Most people buying an ottoman bed are solving a specific problem: a bedroom where storage and sleeping space are fighting for the same square footage. An ottoman bed uses a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress and base upward, revealing the full under-bed footprint as usable storage - no side clearance required. At Land of Beds, we stock over 200 ottoman beds across every size from single to super king, in fabric, wooden, and metal frames. Free mainland UK delivery, a Price Promise Guarantee, and honest advice from people who know this category properly come as standard.
Browse the full range below, or use our guide to find the right size, lift direction, and frame for your room. Our team is available seven days a week on 01928 242829.
An ottoman bed does one thing better than any other bed type: it converts the entire floor footprint of the bed into accessible storage without consuming a single extra centimetre of room space. No side clearance. No chest of drawers needed alongside it. The entire area beneath the mattress - from headboard to foot, side to side - lifts clear when you need it and disappears when you do not.
The decision is not usually whether an ottoman is better than a standard frame. The decision is whether storage is a priority - and if it is, which lift direction and size gives the best result for the room.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Lift direction | End-lift or side-lift determines where you stand to access storage and which direction the mechanism opens toward. The wrong choice means the bed cannot open properly in the room. | Which end or side of the bed has at least 50-60cm of clear space in the room layout |
| Gas-lift weight limit | The gas struts are rated for a maximum mattress weight. A very heavy mattress (thick pocket spring or hybrid) can make the mechanism stiffer or exceed its rating. | Check the product's stated weight limit against your intended mattress. Most ottoman bases work best with mattresses up to approximately 35-40kg. |
| Base construction | The base quality affects mattress lifespan just as much as on any other bed. A slatted platform inside the ottoman cavity should have slat spacing no greater than 7cm for most mattress types. | Slat spacing, whether the base is solid platform or slatted, and whether the base type is compatible with your mattress |
| Storage cavity depth | Internal cavity height varies between models. Most ottomans offer 25-35cm of clearance below the slat platform - enough for duvets, pillows, and seasonal clothing but not always for tall luggage. | Check the internal cavity height on the product listing if tall items need to fit |
Before choosing any storage bed, apply this in order:
Ottoman if the room does not have 60cm of side clearance for drawers, or if maximum capacity is the priority.
Drawers if daily access to specific items matters more than total capacity, and 60cm of side clearance is confirmed on the drawer side.
Divan with no storage if the priority is the best possible base for the mattress and storage is handled elsewhere.
Frame only if storage is being handled elsewhere and the bed is intended as a design feature.
Maria Jones, Land of Beds Sales Director with 18 years of experience: the 60cm clearance rule is the most commonly missed detail when buying a storage bed. Drawer beds need 60cm of clear space on the side the drawers open toward. In rooms where the bed sits close to a wall - which includes the majority of standard UK bedrooms - that clearance often does not exist. An ottoman in the same room opens straight up and requires nothing on either side. It is the first question I ask, before anything else about the room.
| Ottoman Bed | Bed with Drawers | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Maximum - the entire under-bed footprint | Medium - two to three drawers per side |
| Access method | Lift the base upward - no bending to floor level | Pull out at floor level - no lifting |
| Clearance needed | None on the sides - base lifts straight up | 60cm on the drawer side - often unavailable |
| Best for daily items | Less convenient for items accessed every day | Better - drawers at floor level suit regular access |
| Best for bulk storage | Yes - duvets, seasonal clothing, luggage | No - limited by drawer dimensions |
| Can replace a chest of drawers? | Yes - at double size and above, frequently does | Partially - depends on drawer count and size |
| Room layout flexibility | High - can sit against any wall | Lower - must have clearance on at least one side |
Our recommendation: apply the 60cm rule first. Measure the space on both sides of where the bed will sit. If 60cm is not available on either side, ottoman is the only practical storage option. If 60cm is available, choose drawers for items you access daily and ottoman for maximum capacity.
This is the most overlooked decision in ottoman bed buying. Getting it wrong means the bed opens toward a wall or piece of furniture.
| End-Lift Ottoman | Side-Lift Ottoman | |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Lifts from the foot end - you stand at the foot of the bed | Lifts from one side - you stand alongside the bed |
| Clearance needed to open | At the foot of the bed - typically 50-60cm | On the lift side - typically 60-70cm |
| Most common in the range | Yes - end-lift is the more widely available configuration | Less common but available across key styles |
| Best when | The sides of the bed are close to walls or bedside tables | The foot of the bed faces a wall, wardrobe, or fitted furniture |
| Mattress weight | Slightly easier to lift heavier mattresses due to leverage | Requires more clearance but gives easier standing access |
The most common ottoman return reason is a bed that opens toward a wall that cannot be moved. Always confirm which end or side has clearance before choosing a lift configuration - not after.
Choose an end-lift ottoman if:
Choose a side-lift ottoman if:
Choose a fabric or upholstered ottoman if:
Choose a wooden ottoman if:
Choose a divan ottoman if:
Our verdict: for most couples in a smaller main bedroom, a double ottoman is the single most impactful purchase they make. It solves storage without consuming floor space, without needing side clearance, and without needing a chest of drawers. It is the configuration we recommend most consistently - and the one customers say changes how the room feels more than anything else they bought.
| Size | Approx. Storage Footprint | Practical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (90cm) | Approx. 90 x 190cm floor area | Bedding, seasonal clothing, one person's storage | Compact adult bedrooms; teenagers wanting a wardrobe alternative |
| Small Double (120cm) | Approx. 120 x 190cm floor area | Often replaces a small chest of drawers | Compact guest rooms; solo adult bedrooms with limited furniture space |
| Double (135cm) | Approx. 135 x 190cm floor area | Consistently replaces a full chest of drawers | Main bedrooms where storage and sleeping space compete for the same room |
| King Size (150cm) | Approx. 150 x 200cm floor area | Exceptional - all bedding, seasonal clothing, and more | Main bedrooms where maximum storage capacity is the priority |
| Super King (180cm) | Approx. 180 x 200cm floor area | The largest available storage footprint in a standard bed | Larger main bedrooms; maximum under-bed capacity |
For size guidance on which bed size suits your room, see our UK Bed Size Guide or browse by size: double ottoman beds, king ottoman beds, super king ottoman beds.
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric / Upholstered Ottoman | Padded headboard; soft finish; wide range of colours and fabrics | Bedrooms where the bed is the room's design focal point |
| Wooden Ottoman | Solid or engineered wood frame; warm natural finish | Classic, Scandi, or natural interior styles |
| Metal Ottoman | Slim frame; lightweight; open structure promotes airflow | Minimalist or vintage rooms; guest rooms |
| Divan Ottoman | Solid upholstered divan base with gas-lift mechanism; lower profile | Most practical, space-efficient configuration |
| Platform Ottoman | Slatted platform base inside the ottoman cavity | Most widely available; works with most mattress types |
| Budget | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £400 | Entry-level frames - basic fabric or metal, functional mechanism, limited style choice | Guest rooms; bedrooms where storage is the primary goal |
| £400 to £800 | Better construction, wider material choice, more reliable mechanism over time. Where most main bedroom buyers land. | A main bedroom used every night - where storage and durability both matter |
| £800 to £1,200 | Premium materials - high-end fabric or solid wood, smoother mechanism, better base construction | Long-term investment; pairing with a premium mattress |
| £1,200 and above | Luxury construction and finishes. Built for years of daily use. | Statement bedrooms; buyers pairing with a quality mattress |
0% finance from 3 to 48 months. Price Promise Guarantee on every order. See our finance page for details.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an ottoman bed? | An ottoman bed uses a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress and base upward from one end or one side, revealing the full under-bed footprint as accessible storage. Unlike drawer beds, an ottoman requires no side clearance to open - the base lifts straight up. The storage cavity typically runs the full length and width of the bed, giving considerably more capacity than any drawer configuration. |
| Are ottoman beds hard to lift? | No. The gas struts do the work - most ottoman bases require only light pressure to raise, and the struts hold the base open hands-free while you access the storage. The main consideration is mattress weight: a very heavy mattress (thick pocket spring or hybrid over approximately 40kg) can make the mechanism slightly stiffer. Check the individual product's weight guidance before pairing with a heavy mattress. |
| What is the difference between end-lift and side-lift ottoman beds? | An end-lift ottoman opens from the foot of the bed - you stand at the foot end and lift upward. A side-lift opens from one side - you stand alongside it and lift. End-lift is more common and better suited to rooms where the sides of the bed are close to walls or bedside tables. Side-lift suits rooms where the foot faces a wall or fitted wardrobe. Always check which end or side of the room has clearance before choosing a lift direction. |
| Can an ottoman bed replace a chest of drawers? | At double size and above, yes - consistently and completely in many cases. A double ottoman provides approximately 135 x 190cm of under-bed storage at a depth of typically 25-35cm. That footprint holds all bedding, seasonal clothing, spare pillows, and luggage that a standard chest of drawers would hold - with no additional floor space consumed. The chest-of-drawers replacement argument is strongest in smaller main bedrooms where every square metre matters. |
| How much clearance does an ottoman bed need? | No side clearance is required - the ottoman lifts straight up from one end or one side. The clearance you need is at the opening end: approximately 50-60cm at the foot of the bed for an end-lift, or on the lift side for a side-lift. This is considerably less demanding than a drawer bed, which needs 60cm of permanent clear space on the drawer side regardless of whether the drawers are being used. |
| Are ottoman beds suitable for all mattress types? | Most ottoman beds work with pocket spring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses. The key check is mattress weight - the gas-lift mechanism is rated to a maximum load. Very thick or heavy mattresses (generally over approximately 40kg) can place excessive load on the gas struts. Always check the product's stated maximum mattress weight before ordering. Some ottoman bases are not suitable for very firm or coil-spring mattresses due to slat spacing. |
| What size ottoman bed should I buy? | The same size as you would buy for your room and sleeping needs - the ottoman mechanism does not change the sleeping surface size. For storage purposes, bigger ottomans hold proportionally more. A double ottoman is the most impactful choice for a smaller main bedroom. A king ottoman at that size becomes the highest-capacity storage option in a standard bedroom. |
| Do ottoman beds last as long as standard frames? | Yes, with normal use. The gas-lift mechanism is typically reliable for 10 years or more. If it starts to feel stiffer than when new, this usually means the gas pressure needs checking - not that the bed needs replacing. Frame quality follows the same durability curve as standard beds. |
| Do you offer free delivery on ottoman beds? | Yes. All ottoman beds are delivered free to mainland UK addresses with no minimum spend. Ottoman beds are typically delivered flat-pack in two to three boxes. Professional assembly is available as an add-on service. Old bed removal and recycling is also available. |
| Can I buy an ottoman bed on finance? | Yes. 0% finance from 3 to 48 months on eligible orders. Land of Beds works with multiple finance partners, including a more inclusive option for customers not approved through traditional routes. See our finance page for eligibility. |
Third-generation family business, founded 1974. Over 100,000 beds sold. Genuinely independent - not tied to any manufacturer. 9,000+ verified Trustpilot reviews, rated Excellent. Free mainland UK delivery on every order. Price Promise Guarantee. 0% finance from 3 to 48 months.
Choosing the right lift direction for the room is the most important detail - and the one most people miss. Our team can talk through your room layout before you order. Call us on 01928 242829, visit either showroom, or use live chat - we're open seven days a week and there's no obligation to buy.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Phone: 01928 242829 | Speak directly with a bed expert. Seven days a week. |
| Live chat | Fast responses during opening hours. |
| In-store (Helsby, Cheshire / Wigan, Greater Manchester) | See ottoman beds in person. Open seven days a week. |
