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Are Ottoman Beds Good? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

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April 23, 2026

On April 23, 2026

If you’ve been searching “are ottoman beds good,” you’re not alone. Ottoman beds have exploded in popularity across UK bedrooms, and for very good reason. But with any big furniture investment, it pays to understand exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

In this guide, the team at Beds Hub Yorkshire’s handcrafted luxury bed specialists break down everything you need to know about ottoman beds: what they are, their genuine advantages, a few things to consider, and how to pick the right one for your bedroom.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed is a bed frame that features a gas-lift storage system built directly beneath the mattress. Instead of legs and slats in empty space, the entire base of the bed is a hollow storage chamber. You lift the mattress (assisted by smooth hydraulic pistons) and the full floor area beneath becomes accessible storage neatly hidden, completely out of sight.

Ottoman beds come in two lift-opening styles:

End-opening ottoman : lifts from the foot of the bed (ideal for rooms with space at the end)
Side-opening ottoman : lifts from the side (ideal for beds placed against a wall)

At Beds Hub, our ottoman storage beds are available across all standard UK sizes Single (3ft), Small Double (4ft), Double (4’6ft), King (5ft), and Super King (6ft) so there’s a perfect fit for every bedroom.

Are Ottoman Beds Good? The Honest Answer: Yes With the Right Expectations

The short answer is: yes, ottoman beds are genuinely excellent particularly if you’re dealing with a lack of bedroom storage, want a clean and stylish bedroom aesthetic, or simply want to make smarter use of your space. Let’s look at the reasons why.

5 Reasons Ottoman Beds Are a Great Investment

1. Massive, Hidden Storage Space

This is the single biggest reason people choose ottoman beds and it doesn’t disappoint. The storage cavity beneath an ottoman bed is significantly larger than what you’d get from traditional under-bed drawers or divan beds.

A King-size ottoman bed, for instance, can store duvets, seasonal clothing, spare bedding, pillows, suitcases, and more all tucked away cleanly beneath your mattress. No under-bed clutter. No visible storage boxes. Just a beautifully tidy bedroom.

This makes ottoman beds especially ideal for:

Smaller UK bedrooms where wardrobe space is limited
Spare rooms doubling as guest rooms
People who want a minimalist, hotel-style bedroom look

2. The Gas-Lift Mechanism Is Smooth and Safe

Many people worry about whether lifting a heavy mattress is a hassle. In reality, modern gas-lift ottoman beds are engineered with hydraulic piston systems that do the heavy lifting for you. At Beds Hub, our ottomans open effortlessly with a single lift and stay open safely while you access your storage.

There’s no danger of the bed suddenly closing, no awkward angles, and no need to fully remove the mattress. It’s genuinely convenient for everyday use.

3. Stylish Designs That Elevate Your Bedroom

Ottoman beds aren’t just practical, they’re beautiful. At Beds Hub, our ottoman beds are handcrafted in Yorkshire in a wide variety of styles:

Classic panel headboards (like The Astra, Celeste, and Cosmos)
Elegant wingback designs (like The Astron Wingback and Elara Wingback)
Contemporary low-profile silhouettes (like The Lyra and Phoenix)

Available in premium fabrics including Velvet, Boucle, and Linen, with multiple colour options, every Beds Hub ottoman bed is designed to look like it belongs in a boutique hotel because it does.

4. Better Use of Space Than Divan Drawers

Traditional divan beds with pull-out drawers are a popular storage option, but they come with limitations. You can typically only access the drawers from one or two sides, and the drawer depth is fairly shallow. An ottoman bed, by contrast, gives you the full floor surface area as deep, accessible storage, no crawling on the floor, no awkward angles.

For those who want maximum storage efficiency from their bed frame, ottomans consistently outperform drawer-based alternatives.

5. Excellent Long-Term Value

A quality ottoman bed is a long-term investment in your bedroom. At Beds Hub, every bed comes with a 24-month warranty, professional assembly, and is built with strong, durable materials in our Dewsbury factory. When you consider the storage problem it solves which might otherwise require a chest of drawers, extra wardrobe, or under-bed storage units, an ottoman bed more than pays for itself.

Our ottoman beds start from as little as £255 for a Double, making luxury storage surprisingly accessible.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Ottoman Bed

Ottoman beds are genuinely great but like any furniture, they work best when chosen thoughtfully. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

Room Layout Matters

Because the lid lifts upward, you need clear floor space at either the end or the side of the bed (depending on your chosen opening direction). For most standard UK bedrooms, this isn’t an issue but it’s worth measuring before you buy. If your bed sits directly in a tight corner with no room at the end or side, a divan with drawers might suit better.

They’re Heavier Than Standard Beds

The combination of a solid storage base and gas-lift mechanism means ottoman beds are heavier than standard slatted frames. Assembly requires two people, which is why Beds Hub offers professional assembly with every order making the setup process completely hassle-free.

Best Paired with a Quality Mattress

Because the mattress is lifted regularly (even if not every day), pairing your ottoman with a good-quality, medium-to-firm mattress ensures your sleep surface stays supported and durable over time. Browse our exclusive range of orthopedic and plush hotel-style mattresses at Beds Hub designed to pair perfectly with our ottoman frames.

Who Are Ottoman Beds Best For?

Ottoman beds are an ideal choice for:

City apartment dwellers where storage is premium
Growing families who need extra linen, clothing, or toy storage
Minimalists who want a clutter-free bedroom
People upgrading from divan drawers who want more accessible, deeper storage
Guest room owners who need flexibility without a dedicated wardrobe

If any of the above sounds like you, an ottoman bed is almost certainly a good fit.

Beds Hub Ottoman Beds

At Beds Hub, we don’t just sell beds, we build them. Every ottoman storage bed in our range is handcrafted at our factory in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, using premium materials, strong frames, and smooth gas-lift mechanisms that are built to last.

Here are some of our customer favourites:

The Astra Ottoman Storage Bed A timeless panel design with a 127cm headboard and stunning chrome feet. From £279.
The Elara Wingback Ottoman A statement wingback silhouette that transforms any bedroom. From £245.
The Noctis Ottoman Storage Bed Bold, modern styling with generous storage beneath. From £289.
The Lyra Ottoman Storage Bed Sleek and understated, perfect for a contemporary bedroom. From £269.

All models are available in Single, Small Double, Double, King, and Super King sizes, with free fabric samples available so you can choose the perfect colour and texture for your room before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ottoman Beds

Are ottoman beds worth the money?
Yes. When you factor in the storage problem they solve and the quality of a well-made ottoman bed, they offer excellent value especially compared to buying separate storage furniture.

Do ottoman beds need a special mattress?
No special mattress is required, but you should use a mattress appropriate for a solid base (not a sprung slatted frame). Most memory foam, pocket sprung, and hybrid mattresses work perfectly with ottoman beds.

How long do ottoman beds last?
A quality ottoman bed from a reputable UK manufacturer should last 10+ years. At Beds Hub, our beds come with a 24-month warranty and are built from durable materials designed for longevity.

Are ottoman beds hard to assemble?
They are heavier than standard bed frames and are best assembled by two people. Beds Hub offers professional assembly with every order, so you never have to worry about it.

Can children use ottoman beds?
Yes, ottoman beds are safe for children’s rooms. The gas-lift mechanisms are designed to stay open while the storage is being accessed, eliminating the risk of accidental closure.