What is an ottoman bed? A comprehensive guide

An ottoman bed has a large hidden storage compartment beneath the mattress that can be accessed by lifting the base from either the end or the side, depending on the design. With generous space for bedding, clothes, or shoes, an ottoman bed is ideal for homes requiring extra storage and helps keep the bedroom organised and clutter-free.

How does an ottoman bed work?

Most ottoman beds use gas pistons and struts, similar to car boots, to help lift the bed and access the storage underneath. These gas pistons or struts use compressed gas to create force and control the movement of the ottoman bed. They allow the bed to open and close slowly, smoothly and with less effort while keeping the lid securely open during use to prevent it from falling suddenly.

Ottoman beds usually have a loop handle or strap for lifting and lowering the base. However, some models may have a cut-out section in the base for handling instead.

Are ottoman beds easy to lift?

Generally, ottoman beds are relatively easy to handle, as they utilise gas struts or hydraulic pistons to help with lifting. However, some people may still find them heavy or difficult to use, especially when paired with a quality mattress.

If you have concerns, you can always visit your local bed store to test different ottoman beds and see how easy they are to lift. Otherwise, a divan bed with drawers might be a more suitable option. Most divans have castors, making them easy to move. While the drawers usually provide less storage space than an ottoman, they are often on gliders, allowing them to open and close easily.

If you have space at the end of the bed, you could also add a blanket box for extra storage. Just allow extra room around the bed to open the drawers fully.

Are ottoman beds safe?

It is normal to have safety concerns about ottoman beds, especially around children. However, ottoman beds are generally safe when you assemble and use them correctly.

Most Ottoman beds undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards. They are usually fitted with gas struts that allow you to lift and lower the base smoothly and easily. These struts support the base and mattress and help prevent the mechanism from sudden movements or closing unexpectedly when in use or accessing storage. Some models also include additional safety features, such as a locking mechanism to keep the mechanism closed when not in use.

However, ottoman beds contain moving parts and heavy components, which can lead to injury through misuse or poor maintenance. Therefore, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when assembling and operating the bed is vital to ensure you use the bed safely and responsibly.

This includes ensuring children and pets are not left unattended near the ottoman bed and are a safe distance away when you open or close the bed. Always use both hands when lifting the bed, using the loop handle, strap, or cut-out section. Do not exceed the ottoman’s weight capacity. Overloading can cause the mechanism to fall suddenly and potentially cause injury. Regularly check the condition of the bed, ensuring there are no loose components, and the bed is operating smoothly and as expected. Always purchase the bed from a reputable retailer. Never buy an ottoman bed second-hand or from someone you don’t know.

What are the benefits of an ottoman bed?

Both stylish and functional, ottoman beds are a popular style of bed that offers valuable storage. Available in various designs and sizes, they provide easy access to your belongings while helping keep your bedroom tidy.

Extra storage space

Ottoman beds are ideal for rooms with limited space. They offer significantly more storage than traditional beds with drawers. By lifting the base, you can access the entire area beneath the mattress to store lightweight items like clothing, bedding, and books.

Ottoman beds help keep your bedroom neat and organised. They are more practical than simply storing your belongings underneath a bed frame. Ottoman beds keep your belongings hidden and protected from dirt, dust, or damage. You can easily access your items without crawling around on the floor to search or reach for items underneath the bed.

Space-saving design

Since ottoman beds utilise the area underneath the mattress for storage, you do not need to allow extra room around the bed for opening drawers to access your belongings.

Versatility

Ottoman beds are available as divans or bed frames and come in various styles, materials, and colours to suit any bedroom décor.

A divan ottoman is an upholstered bed, usually the same size as the mattress, with a lift-up top. Many divans are available with a matching headboard and furniture for those who prefer a more coordinated and streamlined look.

Ottoman bed frames are available in wood, metal, fabric and leather. They can often be purchased with matching bedroom furniture as part of a collection. Bed frames typically occupy more bedroom space than a divan because the mattress usually sits inside the frame.

Is a side-opening or end-opening ottoman bed better?

Choosing a side-opening or end-opening ottoman bed depends on your bedroom layout and the available space.

A side-opening ottoman is ideal for smaller bedrooms or when only one side of the bed is accessible, such as when it is placed against a wall. An end-opening ottoman works well in bedrooms where you can access the bed from both sides. A half-lift ottoman, where only part of the base lifts, is a good option for bedrooms with low or sloping ceilings.

Can you put any mattress on an ottoman bed?

If you are buying the mattress and ottoman base separately, ensuring the two are compatible is vital. Besides comfort and support, you will also need to consider additional factors, such as weight, thickness, and traction, when choosing a mattress for an ottoman bed. Since the mattress will rest on slats or a solid foundation and do most, if not all, of the work, consider upgrading to a better-quality mattress that can withstand heavier wear and tear.

Ottoman beds have a mattress weight limit of up to 90 kg, depending on the model. If the mattress is too heavy, it may make operating the ottoman difficult. It could damage the components or cause the bed to drop unexpectedly while in use.

In contrast, if the mattress is too light, the mechanism could lift faster than expected, and the mattress may slip or slide if it lacks sufficient traction during lifting and lowering.

Finally, an overly thick mattress may prevent the mechanism from lifting fully.

Do ottoman beds need a headboard?

Headboards are usually sold separately from the bed, and while not strictly necessary, they can be beneficial. They enhance the look of your bedroom and provide support when sitting up in bed. A headboard can also help prevent the mattress from sliding and stop pillows from falling behind the bed when the base is lifted. However, ensure you choose a headboard that doesn’t interfere with lifting the bed.

Are ottoman beds easy to assemble?

Assembling an ottoman bed usually takes between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on the design. Most come with instructions and usually require two people to assemble.

Ottoman divan beds are usually easier to assemble. Apart from single sizes, divans typically have two sections which clip or join together. You must also fit the castors, glides, or legs provided into the pre-drilled holes underneath the divan.

Ottoman bed frames take longer to assemble as they often come in several sections, such as a headboard, foot end, side rails and support systems.

Fixing the gas struts or pistons to the bed base and the lid tends to be the most challenging step during assembly. However, some divans may come with the mechanism already attached to the base, making assembly quicker and easier.

If you have concerns about assembling an ottoman bed yourself, many retailers offer an assembly service for a small extra cost. It is usually a safer option, especially if the assembly team has experience with ottoman beds.

Final thoughts

Ottoman beds are a great option if you have a small property or bedroom and want to maximise your storage space. However, some people may still find them difficult to operate, even with mechanical assistance. Also, ensure your mattress is compatible and does not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.