Are Ottoman Beds Worth Buying for Storage?
If you're running out of wardrobe space, stuffing things under the bed in vacuum bags, or losing floor area to freestanding storage units, an ottoman bed is probably the single most useful piece of furniture you can invest in. It offers a large, concealed storage cavity beneath the mattress that opens on a gas-strut mechanism, giving you access to the full footprint of the bed without taking up a centimetre of additional room.
But the value depends entirely on the build quality. A well-engineered ottoman bed will last years and make daily life in a smaller home noticeably easier. A cheap one will fight you every time you try to open it.
How Does an Ottoman Bed Actually Work?
The concept is simple. A hydraulic gas-lift system allows the entire mattress platform to hinge upward, revealing a deep storage compartment built into the base of the frame. Most designs lift from the foot end, though side-opening models exist if your bedroom layout doesn't give you clearance at the bottom of the bed.
The gas struts do the heavy work for you. On a properly built ottoman, you should be able to raise the platform with one hand, even with a full mattress on top. If you've ever tried a model where lifting the base feels like a deadlift, that's a sign the struts are underspecified for the mattress weight, and it only gets worse over time.
Once open, the storage cavity spans almost the entire length and width of the bed. You're looking at significantly more volume than a divan with drawers could ever offer, and everything sits out of sight when the platform is lowered.
What Can You Realistically Fit Inside?
More than you'd think. A standard double ottoman bed gives you roughly 1,000 litres of storage space, depending on the depth of the base. That's enough for spare duvets, seasonal clothing, suitcases, shoes, and all the overflow that currently has nowhere to go.
The real advantage over drawers is that you don't need any clearance around the bed. Drawers require space to pull out, which dictates where you can position the frame in a room. An ottoman lifts vertically, so it works against walls, tucked into corners, and in tight layouts where sliding storage simply isn't an option.
Everything is hidden, too. When the platform is down, the bedroom looks clean and uncluttered. If you're renting, or you don't have built-in wardrobes, that visual simplicity is hard to achieve any other way.
Is an Ottoman Bed a Better Option Than a Divan With Drawers?
That depends on what you're storing and how often you need to get to it. If you reach for certain items daily, like spare pillows or sleepwear, divan drawers are faster. You pull them open, grab what you need, and close them again without disturbing the mattress.
But if you need to store bulkier items, things like winter bedding, luggage, or out-of-season clothes, an ottoman bed gives you the depth and volume that drawers can't. The trade-off is that accessing the contents takes a few extra seconds, because you're lifting the platform rather than sliding open a drawer.
For most people in bedrooms under 14 square metres, the ottoman wins. You get far more storage per square foot of floor space than any other single piece of furniture can provide, and you don't sacrifice anything in terms of how the room looks or functions.
What Should You Look for Before Buying?
Start with the mechanism. The gas struts need to be rated for the weight of the mattress you plan to use; if they're not, the lift becomes heavy and the struts degrade faster. A steel frame is preferable to a timber slat base, as it holds its rigidity better over time and produces less noise.
Base depth is the next thing to check. Some ottoman beds have a shallow cavity of 20cm or less, which limits you to flat items like bedding. If you want genuinely versatile storage, look for a base depth of at least 28cm.
The interior lining matters more than people realise. A clean, dust-resistant fabric protects your stored clothing and bedding from picking up debris. If the lining feels flimsy or isn't fitted properly, everything inside will need washing before you use it.
Finally, think about mattress weight. Ottoman bases work best when the mattress isn't excessively heavy, because the gas struts have to raise the full load every time you open the bed. Hybrid mattresses tend to strike the right balance here; Simba designs their hybrid range to pair well with ottoman and storage frames, keeping the weight manageable without cutting corners on comfort or support.
Who Gets the Most Out of an Ottoman Bed?
If you share a bedroom, you'll notice the benefit immediately. Couples in one-bedroom flats accumulate belongings fast, and wardrobe space fills up twice as quickly when two people are using it. An ottoman bed gives you a second storage zone without asking for any additional floor area in return.
You'll also find it useful if you're converting a spare room into a nursery or home office. Reclaiming the cupboard space that was previously full of guest bedding makes a real difference in a small home.
And if you live somewhere without a loft, garage, or any kind of built-in storage, an ottoman bed turns dead space into functional space. The cavity beneath your mattress is there whether you use it or not; you might as well make it work for you.
FAQs
They arrive flat-packed and the assembly is straightforward, but the panels and gas-strut mechanism are heavy. You'll want a second pair of hands, but most people finish in under an hour.
You can, but very heavy mattresses will strain the gas-lift mechanism over time. Check the manufacturer's maximum weight recommendation before buying. Anything over 40kg may need upgraded struts.
A quality steel-framed ottoman should be silent during normal use. Creaking usually points to loose bolts or a timber frame flexing under pressure. Tightening the fixings periodically prevents this.
Vacuum the interior lining every few months to clear dust. If the lining is removable, a cool wash keeps it fresh. Avoid storing anything damp, as the limited airflow inside the cavity means moisture takes longer to clear.
