What Is an Ottoman Bed? The Complete UK Guide

An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a base that lifts on gas struts, revealing a large storage compartment underneath the entire mattress area. It's one of the most space-efficient beds you can buy — hidden storage without sacrificing floor space.

What does "ottoman" mean on a bed?

The term comes from the traditional ottoman — a cushioned box-like seat or footstool with a hinged, storage-holding lid, popular in furniture since the 18th century. An ottoman bed borrows the same lift-up storage principle and scales it up to a full bed base.

How does an ottoman bed work?

The mattress platform is hinged at one end and supported by a pair of gas struts (similar to a car boot). Lift the mattress end and the struts do the heavy lifting, holding the base open so you can access the storage well beneath. Lower it gently and the struts control the descent.

How much storage do you get?

Because the whole base lifts, storage runs the full length and width of the bed — often several hundred litres depending on size. Read how much storage an ottoman bed really has for exact figures by size.

Ottoman bed vs divan bed: what's the difference?

A divan has a solid or drawer-fitted base with no lifting mechanism — storage is limited to a few drawers at most. An ottoman bed's entire base lifts, giving dramatically more storage in the same footprint. See our full ottoman vs divan comparison.

Side-lift or end-lift?

Ottoman beds open from either the side (along the long edge) or the end (at the foot), depending on the frame and your room layout — most of our beds let you choose.

What sizes are available?

Ottoman beds come in every standard UK size: single, small double, double, king and super king. See our ottoman bed sizes guide.

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