If you’re shopping for a new bed with built-in storage, you’ve almost certainly come across two popular options: the ottoman bed and the divan bed. Both are brilliant choices for UK homes where space is at a premium but they work very differently, and choosing the wrong one can be a frustrating (and expensive) mistake.
At Beds Hub, we handcraft both ottoman storage beds and divan drawer beds right here in Yorkshire, so we know these two styles inside out. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ottoman beds vs divan beds from storage capacity and ease of access to style, price, and who each type suits best.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a lift-up base. The entire mattress platform rises on gas-lift pistons, revealing a large, deep storage space underneath that spans the full footprint of the bed. There are no separate drawers, just one massive, clean cavity.
At Beds Hub, our ottoman storage beds like the popular Astra and Elara Wingback open from the foot end or the side, making them suitable for a variety of bedroom layouts.
Key features of an ottoman bed:
- Gas-lift mechanism lifts the full mattress platform
- Huge, unobstructed under-bed storage
- Clean, seamless exterior no visible drawers
- Available in a wide range of upholstered fabrics and headboard styles
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed has a solid, fabric-covered base that sits directly on the floor or on short legs. Storage is built into the sides of the base in the form of pull-out drawers usually two or four, depending on the size and model.
Our divan drawer beds pair a sturdy platform base with deep side drawers and a choice of upholstered headboards to create a classic, hotel-style look.
Key features of a divan bed:
- Side-access pull-out drawers (2 or 4)
- Low-profile base with a clean, neat appearance
- Easy access to storage without lifting the mattress
- Compatible with most standard mattresses
Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed |
| Storage access | Lift-up base (gas pistons) | Pull-out side drawers |
| Storage capacity | Very large (full base area) | Moderate (drawer size) |
| Ease of access | Requires lifting mattress | Quick drawer pull |
| Best for | Bulky, seasonal, or rarely-used items | Everyday items like bedding & clothing |
| Bedroom space needed | Needs clearance at foot or side | Needs clearance beside the bed |
| Style variety | Wide panel, wingback, boucle, etc. | Classic, clean, traditional |
| Assembly | Moderate | Simple |
| Price (Beds Hub) | From £245 | From £245 |
Storage Capacity: Ottoman Beds Win
When it comes to sheer storage volume, the ottoman bed is the clear winner. Because the entire base lifts up, you’re working with a space that spans the full length and width of your mattress, think duvets, pillows, suitcases, seasonal clothing, or even sports equipment.
Divan beds, by contrast, offer a handful of drawers typically two on a single or double, and four on a king or super king. Each drawer is generous, but you’re limited to items that can be folded flat and fit the drawer depth.
Our verdict: If maximising storage is your priority, go with an ottoman.
Ease of Access: Divan Beds Are More Convenient
Here’s where divan beds pull ahead. Pulling open a drawer takes two seconds. You don’t need to disturb your bedding, move your mattress, or bend down awkwardly. This makes divan beds ideal for items you access regularly, like spare blankets, books, or pajamas.
Ottoman beds, while they feel effortless once you get used to the gas-lift mechanism, do require you to get the mattress fully airborne before you can reach your stored items. That’s fine for seasonal storage but slightly inconvenient for daily use.
Our verdict: For everyday convenience, divan beds are the better choice.
Style & Aesthetics: Ottoman Beds Offer More Variety
Both bed types come in a wide range of fabric and colour options, but ottoman beds tend to offer more design flexibility. Because the base doesn’t feature visible drawers, the exterior of an ottoman bed can feature more seamless panelling, bold wingback headboards, and dramatic upholstery finishes.
At Beds Hub, our ottoman range includes sleek panel headboards, statement wingback designs, and our premium boucle bed collection all available in fabrics like velvet, linen, and boucle, with free fabric samples available to order.
Divan beds have a clean, understated look that works especially well in traditional or minimalist bedroom settings.
Our verdict: For bold bedroom aesthetics, ottoman beds tend to have the edge.
Price: They’re Comparable
In the UK market, ottoman beds are sometimes priced higher than divans because of the gas-lift mechanism. However, at Beds Hub, our ottoman beds and divan beds both start from £245, making either option accessible without compromise on quality.
Both types are handcrafted at our Dewsbury factory and come with a 24-month warranty and 30-day easy returns.
Which Bed Should You Choose?
Choose an ottoman bed if:
- You need maximum storage space
- You store bulky or seasonal items (duvets, suitcases, luggage)
- You want a sleek, seamless look with no visible drawers
- You’re after a statement headboard style wingback, panelled, or boucle
Choose a divan bed if:
- You want quick, easy access to stored items every day
- You have limited floor space beside the bed
- You prefer a classic, low-profile bedroom aesthetic
- You’re on a tight budget and want a simple, reliable storage solution
Explore Our Full Range at Beds Hub
Whether you’re leaning towards an ottoman storage bed or a divan drawer bed, Beds Hub has a hand-picked collection crafted right here in the UK to the highest standards.
- Shop Ottoman Storage Beds from £245
- Shop Divan Drawer Beds from £245
- Order Fabric Samples
- Chat with our team on WhatsApp
Still not sure which is right for you? Our team is always on hand to help you find your perfect bed. Just reach out, we’d love to help.
