Ottoman Beds UK: The Complete 2026 Buying Guide
Ottoman Beds UK: The Complete 2026 Buying Guide
📅 Last Updated: August 2026 ⏱ Reading Time: 10 Minutes ✍️ OakshireBeds Editorial Team 🇬🇧 Written for UK Buyers
📋 TABLE OF CONTENTS — JUMP TO ANY SECTION
- How Does an Ottoman Bed Work?
- End-Lift vs Side-Lift: Which Suits Your Room?
- How Much Storage Do You Actually Get?
- Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed
- Are Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?
- Choosing the Right Ottoman Bed for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Optimized)
An ottoman bed uses a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress platform, revealing a storage compartment underneath that runs the full length and width of the bed. It's one of the most requested bed styles in UK bedrooms right now — and unlike a lot of bedroom storage solutions, it doesn't cost you a single inch of floor space to get it.
This guide covers exactly how ottoman beds work, how much storage you realistically get, and how to choose between the different types in our range.
SECTION 01: How Does an Ottoman Bed Work?
Gas struts — the same mechanism used in a car boot — lift the entire bed base on a hinge, tilting the mattress up and out of the way. Underneath is a deep, open storage compartment running the full footprint of the mattress.
"A well-built gas-lift system should raise a fully dressed double or king mattress with one hand, not two — if it doesn't, that's a sign of a cheaper mechanism."
SECTION 02: End-Lift vs Side-Lift — Which Suits Your Room?
| LIFT TYPE | BEST FOR | ACCESS FROM |
|---|---|---|
| End-Lift | Most bedrooms, standard layouts | Foot of the bed |
| Side-Lift | Narrow rooms, bed against a side wall | Long side of the bed |
Pro Tip: Always check clearance at the foot of the bed before choosing an end-lift ottoman — you'll need enough open floor space for the mattress to tilt fully upright.
SECTION 03: How Much Storage Do You Actually Get?
This is the question we're asked most, and the honest answer is: it depends on the depth of the frame. A standard ottoman base gives you a compartment around 18–20cm deep across the full mattress footprint — enough for spare bedding, seasonal clothing, and pillows, though not usually deep enough for a suitcase standing upright.
If storage depth genuinely matters, look for a bed built with a deeper frame specifically. Our Marcello Bed uses an 18-inch high storage frame — noticeably deeper than our standard-depth ottoman beds — built for customers storing bulkier items.
SECTION 04: Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed
| FACTOR | OTTOMAN BED | DIVAN BED |
|---|---|---|
| Storage type | One large open cavity | Individual side drawers |
| Access | Lift the mattress platform | Pull out a drawer |
| Total capacity | Generally more | Generally less, but organised |
| Day-to-day access | Bed needs to be clear | No need to move anything |
Neither is objectively better — it comes down to whether you'd rather have maximum space or easier daily access. If drawer-style access suits you better, our divan storage bed range covers that approach.
SECTION 05: Are Ottoman Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?
Yes — generally more so than any other storage bed type, because the storage lives entirely underneath the bed rather than in a separate wardrobe or under-bed boxes you need to drag out. For genuinely tight rooms, a side-lift ottoman is worth considering if clearance at the foot of the bed is limited.
SECTION 06: Choosing the Right Ottoman Bed for You
Headboard height: Standard is usually 48–54 inches. For a taller, more dramatic look, our Astoria and Marcello both offer an upgrade up to 70 inches.
Storage mechanism: Full ottoman lift, lighter cage frame, or slatted base — each feels different when lifting. Our Sogno and Kyron let you choose the mechanism rather than locking you into one.
A standout design feature: Our Valencia has a signature heart-shaped centre panel, and our Grove Panel bed offers two genuinely different fabrics on one headboard.
📚 DEEPER READING — OTTOMAN BEDS
- Divan Beds UK: Drawer Storage & Base-Only Options
- Wing Beds UK: Complete Buying Guide
- Our Dual Design Beds, Explained
SECTION 07: Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Optimized)
What is an ottoman bed?
A bed where the entire mattress platform lifts via a gas-strut mechanism to reveal a storage compartment underneath, typically the full footprint of the mattress.
How much storage does an ottoman bed have?
Standard ottoman beds offer roughly 18–20cm of storage depth across the full mattress footprint. Deeper options exist for bulkier storage needs.
Are ottoman beds hard to lift?
No — quality ottoman beds use gas-lift struts that do most of the work for you, similar to a car boot mechanism.
Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms?
Yes — because the storage is entirely underneath the bed rather than in separate furniture, they're one of the most space-efficient storage solutions for compact rooms.
How long does delivery take?
Because every OakshireBeds ottoman bed is made to order at our Bradford factory, most orders are delivered within 7–10 working days, fully tracked to your door.
Ready to Upgrade Your Storage?
Choosing the right ottoman bed means getting the lift direction, storage depth, and headboard style right for your room. Every OakshireBeds ottoman bed is handmade at our own factory in Bradford, backed by a 5-year guarantee and free UK delivery.