Choose a brass bed if appearance and character matter most and you already have enough storage elsewhere in the room. Choose a metal ottoman bed if you need somewhere to keep bedding, luggage or seasonal clothes and want the bed itself to do that job. Brass beds are about style and an open, airy look. Metal ottoman beds are about practicality, with a lift up base that turns the space under the mattress into a large storage compartment.
Most people find the decision becomes clear once they answer three questions: how much storage do I really need, how much floor space can I spare, and what style does the rest of the house have? We look at each of those below, alongside comfort, upkeep and how each option suits different UK bedrooms. Both styles sit within our wider range of metal beds UK sale, so you can compare frames side by side, and our full bedroom furniture UK collection shows how each might sit alongside wardrobes and bedside cabinets.
A brass bed has a frame made from brass or, more commonly today, steel with a brass finish. It usually features a headboard and often a footboard made from rails, spindles or decorative castings. The base is typically a slatted platform raised on legs, leaving open space beneath.
A metal ottoman bed has a metal frame, often with a slim metal headboard, combined with a storage base. The mattress platform lifts on gas struts, usually from the foot end, revealing a deep compartment that runs the length and width of the bed. Some designs use a metal frame with upholstered panels around the base, while others keep a more industrial look.
This is the deciding factor for most households. An ottoman base offers a large, enclosed volume that keeps items free from dust. Spare duvets, winter coats, suitcases and bulky bedding all fit comfortably. In flats, terraced houses and new builds where cupboards are limited, that space can replace a chest of drawers or free up a wardrobe.
A brass bed leaves the area under the mattress open. You can slide storage boxes underneath, but they will be visible and need to be accessed from the side. If you already have a fitted wardrobe, a blanket box or a loft for seasonal items, the open base may not be a drawback at all.
Be honest about what you are storing now. If the floor of your wardrobe is overflowing and the top of the wardrobe is stacked with boxes, an ottoman bed will make a noticeable difference. If your storage is under control, the brass bed gives you more freedom in style.
Ottoman beds need clearance to open. Most lift from the foot, so you need enough space at the end of the bed to stand and reach into the base. Side opening versions exist, but these require clearance along one side instead. Check that a radiator, door or chest of drawers will not block the lid.
Brass beds need less operating space, but their visual footprint can be larger if they have a tall headboard and footboard. In a small room, a substantial footboard can make the bed feel as though it fills the floor. A brass bed with a headboard only, or with a low footboard, is easier to fit into compact bedrooms.
There is also the question of what sits next to the bed. With an ottoman, you will not be opening the base every day, so bedside cabinets can sit close. With a brass bed, the open legs make the room feel lighter, which can help in rooms with low ceilings or limited daylight.
Brass beds carry a strong traditional association. They suit Victorian and Edwardian homes, cottages and rooms with period features such as fireplaces, picture rails and sash windows. That said, a brass bed with simple straight rails can look surprisingly contemporary in a pared back room with plain walls and modern bedding.
Metal ottoman beds tend to be more modern in appearance. Slim headboards in black, charcoal or bronze suit industrial, urban and minimalist interiors. They work well in flats and newer houses where clean lines feel natural.
If your house has a mix of styles, look at the furniture you already own. A brass bed sits well beside warm wood and painted furniture. A metal ottoman bed pairs easily with high gloss, glass and darker woods.
| Consideration | Brass bed | Metal ottoman bed |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Open space under the frame for boxes | Large enclosed compartment in the base |
| Look | Traditional or classic, decorative | Modern, streamlined |
| Visual weight | Light underneath, can be tall at head and foot | Solid base, often a slimmer headboard |
| Floor clearance needed | Minimal | Space to lift the base, usually at the foot |
| Cleaning underneath | Easy to vacuum under | No floor area beneath to clean |
| Moving and assembly | Usually lighter and simpler | Heavier, with gas struts to fit |
Both types can be very comfortable, as comfort comes mainly from the mattress. A slatted brass bed base allows air to circulate beneath the mattress, which can help in warmer rooms. An ottoman platform is usually a solid or slatted panel above the storage box, which still offers support but less airflow.
Mattress weight matters for ottomans. Gas struts are rated for a range of loads, and a very heavy mattress may make the base harder to lift or cause it to drift down. Check the guidance on the bed before choosing a deep or dense mattress. Brass beds have no such limitation, though you should still confirm the slat spacing suits the mattress type.
Height is another factor. Ottoman beds often sit slightly higher because of the storage depth. That suits people who prefer to sit down onto the bed rather than lower themselves onto it, but it can make a small room feel more crowded.
Brass finishes need a little care. Polished brass can show fingerprints and may gradually dull, while lacquered finishes are easier to maintain. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners, which can strip the coating.
Metal ottoman frames typically have a powder coated finish, which is hard wearing and easy to wipe clean. The moving parts are the struts and hinges, which should be checked occasionally to make sure fixings are tight. If the base has fabric panels, they will need vacuuming like any upholstered surface.
For both styles, check bolts after the first few weeks of use. Metal frames can settle slightly once assembled, and tightening the fixings prevents creaks.
A brass bed suits people who:
A metal ottoman bed suits people who:
If you are drawn to the look of a brass bed but need storage, there are a few ways to bridge the gap. Matching underbed boxes in fabric or wood can make the open base look tidy. A storage bench or one of our modern ottomans UK at the foot of the bed adds capacity without changing the frame. A blanket boxes UK style piece does a similar job, holding spare bedding where it is needed.
If you prefer the ottoman but want warmth and character, choose a frame in a bronze or antique gold finish rather than black, and soften it with natural bedding and wooden bedside furniture.
When planning the rest of the room, think about how wardrobes, chests and bedside cabinets will work with either choice, and keep the finishes of handles and legs consistent with the bed. For more advice on fitting storage into a compact room, our article on storage furniture in small UK bedrooms covers measurements and placement.
Start with storage. If you need it, the ottoman will earn its place every day. If you do not, the brass bed lets you choose purely on style. Then measure the room, including clearance at the foot or side, and look at how each frame relates to your doors, windows and radiators. Finally, think about the feel you want when you walk in: classic and decorative, or calm and streamlined.
Whichever you choose, you can find both brass style and modern metal frames at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Some are, but many modern brass beds use a steel frame with a brass finish. This keeps the weight down and makes the frame more affordable to produce while giving the same appearance.
For a foot opening ottoman, you need enough clear floor at the end of the bed to stand comfortably while the base is lifted. Check the product dimensions for the open height and make sure nothing blocks the lid.
A well assembled metal ottoman bed should be quiet. If you notice creaks, check and tighten the bolts and hinge fixings, especially after the first few weeks.
Yes. Choose a design with simple straight rails rather than ornate castings, and pair it with plain walls, natural bedding and uncluttered furniture for a contemporary result.
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