Leather Storage Beds vs Buttoned Leather Beds: Which Is Right for Your Home?

If your bedroom is short on storage, a leather storage bed is usually the more practical choice. If the bed is the centrepiece of a room that already has plenty of wardrobes and drawers, a buttoned leather bed brings more character and visual presence. Many households end up deciding on one simple question: do you need the space under the mattress, or do you want the headboard to make the statement?

Both styles sit within our leather beds UK collection, and both can look smart in a modern home. The differences lie in how they are built, how they are used day to day and how they suit different room sizes. This guide sets those differences out clearly so you can decide with confidence.

What Counts as a Leather Storage Bed?

A storage bed is any bed frame with space built into the base. There are two main types.

• Ottoman beds have a mattress platform that lifts on gas assisted hinges, revealing a large storage well across the whole base. They hold bulky items such as spare duvets, suitcases and seasonal clothing.
• Drawer beds have two or four drawers set into the side or foot of the frame. They are easier to reach into for everyday items and do not require lifting the mattress.

Storage beds tend to have a more boxed silhouette, with the side panels running down to the floor. Headboards are often panelled, stitched or gently padded rather than deeply sculpted.

What Counts as a Buttoned Leather Bed?

A buttoned bed is defined by its headboard. Buttons are set into the padding in a regular grid or diamond pattern, pulling the upholstery into folds that catch the light. The most familiar version is the deep buttoned style associated with traditional Chesterfield furniture, but there are also shallower, more contemporary versions with neat rows of buttons on a tall, straight headboard.

Buttoned beds usually stand on visible legs or a slim base, so you can see the floor beneath them. Some do include storage, but the emphasis is on the headboard as a decorative feature.

A Side by Side Comparison

When a Storage Bed Makes More Sense

A storage bed earns its place in rooms where every square metre matters. In a compact double bedroom, the space under a bed is often the largest unused volume in the room. Turning it into storage can free up enough space to remove a chest of drawers entirely, which in turn creates more room to move around.

Storage beds also suit people who prefer a tidy, uncluttered look. Bedding, out of season clothes and travel bags disappear from view, and the bedroom stays calmer as a result. Flats and new build homes, which often have limited loft and cupboard space, benefit in particular.

There are a few practical points to bear in mind. Ottoman beds need clearance to lift the platform, so they should not sit directly under a low window sill or shelf. Drawer beds need enough space at the side or foot for the drawers to open fully, so measure carefully before choosing.

When a Buttoned Bed Makes More Sense

A buttoned headboard gives a bedroom a focal point without the need for feature walls, artwork or elaborate bedding. In rooms with high ceilings, period details or generous proportions, a tall buttoned headboard fills the wall beautifully and makes the bed feel anchored.

If you already have fitted wardrobes, a large chest or a separate dressing room, you may not need storage in the bed at all. In that case, a buttoned design allows you to spend your choice on style rather than function.

Buttoned beds raised on legs also have a lighter, more open feel, as you can see the floor running underneath. That visible floor can make a room feel slightly larger, which is a helpful counterbalance to a tall headboard.

Thinking About the Rest of the Room

The right choice depends on what surrounds the bed as much as the bed itself. Look at the storage you already have and the storage you would like to remove. Our wider modern bedroom furniture UK range can help you picture how either style sits alongside wardrobes, chests and bedside cabinets.

If you choose a buttoned bed but still need somewhere for spare bedding, a separate storage piece at the foot of the bed is a neat compromise. Our blanket boxes UK range offers a good solution, adding storage while keeping the classic look intact. Equally, if you choose a storage bed and want extra organisation, freestanding ottoman storage UK pieces can hold items you reach for more often.

Style Pairings That Work

Storage beds

Smooth or panelled storage beds suit contemporary interiors. They sit well alongside high gloss bedside cabinets, sliding wardrobes and simple metal lamps. In white or grey, they help a small room feel bright and orderly. In black, they create a crisp, graphic look against pale walls.

Buttoned beds

Buttoned beds pair naturally with mirrored furniture, velvet cushions and warm metallic accents for a glamorous feel. Alternatively, a buttoned headboard in tan or brown works well with oak or walnut furniture and woollen throws for a relaxed, traditional look. Keep the bedding simple so the headboard remains the focus.

Practical Differences in Daily Use

Cleaning is one of the most noticeable everyday differences. Smooth storage bed panels can be wiped in a few seconds. Buttoned headboards need a soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to lift dust from the folds, though this only takes a minute or two each week.

Floor cleaning differs too. A storage bed sits on or close to the floor, so there is no dust gathering underneath it. A bed on legs needs vacuuming beneath it from time to time, but the open space allows air to circulate around the mattress, which some people prefer.

Moving the bed is a further consideration. Storage beds, particularly ottomans, are heavier and have more components. Buttoned beds on legs are usually simpler to dismantle and reposition.

Can You Have Both?

Yes. Some designs combine a buttoned headboard with an ottoman or drawer base, giving you the decorative effect and the practical storage in one frame. These are a good option if you love the buttoned look but cannot spare the floor space for additional storage furniture. When comparing them, check that the buttoning is neat and symmetrical and that the lifting mechanism feels smooth and well supported.

If you are still weighing up how much storage you really need, our guide to chests of drawers explained for UK lifestyles can help you work out whether a separate chest or a storage bed would serve you better.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing

If you are still undecided, a few honest questions usually point the way.

• Where do your spare duvets, pillows and suitcases currently live, and would you like that space back?
• Is there a wall in the bedroom that would benefit from a strong focal point?
• Do you prefer a room that feels clean and pared back, or one with a little more texture and decoration?
• How often do you rearrange furniture or move home?
• Is anyone in the household likely to struggle with lifting an ottoman platform or bending to reach low drawers?

Your answers will often reveal a clear preference. People who value calm, clutter free rooms and need more storage almost always lean towards a storage bed. Those who enjoy a decorative bedroom and already have enough storage tend to find a buttoned bed more satisfying to live with. Neither choice is wrong, and both can look polished in a modern home when the rest of the room is planned around them.

Making the Decision

Start with an honest look at your storage. If cupboards are full and floor space is precious, a storage bed will make daily life easier. If storage is already handled and you want the bed to set the tone of the room, a buttoned design will deliver more character. For rooms that need both, a combined design is well worth considering. Whichever direction you choose, you can explore the full range of styles and sizes at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ottoman storage beds strong enough for everyday use?

A well made ottoman bed is designed for nightly use. Look for a sturdy frame, good quality gas lift hinges suited to the mattress weight and a solid base to the storage well.

Do buttoned headboards collect dust?

They gather a little more dust than smooth headboards because of the folds around each button. A quick weekly pass with a soft brush or vacuum attachment keeps them clean.

Which style suits a small bedroom better?

A storage bed usually suits a small bedroom better because it can replace other furniture. A buttoned bed can work too, provided the headboard is not so tall that it overwhelms the room.

Can I get a buttoned bed with storage?

Yes, many designs combine a buttoned headboard with drawers or an ottoman base, giving you both the decorative look and practical storage in one bed.