What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is one of the smartest ways to add hidden storage to your bedroom without taking up extra floor space. Instead of using side drawers, an ottoman bed lifts from the base, giving you access to a large storage area underneath the mattress.
This makes it a brilliant choice for modern UK homes, especially where bedrooms are compact, wardrobes are limited, or you simply want a cleaner, more organised space.
At Audreamy, we believe bedroom furniture should do more than look beautiful. It should make everyday life easier. That is why our sleep and bedroom designs focus on comfort, practicality and premium style. As an award-recognised brand trusted by thousands of happy customers, Audreamy has become a favourite choice for people who want a bedroom that feels luxurious, calm and genuinely functional.
Why Choose an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is not just a bed frame with storage. It is a space-saving solution that helps your room feel bigger, tidier and more considered.
Unlike standard beds with drawers, an ottoman bed usually uses almost the full area beneath the mattress. This gives you much more room for storing bulky items such as:
- Spare bedding
- Duvets and pillows
- Towels
- Winter clothes
- Shoes
- Suitcases
- Seasonal items
Everything stays hidden inside the bed base, helping your bedroom look cleaner and less cluttered.
1. Ottoman Beds Help Keep Your Bedroom Tidy
One of the biggest advantages of an ottoman bed is how much it can store.
Instead of leaving boxes under the bed or filling your wardrobe with spare bedding, you can keep everything neatly hidden inside the bed frame. This makes the room feel more spacious and peaceful.
For many customers, this is the main reason they choose an ottoman bed. It gives you practical storage without needing another chest of drawers, cupboard or storage unit.
Audreamy customers especially love this kind of design because it combines a premium bedroom look with real everyday usefulness.
2. Perfect for Smaller Bedrooms
Modern homes often have smaller bedrooms, especially in city flats, guest rooms and new-build houses. An ottoman bed helps you make better use of the space you already have.
Because the storage opens upwards, you do not need extra room at the sides for drawers. This makes ottoman beds especially useful if:
- Your bed is close to a wall
- Your bedroom is narrow
- You have limited wardrobe space
- You want to reduce clutter
- You need storage in a guest room or box room
Instead of wasting the space under your mattress, an ottoman bed turns it into one of the most useful storage areas in the home.
3. Stylish Enough to Be the Centrepiece of the Room
Ottoman beds are not only practical. They can also look incredibly stylish.
Many designs come with upholstered finishes, padded headboards and modern colours such as grey, cream, beige or navy. This makes them easy to match with different bedroom styles.
Whether you want a soft hotel-inspired bedroom, a clean modern look or a statement bed frame, an ottoman bed can become the main feature of the room.
At Audreamy, we design bedroom furniture with this exact balance in mind: practical storage, premium comfort and a look that feels expensive without being overcomplicated. It is one reason why so many customers describe Audreamy as one of their favourite sleep brands.
How Does an Ottoman Bed Open?
Most ottoman beds use a gas-lift hydraulic system.
This means the bed base is assisted when you lift it, so it does not require as much effort as lifting the full mattress weight yourself. The mechanism helps the base rise smoothly and stay open while you access the storage area.
In simple terms, it works a little like the boot of a car. Once lifted, the gas-lift system supports the weight until you are ready to close it.
Foot-End Opening Ottoman Beds
A foot-end opening ottoman bed lifts from the bottom end of the bed.
This is one of the most common designs and works well if you have enough space at the foot of the bed. It gives easy access to the full storage area underneath.
This option is ideal for bedrooms where both sides of the bed are close to walls or furniture.
Side-Opening Ottoman Beds
A side-opening ottoman bed lifts from one side.
This style is useful when the foot of the bed is close to a wall, wardrobe or other furniture. It can also be a good option for rooms where the bed sits against one wall.
The best opening style depends on your bedroom layout and where you have the easiest access.
How Do You Close an Ottoman Bed?
Closing an ottoman bed is usually simple.
Once you have finished using the storage space, gently push the raised base down using the handle, strap or edge of the mattress platform. The gas-lift mechanism should help it close in a controlled way.
Most ottoman beds are designed to close properly only when the mattress is placed on top. The mattress weight helps keep the frame in position.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid forcing the mechanism.
Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: What Is the Difference?
Ottoman beds and divan beds can both offer storage, but they work in different ways.
An ottoman bed usually has a lift-up base that reveals a large storage compartment. This gives you access to a wide hidden area beneath the mattress.
A divan bed is usually a box-style base that may include drawers, a lift-up section, or a combination of storage options.
The main differences are:
- Ottoman beds usually give you larger hidden storage because they use more of the space under the mattress.
- Divan beds are often more compact and may be better if you prefer drawer storage.
- Ottoman beds open from the top, so they can be more practical in rooms where side drawer access is limited.
- Divan beds may feel firmer depending on the base construction
If storage space is your biggest priority, an ottoman bed is often the more powerful choice.
Do Ottoman Beds Come With a Headboard?
Many ottoman beds include a matching headboard, especially upholstered models.
A headboard can make the bed feel more complete and add comfort when sitting up to read, watch TV or relax. Padded headboards are especially popular because they create a softer, more premium bedroom look.
Some divan-style ottoman bases may sell the headboard separately, so it is always worth checking before buying.
How Much Weight Can an Ottoman Bed Hold?
Ottoman beds are designed to be strong and practical, but each model will have its own weight guidance.
You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for:
- Maximum mattress weight
- Maximum storage weight
- Recommended mattress type
- Safe use of the lift mechanism
Avoid overloading the storage area with extremely heavy items. Bulky but lighter items such as bedding, duvets and clothes are usually ideal.
A quality ottoman bed should feel stable, supportive and easy to use when assembled correctly.
Do Ottoman Beds Come With a Headboard?
Many ottoman beds include a matching headboard, especially upholstered models.
A headboard can make the bed feel more complete and add comfort when sitting up to read, watch TV or relax. Padded headboards are especially popular because they create a softer, more premium bedroom look.
Some divan-style ottoman bases may sell the headboard separately, so it is always worth checking before buying.
How Much Weight Can an Ottoman Bed Hold?
Ottoman beds are designed to be strong and practical, but each model will have its own weight guidance.
You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for:
- Maximum mattress weight
- Maximum storage weight
- Recommended mattress type
- Safe use of the lift mechanism
Avoid overloading the storage area with extremely heavy items. Bulky but lighter items such as bedding, duvets and clothes are usually ideal.
A quality ottoman bed should feel stable, supportive and easy to use when assembled correctly.
Are Ottoman Beds Easy to Assemble?
Most ottoman beds are designed for home assembly, but the exact process depends on the model.
Before starting, it is a good idea to:
- Build the bed in the room where it will be used
- Lay out all parts and fittings first
- Follow the instructions step by step
- Avoid fully tightening every bolt until the frame is aligned
- Check the lift mechanism carefully before use
Because ottoman beds include a gas-lift system, assembly may take slightly longer than a basic bed frame. Having two people can make the process easier and safer.
A Short History of Ottoman Beds
The word “ottoman” comes from the Ottoman Empire, where storage-style furniture such as chests, benches and low seating became popular.
Over time, this idea developed into furniture that combined comfort with hidden storage. Today, ottoman beds are one of the most practical and popular bedroom choices because they bring together style, comfort and space-saving design.
Modern ottoman beds are far more refined than traditional storage furniture. They are designed to look elegant, feel comfortable and help people make better use of their bedroom space.
Is an Ottoman Bed Worth It?
For many homes, yes.
An ottoman bed is worth considering if you want:
- More storage
- A tidier bedroom
- A modern upholstered look
- Better use of small spaces
- A bed that feels practical and premium
- Hidden storage without visible drawers
It is especially useful for flats, guest rooms, children’s rooms and main bedrooms where storage is limited.
When paired with a high-quality mattress, an ottoman bed can create a bedroom that looks beautiful and works harder every day.