When you're trying to create a calmer, tidier bedroom, most people think about wardrobes, chest of drawers or clever shelving.
But there's one storage solution that's quietly doing the heavy lifting without taking up any extra floor space.
More specifically, an ottoman bed.
If you're short on storage, living in a smaller home or simply tired of playing "where did I put the spare duvet?", an ottoman bed could be the bedroom upgrade you didn't know you needed.
Here's why bed storage deserves a little more credit.
quick answer: are ottoman beds worth it?
For many people, yes.
An ottoman bed combines a supportive bed frame with generous hidden storage beneath the mattress, helping you make the most of the space you already have.
They're ideal for:
- Smaller bedrooms
- Flats and apartments
- Guest rooms
- Families needing extra storage
- Anyone trying to reduce bedroom clutter
Instead of wasting the space under your bed, an ottoman bed turns it into a practical storage area that's easy to access whenever you need it.
what is an ottoman bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a lift-up base that reveals a large storage compartment underneath the mattress.
Using gas-lift pistons, the mattress can be raised smoothly, giving you easy access to the full storage space beneath.
Unlike traditional divan drawers, which only use part of the available area, an ottoman bed makes use of almost the entire footprint of the bed.
In other words, it's like adding another cupboard to your bedroom, without actually adding another cupboard.
why bed storage matters more than you think
Bedrooms have a habit of collecting... everything.
- Extra bedding.
- Suitcases.
- Winter jumpers.
- Christmas presents you're hiding from the children (or each other!).
- Exercise equipment you absolutely intend to use next week.
The more visible clutter we have, the harder it can be to create a bedroom that feels relaxing.
By giving these items a dedicated home, an ottoman bed helps free up valuable wardrobe and floor space, making the room feel bigger, calmer and easier to keep organised.
the benefits of an ottoman bed
1. It Makes the Most of Every Inch
Space is precious, especially if you're living in a smaller property.
An ottoman bed uses an area that's often overlooked, turning empty space beneath your mattress into practical storage without increasing the size of your furniture.
It's storage that's already built into something you use every night.
Smart.
2. It Helps Reduce Bedroom Clutter
A cluttered bedroom can quickly start to feel chaotic.
While buying more storage furniture is one option, it also means more furniture competing for space.
An ottoman bed lets you store items neatly out of sight, helping your bedroom feel cleaner and more relaxing.
And because everything has a home, you're less likely to find yourself stepping over boxes every morning.
3. Perfect for Seasonal Storage
Some things only come out for part of the year.
Think:
- Winter duvets
- Electric blankets
- Summer bedding
- Bulky coats
- Holiday decorations
- Spare towels
Rather than squeezing them into already-full wardrobes, an ottoman bed gives them a dedicated place until they're needed again.
4. Ideal for Smaller Bedrooms
If your bedroom doesn't have space for another chest of drawers or storage unit, an ottoman bed helps you gain storage without sacrificing floor space.
That's particularly useful in:
- Apartments
- Guest bedrooms
- Box rooms
- Student accommodation
- First homes
5. Easy to Access
One of the biggest misconceptions about under-bed storage is that it's awkward to use.
With an ottoman bed, lifting the mattress is designed to be straightforward thanks to gas-assisted lifting mechanisms that help support the weight of the bed base.
That means no crawling on the floor trying to drag out dusty storage boxes.
what can you store in an ottoman bed?
Quite a lot, actually.
Popular choices include:
- Spare pillows
- Guest bedding
- Duvets
- Blankets
- Towels
- Suitcases
- Shoes
- Seasonal clothing
- Baby items
- Keepsake boxes
- Gift wrap
- Board games
If you don't need it every day but want it within easy reach, it's probably a good candidate.
ottoman beds vs divan storage beds
Both offer built-in storage, but they work differently.
|
Ottoman Bed |
Divan Storage Bed |
|
Full under-bed storage |
Storage drawers |
|
Uses almost entire bed base |
Uses part of bed base |
|
Great for bulky items |
Great for everyday essentials |
|
Hidden storage compartment |
Easy drawer access |
|
Ideal where floor space is limited |
Requires clearance to open drawers |
If you need maximum storage, an ottoman bed is often the more practical choice.
If you access your stored items every day and have room for drawers to open, a divan storage bed may suit you better.
who should choose an ottoman bed?
Ottoman beds work particularly well for:
First-time buyers
Storage is often limited in starter homes and apartments, so every bit of space counts.
Families
Extra bedding, toys and seasonal clothes all need somewhere to live.
Students
Shared accommodation rarely comes with endless storage.
Guest rooms
Store spare duvets, pillows and towels without filling the wardrobe.
Minimalists
If you're aiming for a calm, uncluttered bedroom, hidden storage helps keep surfaces clear.
choosing the right ottoman bed
When shopping for an ottoman bed, consider:
Size
Choose the largest bed your room comfortably allows, while leaving enough space to move around.
Opening Direction
Some ottoman beds lift from the foot end, while others open from the side.
The best option depends on your bedroom layout and where the bed sits in the room.
Mattress Compatibility
Not every mattress is suitable for every bed frame, so it's worth checking compatibility before you buy.
The good news? Many modern mattresses – including all eve Mattresses – work brilliantly with quality ottoman bed frames, offering supportive comfort alongside practical storage.
complete the setup
An organised bedroom isn't just about storage.
Pairing an ottoman bed with supportive sleep essentials can help create a space that's both practical and relaxing.
eve hybrid mattresses combine responsive pocket springs with pressure-relieving foam for balanced support, while breathable bedding and a supportive pillow help complete a bedroom designed for better sleep, not just better storage.
frequently asked questions
Are ottoman beds good for storage?
Yes. Ottoman beds make use of almost the entire space beneath the mattress, providing significantly more storage than many traditional bed frames.
What can you store under an ottoman bed?
Spare bedding, seasonal clothes, suitcases, towels, shoes, blankets, keepsakes and other household items are all commonly stored in ottoman beds.
Are ottoman beds difficult to lift?
Most modern ottoman beds – including our ottoman bed frames – use gas-assisted lifting mechanisms, making them much easier to open than many people expect.
Do ottoman beds take up more room?
No, not usually. An ottoman bed has the same footprint as a standard bed of the same size. The difference is that the unused space underneath becomes accessible storage.
Are ottoman beds suitable for small bedrooms?
Absolutely. They're one of the easiest ways to increase storage without adding extra furniture, making them particularly useful where space is limited.
storage beds: the bottom line
Bedroom organisation isn't always about buying more storage; it's about making better use of the space you already have.
An ottoman bed transforms one of the largest pieces of furniture in your home into a practical storage solution, helping reduce clutter without taking up an extra inch of floor space.
Whether you're hiding away spare bedding, storing seasonal clothes or simply creating a calmer bedroom, it's a smart way to make your room work harder.
Because sometimes the best storage isn't another cupboard.
It's the space that was there all along.
