Ottoman Storage Beds

Ottoman Beds The Ultimate Buying Guide: Maximise Your Bedroom Space

In modern UK homes where space is at a premium, your bed shouldn't just be for sleeping—it should be your most efficient storage tool. Since the bed is the largest item in the room, an ottoman bed allows you to reclaim that "dead space" and transform it into a high-capacity storage vault, effectively acting as a "horizontal wardrobe."

1. Why Should I Buy an Ottoman Bed?

• 4x More Storage: Traditional divan drawers are limited by their internal boxes and runners. An ottoman utilises the entire footprint of the bed, offering up to four times the storage volume of a standard 4-drawer divan.
• The "Horizontal Wardrobe": Perfect for suitcases, bulky winter coats, spare duvets, and Christmas decorations that otherwise clutter up precious wardrobe space.
• Minimalist Design: Everything is hidden out of sight. Most ottomans feature a "dust sheet" or solid floor, keeping your belongings clean and your room looking sleek and organised.

2. Technical Features: What to Look For

The Base: Platform vs. Sprung Slatted

• Platform Top: A solid, fabric-covered board that provides a firmer feel and consistent support. These are excellent for heavy pocket-spring mattresses as they prevent "dipping."
• Sprung Slatted: Featuring curved wooden slats that provide a more cushioned, flexible feel. Ensure the slats are robust enough to support the weight of both the mattress and the lifting action.

Storage Construction: Internal Floors

Not all ottoman storage is created equal. The internal construction determines how much weight you can store and how clean your items stay.

• Raised boarded Floors: These are the gold standard. They consist of wooden boards that sit slightly off the ground, allowing for heavy storage without the risk of items getting dusty. The boarded base is also more aesthetically pleasing, keeping your items and the boarded base out of sight.
• Fabric Dust Sheets: Cheaper models often use a Velcro fabric sheet that sits directly on the floor. While okay for light items, they don't offer the same protection for your items, nor do they give the same clean look due to sometimes being visible.

Lift Pistons & Weight Strength

The "engine" of an ottoman is the gas-lift piston, measured in Newtons (N).

• Piston Strength: If you have a heavy mattress, you need powerful pistons (e.g., 600N to 800N+) to ensure the bed opens smoothly and stays open safely.
• Divan vs. Bedstead: Divan-style ottomans often use 4 pistons (two per side), whereas standard frames usually use 2, making divans slightly sturdier for very heavy mattresses.

3. Size, Dimensions & Property Access

• Compact Divan Ottomans: These are "flush" with the mattress, meaning the base is the same width and length as your bed. They are the best choice for small rooms where every centimetre matters.
• Bedstead Ottomans: These usually have wider rails and a headboard that adds to the total footprint.
• Access Issues:
  • Divan Ottomans: These often come in two large, pre-assembled blocks. Always measure your hallways and banisters!
  • Bedsteads: Usually arrive flat-pack, making them easier to navigate through narrow entrances or up spiral staircases.

4. Style: Materials & Orientation

• Finishes: Choose from timeless natural wood or upholstered fabrics (velvets, linens, and weaves).
• Lift Orientation:
  • End Lift: Opens from the foot of the bed. Ideal if you have space at the end of the bed to stand.
  • Side Lift: Opens from the left or right. Essential for narrow rooms or if the bed is pushed against a side wall.

Our Recommended Brands

• Giltedge Beds: A standout for versatility and customisation. Giltedge specialises in divan-style ottomans available in over 40 fabric colours. They offer a massive range of matching headboards, from minimalist struts to grand floor-standing designs, all handcrafted in the UK and NBF-approved.
• Kaydian Beds: The industry leader for "Bedstead" style ottomans. Known for their ultra-sturdy ventilated platform tops and massive storage depths (often up to 30cm).
• Aspire Beds: Excellent for handcrafted British quality at a competitive price. Their designs often feature robust gas-lift mechanisms and high-quality upholstery.