Best Ottoman Beds UK: How to Choose the Right Ottoman Bed

The best ottoman bed in the UK is one with a sturdy frame, reliable lift up mechanism and generous hidden storage. For most couples, a king size ottoman bed offers an excellent balance of sleeping space and storage. For smaller bedrooms, a double ottoman storage bed can provide valuable extra space without taking over the room.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed is a bed with a hinged base that lifts upwards to reveal storage underneath the mattress.

Instead of using drawers, shelves or separate storage furniture, the entire area beneath the sleeping surface becomes accessible storage.

Depending on the design, the base may lift from the end of the bed or from one side.

The lifting mechanism is usually assisted by gas struts or a similar system, meaning you do not have to manually lift the full weight of the mattress and bed base every time you want to retrieve something.

This makes an ottoman bed considerably more practical than it might initially sound.

What can you store in an ottoman bed?

The storage compartment is particularly useful for items that you need occasionally but do not want occupying valuable wardrobe or floor space.

You could use it for:

• Spare duvets and pillows
• Winter clothing
• Bedding
• Towels
• Shoes
• Handbags
• Suitcases
• Blankets
• Seasonal decorations
• Storage boxes

The important thing is to keep the storage organised. A large open compartment can become difficult to navigate if everything is simply thrown inside.

Using fabric storage bags or boxes can make it much easier to find what you need.

Are Ottoman Beds Worth Buying?

For many people, yes.

An ottoman bed is particularly worthwhile if storage is at a premium or you want to reduce the amount of furniture in your bedroom.

The main advantage is simple: you are using space that would otherwise sit empty.

A conventional bed occupies the same footprint but generally leaves the area underneath inaccessible or suitable only for a few shallow storage boxes.

An ottoman bed turns that unused area into practical storage without requiring additional floor space.

The main benefits

Hidden storage

Your belongings remain out of sight, helping the bedroom maintain a cleaner, less cluttered appearance.

Efficient use of space

You do not need to dedicate another section of the bedroom to a chest of drawers or storage cabinet.

Large capacity

Because the storage runs beneath much of the mattress, an ottoman base can hold considerably more than a few under-bed boxes.

Useful for smaller bedrooms

When floor space is limited, using the area underneath the bed can be particularly valuable.

A cleaner appearance

With storage concealed beneath the mattress, the room can feel more orderly without compromising on capacity.

There are a few considerations, though.

An ottoman bed is heavier and more mechanically complex than a very basic bed frame. You should also make sure the lifting mechanism is sturdy and that there is enough clearance around the bed to use it comfortably.

What Makes the Best Ottoman Bed?

The best ottoman bed is not simply the one with the largest storage compartment.

A good design needs to work as both a bed and a storage system. That means paying attention to the details you may not notice immediately when looking at photographs online.

1. A sturdy frame

The frame needs to support the mattress, sleepers and stored belongings underneath.

Look for a well constructed base that feels solid rather than flimsy. A robust frame should also minimise movement and unwanted noise during the night.

2. A reliable lifting mechanism

The lifting mechanism is arguably the most important part of an ottoman bed.

The base should rise smoothly without requiring excessive force. A good mechanism should also feel controlled when closing, rather than dropping suddenly.

Gas assisted lifting systems are particularly useful because they help counterbalance the weight of the mattress and base.

3. Useful storage capacity

Think about what you actually intend to store.

A storage compartment that is technically large but difficult to access may not be particularly useful.

Look for a design that provides a broad, unobstructed storage area and allows you to make sensible use of the available depth.

4. Mattress compatibility

Always check which mattress types and weights are suitable for the bed.

The lifting mechanism has to cope with the mattress as well as the base, so compatibility matters.

5. Easy access

The best storage in the world is of little use if you cannot access it comfortably.

Consider whether you would prefer an end lift or side lift design based on the layout of your room.

6. A design that suits the bedroom

An ottoman bed does not have to look purely functional.

Upholstered designs, contemporary fabrics and considered proportions can make the bed an attractive centrepiece rather than simply a storage solution.

Best Ottoman Bed for a Small Bedroom

If you have a small bedroom, an ottoman bed can be one of the smartest investments you make.

The key is to use storage without creating additional obstacles around the room.

A best ottoman bed for small bedroom layouts should ideally provide substantial storage while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.

A double ottoman bed can be an excellent option where a king size would leave too little walking space.

If the room is narrow, consider the direction in which the bed opens.

For example, an end lift design requires sufficient space at the foot of the bed to raise and access the storage compartment. If a wardrobe, wall or radiator is immediately in front of the bed, this may become awkward.

A side lift can be more practical in certain narrow layouts.

For a small bedroom, prioritise:

• Appropriate bed dimensions
• Maximum usable storage
• A suitable lifting direction
• Easy access to the mechanism
• Minimal additional bedroom furniture
• A design that leaves clear walking routes

An ottoman bed can also allow you to remove other storage furniture altogether. If your bed can accommodate spare bedding, shoes and seasonal clothing, you may not need a separate storage chest taking up valuable floor space.

Planning a more efficient bedroom? Read our complete guide to the best ottoman bed in the UK.

Best Ottoman Bed for Couples

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For couples, storage requirements tend to increase.

Two people's clothing, bedding, shoes and belongings can quickly overwhelm a bedroom, particularly when both people share the same wardrobe.

A larger ottoman bed can provide a substantial hidden storage area without adding another piece of furniture.

A double ottoman bed may be sufficient for couples with modest storage needs, but a king size ottoman bed can offer a useful combination of sleeping space and storage capacity if the bedroom can accommodate it.

The choice should not be based purely on storage, though.

Make sure there is still enough room around the bed for comfortable movement, bedside tables and access to wardrobes.

Couples should also consider:

Mattress weight

A heavier mattress places more demand on the lifting mechanism.

Storage organisation

A shared storage compartment benefits from clearly divided sections or storage boxes.

Opening direction

Think about where the bed will be positioned and which side or end will provide the easiest access.

Bed size

Choose the largest size that fits comfortably rather than automatically opting for the largest available.

Best King Size Ottoman Bed

A king size ottoman bed measures approximately 150 x 200 cm, providing generous sleeping space while creating a substantial area underneath for storage.

For couples, it can be an excellent middle ground between comfort and practicality.

The extra width compared with a double also means the storage base can accommodate a considerable amount of bedding, clothing and other belongings.

However, king size beds have a larger footprint, so measure carefully before buying.

Do not just measure the space where the bed will stand. Consider:

• The width of the bedroom
• The distance from the wardrobe
• Door positions
• Window positions
• Bedside tables
• Walking space
• Space required to lift the base

If the room feels cramped once the bed is in place, the additional storage may not be worth the compromise.

Ottoman Bed vs Divan

Ottoman beds and divan beds can both provide useful bedroom storage, but they work in quite different ways.

A divan can be particularly convenient if you regularly need access to smaller items.

An ottoman bed, on the other hand, is better suited to storing larger belongings such as duvets, luggage and seasonal clothing.

If your priority is maximum storage capacity, an ottoman bed generally has the advantage.

If you want quick access to smaller belongings without lifting the mattress, a drawer divan may be more convenient.

Ottoman Bed vs Drawers

A bed with drawers provides storage in individual compartments that slide out from beneath the frame.

This can be convenient, but drawer access requires floor space.

If a bedside table, wall or another piece of furniture prevents a drawer from opening fully, part of the storage becomes difficult to use.

An ottoman storage bed avoids this issue because the entire base lifts upwards.

For compact bedrooms, the lack of drawer clearance can make an ottoman particularly appealing.

Side Lift vs End Lift Ottoman Beds

The direction in which an ottoman bed opens may sound like a small detail, but it can have a major impact on how practical the bed is.

End lift ottoman beds

An end lift opens from the foot of the bed.

This is often convenient when the sides of the bed are close to wardrobes or walls.

However, you need sufficient space at the foot of the bed to lift and access the storage.

Best suited to:

• Bedrooms with clear space at the foot of the bed
• Rooms where both sides of the bed are restricted
• Layouts with wardrobes positioned beside the bed

Side lift ottoman beds

A side lift opens from one side of the bed.

This can be particularly useful in rooms where there is limited space at the foot of the bed.

However, you need adequate clearance along the chosen side.

Best suited to:

• Narrow bedrooms
• Rooms with limited foot space
• Layouts where one side of the bed has clear access

Which is better?

Neither is universally better.

The right choice depends on your bedroom layout.

Before buying, imagine the bed fully open and make sure you have enough space to access the storage comfortably.

How to Choose an Ottoman Bed

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Buying an ottoman bed should begin with the room, not the product photograph.

Start by measuring your available space and then work through the following considerations.

1. Measure the room

Measure the length and width of the available area.

Remember to account for skirting boards and furniture that cannot be moved.

2. Decide on the bed size

Choose a double, king or another appropriate size according to the room and your sleeping requirements.

Do not sacrifice comfortable movement simply to gain additional storage.

3. Choose the lifting direction

Decide whether an end lift or side lift makes more sense for your layout.

4. Consider what you will store

If you need to store bulky items, prioritise an uninterrupted storage compartment.

If you mainly need somewhere for smaller belongings, drawers may be worth considering instead.

5. Check the lifting mechanism

The base should open smoothly and feel controlled.

Pay particular attention to the mattress weight limit and any manufacturer guidance.

6. Consider the mattress

Your mattress affects both sleeping comfort and the operation of the lifting mechanism.

Make sure the mattress is compatible with the bed before purchasing.

7. Think about long term use

An ottoman bed is an investment, so consider how your storage needs may change.

A design with generous capacity and a robust mechanism is likely to remain useful for years rather than solving only today's storage problem.

What Should You Store in an Ottoman Bed?

The best use of an ottoman storage bed is usually for belongings you need occasionally rather than every day.

Good examples include:

• Winter duvets
• Spare pillows
• Seasonal clothing
• Holiday luggage
• Shoes
• Blankets
• Towels
• Handbags
• Guest bedding
• Keepsakes

Avoid storing anything that could be damaged by moisture or anything you need to access several times a day.

It is also worth keeping the storage compartment reasonably organised.

A few labelled storage bags can save you from having to empty half the bed every time you need to find a particular item.

Are Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?

Yes, and this is one of their strongest advantages.

A conventional bed occupies floor space but does little with the area beneath it. An ottoman bed uses that otherwise neglected space as storage.

This can allow you to reduce the number of wardrobes, chests or storage boxes in the room.

For a compact bedroom, that can have a noticeable effect on the overall atmosphere.

Instead of adding more furniture, you are making the existing furniture work harder.

Expert Recommendation

If storage is your main priority, an ottoman bed is difficult to beat.

For a small bedroom, choose a size that leaves comfortable walking space and pay close attention to the opening direction.

For couples, a king size ottoman can provide an excellent combination of sleeping space and hidden storage, provided the room is large enough.

For maximum storage, choose a design with a broad, unobstructed compartment rather than focusing solely on external appearance.

And for everyday practicality, never overlook the lifting mechanism. A beautifully designed bed becomes frustrating if the base is awkward to open or difficult to close.

The strongest choice is one that feels effortless in everyday use.

Final Thoughts

The best ottoman bed is more than a bed with a clever storage compartment underneath.

It is a solution to one of the most persistent problems in modern bedrooms: there is simply never enough space.

By turning the entire area beneath the mattress into usable storage, an ottoman bed can help you keep bedding, clothing, luggage and seasonal belongings out of sight without sacrificing additional floor space.

For small bedrooms, that can be transformative. For couples, it can provide a surprisingly generous amount of additional storage. And for anyone who prefers a clean, uncluttered bedroom, it offers a practical way to hide the things you need without having them constantly on display.

Before buying, measure your room carefully, consider the direction in which the bed needs to open, check the lifting mechanism and think about what you genuinely intend to store.

Choose well, and your bed can do considerably more than give you somewhere comfortable to sleep.

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