The Best Beds with Ottoman Storage

The best beds with ottoman storage combine a smooth gas lift mechanism, a deep storage well that runs under the whole base, a sturdy slatted platform and an upholstery that will stand up to daily use. An ottoman bed lifts like a car bonnet to reveal a large compartment beneath the mattress, giving you more enclosed storage than drawers usually can without taking up any extra floor space.

That makes ottoman beds especially useful in UK homes where bedrooms are compact and fitted storage is limited. Most designs are upholstered, and our range of modern fabric beds UK sale includes ottoman frames in a variety of sizes, colours and headboard styles. Below we look at the details that set a good ottoman bed apart and how to choose one that suits your room.

How Ottoman Storage Works

An ottoman bed has a hinged platform that holds the mattress. Gas pistons on each side take most of the weight, so you can lift the platform with a handle or strap at the foot and it stays open while you reach inside. When you lower it, the pistons slow it down so it closes gently.

Underneath is a storage well enclosed on all four sides, usually lined with a fabric base to keep dust out. Because it uses the full footprint of the bed, the capacity is substantial. Spare duvets, out of season clothes, suitcases and bulky bedding sets fit easily, freeing up wardrobe and cupboard space for everyday items.

Foot Lift or Side Lift

The direction an ottoman opens affects where the bed can go. Most open from the foot end, with the hinge at the headboard. This works well when you have space at the foot of the bed, which is common in rooms where the bed sits centrally on a wall.

Side lift ottomans hinge along one long edge and open sideways. These are useful when the foot of the bed is close to a wall or wardrobe, or when the bed is pushed into a corner. Before choosing, check which way the bed will open in your layout and make sure nothing overhead, such as shelving or a sloping ceiling, will interfere with the lift.

What Makes a Good Ottoman Bed

The Gas Lift Mechanism

The mechanism is the part you interact with most, so it needs to feel controlled. Good pistons are matched to the weight of the mattress, opening smoothly without springing up and closing without dropping. Some beds come with pistons rated for heavier mattresses, which is worth checking if you have a deep hybrid or pocket sprung mattress.

Storage Depth

Storage depth varies between designs. A deeper well holds more, but also raises the overall height of the bed. If you prefer a lower sleeping height, look for a balance between capacity and comfort. It is also worth checking whether the frame has a central divider, which adds strength but splits the storage into two sections.

The Platform

Ottoman platforms usually use sprung slats set into a metal or timber frame. Closely spaced slats support the mattress evenly and help it breathe. Since the mattress lifts with the platform, a frame with a lip or retaining bar at the foot keeps it from sliding when the bed is opened.

Upholstery and Build

Because the frame is visible all around, the upholstery has a big impact on how the bed looks and wears. Textured weaves hide marks well, velvet adds depth and warmth, and faux leather wipes clean easily. Our wider collection of modern bedroom furniture UK sale includes pieces in matching tones, so an ottoman bed can sit naturally alongside wardrobes and cabinets.

Choosing a Headboard Style

The headboard sets the character of an ottoman bed. A tall, panelled headboard creates a focal point in a larger room and makes it more comfortable to sit up with a book. A low headboard suits rooms with windows behind the bed or sloping ceilings. Wingback designs feel enclosed and cosy, while a simple rectangular headboard keeps the look clean and contemporary.

Many ottoman beds also come in leather or faux leather. Our modern leather beds UK include ottoman options with a tailored finish that is easy to keep clean, which is useful in a busy household.

Which Size Works Best

Ottoman beds are available in most UK sizes, from single to super king. Larger sizes naturally give more storage, but they are also heavier to lift and need more clearance when open. A double or king is often the most practical balance for a main bedroom, while a single ottoman bed is a very good way to add storage in a child’s or teenager’s room.

Before ordering, check the external dimensions and the height when fully open. In a room with a low ceiling or a shelf above the headboard, the open platform needs enough clearance to rise fully.

Making the Most of the Storage

A storage well is only useful if you can find things in it. A few simple habits help:

• Use vacuum bags for duvets and pillows, which saves a lot of space.
• Keep the items you need most often at the foot end, where they are easiest to reach.
• Use shallow fabric boxes to separate categories, such as bedding, seasonal clothes and keepsakes.
• Avoid storing anything damp, and let freshly washed items dry fully before packing them away.

Some people prefer to keep blankets and spare cushions within quicker reach at the end of the bed. A bench style ottoman at the foot of the frame gives you an extra seat and a place for everyday throws, without needing to lift the bed each time. Our modern storage ottomans UK include velvet, fabric and faux leather designs that sit neatly at the end of a bed.

Ottoman Beds Compared with Drawer Beds

Drawer beds are the most common alternative. Drawers are convenient for items you reach daily, but they need clear floor space beside the bed to open fully, and the space behind them is often wasted. Ottoman beds use the entire base and need only lifting clearance, which makes them a better choice for narrow rooms or beds that sit against a wall.

On the other hand, ottomans are less convenient for things you need every day, since you have to lift the platform. Many people use an ottoman bed for bulk storage and keep a chest of drawers for daily items. Our guide on whether you can fit a chest of drawers in a small UK room is helpful if you are planning both in a compact bedroom.

Assembly and Delivery Considerations

Ottoman beds are made up of several large components: the headboard, side rails, foot panel, platform and the storage base. They arrive flat packed, and assembly is straightforward but best done by two people because the platform is heavy. Fitting the gas pistons is usually the last step, and they should be installed with the bed closed to avoid sudden movement.

Check the size of the largest box against your stairs and doorways, particularly in older homes with tight landings.

Caring for an Ottoman Bed

Give the bed a quick vacuum around the frame and inside the storage well every few months, especially if you have pets. Check that bolts remain tight, as small movements over time can lead to creaks. Avoid overloading the storage, as very heavy items can strain the base. If the platform starts to open less smoothly, the pistons may need replacing, which is a simple job on most designs.

Ottoman Beds in Children’s and Guest Rooms

Ottoman storage is not only for main bedrooms. In a child’s room, a single ottoman bed can hold spare bedding, outgrown clothes waiting to be passed on or toys that are rotated in and out of use. Because the platform is heavy, the lifting handle should be used by an adult, and it is sensible to keep everyday toys in a lower box that children can reach on their own.

In a guest room, the storage well is a natural home for spare duvets, pillows and towels, so everything a visitor needs stays in the room where it will be used. Between visits, it can also hold seasonal items such as winter coats or holiday luggage, keeping the guest room tidy and ready without turning it into a junk room.

Our View

An ottoman bed is one of the simplest ways to gain storage in a bedroom without adding furniture. Choose a well balanced lift, the right opening direction for your room and an upholstery that suits your household, and it will work hard for years. You can explore ottoman beds alongside our full range of bedroom furniture at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Ottoman Bed FAQs

Are ottoman beds difficult to open?

No. The gas pistons support most of the weight, so a well matched mechanism lifts with gentle pressure. Heavier mattresses may need stronger pistons.

Can you put any mattress on an ottoman bed?

Most mattresses work, but check the weight. Very heavy mattresses can make lifting harder and may need pistons rated for the extra load.

Do ottoman beds need space at the foot?

Foot lift ottomans need a little room at the foot to stand and lift. Side lift designs suit rooms where the foot of the bed is close to a wall.

Is an ottoman bed better than a bed with drawers?

Ottoman beds hold more and need no floor space for drawers to open. Drawer beds are more convenient for daily items. The better choice depends on your room and what you plan to store.