom storage, but they work differently.
Drawer beds offer quick access to individual compartments and can be convenient for items you use regularly. You can often choose how many drawers, and even where they're located on the base. The most common options are 2-drawer divan bases and 4-drawer divan bases.
Ottoman beds offer a neater-looking base and don't impact the area around the bed as much while providing considerably more uninterrupted storage space.
If maximum storage is your priority, an ottoman bed is certainly worth considering.
What Size Ottoman Bed Should You Choose?
Ottoman beds are available in all of the main UK bed sizes, including:
Single
Small double
Double
King size
Super king
Remember to measure the complete dimensions of the bed frame rather than relying solely on the mattress size. Upholstered frames and headboards can make the overall dimensions slightly larger.
It's also worth considering how the bed will be delivered into your home. Check staircases, doorways and tight corners before ordering, particularly with larger king and super king models.
Don't Forget the Mattress
Your mattress is just as important as the bed itself.
When buying an ottoman bed, check which mattress types and weights are suitable for its lifting mechanism. Choosing the right combination will make the bed comfortable to sleep on while allowing the ottoman mechanism to operate correctly.
Are Ottoman Beds Worth It?
For many homes, absolutely.
An ottoman bed effectively turns an area of the bedroom that would otherwise be wasted into a substantial storage space.
They're particularly useful if you're short of wardrobe space, trying to keep a bedroom clutter-free or simply want somewhere convenient to store bulky items such as duvets and bedding.
Find the Right Ottoman Bed for Your Bedroom
If you're thinking about replacing your bed, it's worth considering how much additional storage you could gain by choosing an ottoman design.
At Furniture Warehouse North East, we offer a range of beds and bedroom furniture to suit different homes, styles and budgets.
Visit us at our Sunderland or Chester-le-Street stores, or browse our range online to find the perfect bed for your bedroom.
