For most people who need extra storage, yes — an ottoman bed is worth it. It turns the dead space under your mattress into a large, lift-up storage compartment without taking up a single extra inch of floor space. But it isn't the right choice for everyone, and the honest answer depends on your room, your budget and how you actually live. Here's everything you need to decide.
What is an ottoman bed?
An ottoman bed is a storage bed with a hinged base that lifts up — usually on gas-lift pistons — to reveal a deep storage area underneath the entire mattress. Unlike a divan with small drawers, an ottoman bed gives you one large compartment that holds bulky items: spare bedding, winter duvets, suitcases, out-of-season clothing and more.
The mattress sits on a sturdy slatted or solid platform that you raise and lower in seconds. Most modern ottoman beds come in upholstered fabric finishes, which is why they pair so well with statement styles like wingback and chesterfield headboards.
The pros of ottoman beds
Huge hidden storage. A double or king ottoman bed can free up the equivalent of a small wardrobe — ideal if you're short on cupboard space.
Perfect for small bedrooms. Because the storage is under the bed rather than beside it, you reclaim space without adding furniture. That makes ottoman beds one of the best space-saving solutions for box rooms and city flats.
Easy to use. Gas-lift pistons do the heavy lifting, so raising the base takes minimal effort, even when it's loaded.
Cleaner, tidier rooms. With clutter tucked out of sight, the whole bedroom looks calmer and more spacious.
Style without compromise. Modern upholstered ottoman frames look like premium designer beds — the storage is invisible until you open it.
The cons of ottoman beds (the honest bit)
No bed is perfect, and it's only fair to cover the trade-offs:
- Higher upfront cost. Ottoman beds typically cost more than a basic frame because of the mechanism and construction.
- You need clearance to open it. The base lifts upward, so you need room above and beside the bed — worth checking under sloped ceilings.
- Not ideal for daily-access items. It's brilliant for things you reach for occasionally, less so for items you grab every morning.
- Heavier to move. The reinforced base makes ottoman beds sturdier but also harder to shift on cleaning day.
Ottoman bed vs divan bed: which is better?
This is the most common comparison shoppers make. Both offer storage, but they work very differently.
| Feature | Ottoman bed | Divan bed |
|---|---|---|
| Storage type | One large under-bed compartment | Small fixed drawers |
| Storage capacity | Very high | Low to medium |
| Access | Lift the whole base | Pull out individual drawers |
| Space needed around bed | Clearance to lift the base | Space to open drawers |
| Best for | Bulky items, small rooms | Everyday smaller items |
In short: choose an ottoman bed if you want maximum storage for bulky things, and a divan if you only need a little space for daily items and have room for drawers to slide out.
Side-lift vs end-lift: what's the difference?
Ottoman beds open in one of two ways. End-lift opens from the foot of the bed and is usually easier if you have a wall close to one side. Side-lift opens from the long side and can be simpler to access, but needs clear floor space alongside the bed. Pick the one that matches your room layout — measure before you buy.
Who should buy an ottoman bed?
An ottoman bed is worth it if you:
- live in a flat, terraced house or small bedroom with limited storage
- want to declutter without buying extra furniture
- need somewhere to store bulky seasonal bedding or luggage
- want a premium, upholstered look that doubles as practical storage
It may not be the best fit if you have very low ceilings above the bed, a tight budget, or you need constant daily access to whatever you'd store underneath.
What to look for in a quality ottoman bed
Not all ottoman beds are built the same. Before you buy, check:
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Gas-lift quality — strong pistons make raising and lowering effortless and safe.
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Solid base support — a reinforced platform keeps your mattress properly supported.
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Fabric and finish — quality upholstery lasts longer and looks better.
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The right size — match the frame to your room and mattress with a proper UK bed sizes guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are ottoman beds safe? Yes. Quality gas-lift mechanisms hold the base securely when open and lower it slowly and safely.
Do ottoman beds need a special mattress? No, but a lighter mattress is easier to lift. Memory foam and pocket-sprung mattresses both work well on an ottoman base.
How much storage does an ottoman bed have? A double or king ottoman bed offers a large single compartment — often enough for several duvets, pillows and a suitcase.
Are ottoman beds hard to assemble? Most come flat-packed with clear instructions and are designed for straightforward self-assembly.
The verdict
If storage and space matter to you, an ottoman bed is almost always worth it — you get a large hidden compartment, a premium upholstered look, and a tidier room, all without sacrificing floor space. Browse our handcrafted ottoman beds to find the size, style and finish that suits your bedroom.
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