Ottoman Storage Beds: The Ultimate Guide to Stylish, Space-Saving Bedroom Storage in 2026
Finding enough storage space in a bedroom can be a challenge, particularly in smaller UK homes, apartments and guest bedrooms. From spare bedding and seasonal clothes to suitcases and shoes, it is easy for belongings to quickly take over valuable wardrobe and floor space.
This is where ottoman storage beds can make a real difference. Combining comfortable sleeping space with generous hidden storage, an ottoman bed is a practical way to make better use of the space you already have.
Unlike traditional beds with drawers, an ottoman storage bed uses a lifting mechanism to raise the mattress and bed base, revealing a large storage compartment underneath. This makes it possible to store bulky items without adding another piece of furniture to your bedroom.
If you are considering buying one, this guide explains everything you need to know about ottoman storage beds, including their benefits, available sizes, storage options and the key features to look for before making your choice.
What Is an Ottoman Storage Bed?
An ottoman storage bed is a bed frame designed with a large hidden storage compartment underneath the mattress. The mattress and base can be lifted using a gas-assisted mechanism, allowing easy access to the space below.
Unlike drawer storage beds, which typically divide the available space into smaller sections, an ottoman bed can make use of a much larger area beneath the mattress. This makes it particularly useful for storing larger and less frequently used items.
Depending on the design, ottoman beds can open from the end or from the side. The best option will depend on the layout of your bedroom and how much space you have around the bed.
For a more detailed look at the benefits and buying considerations, explore this complete guide to ottoman storage beds in the UK.
Why Are Ottoman Storage Beds So Popular?
The popularity of ottoman beds comes down to one simple idea: making every inch of your bedroom work harder.
Modern bedrooms are expected to provide comfort, style and practical storage. However, adding additional wardrobes, chests of drawers or storage cabinets is not always possible, particularly in compact bedrooms.
An ottoman bed provides a clever alternative.
The space underneath your mattress would otherwise remain unused. With an ottoman storage mechanism, this area becomes a convenient place to keep items that you do not need every day.
The result is a bedroom that can feel:
More organised
Less cluttered
Easier to maintain
More spacious
More functional
For homeowners looking to combine style with practicality, an ottoman storage bed can be an excellent investment.
5 Key Benefits of Ottoman Storage Beds
1. Make the Most of Unused Space
One of the biggest advantages of an ottoman bed is its ability to transform unused space into valuable storage.
The area underneath your mattress can hold a surprising amount, making it ideal for homes where built-in storage is limited.
Instead of allowing this space to remain empty, you can use it to store belongings neatly and discreetly.
2. Ideal for Small Bedrooms
Small bedrooms require clever furniture choices.
Traditional storage furniture can take up valuable floor space, making an already compact room feel crowded. An ottoman bed provides storage without significantly increasing the footprint of your bedroom.
Because the storage compartment lifts upwards rather than pulling out like a drawer, it can also be a practical choice where there is limited clearance around the sides of the bed.
3. Reduce Bedroom Clutter
Clutter can make a bedroom feel smaller and less relaxing.
An ottoman storage bed gives you a hidden place to put away items that would otherwise be left around the room or stored in bulky boxes.
With everything neatly tucked away, you can create a cleaner and more peaceful bedroom environment.
4. Store Bulky Items
The large storage compartment makes ottoman beds particularly useful for items that are difficult to fit into standard wardrobes or drawers.
You could use the space for:
Spare duvets
Pillows
Blankets
Winter coats
Seasonal clothing
Suitcases
Towels
Shoes
Guest bedding
Children's toys
Christmas decorations
However, it is best to keep the storage organised so you can easily find what you need.
5. Combine Style and Functionality
Modern ottoman beds are available in a wide range of designs, materials and colours.
From luxurious upholstered frames to contemporary minimalist styles, you do not have to compromise on appearance simply because you want extra storage.
A well-designed ottoman bed can become the centrepiece of your bedroom while providing a practical storage solution at the same time.
Ottoman Bed vs Drawer Storage Bed: Which Is Better?
Both ottoman and drawer storage beds can be useful, but they work in different ways.
Ottoman beds generally offer a larger, more open storage compartment beneath the mattress. This makes them ideal for storing bulky items such as suitcases, bedding and seasonal clothing.
Drawer storage beds provide easier access to smaller everyday items but require enough space around the bed for the drawers to open fully.
If your bedroom has limited floor space, an ottoman bed may be more suitable because the storage compartment is accessed by lifting the mattress and base.
On the other hand, if you frequently need to access stored items, drawers may be more convenient.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your bedroom layout, storage requirements and personal preferences.
What Size Ottoman Bed Should You Choose?
Ottoman beds are available in several popular UK bed sizes, so choosing the right size is important.
Single Ottoman Bed
A single ottoman bed can be a practical choice for children's rooms, teenagers' bedrooms, guest rooms or compact spaces.
It provides additional storage without requiring a large amount of floor space.
Double Ottoman Bed
A double ottoman bed is a popular choice for couples and individuals who want a comfortable sleeping area combined with useful hidden storage.
It offers a good balance between sleeping space and storage capacity.
King Size Ottoman Bed
For many UK households, a king size ottoman bed provides an excellent combination of comfort and practicality.
The larger sleeping surface also means more space underneath for storing bulky belongings.
Super King Ottoman Bed
If you have a large bedroom and prefer maximum sleeping space, a super king ottoman bed can create a luxurious focal point while offering generous hidden storage.
Before choosing this size, always measure your bedroom carefully and consider walking space around the bed.
End-Lift or Side-Lift Ottoman Bed?
Another important consideration is the direction in which the bed opens.
End-Lift Ottoman Beds
With an end-lift design, the mattress and base lift from the foot of the bed.
This option can work particularly well when you have clear space at the foot of the bed but limited room along the sides.
Side-Lift Ottoman Beds
A side-lift design opens from one side of the bed.
This may be more suitable for bedrooms where the foot of the bed is positioned close to a wall or other furniture.
Before buying, measure the available clearance and think about where you will stand when opening the storage compartment.
What Should You Look for When Buying an Ottoman Storage Bed?
Not all ottoman beds are designed in exactly the same way. Before buying, consider the following features.
Quality of the Lift Mechanism
A reliable gas-assisted lifting system is essential.
The mechanism should allow the bed base to lift smoothly without requiring excessive effort. It should also feel stable when the storage area is open.
Strong Bed Frame
Look for a sturdy construction designed to support both the mattress and sleepers.
A well-built frame can provide better durability and long-term performance.
Mattress Compatibility
Always check whether the bed is compatible with your preferred mattress type and weight.
The lifting mechanism is designed to work with a specific load range, so using an unsuitable mattress could affect how easily the mechanism operates.
Storage Base
Check whether the storage area has a solid base or flooring.
A properly enclosed storage compartment can help protect your belongings from dust and make the area easier to clean.
Easy Access
Think carefully about how frequently you will use the storage.
If you regularly access the contents, choose a design that makes opening and closing simple and convenient.
Warranty and Aftercare
A good warranty can provide additional peace of mind, particularly for a bed with a mechanical lifting system.
Check the manufacturer's warranty terms and aftercare support before purchasing.
How to Organise Ottoman Bed Storage
An ottoman bed provides plenty of storage, but good organisation will make it much more useful.
Start by deciding what you actually need to store. Ottoman storage is generally best for items that are used occasionally rather than every day.
Use storage bags or breathable containers to group similar items together.
For example:
Keep winter clothing in one section.
Store spare bedding together.
Place suitcases where they are easy to access.
Keep children's toys in labelled containers.
Store seasonal decorations together.
Avoid putting damp or wet items inside the storage compartment. Everything should be completely dry before being stored to help protect your belongings.
It is also a good idea to avoid overfilling the space. Leave enough room to lift and close the bed safely without putting unnecessary pressure on the mechanism.
Are Ottoman Storage Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?
Yes, ottoman beds can be particularly useful in small bedrooms.
When floor space is limited, adding another wardrobe or chest of drawers may make the room feel crowded. An ottoman bed allows you to gain additional storage without taking up extra floor space.
However, you should still measure your room carefully before buying.
Consider:
The overall dimensions of the bed
Space needed to walk around it
Clearance required to open the storage
The location of wardrobes and doors
The position of bedside tables
A well-planned layout can help you maximise storage while keeping the room comfortable and easy to move around.
Are Ottoman Beds Worth Buying?
For many homeowners, an ottoman storage bed is worth considering because it combines two essential functions: sleeping and storage.
The main advantage is the ability to use space that would otherwise be wasted.
If you live in a smaller home, have limited wardrobe space or simply want to reduce bedroom clutter, an ottoman bed can provide a practical solution.
However, the quality of the frame and lifting mechanism matters. Rather than choosing solely based on appearance or price, consider construction quality, mattress compatibility, storage access and warranty support.
Final Thoughts
An ottoman storage bed is more than just a place to sleep. It is a practical piece of multifunctional bedroom furniture that can help you make better use of limited space.
Whether you choose a single, double, king size or super king ottoman bed, the hidden storage area can provide a convenient place for bedding, clothing, luggage and other bulky items.
For smaller UK bedrooms, an ottoman bed can be especially useful because it provides additional storage without requiring extra floor space for drawers or cabinets.
With the right size, lifting mechanism, construction and design, an ottoman storage bed can help create a bedroom that feels more organised, spacious and relaxing.
If you are planning to upgrade your bedroom in 2026, an ottoman bed could be one of the smartest ways to combine comfort, style and practical storage in one versatile piece of furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottoman Storage Beds
Do ottoman beds provide more storage than drawer beds?
In many cases, yes. Ottoman beds typically provide access to a larger proportion of the space underneath the mattress, making them suitable for bulky items such as suitcases, duvets and seasonal clothing.
Are ottoman beds easy to lift?
Most modern ottoman beds use gas-assisted mechanisms designed to make lifting the mattress and base easier. However, the ease of operation can depend on the quality of the mechanism and the weight of the mattress.
What can I store under an ottoman bed?
You can store spare bedding, seasonal clothes, towels, suitcases, shoes, toys and other dry household items. It is best to avoid storing damp items or anything that could be affected by changes in temperature or humidity.
Are ottoman beds suitable for small bedrooms?
Yes. They can be an excellent option for compact bedrooms because they provide hidden storage without requiring additional floor space for drawers.
How do I choose the right ottoman bed?
Start by measuring your bedroom and deciding how much sleeping and storage space you need. Then consider the bed size, lift direction, storage capacity, frame construction, mattress compatibility and warranty before making your decision.
