Wooden Ottoman Beds with a Scandi Twist

A wooden ottoman bed with a Scandi twist combines the generous hidden storage of a lift up base with the pale timber, clean lines and calm character of Scandinavian design. It suits British bedrooms where space is limited, because it can hold bedding, seasonal clothes and bulky items out of sight, leaving the rest of the room clear and uncluttered. That clarity is exactly what Scandi style depends on.

Ottoman beds have long been valued for practicality, but older designs often leaned heavily on bulky upholstered bases. Choosing a frame in natural timber changes the feel entirely. Among our modern wooden beds UK you will find designs that pair the function of an ottoman with the warmth of wood, and they sit comfortably alongside the rest of our bedroom furniture UK sale ranges. This guide covers how they work, what to look for and how to style one.

How an Ottoman Bed Works

An ottoman bed has a hinged base that lifts to reveal a large storage compartment underneath the mattress. Most use gas pistons, sometimes called gas struts, to make lifting smooth and controlled, so you can raise the mattress and platform with one hand and the base stays open while you reach inside.

There are two common opening styles:

• End lift. The base hinges at the headboard end and opens from the foot of the bed. This is the most common design and works well when the bed is placed against a wall with space at the foot.
• Side lift. The base hinges along one side and opens from the other. This suits rooms where the foot of the bed sits close to a wall or a wardrobe.

The storage space usually covers most of the area under the mattress, which makes it considerably larger than a pair of underbed drawers.

Why Wood Gives an Ottoman Bed a Scandi Feel

Scandinavian design is rooted in natural materials, honest construction and a sense of lightness. A wooden ottoman frame naturally reflects those values in ways an upholstered base cannot.

• Visible grain adds warmth and texture without decoration.
• Pale timbers such as oak, ash, beech and birch reflect light and keep the room bright.
• Clean edges and simple panels create a crisp outline.
• Durability fits the Nordic preference for buying fewer, longer lasting pieces.

Wood also tends to look more refined in a small room than a deep fabric base, because its surface reads as lighter and more streamlined.

What to Look for When Choosing

Lifting Mechanism

Check that the gas pistons are rated for your mattress. Heavier mattresses, such as deep pocket sprung or hybrid designs, need stronger struts. If the pistons are too weak, the base may not stay open, and if they are too strong for a light mattress, the base may be difficult to close. Many manufacturers specify a recommended mattress weight or depth.

Storage Depth and Base

Look inside the storage compartment. A solid, smooth floor keeps items clean and is easy to wipe. Ventilation gaps or a breathable lining help prevent mustiness, which can be a concern in older British homes where condensation is common.

Slats and Support

Your mattress still needs proper support. Sprung or closely spaced slats on the lifting platform allow air to circulate and keep the mattress in good condition.

Height

Ottoman beds are often a little higher than standard frames to accommodate the storage. That makes them easier to get in and out of, but check the height against your bedside tables and the overall proportions of the room.

Access Space

Leave enough room to stand comfortably at the opening end or side and lift the base fully. Measure the room with the mattress raised, not just lowered.

Styling a Wooden Ottoman Bed the Scandi Way

Keep the Walls Soft and Light

Warm whites, chalky off whites and pale oat or stone shades let natural wood glow. If you want a touch of colour, consider soft sage, misty blue or a muted dusty pink, perhaps on the wall behind the headboard only.

Layer Natural Bedding

Linen and cotton in white, oatmeal or light grey suit a Scandi bedroom. Add a knitted or waffle throw at the foot of the bed for texture. Because an ottoman base is clean and enclosed, avoid long valances or bed skirts that would hide the timber.

Choose Simple Bedside Pieces

Small round tables, slim cabinets or wall mounted shelves keep the room light. Since your ottoman bed handles bulk storage, bedside furniture can be purely about convenience: a lamp, a book and a glass of water.

Add Soft Lighting

A paper or linen pendant, a pair of ceramic table lamps and a single floor lamp in a reading corner create the warm, layered light that makes Scandi rooms feel cosy during darker months.

Bring in Greenery

A trailing plant on a shelf or a small potted tree in a corner adds life and a gentle splash of colour without disrupting the calm palette.

Organising the Storage Inside

An ottoman base can hold a surprising amount, but it works best when organised. Without a little planning, it can quickly become a jumble that is frustrating to search through.

• Use soft storage bags for duvets, pillows and spare blankets. Vacuum bags can reduce bulk further for items you rarely use.
• Group by season. Keep summer or winter clothes together so you can swap them easily as the weather changes.
• Put frequently used items at the opening end. Store things you reach for more often where they are easiest to access.
• Use shallow boxes to divide the space into zones, and label them on top so you can see what is inside at a glance.
• Avoid heavy, sharp or fragile items that could damage the base or be crushed by the mattress.

If your wardrobe is already full, an ottoman bed works well alongside other clothes storage UK solutions, taking pressure off hanging space by holding folded knitwear, spare linens and luggage.

Planning the Rest of the Room

One of the real benefits of an ottoman bed is that it can reduce how much other storage furniture you need. In a small British bedroom, that might mean you can drop a bulky chest of drawers in favour of a slim dressing table, a reading chair or simply more floor space.

If you do still need drawers for everyday clothing, choose a compact design in a matching or complementary timber. Our modern chest of drawers UK range includes slim and tall designs that suit narrower walls. For guidance on fitting one into a compact space, our article on fitting a chest of drawers into a small UK bedroom covers measurements and placement.

Ottoman Beds in Different Rooms

Wooden ottoman beds suit more than just the main bedroom.

• Guest rooms: store spare bedding and towels inside, ready for visitors, and use the room for other purposes in between.
• Children’s and teenagers’ rooms: hide toys, sports kit or school items to keep floors clear. Single and small double sizes are available.
• Flats and studios: where storage cupboards are limited, an ottoman base can hold suitcases, seasonal decorations or household items.
• Loft rooms: where sloping ceilings limit wardrobe height, the storage under the bed becomes especially valuable.

Looking After a Wooden Ottoman Bed

A few simple habits help an ottoman bed stay smooth and solid for years:

• Open and close the base gently, using the handle or strap provided.
• Check bolts and fixings every few months and tighten them if needed.
• Air the storage area occasionally to prevent mustiness, particularly during damp winters.
• Dust the timber with a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning products.
• If you change to a much heavier or lighter mattress, check whether the gas pistons are still suitable.

Is a Wooden Ottoman Bed Right for You?

An ottoman bed is a strong choice if you are short on storage, live in a smaller home or simply prefer a calm, clutter free bedroom. A wooden frame adds the warmth and natural character that make Scandi interiors so restful.

It may be less suitable if the bed must sit in a position where there is no space to lift the base, or if you need to access stored items several times a day. In those cases, a frame with underbed drawers might be more convenient.

If an ottoman design suits your space, you can explore wooden frames, storage and coordinating bedroom pieces at Furniture in Fashion. Returns are available up to 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wooden ottoman beds strong enough for everyday use?

A well made wooden ottoman bed is sturdy and designed for daily sleeping. Choose a frame with supportive slats and gas pistons suited to your mattress weight.

Do ottoman beds work with any mattress?

Most standard mattresses will fit, but very heavy or very light mattresses may affect how the lifting mechanism behaves. Check the manufacturer’s guidance on mattress weight and depth.

Should I choose an end lift or side lift ottoman?

Choose end lift if there is space at the foot of the bed, and side lift if the foot of the bed is close to a wall or other furniture.

How do I keep an ottoman bed from smelling musty?

Use breathable storage bags, avoid storing damp items and open the base from time to time to let air circulate, particularly in winter.