The best TV beds with ottoman storage combine three things that rarely appear together: a lift mechanism that raises the whole mattress platform on gas struts, a footboard that hides the television, and a frame strong enough to handle both without creaking. If a bed does all three well, you gain a full length storage well beneath the mattress and a screen that vanishes when you switch off, without giving up any extra floor space.<\/p>\n
That is a lot of engineering in one piece of furniture, so it pays to know what to look for. Below we walk through how these beds work, which details separate a good one from a frustrating one, and how to plan a bedroom around them. You can browse the designs we stock in our collection of TV beds UK sale<\/a>, where storage options are listed on each product page, and see how they sit within our wider modern bedroom furniture UK<\/a> range.<\/p>\n A TV ottoman bed has two separate moving parts. The first is the television lift in the footboard, usually electric, which raises the screen to viewing height. The second is the ottoman lift, which hinges the mattress platform upwards so you can reach the space underneath.<\/p>\n The ottoman lift is almost always operated by gas pistons rather than a motor. You pull a strap or handle at the foot or side of the bed, and the struts take most of the weight. The platform then stays open on its own while you load or unload bedding.<\/p>\n Because the television sits at the foot end, the way the ottoman opens matters. Some designs lift from the side, which keeps the footboard and screen completely out of the way. Others lift from the foot, so the platform swings up towards the headboard. Both work, but a side opening suits rooms where the bed sits with one long edge clear and the foot close to a wall.<\/p>\n Rather than ranking individual models, it is more useful to look at the features that make a real difference in daily use.<\/p>\n Struts are rated for a certain load. If the mattress is much heavier than the bed was designed for, the platform will be hard to lift and may drift down while open. If it is much lighter, the platform may spring up too quickly. Check the recommended mattress type and depth, then stay within it.<\/p>\n Look for a firm base panel inside the ottoman so items sit flat and do not rest on the floor. This also keeps dust down and makes it easier to slide storage boxes in and out.<\/p>\n The mattress platform should be supportive in its own right. Sprung slats give a little under load and help the mattress breathe, which is worth having because air circulation underneath is reduced when there is an enclosed storage space.<\/p>\n The TV lift needs power and the television needs a signal or streaming device. A well designed frame routes those cables away from the ottoman hinges so nothing gets pinched when you open the base.<\/p>\n An ottoman base uses almost the entire footprint of the bed, so even a standard double offers a large volume. In practice the footboard housing takes up part of that space at the foot end, because the television and lift need somewhere to sit. Expect the storage well to be slightly shorter than the mattress, and check the internal dimensions if you plan to use specific boxes.<\/p>\n The space suits bulky, light items best: spare duvets, winter coats, suitcases, pillows and out of season clothing. Heavy items such as books are better kept elsewhere, as they make the platform harder to lift.<\/p>\n If you already rely on a separate storage chest at the end of the bed, a TV ottoman may replace it, freeing up the floor. For pieces that work alongside, our modern ottomans UK<\/a> and blanket boxes UK sale<\/a> can sit beneath a window or at the side of the room when you want extra storage that is easier to reach every day.<\/p>\n A TV ottoman bed asks for a little more thought about placement than a standard frame.<\/p>\nTwo mechanisms in one frame<\/h3>\n
What makes a TV ottoman bed worth choosing<\/h3>\n
Gas struts matched to the mattress<\/h3>\n
A solid base inside the storage well<\/h3>\n
Sprung or slatted platform<\/h3>\n
Clear cable management<\/h3>\n
How much can you store?<\/h3>\n
Planning the room<\/h3>\n
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