We all want to get the most out of our living space, which includes being clever about storage. Luckily, plenty of handy solutions can help us tuck things away neatly and tidily, with ottoman beds being one of our favourites.
Ottoman beds are very versatile. They not only provide a comfy place to sleep but also a hidden storage compartment, which you can access by lifting the base.
Storing belongings in an ottoman bed can be more convenient than stuffing them under a conventional one because everything is easy to get to. Once you have an ottoman bed, the days of lying on your belly and pulling out boxes one by one will be behind you. Your things won’t get as dusty either because the storage space is enclosed.
Plus, while divan-style beds with pull-out drawers are handy storage solutions for some, ottoman designs generally have more space. They’re also better suited to smaller rooms where you might not have clearance to open drawers.
If you’re tempted to add an ottoman bed to your home, the sheer choice on the market might feel daunting. To give you a hand, we’ve pulled together this list of our favourite models – plus what to consider before you buy.
What to consider when choosing an ottoman bed

It’s worth remembering that not all ottoman beds are made equal – and plenty of designs exist to suit all needs. Here are a few things to consider before shopping for an ottoman bed…
1. Size
You can find ottoman beds of any size – from single to emperor. However, it’s important to measure your space beforehand, making sure you have enough clearance to lift the lid and access the storage space.
2. Style
Ottoman beds also come in many styles. So, whether you’d like a velvet, four-poster design or a low bed with a wooden finish, you’re sure to find something.
3. Storage capacity
Storage capacity for ottoman beds is usually measured in litres. Some styles of ottoman – for example, raised and low platform beds – naturally have less storage space, so you may have to compromise between aesthetics and practicality.
4. Side-opening or end-opening
You can choose between ottomans that open from the side of the bed or the foot. Side-opening designs are great for smaller spaces because you can place one flank against the wall.
While some models are designed to open on only one side, others allow you to choose a side when assembling.
5. Lifting mechanism
Most ottoman beds use a gas-lift mechanism to help you raise the base of the bed – similar to the one you’d find on a car boot or in an office chair.
However, some ottomans are easier to lift than others so, if you can, it’s worth trying one out in a display room before buying. Just remember the weight of your mattress will affect how easy it is to lift.
You could also consider an ottoman bed with an electric lifting mechanism. These are generally triggered by a remote and don’t involve physical exertion. However, electric ottomans are typically more expensive and need a nearby power supply.
6. Slatted or divan
Ottoman bed bases (the part your mattress lies on) come in several styles. Firstly, you can choose from a slatted or divan style.
Slatted bases provide better airflow, so they’re ideal for hot sleepers. On the other hand, divan bases can give your bed a firmer feel and help prolong the life of your mattress. Divan beds are generally a little more compact, too, because the mattress sits on the frame instead of inside it. However, they tend to be pricier than slatted ones.
7. Sprung or solid
The second thing you’ll need to consider when choosing an ottoman bed base is whether you’d like it sprung or solid. Sprung bases use springs or slightly bowed slats to give a bouncier feel, while solid bases tend to be firmer and provide more support.
Different mattresses work best with certain bases, so it’s important to check which is best for yours before deciding on a model.
8 of the best ottoman beds to buy
1) Argos Home Lavendon Double Side Open Ottoman Bed Frame

Credit: Argos
Best budget option
From £210.00
If you’re shopping for an ottoman bed on a budget, this double, side-open design from Argos Home is a great choice. Described by reviewers as unexpectedly good quality for the price, it sports a neutral, faux leather design that’ll look at home in any contemporary space.
While the Lavendon is only available in two colourways (grey and black), you can size down for a single or up for a king (which are both end-opening). The double is side-opening but you can choose left or right upon assembly.
2) Dusk Madison Ottoman Storage Bed

Credit: Dusk
Best mid-range option
£343.00
Available in double, king, and super king, the Good Housekeeping Institute named the Madison the best bed frame on the market, and it seems reviewers agree – with one declaring it “the Beyonce of beds”.
Not only does it provide oodles of storage, but it’s simple to put together and easy to open and close. The 141cm headboard and matte velvet upholstery will add a touch of royalty to any space. We’ve picked it as our best mid-range option, but the Madison is still cheaper than many ottomans out there.
3) Snooze Nocturne Ottoman Bed Frame

Credit: Bensons for Beds
Best premium option
From £1,699.99
The modern, versatile design of the Snooze Nocturne will fit perfectly into various spaces. However, if the fluted Nocturne headboard doesn’t suit your tastes, you can choose from five others at different price points – for example, the scrolled Moonshine or buttoned Nightfall. Buyers also have their pick of nine velvet and woven fabrics in a range of colours.
What’s more, the Snooze range comes with free assembly and a five-year guarantee.
4) Simba Ottoman Beds

Credit: Simba
Best for customisation
From £669
While the Snooze Nocturne offers plenty of customisation, Simba’s ottoman range goes a few steps further.
As well as giving buyers frame, size, and colour options (there are a whopping 34 shades), the Yorkshire-based bed builder offers a choice of lifting mechanisms – including end, side, and electric. You can even customise tiny details, like the leg finish, to make sure your new bed suits your home perfectly.
5) Wilson Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

Credit: Dreams
Best side-opening option
From £449
Boasting a 4.8 rating from over four thousand customer ratings, the Wilson is one of the best-reviewed side-opening ottomans.
With a floor-to-base height of 30cm, it’s quite low, which may not be suited to people with limited mobility. The Wilson’s lower build also means it doesn’t have as much storage as other models on this list.
However, a few extra perks make the Wilson an appealing choice. As well as getting a quality bed for a relatively low price, matching bedside chests and blanket boxes are available for anyone looking to kit out their room.
6) Carson Oak Rattan Wooden Ottoman Storage Bed

Credit: Happy Beds
Best wooden finish
From £524.99
Many ottoman beds are upholstered with materials like velvet or faux leather. However, there are plenty of great wooden options, too.
This model from Happy Beds sports a stylish oak finish and a rattan-style headboard. It’s a particularly good option for those with boho or Scandinavian-inspired spaces and is available in double and king-sizes.
7) Continental Half Ottoman Divan Bed

Credit: John Lewis
Best half ottoman
£729.00
If you can’t decide between an ottoman or a divan-style bed with drawers, why not have the best of both worlds with this model from John Lewis?
One half of the bed pulls up like a typical ottoman, revealing a spacious nook for bulky items like coats or spare bedding. The other half contains two pull-out drawers – perfect for storing smaller things like pyjamas.
8) Mirage storage bed

Credit: Furl
Best ottoman that doesn’t look like an ottoman
From £1,730
To make room for the storage space, most ottomans sport a boxy frame that extends down to the floor. If you aren’t a fan of this design, you might be put off buying an ottoman bed altogether – but this model proves you don’t need to be.
Manufacturer Furl claims that visitors walk past the Mirage in their showroom completely unaware that it’s a storage bed and we can see why. The sleek, raised design hides storage up to a depth of 38cm (depending on what size you get).
Plus, there are an impressive number of customisation options – including over 100 fabrics and colours.
Final thoughts…
Ottoman beds can be a game-changer for anyone looking for more storage – whether you live in a small or large space. Hopefully, this list has shown that there’s one out there for everyone – no matter your budget or style preferences.
For more interior design and space-saving tips, head over to our home and garden section. Here, you’ll find articles on everything from decluttering and sofa trends to interviews with interior design experts like Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Do you own an ottoman bed? Or are you thinking about getting one? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.