If you’ve been shopping for a new bed and keep seeing the word ottoman, you might be wondering what it actually means. The name can sound a little complicated, but the idea itself is very simple.
Quick Answer
An ottoman bed is a bed with built-in storage underneath the mattress. Instead of opening drawers, the mattress platform lifts upwards, usually with the help of gas-assisted struts, revealing a large storage space inside the bed base.
The main reason people choose an ottoman bed is simple: it makes use of the space underneath the mattress without taking up any more floor space. That can make it especially useful in smaller bedrooms, guest rooms or anywhere storage is limited.
Depending on the design, an ottoman bed can open from the foot of the bed or from one side. Inside, you’ll usually find a large compartment that’s ideal for storing things like spare bedding, pillows, towels, seasonal clothing or luggage.
But storage isn’t the only thing worth considering. The way the bed opens, the amount of space around it and the mattress you pair with it can all make a difference to how practical it feels day to day.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how ottoman beds work, the different types available, how they compare with other storage beds and what to think about before deciding whether one is right for your bedroom.
How Does an Ottoman Bed Work?
An ottoman bed works by lifting the mattress platform upwards to reveal the storage compartment underneath. Most modern ottoman beds use gas-assisted struts to help take some of the weight, making the bed much easier to open and close than it might look.
The mattress usually stays in place while the platform lifts, so you don’t need to remove it every time you want to access the storage. Once raised, the mechanism holds the platform in an open position while you reach into the compartment below.
In Simple Terms
1. Lift the platform
The bed base lifts from either the foot end or the side, depending on the design.
2. Gas struts help with the weight
These assist the movement so the platform feels more controlled and manageable.
3. The storage space is revealed
You can then access the compartment underneath the mattress.
4. Lower it back down
The platform closes smoothly back into place when you’ve finished.
Is an Ottoman Bed Heavy to Lift?
It can look like it should be, but the gas-assisted mechanism is designed to make lifting easier. How light or heavy it feels will depend on the bed frame, mattress weight and the strength of the mechanism, so it’s always worth checking the manufacturer’s guidance for the specific bed you’re considering.
Side-Lift vs End-Lift Ottoman Beds
Ottoman beds usually open in one of two ways: from the foot end or from the side. Both give you access to the storage underneath, but the best option depends on your bedroom layout and how much space you have around the bed.
Which Opening Style Is Right for You?
| Type | How It Opens | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| End-Lift Ottoman | The mattress platform lifts from the foot of the bed. | Rooms with clear space at the end of the bed. |
| Side-Lift Ottoman | The mattress platform lifts from one side of the bed. | Bedrooms where access from the side is easier or more practical. |
Neither style is automatically better. What matters most is how the bed will sit in your room. For example, an end-lift ottoman may be awkward if the foot of the bed is close to a wall or chest of drawers, while a side-lift design may be less convenient if one side of the bed sits tight against a wall.
Our Advice
Before choosing an ottoman bed, think about where you’ll stand when you open it and whether there’s enough clear space to use the storage comfortably. The right lift direction can make a big difference to how practical the bed feels every day.
Why Choose an Ottoman Bed?
The biggest reason people choose an ottoman bed is storage. Because the compartment sits underneath the mattress, you can make use of space that would otherwise be wasted, without adding another piece of furniture to the room.
That can be especially useful in smaller bedrooms, guest rooms and homes where wardrobe space is limited. But even in a larger bedroom, an ottoman can be a practical way to keep bulky or seasonal items tucked neatly out of sight.
The Main Benefits of an Ottoman Bed
More hidden storage
The space beneath the mattress can hold larger items that are often difficult to fit elsewhere, such as spare bedding, blankets, towels or suitcases.
No drawer clearance needed
Because the base lifts upwards, you don’t need to leave extra floor space beside the bed for storage drawers to open.
A tidier-looking bedroom
Hidden storage makes it easier to keep everyday clutter out of sight, particularly in rooms where space is already at a premium.
Useful in more than just small rooms
Ottoman beds can work just as well in larger bedrooms if you simply want extra storage without adding more furniture.
Are Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?
They can be a very practical choice. Unlike a divan bed with drawers, an ottoman doesn’t need extra space at the sides for drawers to pull out. You still need enough room to stand comfortably where the bed opens, but the lifting design can make better use of a compact bedroom.
Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed With Drawers
If storage is your main priority, you’ll often find yourself choosing between an ottoman bed and a divan bed with drawers. Both make use of the space underneath your mattress, but they work in very different ways.
Which Type of Storage Bed Is Right for You?
| Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan With Drawers |
|---|---|---|
| How storage opens | The mattress platform lifts upwards. | Drawers pull out from the side or foot of the bed. |
| Storage space | Usually one large compartment beneath the mattress. | Separate drawers for smaller or regularly used items. |
| Floor clearance | No drawer clearance needed, although you still need room to stand where the bed opens. | Needs enough clear floor space for each drawer to open fully. |
| Best for | Bulkier items, larger amounts of storage and rooms where drawer clearance is limited. | Items you want to access quickly and regularly. |
An ottoman bed is often the more useful option if you want to store bulky items such as spare duvets, pillows or luggage. A divan with drawers can be more convenient if you’re reaching for smaller things regularly, because you can simply open one drawer without lifting the mattress platform.
Our Advice
Think about what you actually want to store and how often you’ll need to access it. If it’s bedding, suitcases or seasonal clothing, an ottoman’s larger compartment can be really useful. If it’s everyday items, drawers may be quicker and easier.
What Can You Store in an Ottoman Bed?
One of the biggest advantages of an ottoman bed is the amount of hidden storage it can offer. Because the compartment runs underneath the mattress, it can be particularly useful for larger items that are awkward to store elsewhere.
Good Things to Store in an Ottoman Bed
- Spare duvets and bedding
- Pillows and blankets
- Towels
- Seasonal clothing
- Suitcases and travel bags
- Occasional-use items you want to keep out of sight
That said, it’s important not to treat the storage compartment like an unlimited space. Every bed is designed differently, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on what can be stored inside and avoid overfilling the base in a way that could interfere with the lifting mechanism.
A Practical Tip
Use the ottoman space for things you don’t need every day. If you’re constantly lifting the bed to get to something, drawers or another form of storage may be more convenient.
Do Ottoman Beds Need a Special Mattress?
In most cases, you don’t need a completely different type of mattress just because you’ve chosen an ottoman bed. What matters is that the mattress is suitable for the bed frame and works properly with the lifting mechanism.
Because the mattress platform lifts when you open the storage compartment, the weight of the mattress is especially important. A mattress that’s much heavier than the bed is designed to support can make the mechanism harder to use, while one that’s too light may not work as intended with some systems.
What Should You Check?
- The mattress size matches the bed frame exactly.
- The mattress weight falls within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
- The mattress is suitable for the type of base or slats used on the bed.
- The lifting mechanism can open and close smoothly once the mattress is in place.
Does the Mattress Affect How Easy an Ottoman Bed Is to Lift?
Yes, it can. The gas-assisted mechanism is designed to work with a certain amount of weight, so pairing the bed with a suitable mattress helps the platform lift and lower as intended. Always check the guidance for the specific ottoman bed before choosing your mattress.
Comfort-wise, you can still choose the mattress type that suits the way you sleep, whether that’s pocket sprung, hybrid, memory foam or another construction. The important thing is making sure the mattress and ottoman base are compatible with each other.
Are Ottoman Beds Worth It?
If extra bedroom storage is genuinely useful to you, an ottoman bed can be well worth considering. You get a large hidden storage area without needing another chest of drawers or storage unit, and the bed itself can be just as comfortable as another frame when it’s paired with a suitable mattress.
That doesn’t mean an ottoman is automatically the best choice for everyone. The easiest way to decide is to think about how you’ll actually use the storage and whether the lifting design suits your room.
| An Ottoman Bed Could Be Right for You If… | You May Prefer Another Storage Bed If… |
|---|---|
| You want to maximise the storage underneath your bed. | You need quick access to stored items every day. |
| There isn’t enough room beside the bed for drawers to open easily. | You’d rather open a small drawer than lift the mattress platform. |
| You need somewhere for bulky items such as bedding or luggage. | You don’t need much additional bedroom storage. |
| You like storage being completely hidden when the bed is closed. | You prefer a lighter, simpler bed frame. |
So, What’s the Catch?
Ottoman beds tend to be heavier and more mechanically complex than a simple bed frame, and you’ll need to lift the platform whenever you want something from inside. For occasional storage, that usually isn’t a problem. If you’re reaching underneath the bed several times a day, drawers might suit you better.
Ultimately, an ottoman bed is most useful when it solves a real storage problem. If you’re choosing one purely because it has hidden storage that you’re unlikely to use, a simpler bed frame may make more sense.
What to Check Before Buying an Ottoman Bed
Once you know an ottoman bed is right for you, there are a few practical things worth checking before you buy. Most of them are simple, but they can make a big difference to how easy the bed is to use day to day.
Measure the room carefully
Check the overall bed dimensions and make sure there is enough room to stand comfortably where the bed opens.
Choose the right lift direction
Think about whether a side-lift or end-lift design will be easiest to access in your bedroom layout.
Check mattress compatibility
Make sure your mattress is the correct size, suitable for the base and within the manufacturer’s recommended weight range.
Think about what you’ll store
Ottoman storage is especially useful for bulky or occasional-use items. If you need something every day, drawers may be more convenient.
Follow the product guidance
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, storage limits and safe use of the lifting mechanism.
Our Advice
The best ottoman bed is the one that works with your room, your mattress and the way you actually use your storage. A little planning before you buy usually makes the bed much easier to live with long term.
Ottoman Bed FAQs
Are ottoman beds easy to lift?
Most modern ottoman beds use gas-assisted struts to help with lifting the mattress platform, so they are designed to be manageable to open and close. How easy a particular bed feels will depend on the mechanism, the mattress weight and the bed itself.
Are ottoman beds safe?
Ottoman beds are designed to be used safely when they are assembled and operated correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the lifting mechanism as intended and keep children and pets clear while the bed is being opened or closed.
Can you use an ottoman bed every day?
Yes. An ottoman bed can be used as your everyday bed just like another bed frame. The main difference is the storage mechanism underneath, so your comfort will still depend largely on choosing a suitable mattress and bed base.
Do ottoman beds come in different sizes?
Yes. Ottoman beds are available in a range of standard UK bed sizes, although the exact options will vary by design and manufacturer. Always check the dimensions of the individual bed rather than relying on the mattress size alone.
Can you move an ottoman bed?
You can, but ottoman beds are often heavier than simpler frames because of the storage base and lifting mechanism. If you’re moving house or repositioning the bed, check the manufacturer’s instructions and dismantle it where recommended rather than trying to move the whole frame at once.
Continue Exploring
Whether you’re ready to explore ottoman beds or still comparing your options, these are a good place to go next.
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Already know you want an ottoman? Take a closer look at choosing the right size, style and storage setup.
Read the Buying Guide →Find the Right Mattress
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