9 best ottoman beds for a stylish answer to your clutter crisis, tested & reviewed

If you're looking for a bed that comes with as much built-in storage as possible, then an ottoman is definitely your best bet.

“Divan beds usually have one or two storage drawers built into their base, and are therefore best-suited to keeping clothing and smaller items,” explains Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK. “But for the ultimate in clutter-free calm, only an ottoman design gives you easy access to the bed's interior space.”

Scott Shields, CEO of Get Laid Beds, agrees that storage is often a deciding factor when it comes to bedroom furniture. “Ottoman beds are often the perfect choice, thanks to their lifting internal base, allowing ample under-bed storage. But this extra room doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style – wooden frames are often subtle with simple lines creating the perfect centrepiece to any bedroom. Coming in a variety of colours and sizes, you will not have to choose between style and functionality.”

In fact, the average ottoman bed can store up to four times more than a divan bed – and the clever gas-hydraulic mechanisms mean you're also going to be less likely to injure yourself when accessing your storage. Win, win.

As you won't need room either side of your bed – with an end-opening ottoman, that is – to open any bed drawers, ottoman beds allow you to take advantage of the full width of small bedrooms, should you need.

So it's important to measure your room and visualise whether you'll want bedside tables, room for a foot rug or any other accessories.

For singles, we'd recommend a small double or double for ultimate comfort, and likewise king size ottoman beds, or super king size, will provide ample space for couples. That said, single ottoman beds can be a godsend for tiny spare bedrooms or box rooms. Of course, it's important to consider the size of your existing mattress too, and check that you haven't owned a small double all this time under the impression you were kipping on a double.

Ottoman beds typically have one of two bases: sprung slatted or a solid board base.

Jade notes that “a sprung-slatted bed base is made up of a series of curved wooden slats that are set within a frame. The design of the slats provides a slight give, which can enhance comfort by offering better support and cushioning compared to a bed with a solid base.”

Michael Buckle, Head of Buying at Dreams, says: “Ottoman beds usually come with either a solid base or sprung slats, and both have their benefits depending on your preference. A solid base, also known as a platform base, gives you a sturdy, flat surface that feels similar to a divan bed. It provides all-over support and a firmer feel, making it a great option if you prefer that extra level of stability. Sprung slats have slightly curved wooden slats that add a bit more flexibility and shock absorption. They create a softer feel and also allow air to flow through, which helps keep your mattress cool and fresh.”

Scott adds that the three key things to consider are “weight, size, and base. The most important thing to consider is sizing. Make sure you match the measurements of the mattress to the exact internal base of your bed; this will avoid the mattress sliding when you lift the base. Gas struts make lifting the mattress smooth and effortless, but only if they are correctly matched to the weight of the mattress. When we supply the mattress, we pair it with the right struts. If our assembly team find a heavier mattress on site, they simply upgrade the struts to the appropriate strength so the lifting action remains easy.”

Choosing between an end opening ottoman and a side opening ottoman really comes down to your space and how you’ll use it.

Scott explains: “The right option depends entirely on your bedroom layout, how you use the space and your daily routines. At Get Laid Beds, we developed end-opening Ottomans. After extensive product testing and years of customer feedback, it is clear that this design is the most practical and reliable for our customers.

“An end-opening Ottoman gives you full access to storage without awkward angles. It works in almost every bedroom layout and is easier to use day to day. We tested different approaches, but the foot-opening design consistently came out on top for durability, ease of lifting, and convenience. That is why it is central to our range.

“If you are considering an Ottoman bed, we would always recommend choosing an end-opening model. It will give you the best balance of storage space, ease of use and long-lasting performance.”

Michael adds: “The best choice really depends on your room layout and personal preference as if you’ve got more space at the foot of the bed, an end-opening ottoman works perfectly as you simply lift the base from the foot end to reveal your storage. In smaller rooms, or if your bed is tucked against a wall, a side-opening ottoman is often more practical.”

So if you’ve got the space, an end-opening ottoman is a no-brainer for full access and versatility. But if space is tight, a side opening ottoman can be a total lifesaver.

Most ottoman beds are designed to work with a variety of mattresses, so you’ve got plenty of options. But to get the most out of your bed (and your sleep), there are a few things to keep in mind.

Scott says: “For the best results, a lighter mattress is a good idea. Memory foam and pocket sprung options are ideal, as they are supportive and easy to open with one hand.”

He also points out that: “Gas struts make lifting the mattress smooth and effortless, but only if they are correctly matched to the weight of the mattress… The same applies when our assembly team visits. If they find a heavier mattress on site, they simply upgrade the struts to the appropriate strength so the lifting action remains easy.”

Michael agrees that mattress weight matters. “Most mattresses work well with an ottoman bed, but the right choice depends on the type of base. If you have a solid or platform base, your mattress will feel firmer, so a softer mattress can help balance the comfort. With sprung slats, the natural flex adds cushioning and airflow, so pairing it with a slightly firmer mattress often works best. The only other thing to keep in mind is weight as heavier mattresses may need stronger pistons, so always check the bed’s weight capacity to ensure it can lift your mattress with ease.”

In a word – no. Michael explains: “Ottoman beds are designed with gas-lift pistons (similar to a car bonnet), so the mechanism does most of the heavy lifting for you. Once you start to pull, the pistons take over, making it easy to raise the mattress and access the hidden storage space underneath.”

Scott agrees: “Ottoman beds are designed for easy access to bed storage. The entire mattress internal base lifts smoothly from the foot of the bed using a stylish leather strap, making it far more convenient than drawers, as there is no need to kneel down. A gas-strut-assisted system does the heavy lifting for you, so opening the bed is simple. Just be mindful if your partner is having a nap on the bed, as it lifts the whole mattress.”