The best fabric beds with ottoman storage combine a smooth, well balanced gas lift mechanism, a sturdy base that arrives in manageable sections, a deep storage well with a lined or solid floor, and an upholstered finish that suits the rest of your bedroom. Get those four things right and an ottoman bed becomes one of the most useful pieces of furniture in your home, holding the bulky items that would otherwise fill a cupboard.
Ottoman beds have become a familiar answer to the storage pressures of British homes, and our modern fabric beds UK include many designs with this feature, alongside storage pieces across our modern bedroom furniture UK sale. In this guide, we explain what to look for, how the different lift designs compare, and how to get the most from the space beneath your mattress.
An ottoman bed has a solid base that forms a large compartment beneath the mattress. The mattress platform is hinged at one end, usually the headboard, and lifts on gas struts to reveal the storage area. Once raised, the struts hold the platform open so you can reach inside comfortably.
Because the bed lifts upwards rather than outwards, it needs no extra floor space to open. This is its key advantage over drawer beds, which require clear space alongside the frame.
The gas struts are the heart of the bed. Good struts lift the platform smoothly, hold it steadily in position and lower it under control. Struts that are too weak make lifting hard work, while struts that are too strong can make lowering the platform awkward.
Many ottoman beds are designed for a standard weight of mattress. If you have a particularly heavy pocket sprung or hybrid mattress, check that the bed is suitable before ordering.
The base carries the weight of the mattress, the sleepers and whatever is stored inside. Look for solid construction, secure corner joints and a well supported platform. A strong slatted or solid platform helps the mattress perform as intended.
The bottom of the storage well should be solid or lined, so dust stays out and stored items stay clean. Some designs have a fabric lining, which feels pleasant and protects delicate items.
Check where the handle or pull strap sits. Most ottoman beds lift from the foot end, which is convenient if there is clear space there. Some designs offer side opening, which can suit beds placed against a wall or in rooms where the foot end is close to furniture.
An end lift ottoman hinges at the headboard and opens from the foot. It gives access to the whole storage area at once and is the most common type.
A side lift ottoman hinges along one long side and opens from the other. It suits rooms where the bed sits with one side against a wall, or where furniture at the foot prevents an end lift from opening fully.
Before choosing, think about where the bed will stand and where you will be when lifting it. Make sure there is enough ceiling clearance for the platform and mattress when fully raised, particularly in rooms with sloping ceilings.
Ottoman beds are available in all standard UK sizes. A larger bed gives you a larger storage area, but the mattress platform also becomes heavier to lift.
An ottoman bed looks no different from a standard upholstered bed when closed, so you can choose the style you prefer without compromise. Panelled headboards, buttoned designs, wingbacks and slim tailored frames are all available with ottoman bases.
Because the base reaches close to the floor, an ottoman bed has a solid, grounded look. In smaller rooms, a lighter fabric colour can stop the bed feeling too heavy. In larger rooms, a deeper colour gives the bed a confident presence.
Choose a fabric that suits how you will use the bed. Tightly woven fabrics and chenille handle frequent lifting and handling well, while velvet gives a richer finish that responds well to gentle brushing.
The storage well suits items you need occasionally rather than daily, since lifting the mattress every morning soon becomes tiresome. Good candidates include:
Using shallow boxes or fabric organisers inside the well keeps things tidy and makes it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.
Because the storage well is enclosed, it is worth opening it from time to time to let air circulate. Avoid storing anything damp, and use breathable storage bags rather than sealed plastic for textiles. A sachet of cedar or lavender can keep stored clothing smelling fresh.
Wipe or vacuum the inside of the base occasionally, particularly before storing clean bedding.
In a principal bedroom, an ottoman bed often replaces the need for a large chest or extra wardrobe. A king size or super king base can hold all of the household’s spare bedding, which frees the airing cupboard for towels. Choose a style that suits the room’s character, since the bed will be the largest piece of furniture in it.
Guest rooms are frequently used as overflow storage. An ottoman bed lets you store items out of sight, so the room stays welcoming when visitors arrive. It also means guests have a clear surface and an empty wardrobe, rather than sharing space with boxes.
For older children and teenagers, an ottoman single or small double is a practical way to manage toys, games and sports kit. Check that the lift mechanism is suitable for the person using it, and supervise younger children, since the platform is heavy when raised.
In flats without lofts or garages, the ottoman base often becomes the main storage area for bulky belongings. Here, a double ottoman can transform how a home functions, holding suitcases, seasonal clothing and household items that would otherwise clutter living spaces.
The most frequent mistake is placing furniture where it blocks the lift. A bench, rug edge or bedside table in the wrong position can stop the platform opening fully. Plan the layout around the lift from the start.
Another is overfilling the storage well. Packing it right to the top can strain the platform and make items difficult to retrieve. Leave a little space, and keep the heaviest items towards the hinged end.
Finally, avoid storing things you need every day. An ottoman bed works best as a home for occasional items, while daily essentials belong in drawers and wardrobes that are quicker to reach.
Ottoman beds are heavier and more complex than standard beds. Most arrive in several boxes, with the base split into sections to make stairs and doorways easier. Assembly takes longer, mainly because of the gas struts and hinges, so allow time and ideally have two people available.
Before ordering, measure your stairs, landings and doorways and compare them with the largest box dimensions listed for the bed.
An ottoman bed handles bulky storage, but daily essentials still need a home. For clothes you wear regularly, a wardrobe remains essential. Our modern wardrobes UK sale include designs to suit rooms of all sizes, and our wider clothes storage UK range offers rails, units and organisers that work alongside an ottoman bed.
Bedside cabinets keep night time items within reach, and our article on choosing a bedside cabinet in a small UK bedroom explains how to fit one neatly beside the bed.
Explore our complete range of modern furniture UK at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Not usually. Gas struts do most of the work, so lifting a standard mattress is straightforward. Very heavy mattresses can make it harder, so check the guidance for each bed.
No, provided the platform suits your mattress and supports it evenly. Choose a bed with a well constructed slatted or solid platform.
Yes. An end lift ottoman works well against a wall, as it opens from the foot. A side lift ottoman can also suit beds placed with one long side against a wall.
A double or king size ottoman offers a large storage area, often comparable to a substantial chest of drawers. The exact capacity depends on the depth of the base, so check the internal dimensions for each bed.
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