Ottoman Bed Buying Guide: Storage, Sizes and Lift Types Explained
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An ottoman storage bed looks like a normal upholstered bed until you lift the mattress platform and reveal a large compartment underneath. That hidden space can hold spare bedding, seasonal clothing, luggage and other items you would rather not stack on show.
This ottoman bed buying guide explains how gas-lift mechanisms work, the difference between side-lift and end-lift opening directions, UK mattress sizes, base types and the practical checks worth making before you order.
Specifications vary between models, so treat general guidance as a starting point and confirm dimensions, mattress requirements and available opening options on each product page.
What is an ottoman bed?
An ottoman bed — sometimes called a lift-up storage bed or gas-lift ottoman bed — combines a standard sleeping surface with a storage compartment built into the base. Instead of drawers at the side, the entire mattress platform rises on a hydraulic lift mechanism so you can reach hidden under-bed storage from above.
Most ottoman beds are upholstered divan-style bases with a headboard, although the same principle appears on some TV beds and designer frames. The storage area is usually a fabric-lined void framed by the base sides, with gas struts or a motor supporting the platform while it is open.
Because the compartment sits beneath the mattress, an ottoman can add useful volume without extra freestanding furniture — which is why it is often chosen for smaller bedrooms, guest rooms and homes where wardrobe space is limited.
How does a gas-lift ottoman bed work?
A gas-lift ottoman bed uses gas struts — similar in principle to those on a car boot — to help counterbalance the weight of the mattress and platform. When you lift from the designated edge, the struts extend and hold the base open while you load or unload items.
The mechanism is usually mounted inside the base frame, with hinges at the foot or side depending on whether the bed is end-opening or side-opening. Closing the base should be a controlled movement: support the platform, lower it evenly and let the struts compress without dropping the weight suddenly.
Lift effort depends on the mattress weight, base construction and the struts fitted to that particular model. A heavier mattress generally requires more force to raise. If you are pairing a new bed with an existing mattress, check combined weight guidance on the product page where it is provided.
What are the benefits of an ottoman bed?
More hidden storage
A lift-up storage bed typically offers more usable volume than the same footprint filled with drawers, because the whole area under the mattress can be accessed. That makes it easier to store bulky items such as spare duvets, pillows and folded seasonal clothing.
Less bedroom clutter
Items that would otherwise sit in baskets, on chair backs or on top of wardrobes can move into the base. The room looks calmer because storage is integrated rather than spread across separate pieces.
A practical choice for small bedrooms
An ottoman bed for a small bedroom can free floor space that would be lost to a chest of drawers or an extra blanket box. You still need clearance to lift the platform safely, so use our Bed Size and Room Planner to check which bed size fits your room before ordering.
Plenty of styles and finishes
Upholstered ottoman beds are available in a wide range of fabrics, headboard shapes and sizes — from a small double ottoman bed through to super king. You can often order free Bedwick fabric samples to compare colours and textures at home before committing.
Are there any disadvantages to ottoman beds?
Ottoman storage is not the right answer for every home. There are a few trade-offs worth considering honestly before you buy.
- Access takes more effort — you lift the whole platform rather than pulling a single drawer, so occasional items are better suited than things you need every morning.
- Clearance is required — the base must rise without hitting a wall, radiator, bedside table or low ceiling pendant.
- Mattress weight matters — a very heavy mattress can make lifting harder on some mechanisms.
- Organisation needs planning — one large void can become harder to search unless you divide it sensibly.
- Not every model offers every opening type — side-lift, end-lift and electric options depend on the specific bed.
If you mainly want quick access to pyjamas, books or chargers, a drawer divan may feel more convenient day to day. Many households use an ottoman for bulk storage and keep everyday items on bedside tables or in smaller drawers elsewhere.
Side-lift or end-lift: which ottoman bed should you choose?
Opening direction is one of the most important layout decisions. End-lift and side-lift ottomans use the same gas lift mechanism in principle, but the hinge position changes where you need clearance and how natural access feels in your room.
| Opening type | Typical access | Room layout | Clearance needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-lift ottoman | Foot end lifts upward | Works well when both sides are partly against walls | Clear space at the foot of the bed | Often provides one large uninterrupted compartment — depends on the model |
| Side-lift ottoman | One long side lifts upward | Useful when the foot is tight against a wall or furniture | Clear space on the opening side | Access can feel more natural in narrow rooms — check left/right options |
| Left/right configurable | Side opening chosen at order stage | Helps when one side is fixed against a wall | Clearance on the chosen side only | Not every Bedwick model offers both directions — confirm on the product page |
| Electric lift | Motorised platform lift | Can help where manual lifting is difficult | Power outlet and cable routing required | Availability varies by manufacturer and model |
Choose an end-opening ottoman when
- There is clear space at the foot of the bed for the platform to rise.
- One or both sides sit close to walls, wardrobes or bedside tables.
- You want one large uninterrupted compartment — on models designed that way.
- You approach the bed from the sides more often than from the foot.
Choose a side-opening ottoman when
- The foot of the bed is tight against a wall, radiator or built-in furniture.
- One long side has enough clearance for the platform to stay open safely.
- You can specify left or right opening to suit the room layout.
- A narrow bedroom makes foot-end lifting awkward.
Not every Bedwick ottoman bed is available as both side-lift and end-lift. When you explore our ottoman bed collection, or go directly to side lift ottoman beds and gas lift ottoman beds, open the product page and confirm the storage configuration before you choose fabric and size. Frames that also hide a television are listed under ottoman TV beds.
Choosing the right ottoman bed size
UK ottoman beds follow standard mattress sizes, but the complete upholstered frame is larger than the mattress footprint. A king-size ottoman bed will need more floor space and clearance than the mattress dimensions alone suggest.
| UK mattress size | Dimensions | Feet and inches |
|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 75 × 190cm | 2ft 6in × 6ft 3in |
| Single | 90 × 190cm | 3ft × 6ft 3in |
| Small Double | 120 × 190cm | 4ft × 6ft 3in |
| Double | 135 × 190cm | 4ft 6in × 6ft 3in |
| King | 150 × 200cm | 5ft × 6ft 6in |
| Super King | 180 × 200cm | 6ft × 6ft 6in |
For a fuller comparison of widths and lengths, see our UK Bed Size Guide. When you have shortlisted a size, use the Bed Size and Room Planner to check which bed size fits your room alongside doors and furniture.
Measure more than the empty floor
Before ordering a double ottoman bed, super king ottoman bed or any other size, measure:
- The full outer frame dimensions quoted on the product page.
- Clearance at the foot or side where the base will lift.
- Door swings, radiator valves and skirting obstacles.
- Headboard height against pictures, shelves or sloping ceilings.
- The delivery route — landings, turns and stair width.
Mattress dimensions tell you what sleeping surface you get; they do not tell you whether the complete bed and its lift path will fit comfortably.
For everyday walking space, aim for around 60cm at an accessible side; around 45cm is tighter and may require turning sideways. At the foot, approximately 70cm or more generally makes movement easier. These are planning recommendations, not building regulations.
How much storage does an ottoman bed have?
Ottoman bed storage capacity depends on bed size, internal depth and how the frame is built. Larger sizes generally offer more volume, but hinges, gas struts and internal bracing reduce the usable space compared with a simple rectangular box.
Bedwick does not publish a single litre figure for every model because usable capacity varies. Our Ottoman Bed Storage Calculator can help you estimate what might fit — select a UK bed size, add bedding, clothing, boxes or luggage and see a planning result in seconds. This is an approximate planning estimate based on the dimensions selected. Actual usable storage varies by bed design, internal structure and how items are packed.
Use the calculator to compare sizes and packing approaches, then confirm product-specific dimensions on individual bed pages where they are listed.
What should you store in an ottoman bed?
Ottoman storage suits items you need occasionally rather than every day. Common choices include:
- Spare duvets, pillows and seasonal bedding
- Extra blankets and mattress protectors
- Off-season clothing in breathable bags
- Soft-sided luggage and weekend bags
- Rarely used sports or hobby equipment
- Guest-room extras when wardrobe space is full
To see what could fit for your chosen size, estimate your ottoman storage capacity with realistic items rather than guessing from floor area alone.
What should you avoid storing?
- Damp or partially dry textiles
- Uncovered food, liquids or anything that could leak
- Heat-sensitive or strongly scented items in a closed void
- Very heavy loads unless the manufacturer confirms they are suitable
- Sharp objects that could damage the fabric liner or mechanism
If an item must stay absolutely flat, accessible within seconds or carefully climate-controlled, it may belong elsewhere — even if it physically fits inside the base.
How to organise ottoman bed storage
A single large compartment can become frustrating unless you treat it like a small cupboard rather than a dumping ground. A few simple habits make lift-up storage much easier to live with.
Divide the base into zones
Place frequently used bedding near the opening edge and seasonal or rarely touched items toward the back. Soft-sided bags or low boxes help stop items sliding when the platform moves.
Store by frequency of use
Because accessing an ottoman takes more effort than opening a drawer, reserve the easiest reach zone for things you might need every few weeks — not things you need every few hours.
Use suitable containers
Low, flexible storage bags or shallow lidded boxes usually work better than tall rigid crates that fight the shape of the compartment. Avoid overfilled cases that bulge and catch on the frame.
Label what you cannot see
A simple label on the end of a bag saves unpacking half the base when you only wanted spare pillows. This matters most on deeper king-size and super king compartments.
Keep it dry and ventilated
Only store dry items, leave the base open briefly after loading if the room allows, and avoid sealing damp textiles inside plastic. Good bedroom ventilation helps prevent musty odours in any enclosed storage.
Solid base or sprung slats?
Ottoman beds are usually offered with either sprung slats or a solid platform base. The choice affects how the mattress feels, how much it weighs and how air circulates beneath it.
Sprung slats
Sprung slats add a little give and can improve airflow compared with a solid platform. They may suit pocket-sprung and hybrid mattresses that benefit from some flex beneath them. Slatted bases can be slightly lighter, which may help lifting on some models — but that depends on the overall bed and mattress combination.
Solid platform base
A solid ottoman base offers firmer, more uniform support. Memory-foam mattresses and some heavier constructions often perform well on a platform, but always follow the mattress manufacturer’s base compatibility guidance. Solid bases can feel heavier to lift when paired with dense mattresses.
Check which base type is available on the specific Bedwick model you are considering — not every bed offers both options.
Does an ottoman bed need a special mattress?
You do not usually need a dedicated “ottoman mattress”, but compatibility still matters. The mattress must match the UK size of the bed frame and suit the base type — slats or solid platform.
Weight and depth are the other practical factors. A heavier mattress increases the force needed to lift the platform. A very tall mattress may affect how the bed looks against the headboard or how easy the mechanism feels in use. Confirm any guidance on the bed product page and on the mattress listing.
If you are buying both together, browse Bedwick mattresses and check size, depth and base compatibility before checkout. If you are keeping an existing mattress, measure its depth and consider weight before choosing a gas-lift base.
Ottoman bed versus divan bed with drawers
Both are storage beds, but they solve slightly different problems. An ottoman prioritises maximum hidden volume; a drawer divan prioritises frequent, compartmentalised access.
| Comparison | Ottoman storage bed | Drawer divan base |
|---|---|---|
| Storage layout | One large compartment under the mattress | Separate drawers around the base perimeter |
| Best use | Bulky seasonal items, spare bedding and luggage | Everyday items you reach for regularly |
| Access method | Lift the mattress platform with gas struts or a motor | Pull individual drawers from the side |
| Clearance | Needs room for the platform to rise and stay open | Needs space for drawers to extend — often on both sides |
| Organisation | Suits labelled boxes and stacked loads; less visible at a glance | Easier to sort into dedicated drawers |
| Mattress/lift considerations | Mattress weight and depth can affect lifting effort — check product guidance | No lifting mechanism; mattress stays fixed on the base |
Some households choose an ottoman in the main bedroom for bulk storage and drawer beds in children’s rooms where toys and clothes change daily. Neither option is automatically better — it depends on what you store and how your room is shaped. For a wider comparison across upholstered, TV, wooden and metal frames, see our Bed Frame Buying Guide.
Are ottoman beds safe?
Gas-lift ottoman beds are widely used in UK homes and are safe when assembled correctly, used as intended and not overloaded beyond the manufacturer’s guidance. Treat the moving platform with the same respect you would give any heavy piece of furniture on hinges.
Basic safety habits include:
- Keeping fingers and cables clear while lowering the platform
- Not letting children play on or under an open mechanism
- Following assembly instructions and tightening fixings as directed
- Not exceeding any stated weight limits for your specific model
- Checking struts and hinges periodically for wear or unusual resistance
- Seeking professional help if the base no longer holds open reliably
If the platform drops unexpectedly, feels uneven or creaks under normal use, stop using the storage function until the mechanism has been inspected. Do not attempt to swap gas struts unless the manufacturer instructs you to.
Is an ottoman bed right for you?
An ottoman storage bed is likely to suit you if you want large hidden storage, can provide lift clearance at the foot or side, and are comfortable accessing items occasionally rather than constantly.
It may be less suitable if your bedroom layout leaves no safe lift path, you need drawer access several times a day, or your mattress is unusually heavy for the mechanism you are considering.
When in doubt, plan the room first and compare a shortlist of models with different opening directions. That combination prevents most expensive layout mistakes.
Your ottoman bed buying checklist
Before placing an order, confirm:
- The mattress size matches the bed frame.
- The complete bed fits the bedroom with walkways intact.
- You have clearance for the chosen opening direction — end-lift or side-lift.
- The mattress weight and depth are suitable for the mechanism.
- The base type — sprung slats or solid platform — suits your mattress.
- You know what you plan to store and have estimated capacity realistically.
- Fabric, headboard height and colour work with your room.
- Delivery access has been measured on stairs and through doorways.
- You understand assembly requirements or have arranged installation.
- Product-specific dimensions and storage options have been checked on the listing.
Use the Bed Size & Room Planner and Ottoman Bed Storage Calculator together when you are narrowing size and storage needs.
Explore Bedwick ottoman beds
Explore handcrafted Bedwick ottoman beds in a choice of UK sizes, premium fabrics and statement headboard styles. Check each product page for available storage configurations, dimensions and opening options.
Find your Bedwick ottoman bed
When the practical details are settled — size, opening direction, base type and mattress compatibility — choosing the fabric and headboard becomes much more enjoyable. Browse Bedwick ottoman beds to compare styles, then open each product page for the storage configurations and dimensions available on that model.
Order free fabric swatches if you are deciding between colours, and pair your bed with a compatible mattress from our mattress range when you are ready to complete the room.
Ready to shop?
Compare upholstered ottoman beds across UK sizes and check storage options on each product page before you order.
Frequently asked questions
They can be an excellent choice when floor space is limited because storage sits under the mattress rather than in separate furniture. You still need clearance for the platform to lift safely, so use a room planner to confirm walkways and door swings before ordering.
Neither is universally better. End-lift models suit rooms where the foot has clearance but sides are tighter. Side-lift models can work when the foot is blocked by a wall or furniture. Choose based on your layout and confirm which opening directions are available on the specific bed you want.
Most gas-lift ottoman beds are designed to be lifted with moderate effort, but the feel depends on mattress weight, base construction and the struts fitted to that model. Heavier mattresses usually require more force. If lifting may be difficult, look for lighter mattress options or models with assisted lifting where available.
The mattress must be the correct UK size and suitable for the base type — sprung slats or a solid platform. Weight and depth also matter because they affect lifting. Check both the bed and mattress product pages before ordering.
Capacity varies by bed size, internal depth and how the frame is built. Because usable space is reduced by hinges, struts and framing, treat published calculator results and estimates as planning guides only. Confirm dimensions on individual product pages where available.
Often yes, particularly on larger sizes, provided the internal height and width are sufficient and the cases are not overfilled. Soft-sided luggage may pack more easily than rigid cases. Use the storage calculator as an estimate and measure your cases if space is tight.
Avoid damp textiles, uncovered food, liquids, heat-sensitive items and anything with a strong odour that could linger in a closed compartment. Do not store items that could damage the mechanism or exceed any weight guidance stated for your specific bed.
Any enclosed storage can trap moisture if items are put away damp or the room lacks ventilation. Store dry bedding, leave the base open briefly after accessing it when practical, and avoid overfilling the compartment so air can circulate.
Complexity varies by model. Gas-lift mechanisms usually arrive partly assembled, but the base still needs careful alignment and fixing. Many customers choose professional assembly. Follow the supplied instructions and do not force the mechanism if parts do not align.
Ottoman beds usually offer more total volume in one compartment, while drawer divans make smaller items easier to reach. The better option depends on what you want to store and how your bedroom is laid out.
Plan your room, then choose your ottoman bed
The right ottoman bed should solve your storage problem without compromising walkways or lift clearance. Start with room measurements, compare UK sizes in our UK Bed Size Guide, then explore beds with storage on the category page.