Why High Gloss Beds with Ottoman Storage Are Worth Considering

High gloss beds with ottoman storage are worth considering because they solve two common problems at once. The lift up base gives you a large, enclosed storage area beneath the mattress, and the high gloss finish keeps that bulkier frame looking clean, bright and modern. In a typical UK bedroom, where floor space is limited and built in storage is rare, that can be the difference between a cluttered room and a calm one.

If you are already drawn to the reflective look of our modern high gloss beds UK collection, adding ottoman storage is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to the same style.

How an ottoman bed works

An ottoman bed has a solid base box with a hinged platform on top. The mattress sits on the platform, which lifts on gas struts, similar to those that hold up a car boot. When you raise it, the struts take most of the weight, so the platform rises smoothly and stays open while you reach inside.

There are two main types:

• End lift: the platform hinges at the headboard and lifts from the foot of the bed. This is the most common design and works well when the bed has space at the foot.
• Side lift: the platform lifts from one side. This suits rooms where the bed sits against a wall at the foot, or where a blanket box or bench occupies that space.

Most designs have a handle or strap at the lifting end and some form of catch to keep the platform closed.

What you can store inside

The storage well runs almost the full length and width of the bed, so even a double offers a generous volume. It is particularly useful for items that are bulky but not needed every day:

• Spare duvets, pillows and seasonal bedding
• Winter coats and jumpers during summer, and summer clothes in winter
• Suitcases and travel bags
• Guest towels and spare linen
• Keepsakes, paperwork boxes and items you would otherwise put in a loft

Because the base is enclosed, stored items stay cleaner than they would under a standard bed, where dust gathers quickly.

Why gloss and ottoman storage suit each other

An ottoman bed is, by design, a solid block. On a matt or dark wood frame, that block can feel heavy, especially in a smaller room. A high gloss finish changes this. The reflective surface catches window light and lamp light, breaking up the mass of the base and making the bed feel lighter than its proportions suggest.

White, cream and light grey gloss are especially effective in compact rooms. Darker gloss works well in larger rooms, where the bed can act as a strong anchor without overwhelming the space.

Gloss is also easy to wipe, which matters on a bed that you will handle more often. The lifting end gets touched regularly, and a smooth lacquer surface cleans up quickly with a soft cloth.

Gloss ottoman beds also coordinate easily with matching wardrobes, bedside cabinets and chests, which helps a small room look unified. You can see how these pieces work together across our modern bedroom furniture UK sale collection.

Ottoman beds compared with drawer beds

Drawer beds are the other common storage option, so it is worth comparing the two. Drawer beds have two or four drawers built into the sides or foot of the frame. They are quick to open and suit items you reach for every day, such as socks, nightwear or children’s toys. However, the drawers need clear floor space to pull out, and the storage volume is limited to the size of each drawer.

An ottoman bed takes a different approach. It sacrifices instant access for sheer volume. The entire area under the mattress becomes usable, and because nothing slides out sideways, the bed can sit closer to walls and other furniture. In a narrow room where a bedside cabinet sits tight against the frame, drawers may not open at all, whereas an ottoman still opens easily from the foot.

As a general rule, choose drawers for daily items and an ottoman for bulk storage. In many homes the ottoman wins simply because it replaces a cupboard or a loft, rather than a chest of drawers.

Details to check before you choose

Clearance around the bed

With an end lift design, you need to stand at the foot of the bed and lift the platform upwards, so leave enough room to do so comfortably. With a side lift, you need clear space along the lifting side.

Mattress weight

Gas struts are rated for a certain weight. Very heavy mattresses, such as deep hybrid designs, can make the platform harder to lift or prevent it staying open. Check the manufacturer’s guidance on mattress type and depth.

Ventilation

Mattresses need airflow. Many ottoman platforms use slats or a perforated board to let air circulate. If the platform is solid, airing the mattress regularly becomes more important, especially in older homes prone to condensation.

Base height

Ottoman beds tend to sit slightly higher than standard frames because of the storage box. This can make getting in and out easier, but check the total height with your mattress if you have a low window sill or sloping ceiling.

Assembly

The base box and lift mechanism are often heavier than a standard frame. Plan for two people during assembly and check the access route through your home before the bed arrives.

The honest drawbacks

An ottoman bed is not right for everyone. Lifting the platform takes a little effort, so it is better suited to items you access occasionally rather than daily. Things stored at the head end can be harder to reach. Cleaning underneath the bed is no longer possible, though the enclosed base means there is far less dust to worry about.

It is also worth remembering that an ottoman bed is harder to move once assembled. If you rearrange your bedroom often, factor that in.

Who benefits most

Ottoman storage tends to make the biggest difference in:

• Flats and apartments without loft space or a garage
• Box rooms and second bedrooms where a wardrobe and drawers will not both fit
• New build homes with compact bedrooms and limited cupboards
• Shared children’s rooms, where floor space is precious
• Guest rooms that double as storage for the rest of the house

In each case, moving bulky items into the bed base frees up floor space for a desk, a chair or simply more room to move.

Organising the storage well

A large, open storage space can become a jumble unless you give it some structure. Fabric storage boxes or vacuum bags keep similar items together and make it easier to see what you have. Place things you need more often at the lifting end and seasonal items at the head end.

Use lavender or cedar blocks to keep textiles fresh, and avoid storing anything damp. A simple list taped inside the platform helps everyone in the household find things without emptying the whole base.

For everyday clothing, an ottoman works best alongside dedicated storage. Our clothes storage UK range and our wider ottoman storage UK options can help you divide items between daily and occasional use.

Using an ottoman bed safely

Gas lift mechanisms are straightforward, but a few habits keep them working well. Always lift the platform fully so the struts lock into their open position before reaching inside. Lower it gently using the handle rather than letting it drop. If children use the room, teach them not to climb into the storage well and consider a design with a secure closing catch.

Over time, gas struts can lose a little strength. If the platform starts to drift down when open, the struts can usually be replaced without changing the bed. Check whether replacement parts are available when you choose.

Making a small room work around the bed

Once bulky items are under the bed, the rest of the room can be pared back. A slim bedside cabinet on one or both sides, a single wardrobe and a mirror may be all you need. If you are working with a particularly tight room, our guide to bedside cabinets in small UK bedrooms explains how to choose sizes that leave space to move.

When you are ready to compare frames and finishes, you can shop modern furniture UK at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Are high gloss ottoman beds hard to lift?

Not usually. Gas struts take most of the weight, so the platform rises smoothly. Very heavy mattresses can make lifting harder, so check the recommended mattress type.

Can I use any mattress on an ottoman bed?

Most standard mattresses work, but check the guidance on depth and weight. A mattress that is too heavy may stop the platform staying open.

Do ottoman beds cause damp or mould?

Not if the mattress has airflow. Look for a slatted or ventilated platform, avoid storing damp items and air the room regularly.

Is an end lift or side lift ottoman better?

It depends on your layout. End lift suits beds with space at the foot. Side lift suits beds placed with the foot against a wall or another piece of furniture.