Why Fabric Beds with Ottoman Storage Are Worth Considering

Fabric beds with ottoman storage are worth considering because they turn the largest unused area in most bedrooms into a single, enclosed storage space without changing the footprint of the bed. The mattress platform lifts on gas struts, you load or retrieve what you need, and it lowers again. For flats, box rooms, rented homes and anyone without a loft, that can free up a wardrobe's worth of room.

Our modern fabric beds UK sale include a number of ottoman designs, and they sit naturally within our wider range of modern bedroom furniture UK. Here is why so many people are choosing them, and what to think about before you do.

How an Ottoman Bed Works

An ottoman bed has a hinged base. The slatted platform that holds the mattress is attached to the frame at the head end, or occasionally along one side, and supported by gas pistons. When you lift the foot of the bed, the pistons take most of the weight and hold the platform open. Beneath it sits a boxed storage well enclosed by the sides of the bed.

Most designs open from the foot, which suits beds placed with the headboard against a wall. Side opening ottomans exist too and can be useful in narrow rooms where there is more space beside the bed than at the end of it.

Why Choose Fabric for an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman base is essentially a large box, and box shaped furniture can look heavy. Upholstery softens that. A fabric covered frame has rounded edges and a gentle surface that makes even a substantial bed feel approachable. It also absorbs a little sound, which helps if the storage well is used regularly.

Fabric gives you colour and texture choices that suit almost any bedroom. A soft grey or oatmeal ottoman blends quietly into a neutral scheme. A deeper green, blue or charcoal turns the bed into a feature. Because the storage is hidden, the bed looks no different from a standard upholstered bed when closed.

What Fits Inside

The storage well in a double or king size ottoman is large. It is shallower than a cupboard, but it runs almost the full footprint of the bed, so it suits bulky, soft items that would otherwise eat wardrobe space.

• Spare duvets, pillows and bedding sets
• Out of season clothing in vacuum bags or fabric boxes
• Soft luggage and holdalls
• Christmas decorations and wrapping supplies
• Keepsakes, photo albums and paperwork boxes
• Spare towels and guest linens

Shallow lidded boxes help divide the space. Group items by how often you need them, keeping frequently used things near the opening end and long term storage at the back.

Ottoman Beds Compared With Drawer Beds

Drawer beds and ottoman beds both store things under the mattress, but they suit different rooms and habits.

Drawer beds let you reach items without lifting anything, which is handy for everyday clothing. However, drawers need clear floor space in front of them to open fully, and they rarely use the full depth of the bed. In a small room with a wardrobe or chest close by, drawers can clash with other furniture.

Ottoman beds need clearance above the bed rather than beside it. They give you more total storage and an enclosed space that keeps dust out. The trade off is that you lift the mattress to reach things, so they suit items you need weekly or seasonally rather than every morning.

In a tight bedroom where the bed is pushed close to walls or other furniture, an ottoman is often the only practical way to add storage under the bed at all.

Practical Points to Check

A well made ottoman bed opens smoothly and closes quietly. A few details make that possible.

• Gas strut strength. The pistons need to be matched to the weight of the mattress. A very heavy mattress on light struts will be hard to lift and may not stay open. Ask about recommended mattress weights.
• Handle and lifting point. A fabric strap or handle at the foot makes opening easier and protects the upholstery from hand marks.
• Base depth. Deeper wells hold more but raise the overall height of the bed slightly. Check the total height with your chosen mattress.
• Slats. The platform still supports the mattress, so look for closely spaced sprung or solid slats.
• Floor of the well. A solid board base keeps stored items clean and prevents dust coming up from the floor.

Choosing a Mattress for an Ottoman Bed

Any standard mattress will fit an ottoman bed of the matching size, but weight matters. Very heavy pocket sprung mattresses with deep layers can make lifting harder work. Many people find memory foam or hybrid mattresses of moderate weight a comfortable balance. Our modern mattresses UK sale include a range of constructions, and the product details list each one's depth so you can check how it will sit.

Who Benefits Most

An ottoman bed can help almost anyone, but some households feel the difference more than others.

Flat dwellers often have no loft, no garage and limited cupboard space. An ottoman bed can absorb the contents of a whole cupboard.

Renters cannot add fitted wardrobes or shelving, so freestanding storage that moves with them is valuable.

Families with children use guest bedding, school uniforms in different sizes and seasonal clothing. Keeping these out of sight frees up wardrobes for everyday use.

Anyone in a box room or small second bedroom can use an ottoman bed to avoid squeezing a chest of drawers into a space that does not really have room for one.

Organising the Storage Well

A large open compartment is only useful if you can find things in it. The simplest approach is to divide the well into zones. Keep the area nearest the opening for things you reach for most often, such as spare bedding or the next season's clothes, and put long term items such as keepsakes and paperwork towards the headboard end.

Low, lidded storage boxes in a single size stack neatly and make the most of the depth. Fabric boxes are lighter and quieter than plastic, and they will not scratch the base. Label the ends that face the opening, so you can see what each box holds without lifting it out.

Vacuum storage bags are very effective for duvets and pillows, as they reduce bulk considerably. Leave a little air around natural fibres such as wool, though, since they keep better when they can breathe. A few cedar blocks or lavender sachets tucked into the corners help keep stored textiles fresh.

Finally, avoid the temptation to fill every last corner. A well that is about four fifths full is easier to search, closes without pressing on the contents and allows air to circulate. Once a season, lift the platform, take stock and pass on anything you no longer need.

Placement and Room Layout

Because most ottomans open from the foot, the head end needs to sit firmly against a wall and the space above the bed needs to be clear. Avoid shelves or low hanging pendant lights directly over the bed, and check that a sloping ceiling will not stop the platform lifting fully.

Leave enough room at the foot of the bed to stand while you load the storage well. In practice, being able to stand comfortably at the end of the bed is enough, since the platform lifts upwards rather than outwards.

Keeping the Rest of the Room Calm

With bulky items tucked under the bed, the rest of the bedroom can be lighter. You may find you no longer need a large wardrobe, or that a slimmer one will do. Our clothes storage UK range includes open rails and compact units that complement an ottoman bed nicely, so everyday clothes stay accessible while seasonal pieces stay hidden. If you are deciding whether a chest of drawers is still needed, our article on whether a chest of drawers works in a small UK bedroom covers the measurements involved.

Keep surfaces clear and choose bedside tables with a drawer for the small things you reach for at night. The result is a room that feels more spacious because there is simply less on display.

Caring for a Fabric Ottoman Bed

Vacuum the upholstery regularly and pay attention to the lifting point at the foot, where hands touch most often. Open the storage well every few weeks to let air circulate, particularly in older homes where damp can be an issue. Avoid overfilling the well so the platform closes flat, which protects both the mattress and the hinge mechanism.

Check fixings occasionally and tighten any bolts that have loosened with use. A well maintained ottoman will open and close smoothly for years. You can browse every design in the range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ottoman beds hard to lift?

Not when the gas struts suit the mattress weight. The pistons take most of the load, so a well matched ottoman opens with gentle pressure from one hand.

Can I use any mattress on an ottoman bed?

Any mattress of the correct size will fit. Lighter or moderate weight mattresses make lifting easier, so check the manufacturer's guidance on maximum mattress weight.

Do ottoman beds let dust in?

Very little. The storage well is enclosed on all sides and usually has a solid base, so stored items stay much cleaner than in open under bed storage.

Is an ottoman bed better than a bed with drawers?

It depends on your room. Ottomans hold more and need no side clearance, which suits small rooms. Drawers suit items you need every day and rooms with space around the bed.