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What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed is a bed with gas-lift hydraulics that raise the mattress base to provide access to a storage compartment underneath. Unlike beds with drawers, ottoman beds use the full footprint beneath the mattress, offering a larger and more flexible storage solution.

Ottoman beds open from either the foot end of the bed, or from one side. This makes them particularly useful in smaller bedrooms or spaces with unusual layouts.

The Silentnight Essentials Mirapocket 1000 Divan Bed Set.
This is an example of a half-opening ottoman that allows room for drawer storage as well

Benefits of an ottoman bed

1. Ottoman beds help keep your bedroom tidy

An ottoman bed offers ample storage space for items like towels, bedding and linens such as duvets, sheets and pillows. It's useful for storing seasonal or occasionally used items, helping to reduce clutter in your bedroom. Because everything is contained within the closed storage area, your items will stay clean and dust-free.

2. Ottoman beds are ideal for smaller spaces

As our human population grows, modern homes and apartments, particularly those in urban areas, are being built to more compact specifications. Because of this, making efficient use of storage spaces, or potential storage spaces, is becoming increasingly important.

Ottoman beds maximise storage by utilising the entire space below the mattress, making them reliable space-savers in smaller settings. They are particularly useful in guest rooms, box rooms or loft spaces where you may not have enough room for extra furniture. An ottoman bed could help reduce your need for other storage, like cupboards or sideboards.

Of course, whether your home is big or small, extra storage space is always helpful.

3. There’s a huge variety of styles to choose from

Ottoman beds come in many styles to suit different tastes and interiors. Whether you prefer a bold design to make a statement or a classic style that blends with your neutral décor, there are plenty of options available:

  • Colours
  • Fabrics
  • Opening options

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How do ottoman beds lift up?

Most ottoman beds are powered by gas-lift hydraulics. This means that:

  • Minimal effort is required to access the storage within the bed
  • Assisted lift ensures it's easy to open and close - a little bit like power-assisted steering!
  • Lift speed is controlled, and therefore safer
  • Once up, it stays up - until you're ready to close it

Ottoman beds can lift up either from the end or the side of the bed.

Ottoman bed: foot end-opening

Foot end-opening ottoman beds come in two types: full ottoman and half ottoman.

  • Full ottoman beds open fully from the foot end, providing access to the entire storage space beneath the mattress
  • Half ottomans combine traditional drawer storage with ottoman storage, with only part of the mattress base lifting up
The Novo Falcini Ottoman Bed Frame with the ottoman storage open.
A full ottoman bed opens from the foot end

Ottoman bed: side-opening

Some ottoman beds open from the side instead of the foot end. This design is useful in bedrooms where the bed is positioned against a wall for stylistic reasons or in smaller rooms where access is only possible from one side.

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How to close an ottoman bed

The gas-lift hydraulics are designed to keep the ottoman bed open until you’re ready to close it.

To close your ottoman bed, push down on the side of the mattress that is raised, or pull down on the handle or strap if your ottoman bed has one, and the bed will slowly and safely close.

Ottoman beds will only close once a mattress has been placed on top, as the weight of the mattress holds the frame in the closed position.

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What is the difference between an ottoman bed frame and a divan bed?

Let’s start with what they have in common. Both ottoman bed frames and divan beds:

  • Include built-in storage space
  • Are available in a wide choice of different materials
  • Benefit from a number of colour options
  • Usually includes a matching headboard

However, there are a few key differences:

Storage options

Ottoman bed frames feature ottoman storage: a full, under-bed storage area. Divan beds include more versatile storage options: you can choose between drawers, ottoman storage - or both.

Mattress options

Ottoman bed frames, and divan beds for that matter, are typically sold without a mattress, although it can depend on the retailer or any specific promotions. Of course, if you need a new mattress too, you can always choose a suitable one separately and have it delivered at the same time as your bed frame. Purchasing a new mattress at the same time means you can select one that meets any specifications for your ottoman or divan bed. 

Whilst the majority of mattresses available are compatible with ottoman bed frames, some heavier mattresses aren't suitable, as they may be too heavy for the lifting mechanism. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidance on weight capacity and frame compatibility before purchasing.

Support

Ottoman bed frames include sprung slats for enhanced comfort and improved mattress longevity. As the slats are slightly curved, they offer greater flexibility and work in harmony with your mattress to provide more gentle support. In comparison, ottoman divan beds include a platform top base, which is a firmer, more supportive surface for your mattress.

Space required

Ottoman beds require little bedroom space since the storage is accessed from above, rather than the sides of the bed. A divan bed is made to the same dimensions as a mattress, so they're usually more compact than bed frames.

OTTOMAN BED FRAMEDIVAN BED
Storage options?Ottoman storage onlyOttoman storage drawers
Or a combination of the two
Includes a mattress?NoYes
Support?Sprung slatted for gentle supportPlatform base for firmer support
Space required?Minimal space requiredMay require space for opening drawers

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What size ottoman beds are available?

Ottoman beds are available in a wide range of sizes. You can choose from single, or double ottoman beds, right up to king size and even superking size.

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Do ottoman beds come with a headboard?

The majority of ottoman beds sold today come complete with a matching headboard, particularly in upholstered models. In the case of divan-style ottoman bases, headboards are often sold separately, allowing you to choose from a range of styles and finishes to suit your preferences.

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How much weight can an ottoman bed hold?

Ottoman beds are robust and sturdy and the construction enables a greater storage capacity and weight load than most storage beds. However, like with all storage beds, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer's guidance on maximum weight permissible within the storage compartment to ensure that you don't overload the bed.

Some ottoman beds are designed with a simple inner fabric base storage area, instead of a solid storage unit. This enables you to store your items without fear of overloading, as the floor will take the weight of the items instead.

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Are ottoman beds easy to assemble?

Ottoman beds are easy to put together. How to assemble your ottoman bed, and how much assembly is required, will depend on the model you’ve chosen. The manufacturer's instructions will guide you as to how to correctly assemble the bed. 

Before you start building your ottoman bed, you should first lay out all of your required tools and parts and make sure you have enough space. Ideally, you should build the bed in the room where it will be kept so you don’t have to move it too far once built.

When assembling, you may want to wait before you tighten any bolts or screws so you can make sure the mechanism is properly in place, should it need any adjusting.

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History of the ottoman bed

The modern-day ottoman bed has a rich and interesting history. The term "ottoman" is derived from its place of origin: the Ottoman Empire, a ruling power founded during the thirteenth century. Ottoman furniture, most notably comprising wooden chests, footstools and beds, first originated in what is now Turkey. The distinctive ottoman design and storage functionality became increasingly popular and were imported throughout Europe by the end of the eighteenth century.

Today, ottoman beds aren't just about clever storage space; they can provide an attractive centrepiece for your room too. Whether you want a neutral, light finish to blend with your decor or a stylish, stand-out statement piece, you'll find a wide range of colours and fabric to choose from.

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We hope you’ve learned everything you need to know about ottoman beds. If you’re still looking for a bit more information or would like to see what products are available for purchase, have a look at our range of ottoman beds.

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