Ottoman Beds & Storage Beds

A bed is the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom, so doesn’t it make sense to try to use it for something other than sleeping? This is the idea behind – or rather beneath – the ottoman bed, which packs lots of extra storage into its frame.
Ottoman beds are effortlessly stylish, too. Beautifully upholstered, they bring statement style to any room. They’re often finished in luxury fabrics and feature fluting, buttoning and even metal studding.

What is an ottoman bed?

An ottoman bed, also known as a storage bed, is simply a frame with storage built in. It has a lift-up top which gives you access to a hidden compartment that’s the same size as the bed itself. The top of the bed base and the mattress will lift from the foot of the bed, generally known as an end-opening or end-lift ottoman bed, or from one side, referred to as a side-opening or side-lift ottoman bed.
End-lift ottoman beds, opening from the foot of the bed, give the best access, while a side-lift ottoman bed will be handy in a smaller room where only one side of the bed is accessible. You may also find a half-lift bed, where only part of the bed base lifts up – useful if you have a low roof.
Ottoman bed frames are practical and space-saving solutions, offering more storage than you would otherwise have. Storage beds are available in a whole range of bed sizes from single to super king, which means that even a small bed can provide extra storage space. And just think of how much you could hide away in the storage compartment of a super king ottoman bed.

How do ottoman bed frames work?

An ottoman bed frame uses mechanical assistance to raise the lifting top and the mattress, so minimal strength is required. Pistons, or more commonly gas struts, help raise and lower the top and the mattress smoothly and steadily.
And these are sturdy well-made frames, designed to hold as much as you need. Some storage beds have a ventilated solid base on the floor which allows air flow and helps protect stored items from mould. Other ottoman beds are constructed so that you simply store items on the floor beneath.

What are the benefits of storage beds?

We can never have too much storage these days, and an ottoman bed offers plenty, with the lift-up lid allowing you to make use of the whole area within the frame. In a small bedroom, it might even take the place of a chest of drawers.
An ottoman bed frame is a convenient space to store spare blankets or pillows, allowing you to add or remove bedding in line with the seasons.

Types of ottoman bed at Furniture Village

It’s hard to argue with the built-in benefits of a storage bed. After all, who doesn’t need more storage? But, as style is just as important, it’s good to know that we have you covered there, too. Ottoman bed frames come in a wide choice of bedroom looks – glamorous, traditional, contemporary and more – and in a wide choice of fabrics and colours.
Often, upholstered ottoman beds will include a built-in headboard covered in the same material, and sometimes even a footboard. Try a neutral shade in your bedroom, such as black or grey, or look for something bolder and more vibrant.
Our bed buying guide has more information about all the different kinds of beds available – including ottoman bed frames.

Sizes of ottoman bed

Whatever your preferred size of bed, there’s an ottoman bed to suit. For a smaller bedroom, go with a single ottoman bed. One of the comfiest, most compact storage solutions on the market, this gives an advantage in a room where space is at a premium. This might also be a good purchase for a child’s room, as it’s handy for storing toys and clothes.
Then if you’re a couple with a small bedroom and a need for storage, try a double ottoman bed. There are end-lift, side-lift and half-lift options here. A small double ottoman bed sleep two and includes storage, but leaves a little more floor space in a smaller bedroom.
A king-size ottoman bed is another popular choice, with lots of storage underneath, or you could go with a super king size ottoman bed if you have the space available. Bringing one of these home will reward you with plenty of room to sleep, as well as maximum storage.

Caring for your new ottoman bed

There’s nothing more important than a good night’s sleep – and once you’ve found the right bed and the right mattress we urge you to take good care of them and enjoy maximum comfort for years to come. Our experts have put together a bed and mattress care guide which has detailed information around bed and mattress care, cleaning, maintenance and damage prevention.

The finishing touches for your new ottoman bed

Ottoman beds usually come without a mattress. You may have a mattress you love that will work with your new ottoman storage bed, or this may be a good time to upgrade an older mattress. Most ottoman beds accommodate standard size mattresses of all kinds – pocket spring, memory foam or a combination of both.
An ottoman storage bed may address some of your storage needs, but most of us will need other bedroom storage solutions. Consider a sliding-door wardrobe as these tend to be less intrusive, or a chest of drawers. And if you are really tight on space, a large mirror may help the room seem bigger.