Ottoman Bed Buying Guide

An ottoman bed is a type of storage bed where the base of the bed lifts to reveal a large underbed storage compartment. Most are gas-lift ottoman beds, which use hydraulics to make lifting easier and keep the frame raised until it’s closed.

An ottoman bed is ideal for those looking to tidy up their room and keep it clutter-free, thanks to its concealed storage solutions. Available in various designs and sizes, this space can be used to hide your belongings away and remove the need for excess storage furniture!

We’ve created our ottoman guide to help you answer all your essential questions about ottoman beds, including how to incorporate them into your bedroom.

There are many benefits to choosing an ottoman bed over a regular bed frame, such as:

1. Extra storage

Ottoman beds make for fantastic options for bedrooms that can use more storage space. These helpful storage beds help eliminate the need for excess furniture by combining sleeping and storage solutions in one structure, so they’re perfect for smaller spaces.

This means that you get a place to sleep whilst also getting somewhere to store away all your essentials, including bedding, extra clothes, books and much more.

2. Keeps your bedroom tidy

Opting for an ottoman bed with enclosed underbed storage is a neater option than simply storing loose items under your bed. You’ll also protect your items from dust and dirt that can accumulate under your bed.

Even plastic storage drawers designed to go under the bed can be unsightly and ruin your bedroom’s overall aesthetic. With an ottoman bed, your storage is built into a stylish bed frame.

3. Available in a selection of styles and sizes

There is a range of ottoman bed sizes to suit any bedroom, and here at Happy Beds, we also have plenty of styles to choose from! For more help regarding the right bed size for you, take a look at our bed size guide for more information.

The difference between a divan bed and an ottoman bed is how the storage is arranged inside the bed. An ottoman bed uses a lift mechanism to lift the mattress, giving you access to the entire space beneath the bed; a divan bed, on the other hand, uses drawers built into the sides of the bed frame. These can be drawers along the long side of a bed or at the very end of the bed.

If you’re particularly short on space, an ottoman bed may be preferred over a divan. This is because you won’t need extra clearance space to accommodate drawers built into the bed frame; you simply need space to access the bed's interior.

The number of drawers available will vary depending on which divan bed you buy, but an ottoman bed will generally provide you with more storage space overall. Check out our divan beds buying guide for more information.

Ottoman beds use two main bases: solid bases and sprung slats. The one you choose will depend on your preferences:

Solid bases

Ottoman beds with a solid base have a flat, strong surface where the mattress goes. This base type is similar to divan beds and provides firmer support. If you choose this bed base type, remember that it can make your mattress feel firmer regardless of its firmness rating.

Sprung slats

Ottoman beds with sprung slats feature curved slats that make up the base of the bed. The arched shape is better for shock absorption and gives a less firm level of support. The gaps between the slats can also help to keep you cool through the night by allowing air to circulate.

At Happy Beds, we offer ottoman beds with solid bases and sprung slats so you can find the best option.

Size is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for an ottoman bed. While an ottoman bed can save space, it can’t make your bedroom any bigger than it already is, so it’s pretty vital you get the size right.

You’ll want to make sure you have enough space around your bed to move around easily and be able to open any wardrobe doors or drawers fully.

As well as the size of the bed you choose, you’ll also need to consider how the bed frame opens. Ease of access is key here, but thankfully, you can choose from various openings to suit your space.

An end-lift ottoman bed lifts the mattress from the end. The handle used to lift it is positioned at the end of the bed, so it is a good choice if you have plenty of room at the bottom of your bed. If the foot of your bed is positioned against a wall or you’re short on space at the bottom of your bed, a side-lift ottoman bed will be a better choice.

A side lift ottoman lifts the mattress from the side rather than the bottom. As you’d expect, the handle is found on the side, but you can even build some beds to open the ottoman on either side, making them excellent no matter what shape your bedroom is.

Remember to factor in ceiling height. As the bed frame lifts high, an ottoman bed may not be suitable if it’s in a bedroom with a slanted roof.

An ottoman bed is straightforward to assemble; it's as easy as building a regular bed!

All of our ottoman beds include detailed instructions designed to help walk you through every assembly process step. This means there will be far less stress than if you were left to your own devices, and you won't be sitting on the floor Googling how to assemble an ottoman bed.

If you’re looking for some extra advice, take a look at our guide on how to assemble an ottoman bed for some additional pointers. Before you get started, it’s worth checking out our preparing for your flat-packed bed guide, too.

An ottoman bed is just as easy to use as a bed with drawers; the only difference is how you open it! Instead of sliding out a drawer, lift the bed frame with the mattress to reach the storage space inside.

Gas piston-powered hydraulics take the weight of the mattress so you won’t have to struggle to lift it. If you're wondering how to close an ottoman bed, you simply have to push down on the mattress until it clicks back into place. The hydraulics are designed to keep the bed lifted once it’s open, so you won’t have to hold it up as you access the storage area

Ottoman beds are just as reliable as any other bed you can buy. An ottoman bed is designed to be as strong and durable as any other bed. At Happy Beds, we make sure that our ottoman beds are crafted with high-quality, long-lasting materials so you get great value.

Another benefit is that you can replace the gas-powered piston in the lift mechanism on an ottoman bed should it deteriorate over time, so you can always access the interior with minimal effort. There's no need to be concerned about whether an ottoman bed is reliable.

Thanks to the base's design, a mattress easily stays on an ottoman bed. Sprung slats or a non-slip top help keep the mattress safe and secure when accessing the interior storage so that it won't slide off the end or into your headboard!

You can use any mattress you want regarding what mattress is best suited for your ottoman bed! Ottoman beds use standard mattresses, so the only thing to remember is to match the size of your mattress to your bed frame.

For example, if you're looking for a king-size ottoman bed, you would also purchase a king-size mattress. For more helpful information about mattresses, check out our mattress buying guide to help you find your perfect sleep.

It’s difficult to say how much you can store in an ottoman bed as the bed frame's capacity depends on the bed size you choose. For example, you’ll have more storage space in a super king ottoman bed than a double bed.

People use ottoman beds to store all sorts of items, from shoes and handbags to bedding and seasonal duvets, towels and more.

It’s worth noting that most ottoman beds will have a maximum weight capacity. You can find details of this capacity for your specific bed frame on our product pages. It’s important not to overload this capacity as it could damage the bed frame.

There are some bed frames available that have a fabric lining within the storage compartment. Instead of sitting on the bed frame, the weight of the items will be on the floor. This type of bed frame tends to be less common, but some people sometimes prefer it.

Now that you know more about them, it’s time to shop for your new ottoman bed. If you have any questions about our available bed frames, contact us to speak to a team member.