Side Lift Ottoman Beds

Side Lift Ottoman Beds: The Ultimate Buying Guide

When bedroom space is limited, a side lift ottoman bed can make use of one of the largest unused areas in the room – the space underneath your mattress. Instead of needing clearance for pull-out drawers, the mattress platform lifts from the side using gas-assisted pistons to reveal a generous hidden storage compartment underneath.

The real advantage of a side lift design is its flexibility in narrower bedrooms. One side of the bed can be positioned against a wall while you continue to access the storage from the other side. Many of our divan side lift ottomans are also universal, allowing the opening direction to be configured to suit your bedroom layout.

1. Why Choose a Side Lift Ottoman Bed?

• Ideal for beds positioned against a wall: Because the storage opens from the side, the opposite side of the bed can be positioned against a wall while the storage remains accessible.
• Generous hidden storage: Ottoman storage makes use of a large proportion of the area beneath your mattress, providing useful space for bedding, blankets, clothing and other bedroom essentials.
• No pull-out drawers: Unlike a divan with drawers, you don't need additional floor space alongside the bed for storage compartments to extend into the room.
• Excellent for narrow bedrooms: A side opening can be particularly practical where access from the foot of the bed is restricted or where one side needs to sit against a wall.
• Storage stays hidden: Once the mattress platform is closed, your belongings are neatly concealed beneath the bed.

2. Side Lift vs End Lift: What's the Difference?

Both designs provide storage underneath the mattress. The important difference is where you stand to access it.

Side Lift Ottoman

A side lift ottoman opens along the length of the bed. This makes it particularly useful in a narrow room or when one side of the bed needs to be positioned against a wall.

Our divan side lift ottomans are universal, allowing the opening direction to be configured during assembly so you can choose whichever side provides the easiest access. Other side lift bed frames may have a fixed opening direction, so always check the individual product details.

End Lift Ottoman

An end lift ottoman opens from the foot of the bed. This can work particularly well where you have clear space at the end of the bed but less room along the sides. End lift designs can also provide convenient access to the storage from around three sides where the bedroom layout allows.

Neither orientation provides inherently better storage – the most useful option depends primarily on the position of the bed and where you have the easiest access.

3. Understanding the Gas Lift Mechanism

The lifting mechanism is one of the most important parts of an ottoman bed. Gas lift pistons assist with raising the combined weight of the mattress and mattress platform and help support the platform while the storage compartment is being accessed.

Pistons are available in different strengths, commonly measured in Newtons (N). The appropriate strength depends on the design of the bed and the mattress it's intended to support, which is why it's important to follow the manufacturer's mattress recommendations.

Divan Ottomans vs Ottoman Bed Frames

The construction of the lifting system can also vary. Many larger divan ottoman beds use four gas lift pistons, with two supporting each section, while many traditional ottoman bed frames use two pistons.

This can make a divan ottoman particularly suitable when you're looking for a substantial storage base, but piston numbers and specifications vary between individual beds and should always be checked on the product listing.

4. Mattress Weight Matters

A heavier mattress doesn't automatically mean you can't use an ottoman bed, but the mattress and lifting mechanism need to be suitable for one another.

The gas pistons are designed to work within a particular weight range. If the mattress is too heavy for the mechanism, the bed may be more difficult to lift. Equally, the mechanism can feel particularly strong before the correct mattress is placed on the bed because the pistons don't yet have the expected mattress weight working against them.

If you're choosing a particularly deep or heavy mattress, check the individual bed specifications and any recommended mattress weight before ordering.

5. Storage Construction: What Is Underneath?

Not every ottoman storage compartment is constructed in the same way. As well as looking at the amount of storage available, it's worth considering what forms the floor of the storage area.

Boarded Storage Floors

A boarded floor provides a more substantial surface underneath your belongings and creates a neat, finished storage compartment. Depending on the design, the boards may be raised slightly above floor level.

This type of construction can be particularly useful if you plan to use the ottoman regularly or want the inside of the bed to have a more finished appearance.

Fabric Storage Floors

Some ottoman beds use a fabric or dust-sheet style floor rather than solid boards. This helps separate stored belongings from the floor beneath the bed while keeping the construction relatively simple and lightweight.

The exact construction varies considerably between manufacturers, so check the individual product details if a boarded storage floor is important to you.

6. Platform Top vs Sprung Slats

Side lift ottoman beds can support the mattress in different ways, and this can influence the overall feel of the bed.

Platform Top

A platform top provides a relatively firm and stable supporting surface beneath the mattress. This construction is particularly common on divan ottoman bases and can provide consistent support across the mattress.

Sprung Slats

Many ottoman bed frames use curved wooden sprung slats. These have a degree of flexibility and can add some additional cushioning and responsiveness beneath the mattress.

The same mattress can therefore feel slightly different depending on the type of base underneath it. Always check that your chosen mattress is suitable for the bed's support system.

7. Side Lift Ottoman Bed Sizes

Side lift ottoman beds are available in a range of standard UK sizes, depending on the individual design:

• 3ft Single: approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (92cm x 190cm)
• 4ft Small Double: approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm)
• 4ft6 Double: approximately 4ft6 x 6ft3 (137cm x 190cm)
• 5ft King Size: approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Super King: approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm)

These measurements refer to the approximate mattress size. The external dimensions of the complete bed can be larger, particularly on upholstered bed frames with substantial side rails, foot ends or statement headboards.

8. Compact Divan Ottoman or Ottoman Bed Frame?

There are two distinctly different styles of side lift ottoman to consider.

Divan Side Lift Ottomans

A divan ottoman base generally follows the footprint of the mattress very closely. This makes it a particularly space-efficient option where every centimetre of bedroom floor space matters.

Divans also give you considerable flexibility over appearance, with different fabrics, colours and headboard designs often available. Many of our divan side lift ottomans are universal, allowing you to select the most convenient opening side during assembly.

Ottoman Bed Frames

A bedstead-style ottoman has separate side rails, a headboard and usually a foot end surrounding the mattress. These designs can provide more of a statement-bed appearance and are available in upholstered, wooden and other finishes.

Because the frame extends beyond the mattress, always check its external dimensions rather than relying on the mattress size when measuring your room.

9. Bedroom Layout and Clearance

Side lift ottomans are particularly useful for restricted spaces, but the opening side still needs to remain accessible.

Think about the position of wardrobes, bedside cabinets, radiators and bedroom doors. You need sufficient space alongside the opening side to stand comfortably and raise the mattress platform.

If the bed will sit against a wall, a universal divan side lift allows you to configure the opening on the accessible side. This can make a significant difference in a small bedroom where leaving a walkway on both sides of the bed would otherwise waste valuable space.

10. Storage Depth and Capacity

One of the main attractions of an ottoman is the amount of storage it can provide, but storage depth isn't the same on every bed.

Internal depth depends on the height and construction of the base. Deeper ottoman bases can accommodate bulkier items such as spare duvets and bedding, while shallower designs may still provide plenty of space for clothing, towels and other bedroom essentials.

If you're buying specifically for storage, check the stated internal storage dimensions of the individual bed rather than assuming all ottomans provide the same capacity.

11. Headboards and Style

A side lift ottoman doesn't have to look like a storage bed. Upholstered divans can be paired with everything from simple strutted headboards to tall, floor-standing statement designs, while bedstead ottomans are available in fabric and wooden finishes.

A larger headboard can substantially increase the overall dimensions of the bed and can also be one of the most difficult components to manoeuvre into the bedroom, so style and access should be considered together.

12. Delivery and Property Access

The way an ottoman is constructed affects how it's delivered and how easily it can be taken into the bedroom.

Divan Ottoman Bases

Divan bases are commonly delivered in pre-assembled sections. This reduces the amount of assembly required in the bedroom, but the individual base sections can be substantial and need sufficient clearance through doorways and around staircases.

Ottoman Bed Frames

Bedstead-style ottomans are generally supplied in separate components for assembly. This can make them easier to manoeuvre through restricted access, although large headboards, footboards and long side rails can still cause difficulties.

Before ordering, check doorways, hallways, staircases, landings and tight turns – and pay particular attention to large floor-standing or winged headboards.

13. Making the Most of Your Side Lift Storage

Ottoman storage is ideal for items that take up valuable wardrobe or cupboard space but don't necessarily need to be accessed every day. Spare bedding, pillows, blankets, towels, seasonal clothing and other bedroom essentials can all be kept neatly out of sight.

Avoid overfilling the compartment or allowing belongings to interfere with the lifting mechanism. Following the manufacturer's storage and operating guidance will help keep the bed working correctly while making the most of the space underneath your mattress.