Ottoman Beds Explained
⏱ 4 minute read
🛏️ What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is one of the smartest storage solutions you can buy. The entire mattress platform lifts effortlessly on gas-piston struts to reveal a generous, clean storage space underneath — no drawers to pull out, no wasted corners. It’s hidden storage at its most practical.
At Bedtime Bed Centre, we offer ottoman beds in three distinct styles to suit different tastes and room layouts. All are on display in our showroom if you’d like to see them in person. Not sure whether an ottoman or a standard divan is right for you? Read our Divan Beds vs Bed Frames guide.
🛏️ The Three Styles of Ottoman Bed
Frame Style Ottoman
A frame style ottoman has a full bedstead — headboard, footboard, and side rails — giving you the classic look of a traditional bed with all the practicality of ottoman storage underneath. These are delivered flat packed and tend to suit larger rooms where the framework creates a more substantial presence.
Shop Frame Style Ottoman Bed Bases →
Divan Style Ottoman
A divan style ottoman has a clean, upholstered finish with no exposed frame. It’s a sleek, contemporary choice that maximises storage capacity and works beautifully in modern bedrooms. Delivered in two halves for easy manoeuvring, it’s particularly well suited to smaller rooms where keeping the footprint compact matters.
Shop Divan Style Ottoman Bed Bases →
Divan Frame Style Ottoman
The best of both worlds — a solid divan base with the stylish look of a full bed frame, now with ottoman side-lift storage underneath. This style comes with a 54-inch headboard as standard, plus your choice of footend height: a high footend (24 inches) for a dramatic, hotel-style look, or a low footend (13 inches) for a sleeker finish. Please note: this style is only available as a side lift.
Shop Divan Frame Style Ottoman Beds →
📊 Divan vs Frame vs Divan Frame Style Ottoman: At a Glance
| Feature | Divan Style Ottoman | Frame Style Ottoman | Divan Frame Style Ottoman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base construction | Solid platform base | Wooden slats or metal mesh base | Solid divan base with headboard & footboard |
| Storage access | End-lift or side-lift gas-piston mechanism | Fixed to the lift direction of the design shown — not interchangeable | Side-lift only |
| Storage capacity | Split into two halves — end-lift opens north to south, side-lift opens east to west | Depends on design — may be one open space or divided into separate sections | Side-lift opens east to west |
| Mattress compatibility | Works with most mattress types | Works with most mattress types | Works with most mattress types |
| Headboard | Not included — many options available separately | Included in the design shown | 54-inch headboard included |
| Footboard | Not applicable | Included in the design shown | Choice of high (24") or low (13") footend |
| Delivery | Delivered in 2 halves for easy manoeuvring | Delivered flat packed | Delivered in sections for easy manoeuvring |
| Best suited for | Smaller rooms — no surround frame keeps the footprint compact | Larger rooms — the framework creates a more substantial presence | Those who want the solid divan base with the full frame look — and maximum side-lift storage |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🧭 Which lift direction should I choose?
This depends on your room layout. An end-lift opens towards the foot of the bed (north to south), so you’ll need clear space at the end. A side-lift opens to the side (east to west), so you’ll need space along one side. Think about where your wardrobe, door, or radiator sits before deciding.
⚖️ How much weight can an ottoman bed hold?
Ottoman beds are designed to hold a standard mattress and the weight of sleepers, but the storage space underneath is not load-bearing in the same way. Avoid storing very heavy items in the base — it’s ideal for bedding, pillows, towels, and seasonal clothing.
💪 Are ottoman beds difficult to use?
For most able-bodied people, no — the gas-piston struts do the heavy lifting and the mattress rises smoothly. That said, anyone who doesn’t have much strength in their arms may find them a little tricky. If you’re not sure whether an ottoman bed is right for you, we’d always recommend coming in to try one in our showroom before you buy.
🔧 Do you assemble ottoman beds?
Yes. Divan style ottoman beds are assembled free of charge. Frame style ottoman beds can be assembled for an additional £25. If you’d like assembly added to your order, just let us know.
🛏️ Do I need a special mattress for an ottoman bed?
Most mattress types are compatible with ottoman beds. If you’re unsure, just ask us — we’ll make sure you choose a combination that works well together. You might also find our Which Mattress is Right for Me? guide helpful when choosing.
Ready to browse? View our full ottoman bed range — or come in and see all three styles in our showroom. We’re happy to talk you through the options without any pressure. You can also find us at our King’s Lynn and Wisbech showrooms.
