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Ottoman Beds

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds offer practical under-bed storage with a smooth lift-up base, making them ideal for maximising space in any bedroom. Our range includes single to super king ottoman beds in a variety of styles and colours including popular grey and white, all designed for comfort, durability and easy access. Shop ottoman storage beds at Bedstar with fast UK delivery and great value.

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Ottoman Bed FAQs

Everything you need to know before you buy

What is an ottoman bed?

An ottoman bed has a base that lifts up to reveal a large storage space underneath the mattress. The entire depth of the base cavity is usable storage, equivalent to a large chest of drawers, without taking up any additional floor space. Ottoman beds are available in side-opening and end-opening configurations, and come in a wide range of sizes, fabrics and styles. They're one of the most practical bed types available, combining a comfortable sleeping surface with substantial hidden storage in a single piece of furniture.

How does an ottoman bed open?

Ottoman beds use a gas-lift mechanism, a set of hydraulic pistons built into the base, to lift the mattress and base platform smoothly upward with minimal effort. The mechanism is counterbalanced so the weight of the mattress assists the lift, meaning you can open and close the base easily with one hand. Once open, the base stays up securely on its own while you access the storage. Most mechanisms are rated for thousands of open-close cycles and require no maintenance under normal use.

What is the difference between a side-opening and end-opening ottoman?

A side-opening ottoman lifts from one of the long sides of the bed, you stand at the side to open it and access the storage. An end-opening ottoman lifts from the foot of the bed, you stand at the end to open it. The choice depends on your room layout. If your bed is positioned against a wall on one side, an end-opening ottoman is usually the better option as you only need clearance at the foot of the bed. If you have space on both sides, a side-opening ottoman gives slightly easier access to the full depth of the storage cavity.

How much storage does an ottoman bed have?

The amount of storage depends on the size of the bed. A king size ottoman typically offers around 1,000 to 1,200 litres of usable storage, enough for duvets, pillows, bedding sets, seasonal clothing and much more. This is significantly more than a standard four-drawer divan base. The storage area is also completely open with no internal divisions, making it easy to store bulky or awkwardly shaped items that wouldn't fit in a drawer.

Are ottoman beds suitable for small bedrooms?

Ottoman beds are particularly well suited to small bedrooms because they provide large-capacity storage without requiring any additional floor space. In a room where a chest of drawers or wardrobe would eat into the available space, an ottoman bed removes the need for those pieces entirely. The bed itself takes up no more floor space than any other bed of the same size. The only requirement is enough clearance at the foot or side of the bed, depending on your opening direction, to fully raise the base.

Can I use any mattress on an ottoman bed?

Most standard mattresses are compatible with ottoman beds, including pocket spring, memory foam, hybrid and latex. The key consideration is weight, very heavy mattresses (above approximately 40–50kg for a king size) can put excessive strain on the gas-lift mechanism over time, so it's worth checking the manufacturer's weight recommendation. The mattress should also be a good fit for the base, not so large that it overhangs, and not so small that it slides. If you're buying an ottoman bed set, the mattress is already matched to the base.

Is an ottoman bed difficult to assemble?

Ottoman beds do require more assembly than a standard bed frame, mainly because of the gas-lift mechanism. However, most come with clear instructions and all the necessary fixings, and two people can typically assemble one in 1 to 2 hours. The most important step is fitting the gas pistons correctly, these are pre-set for the standard mattress weight and should not need adjustment. If self-assembly isn't something you want to tackle, many retailers including Bedstar offer a professional delivery and assembly service.

How much clearance do I need around an ottoman bed to open it?

For a side-opening ottoman, you need enough clearance on the opening side to stand comfortably and allow the base to fully rise, typically around 50 to 60cm of free space beside the bed. For an end-opening ottoman, you need similar clearance at the foot of the bed. The mattress rises vertically and slightly toward you as you open it, so the space needs to be clear of other furniture. Always check the manufacturer's opening dimensions before buying, as the exact clearance required varies between models.

Are ottoman beds sturdy and safe?

Quality ottoman beds are very sturdy. The base is typically constructed from a solid wooden frame with a thick base board and covered in durable upholstered fabric. The gas-lift mechanism holds the base securely open while you access storage, preventing it from dropping unexpectedly. Look for beds from established brands with a good guarantee, this is a reliable indicator of build quality. As with any bed, ensure the assembly instructions are followed carefully, particularly the fitting of the gas pistons, to ensure the mechanism functions safely.

Can children use an ottoman bed safely?

Ottoman beds are generally not recommended as the primary bed for young children, as the gas-lift mechanism and large storage opening pose a potential risk if a child were to climb inside or trap their fingers in the mechanism. For children old enough to understand how the mechanism works, typically 10 or older, an ottoman bed can work well in their room for the practical storage benefits. If you do have an ottoman bed in a child's room, ensure they are supervised when the base is open and know not to climb inside the storage cavity.

Do ottoman beds come with a headboard?

Most ottoman beds are sold with the option to add a headboard, though in many cases the headboard is sold separately to give you the freedom to choose a style and fabric that suits your room. Some ottoman bed models include a matching headboard as standard. Headboards attach to a bracket on the back of the ottoman base in the same way as a standard divan. Floor-standing headboards are also compatible with ottoman bases and don't require attachment to the frame at all.

What should I look for when buying an ottoman bed?

Focus on five key areas. First, the opening direction, side or end, and whether it suits your room layout. Second, the gas-lift mechanism quality and its weight rating relative to your mattress. Third, the base construction, a solid hardwood or engineered wood frame will outlast a thin MDF base. Fourth, the fabric and finish, ottoman beds are a prominent piece of furniture, so choose a colour and texture that works with your room. Fifth, the guarantee length, a longer guarantee from a reputable brand is a strong signal of build quality and gives you peace of mind on a significant purchase.

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