British bedrooms are getting smaller while our belongings keep growing. Suitcases, spare duvets, winter coats, the ironing board nobody wants to look at — everything needs a home, and the floor space simply is not there. That is exactly the problem the ottoman bed was built to solve.
But ottoman beds usually cost more than ordinary divan bases, so the question is a fair one: are ottoman beds worth it? Here is an honest answer from a UK workshop that builds them by hand.
The Short Answer
Yes, an ottoman bed is worth it if you need maximum bedroom storage: the gas-lift base opens the entire under-bed area, giving far more space than drawers. It is less worth it if you move the bed often or prefer easy daily access. Choose a solid timber frame with a decent guarantee and you have storage that lasts.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed whose whole sleeping platform lifts up on gas pistons to reveal a large storage compartment underneath. The mechanism works like a car boot: pull the strap at the foot end and the hydraulic pistons take the weight of the mattress and base, swinging it up and holding it open while you reach in.
Unlike drawers, which only give you the volume of the drawer boxes, an ottoman opens the full footprint of the bed — edge to edge, headboard to foot end. On a double bed that is a genuinely huge amount of storage: spare bedding, luggage, out-of-season clothes and clutter that currently lives on top of the wardrobe.
The gas-lift mechanism does most of the heavy lifting, so even a heavy mattress feels manageable. Look for solid pistons rated for your mattress weight, a safety strap or lock that holds the base open, and a base board strong enough to keep its shape when loaded.
Do Ottoman Beds Have Slats?
Most ottoman beds do not use traditional slats. Instead, the mattress sits on a solid platform top that is hinged to the gas-lift mechanism, giving the base the rigidity it needs to lift evenly and stay flat when closed. This solid platform is actually good news for memory foam and hybrid mattresses, which perform best on firm, unbroken support.
Some ottoman designs do include a slatted or ventilated section within the platform to improve airflow under the mattress. Either design works well; what matters more is the strength of the frame underneath. Ask whether the frame is solid timber — a handmade frame in solid kiln-dried British timber will not warp or sag the way cheap softwood or chipboard bases can.
Ottoman Beds vs Divan Beds with Drawers
The closest alternative to an ottoman is a divan bed with storage drawers. Both hide clutter under the bed, but they do it very differently:
| Ottoman bed | Divan with drawers | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage volume | Whole under-bed area — the most storage any bed offers | Limited to drawer-box size; space lost to runners and gaps |
| Access | Lift the whole base; best for items used occasionally | Open a drawer; easier for everyday items |
| Bedroom layout | Needs clearance above and at the foot to open | Needs side clearance for drawers to slide out |
| Dust | Sealed compartment keeps stored items cleaner | Drawer gaps can let dust in over time |
| Typical cost | Higher — the gas-lift mechanism costs more to build well | Usually cheaper than an ottoman |
| Best for | Small bedrooms, spare duvets, luggage, seasonal items | Daily-use items like socks, pyjamas, bed linen |
If you want to weigh the two styles in more detail, our ottoman vs divan bed comparison covers the pros and cons side by side.
How Long Do Ottoman Beds Last?
How long an ottoman bed lasts comes down to two things: the frame and the mechanism. The frame should outlast the mechanism by a wide margin — a solid timber frame with a 10-year guarantee, like the beds we build in our Leeds workshop, is engineered for decades of nightly use rather than a few years.
The gas-lift pistons are the wearing part. Good-quality pistons typically operate smoothly for many years of regular use, and they can usually be replaced if they ever lose pressure. Two habits extend their life: do not overload the storage compartment beyond what the base is rated for, and let the pistons do the lifting — never slam the base shut.
Upholstery lifespan depends on the fabric. Hardwearing, UK fire-safety certified fabrics (BS 5852) in a busy household will look smart far longer than budget coverings, and choosing a mid-tone fabric hides the dust and scuffs of real life better than very pale colours.
Are Ottoman Beds Worth It? Who They Suit Best
An ottoman bed is worth it for you if:
- Your bedroom is short on storage — flats, box rooms and spare rooms gain the most.
- You store bulky, occasional items: suitcases, spare duvets, winter coats, Christmas decorations.
- You want stored items kept clean and dust-free in a sealed compartment.
- You would rather have one clever bed than a separate wardrobe or storage boxes cluttering the room.
You might prefer a divan with drawers if:
- You reach for stored items every day and want instant drawer access.
- The bed sits under a sloped ceiling or a low shelf where the base cannot open fully.
- You move house often — drawers are simpler to dismantle and transport.
One practical note: measure the room above and in front of the bed before ordering. The base needs room to swing up and needs you standing beside it, so check ceiling height and any shelving on the wall behind the headboard.
What to Check Before You Buy an Ottoman Bed
Use this checklist whether you buy from us or anyone else:
- The frame material. Solid kiln-dried British timber will not warp with central heating the way softwood or chipboard does. Ask what the frame is made of — and get it in writing.
- The guarantee. A 10-year frame guarantee signals the maker expects the bed to last. Anything much shorter is the maker telling you something.
- The pistons. Check they are rated for the weight of your mattress, and that there is a safety mechanism to hold the base open.
- Fire safety. All upholstery fabrics and fillings sold in the UK must meet BS 5852 fire-safety standards. Reputable UK makers certify theirs — ask.
- Delivery and payment. A large ottoman bed is a two-person job to carry and assemble. Free 2-man delivery to the room of your choice takes the strain out of it. And cash on delivery — paying only after you have inspected the bed — removes the risk of paying for something you have never seen. That is how we work: you inspect the furniture first, and pay only when you are 100% satisfied.
Our handmade ottoman storage beds are built in our Leeds workshop from solid timber, upholstered in fire-certified fabrics, and backed by a 10-year guarantee. Browse the full handmade bed range to compare sizes and fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ottoman beds worth the money?
Yes, if bedroom storage is your priority. An ottoman gives you more storage than any other bed type — the full under-bed area — and a well-built one with a solid timber frame and 10-year guarantee will serve for years. If you rarely need extra storage, a standard divan base costs less.
Do ottoman beds have slats?
Most use a solid platform top rather than slats, because the base needs rigidity to lift evenly on its gas pistons. The solid platform suits memory foam and hybrid mattresses well. Some designs add ventilated sections for airflow.
How long do ottoman beds last?
The frame of a well-made ottoman bed lasts decades — look for solid timber and a long guarantee such as 10 years. The gas-lift pistons are the wearing part but usually give many years of smooth use and can be replaced if they weaken.
Are ottoman beds hard to open?
No. The gas pistons carry most of the mattress weight, so lifting the base feels light. They are designed for regular use, though very heavy mattresses feel slightly heavier to lift than light ones.
Can an ottoman bed go against a wall?
Yes — the base lifts upward, not outward, so the bed can sit with one long side against a wall. Just make sure there is enough room at the foot end for you to stand and pull the strap.