Ottoman Bed Buying Guide
Ottoman Bed Buying Guide
Ottoman beds have become one of the most popular bed types in the UK — and for good reason. They combine a stylish bed frame with a large, accessible storage compartment hidden beneath the mattress. If you are short on bedroom storage or simply want to make better use of the space in your room, an ottoman bed is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
This guide covers everything you need to know before buying.
In this guide:
What is an Ottoman Bed? | How Do They Work? | Lift Types | Storage Capacity | Who They Suit | What to Look For | Room and Access Considerations | Common Questions
What is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a hydraulic or gas-lift mechanism that allows the entire mattress platform to be raised, revealing a large storage space underneath. Unlike beds with drawers, which only offer storage on one or two sides, an ottoman bed uses the full footprint of the bed for storage — making it one of the most space-efficient storage solutions available for a bedroom.
Ottoman beds are available in all standard UK sizes — single, small double, double, king, and super king — and in a wide range of upholstery options including fabric, velvet, and faux leather.
How Do They Work?
Ottoman beds use a gas-lift or hydraulic piston mechanism to support the weight of the mattress as it is raised. The mechanism is designed to make lifting easy — even with a heavy mattress in place. Most ottoman beds can be opened with one hand once you are familiar with the mechanism.
To access the storage:
- Stand at the lift point (foot end or side, depending on the model)
- Lift the mattress platform using the handle or by gripping the edge of the base
- The gas pistons take the weight and hold the platform open
- Access the storage compartment freely
- Lower the platform gently back into place
The storage compartment is typically lined and clean — suitable for bedding, pillows, seasonal clothing, and other household items.
Lift Types: End Lift vs Side Lift
The most important practical decision when choosing an ottoman bed is the lift direction. This determines where you need to stand to open the bed and affects how the bed can be positioned in your room.
End Lift (Foot End Opening)
The bed opens from the foot end. You stand at the foot of the bed to lift the platform. This is the most common type and works well when the bed is positioned against a wall at the head end, with clear space at the foot.
Best for: Rooms where the foot of the bed faces an open area or the bedroom door. Requires clear space at the foot of the bed to stand and lift comfortably.
Side Lift (Left or Right Opening)
The bed opens from one side. You stand at the side of the bed to lift the platform. Side lift ottomans are ideal when there is limited space at the foot of the bed — for example, when the bed faces a wall or a fitted wardrobe.
Best for: Rooms where space at the foot of the bed is limited. Requires clear space on the chosen side to stand and lift. Check which side the lift is on before ordering — some models offer a choice of left or right opening.
Important: Before ordering, stand in your bedroom and think about where you will stand to open the bed. Make sure there is enough clear floor space on that side for comfortable access.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of an ottoman bed depends on the bed size and the depth of the base. As a general guide:
- Double ottoman: Approximately 300–400 litres of storage
- King ottoman: Approximately 400–500 litres of storage
- Super King ottoman: Approximately 500–600 litres of storage
To put this in context, a king size ottoman bed typically holds the equivalent of 4–6 large storage boxes. This is enough for a full set of spare bedding, seasonal duvets, pillows, and additional clothing.
The storage compartment is accessed as a single open space — there are no internal dividers. Items stored at the back of the compartment are accessible but may require some reorganisation to reach.
Who Ottoman Beds Suit
Ottoman beds are particularly well suited to:
- Smaller bedrooms where wardrobe and storage space is limited — the ottoman replaces the need for additional storage furniture
- Renters who cannot add built-in storage and need flexible solutions
- Spare bedrooms that double as storage rooms — the ottoman keeps the room tidy without sacrificing sleeping space
- Anyone who stores spare bedding, duvets, or seasonal items and wants them easily accessible but out of sight
- Those who prefer a clean, uncluttered bedroom aesthetic — ottoman beds have no visible drawers or handles on the exterior
Ottoman beds may be less suitable if:
- You have mobility issues that make lifting a mattress platform difficult
- Your room layout does not allow clear access at the lift point
- You need to access storage multiple times per day — ottoman storage is best for items accessed occasionally rather than daily
What to Look For When Buying
Gas Lift Mechanism Quality
The quality of the gas lift mechanism determines how easy the bed is to open and how long it lasts. Look for beds with strong, smooth pistons that hold the platform securely open without requiring you to prop it. A good mechanism should feel effortless to lift even with a heavy mattress.
Base Construction
The base should be solid and well-constructed. Slatted bases are common and provide good mattress support and ventilation. Check the slat spacing — gaps of no more than 7cm are recommended for most mattresses.
Upholstery and Finish
Ottoman beds are available in a wide range of upholstery options. Consider:
- Fabric and velvet: Soft, warm, and available in a wide range of colours. Velvet in particular adds a premium feel. Requires regular brushing to maintain the pile.
- Faux leather: Durable, easy to wipe clean, and gives a contemporary look. Can feel cold in winter.
- Linen effect: A popular neutral option that suits most bedroom colour schemes.
Headboard
Most ottoman beds include a headboard. Check the headboard height and style — a tall, padded headboard adds comfort if you sit up in bed to read. Some ottoman beds have a separate headboard that attaches to the frame; others have it integrated.
Weight Limit
Check the weight limit of the bed frame and the gas lift mechanism. Most standard ottoman beds support up to 200kg combined user weight, but this varies by model. Check the product specification if this is relevant to you.
Room and Access Considerations
- Lift direction: Decide whether end lift or side lift suits your room layout before ordering.
- Clear space at lift point: You need at least 60–70cm of clear floor space at the lift point to stand comfortably and operate the mechanism.
- Delivery and assembly: Ottoman beds are delivered flat-packed and assembled in the room. Check that the flat-pack boxes can be carried through your front door, up your staircase, and through your bedroom door. Check product dimensions before ordering.
- Mattress compatibility: Ottoman beds work with most standard mattress types. Very heavy mattresses (over 40kg) may make the lift mechanism harder to operate. Check the product page for mattress weight recommendations.
Common Questions
Are ottoman beds easy to open?
Yes. The gas lift mechanism is designed to take the weight of the mattress, making it easy to open with one hand once you are familiar with it. The effort required depends on the quality of the mechanism and the weight of your mattress.
Can I use any mattress with an ottoman bed?
Most standard mattress types — memory foam, pocket sprung, hybrid, and latex — are compatible with ottoman beds. Very heavy mattresses may make the lift harder to operate. Check the product page for specific recommendations.
Is the storage compartment damp-proof?
Ottoman bed storage compartments are not sealed or waterproofed. They are suitable for storing dry items such as bedding, pillows, and clothing. Avoid storing items that are sensitive to slight temperature or humidity variations.
How long do ottoman bed mechanisms last?
A good quality gas lift mechanism should last the lifetime of the bed with normal use. Avoid overloading the storage compartment, as excessive weight can put strain on the pistons over time.
Do ottoman beds need assembly?
Yes. Ottoman beds are delivered flat-packed and require assembly. Assembly instructions are included. If you need help, please contact us.
Ready to find your ottoman bed? Browse our ottoman bed collection or contact us for advice.
You may also find these guides useful: Bed Size Guide | Mattress Buying Guide | All Buying Guides