What Is an Ottoman Bed?

If you've been furniture shopping recently, chances are you've come across the term "ottoman bed" and wondered exactly what sets it apart from a standard divan or frame. It's a simple idea with a clever bit of engineering behind it, and once you understand how it works, it's easy to see why so many people are choosing one for smaller bedrooms.

How an Ottoman Bed Works

An ottoman bed is a bed with a hinged base that lifts up, usually with the help of a gas-lift mechanism, a hydraulic piston system similar to the struts on a car boot, to reveal a large storage compartment underneath. Instead of losing space to drawers along the side, as you would with a divan, the entire base opens up, giving you access to the full area beneath the mattress.

Opening styles Most ottoman beds open from either the end of the bed or the side. Either way, you're only lifting upwards rather than pulling drawers outwards, so unlike a divan, an ottoman doesn't need floor space cleared at the side to open. The one thing it does need is headroom above the bed to lift the base fully.

Are Ottoman Beds Good?

For anyone short on storage, yes, genuinely. Because the entire area beneath the mattress is one uninterrupted space rather than a series of small drawers, an ottoman bed can offer up to four times the storage capacity of a standard divan. That's enough room for bulky items that never fit neatly into a shallow drawer anyway, spare duvets, pillows, suitcases, seasonal clothing, the lot.

They also come in a wide range of finishes, from plain fabric to velvet and faux leather, so there's no need to compromise on style to get the practicality. And because the storage is hidden beneath the mattress rather than built into visible drawers, the room tends to look tidier and less crowded than it would with a traditional divan.

The one trade-off worth knowing is that you'll need clear headroom above the bed to lift the base fully, so it's less suited to rooms with very low ceilings or anything mounted directly above.

Are They Safe and Durable?

This is one of the most common questions people ask before buying, and it's a fair one given the moving parts involved. The honest answer is that a well made ottoman bed is just as safe and durable as any other bed frame, but the quality of the gas-lift mechanism and hinges makes a real difference.

Cheaper or poorly built versions can develop a slow or uneven lift over time, and in rare cases, weak hinges can wear out with heavy daily use. This is far less common with beds that use a proper gas-lift system rather than a basic manual hinge, so it's worth checking which mechanism a bed uses before you buy.

As with any bed, checking the manufacturer's weight rating and following the assembly instructions properly will make the biggest difference to how long it lasts.

What to Look for When Choosing One

Mechanism type A gas-lift mechanism is generally smoother and more reliable long term than a basic hinge, particularly if you'll be opening the storage regularly.

Opening style End-opening and side-opening ottomans both lift straight upwards rather than sliding outwards, so neither needs the floor clearance a divan's drawers would. It comes down to which orientation suits your room layout, not clearance.

Storage depth Depths vary between models, so if you're planning to store bulkier items like spare bedding or luggage, check the internal depth rather than assuming they're all the same.

Fabric and finish Velvet and plush fabrics look great but can show marks more easily than a flatter weave. Think about how the room gets used day to day, not just how it looks in photos.

A Couple We'd Recommend

Here are two from our own range that show the style range available.

The Lowther Crushed Silver Velvet Ottoman Storage Bed brings a bit of texture and shine to the room with its crushed velvet finish, a good option if you want the storage benefits without it looking purely functional.

For something with a bit more personality, the Stanlake LED Fabric Grey Ottoman Storage Bed combines the same practical storage with a built-in LED headboard feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms? Yes, they're one of the best options for small bedrooms specifically because the storage sits under the mattress rather than taking up extra floor space with visible drawers.

Do ottoman beds break easily? Not when they're well-built. (Like the ones we sell) most issues come down to a poor quality mechanism rather than the bed itself, so choosing one with a proper gas-lift system and checking the weight rating goes a long way.

Are ottoman beds safe? Yes, a well-made ottoman bed is just as safe as any other bed frame. The main thing to check is the quality of the lift mechanism and that it's assembled correctly.

What's the difference between an ottoman bed and a divan? A divan typically has drawers built into the side of the base, while an ottoman bed has a hinged base that lifts entirely, giving access to the full area underneath rather than just a section of it.

Find The Storage Bed That's Right For You

Now you know what to look for, finding the right ottoman bed comes down to matching the mechanism, size, and finish to your room. Our range of ottoman beds covers everything from understated fabric designs to statement velvet finishes, all without the retail markup you'd pay elsewhere.