Are Ottoman Beds Worth It? Honest Pros & Cons

Ottoman beds aren't the right choice for everyone — but for the right room and lifestyle, the storage-to-space ratio is hard to beat. Here's the honest case for and against.

The pros

• Maximum hidden storage — the whole base lifts, unlike drawer storage which only uses a fraction of the space
• No visible clutter — bedding, seasonal clothes and boxes disappear completely
• Space-efficient for small rooms — replaces a chest of drawers or wardrobe overflow
• Modern styling options — available in velvet, bouclé and fabric finishes that suit contemporary bedrooms

The cons

• Heavier to assemble and move than a simple divan or bed frame
• Requires occasional maintenance — gas struts and bolts need checking over the years
• Costs more upfront than an equivalent non-storage frame, though it typically saves money vs buying separate storage furniture
• Less useful if you already have ample wardrobe space — the storage benefit is wasted if you don't need it

Who ottoman beds are genuinely worth it for

Anyone in a flat, small bedroom, or house without a loft/garage — the storage well can replace an entire chest of drawers' worth of space. Renters also benefit, since it's storage that moves with you rather than being built into the room.

When a divan or standard frame makes more sense

If you have generous existing storage and just want the simplest, lowest-maintenance bed, a standard divan may suit you better. See our full ottoman vs divan comparison.

Related reading

New to the concept? Read what is an ottoman bed? Shop our ottoman storage beds.