This is less a choice between two materials and more a choice between storage and simplicity. A leather ottoman bed lifts to reveal a large storage space underneath the mattress, which suits smaller homes and anyone short on cupboard space. A standard faux leather bed is lighter, simpler and often leaves floor space visible underneath, which suits rooms that already have enough storage. Many ottoman beds are upholstered in faux leather themselves, so you can have both qualities in one bed.
Our range of modern ottoman beds UK sale sits alongside a wide choice of modern bedroom furniture UK, so you can compare both options and plan the whole room. This guide sets out the differences to help you decide which suits your home.
An ottoman bed has a hinged base that lifts on gas struts, usually from the foot end. The mattress platform rises to reveal a storage compartment the full size of the bed. It is the most generous storage option you can build into a bed.
Ottoman beds are available in real leather, bonded leather and faux leather, with a wide range of headboard styles. Some lift from the side, which can be useful if the foot of the bed is close to a wall.
A standard faux leather bed has an upholstered frame with a slatted base. It may sit low to the floor or stand on legs, leaving a gap underneath. Some include drawers, but many are simply open frames. Faux leather is a manmade material that looks like leather, cleans easily and holds its colour well.
If storage is your priority, an ottoman bed is hard to beat. The compartment holds spare bedding, winter coats, suitcases and seasonal items. In a small flat or a new build with few cupboards, it can replace a chest of drawers or free up wardrobe space.
A standard faux leather bed on legs offers some storage through boxes underneath, but this is more limited and the boxes are visible unless you use a valance. Drawer beds offer accessible storage, but you need clear floor space beside the bed to open them.
Ottoman beds have a solid base that reaches the floor. This gives them a substantial, grounded appearance. In a large room, that solidity looks reassuring. In a very small room, it can make the bed feel heavier.
Standard faux leather beds on legs look lighter because you can see the floor underneath. That visible floor makes a compact room feel more open. Low platform styles without legs sit somewhere between the two.
A quality gas lift mechanism raises the base smoothly, even with the mattress in place. You do need clear space at the foot or side of the bed to lift it fully, and you will need to remove any items sitting on top. For things you need every day, a lifting base is less convenient than a drawer. For things you access occasionally, it is ideal.
Standard beds need no mechanism and nothing to lift. If you rarely need extra storage, this simplicity is an advantage.
An ottoman bed has no gap beneath it, so dust cannot gather under the bed in the usual way. You simply vacuum around the base. The storage compartment itself should be emptied and wiped occasionally.
A bed on legs needs vacuuming underneath, which is easy with enough clearance. Faux leather on both styles cleans with a soft damp cloth.
Ottoman beds are heavier and have more parts, including the lifting mechanism. They take longer to assemble and are more work to move between homes. If you rent and expect to move often, a standard faux leather bed may be easier.
An ottoman bed is often the smarter choice, as storage is usually at a premium. It can save buying an extra piece of furniture.
A standard faux leather bed keeps the room feeling light and uncluttered when you already have enough storage.
Ottoman beds help keep toys, games and spare bedding tidy. Choose a model with a safe, controlled lift.
An ottoman provides a handy place to store guest bedding and seasonal items between visits.
Both styles come in single, small double, double, king size and super king size options. Our full range of modern leather beds UK lets you compare frames side by side.
The mattress matters too. On an ottoman bed, check the recommended mattress weight and depth so the gas struts work correctly. Our mattresses UK sale include options suited to both standard and ottoman frames.
An ottoman bed in grey or cream faux leather suits a calm, modern bedroom. Pair it with simple bedside cabinets and soft textured bedding. Because the base is solid, a light rug underneath helps soften the look.
A standard faux leather bed on slim legs suits a Scandinavian or mid century style. Pale wood floors, white walls and natural linen let the frame look crisp and light.
If you are weighing up other storage in a compact room, our article on fitting a chest of drawers in a small UK room explains how to balance bed storage with freestanding pieces.
An ottoman compartment is generous, but it works best for things you need occasionally rather than daily. Good candidates include:
Use soft storage bags or vacuum bags to keep items tidy and protected from dust. Avoid storing very heavy objects, as they make the base harder to lift and add strain to the mechanism over time. Keep everyday items such as pyjamas and chargers in a bedside cabinet instead.
Most ottoman beds lift from the foot end, which gives the widest opening and the easiest access to the full compartment. This works well when there is clear space at the foot of the bed. In a narrow room where the foot is close to a wall or wardrobe, a side lift ottoman can be the better choice, as it opens along one long edge. Before ordering, check how much clearance each design needs to open fully.
Both styles can be equally comfortable, because comfort depends mostly on the slats and the mattress. Many ottoman beds use a sprung slatted platform, which supports the mattress well and allows air to circulate. Some use a solid platform, which feels firmer. Standard faux leather beds generally use sprung or flat slats.
Airflow is worth a moment’s thought. A mattress needs to breathe, and a slatted base helps with this on either style. On an ottoman, it is wise to lift the base occasionally to air the compartment, particularly in winter when bedrooms can be damp.
Ottoman beds take longer to assemble than standard frames because of the lifting mechanism and the extra panels that form the storage box. Two people make the job easier. Follow the instructions carefully when fitting the gas struts, as they are under pressure. Standard faux leather beds are quicker to put together and lighter to carry upstairs, which can matter in flats without lifts.
In either case, measure your stairs and doorways before ordering, and check the dimensions of the largest component.
If storage is a problem in your home, a leather ottoman bed solves it neatly and discreetly. If you value a lighter look and simple setup, a standard faux leather bed is the easier option. Many people find that a faux leather ottoman gives them the best of both. Explore both styles at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Yes. A well made ottoman bed has a sturdy frame and a supportive slatted platform designed for everyday sleeping.
Yes. Many ottoman beds are upholstered in faux leather, combining easy care with generous storage.
Gas struts make lifting smooth and controlled. Check that the mattress weight matches the struts for the best results.
An ottoman has no gap underneath for dust to collect. A bed on legs is easy to vacuum under if there is enough clearance.
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