7 Stylish Ways to Use Ottoman Beds at Home

An ottoman bed lifts on gas struts to reveal storage across almost the entire area beneath the mattress. Used well, it can replace a chest of drawers, keep a guest room clear, hold seasonal clothing and help a small flat feel more spacious, all while looking as stylish as a standard upholstered frame. The seven ideas below show how to make the most of one at home.

Our modern ottoman beds UK include upholstered designs with tall headboards and smooth lift mechanisms, suited to a range of bedroom styles. They sit within our wider bedroom furniture UK sale range, which makes it easy to plan the rest of the room around the bed.

Why ottoman beds suit UK homes

Many British bedrooms are compact, and built in wardrobes are far from universal. Freestanding storage takes up floor space, which is precious in smaller rooms. An ottoman bed uses space that would otherwise be empty, and because it lifts from above, it needs no clearance at the sides. That makes it more flexible than a drawer bed in tight rooms where the frame sits close to walls.

The look has also changed. Where ottoman beds were once quite plain, many now feature winged, panelled or channelled headboards in velvet, linen effect and textured weaves.

1. Replace a chest of drawers in a small bedroom

In a small double room, a chest of drawers can be the piece that tips the space from comfortable to cramped. An ottoman bed can take much of what the chest would hold: folded jumpers, spare bedding, swimwear and less frequently used items. Use fabric storage boxes or drawer dividers inside the base to keep categories separate, so you can lift the bed and find things quickly.

If you still want extra storage, a blanket box at the foot of the bed adds concealed space and gives you somewhere to sit while dressing. Our blanket boxes UK include designs that pair neatly with upholstered ottoman frames.

2. Keep a guest bedroom clear and calm

Guest rooms often become store rooms between visits. An ottoman bed solves this neatly. Keep spare duvets, pillows, towels and a clean set of bedding in the base, and the room can be ready for guests in minutes. Between visits, the floor and surfaces stay clear.

A double ottoman bed in a calm fabric works well here. Our double fabric beds UK sale include upholstered frames that suit guest rooms, and many are available in ottoman versions.

3. Store the off season wardrobe

The UK climate means many households swap between summer and winter wardrobes. Bulky coats, knitwear and boots can take over a wardrobe in summer, while linen shirts and sandals sit unused in winter. An ottoman base is a good home for whichever set is out of season. Vacuum storage bags reduce volume, and breathable cotton bags protect natural fibres. Add a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep clothes fresh.

4. Make city flat living easier

Flats often lack lofts, garages and generous cupboards. An ottoman bed becomes a substitute for that missing storage, taking suitcases, sports kit and household items that have nowhere else to go. Choose a lift direction that suits your layout: end lift beds are useful where the bed sits against a wall on one side, while side lift designs suit rooms where the foot of the bed is close to a wall or wardrobe.

In a flat, a low profile ottoman with a slim headboard also helps the room feel open.

5. Help children keep their rooms tidy

An ottoman bed in a child’s room offers a large, hidden place for toys, games and spare bedding. It is worth choosing a design with a safety mechanism and, for younger children, keeping the base for items that an adult retrieves. Older children and teenagers can use it independently, and it suits the larger single and small double sizes many move into as they grow.

For more on organising children’s rooms, our article on children’s bedroom storage for UK family homes covers furniture that grows with them.

6. Support a minimalist bedroom

A minimalist bedroom depends on having somewhere for everything that is not on display. An ottoman bed provides a large concealed space, which means fewer freestanding pieces in the room. Pair it with a simple headboard in a neutral colour, plain bedding and a single bedside table, and the room can feel spare and calm without sacrificing practicality.

Resist the urge to fill every surface simply because the bed has freed up space. Leave a clear wall or an empty corner; the restraint is what makes the room feel restful.

7. Make a statement with the headboard

An ottoman bed does not have to be modest. Many feature tall, winged or channelled headboards that can become the focal point of the room. Choose a rich colour, such as deep green, navy or rust, and keep the walls calm. The result is a bed that looks impressive while quietly doing a practical job underneath.

For a softer look, choose a headboard in a textured neutral such as oatmeal bouclé and let layered bedding add depth.

Styling an ottoman bed so it looks considered

Because the storage is hidden, an ottoman bed can be styled exactly like any other upholstered frame. A few touches make it look intentional rather than purely practical.

Choose bedding that drapes generously over the sides. A duvet one size larger than the bed covers the deeper base and softens its outline. Avoid valances, which can catch in the lift mechanism; a well fitted bedspread or throw folded across the lower third does the same job of finishing the bed.

Keep the area around the base clear. Rugs should sit far enough away that they do not bunch when the bed lifts, and bedside tables should stand slightly clear of the frame so the mattress platform does not knock them. A pair of wall lights either side of the headboard frees space and keeps cables away from moving parts.

Match the colour of the frame to the mood of the room. Soft greys and blues feel fresh and airy, warm neutrals read as calm and inviting, while deeper shades bring a richer, more enveloping atmosphere. Because the base is substantial, a colour close to the walls or flooring helps it feel lighter, while a contrasting shade turns the whole bed into a feature.

Caring for the lift mechanism

Gas struts are designed to work smoothly for years, but a little care helps. Lift and lower the platform with both hands from the centre of the edge rather than from one corner, which keeps the load even. Do not overload the base so that items press against the underside of the platform. Every few months, check that the fixings holding the struts are tight. If the bed starts to feel heavier to lift or drops more quickly than it should, contact the retailer for advice about replacement struts rather than continuing to use it.

What to check before buying

• Lift direction. End lift or side lift. Choose based on where the bed will sit and how you will access it.
• Base depth. Deeper bases hold more, though very deep designs raise the overall height of the bed.
• Mattress weight. Gas struts are rated for a certain weight. Check that your mattress suits the mechanism, particularly with heavy pocket sprung or hybrid mattresses.
• Clearance above. The mattress lifts upwards, so check there is room above, particularly under sloping ceilings or wall mounted shelves.
• Ventilation. Look for a slatted or ventilated platform top so the mattress can breathe.
• Delivery and assembly. Ottoman bases can be bulky. Measure doorways and stairs, and allow two people for assembly.

Keeping the storage organised

A large storage space can quickly become a jumble. Use boxes, baskets or fabric dividers to create zones. Label boxes or keep a simple list of contents. Place items used most often near the opening edge, and seasonal or rarely used items further back. Vacuum the base occasionally to keep dust at bay.

If the ottoman is taking most of your folded clothing, you may find that only a slim chest is needed elsewhere in the room. Our guide on fitting a chest of drawers in a small UK room explains how to choose one that leaves floor space free.

Bringing it together

An ottoman bed is one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can choose for a UK bedroom, and it no longer needs to look utilitarian. Whether you want to free up floor space, keep a guest room ready or create a calm, clutter free retreat, there is a stylish way to make it work. You can explore frames, sizes and fabrics at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

FAQ

How does an ottoman bed work?

The mattress platform is hinged and lifts on gas struts, revealing storage space across most of the area beneath the mattress.

Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms?

Yes. Because they lift from above, they need no side clearance, which makes them well suited to rooms where the bed sits close to walls.

Can I use any mattress on an ottoman bed?

Check the mattress weight against the gas strut rating. Very heavy mattresses may need a bed with stronger struts.

What is the difference between end lift and side lift ottoman beds?

End lift beds open from the foot, while side lift beds open from one side. Choose the option that suits your room layout and access.