Whether you rent or own, space - or rather the lack of it, means most of us are forever on the hunt for helpful hacks to conjure storage out of thin air.
The tiny house movement has helped pave the way forward, showing us through TikToks and Instagram Reels the ingenious ways by which you can make your home feel spacious, even if the square footage is anything but.
In the bedroom, one of the prime spots for storage is under the bed. This empty area under the mattress and bed slats is perfect for storing out-of-season clothing, spare bedding and extra towels. The thing is, it’s not always the most accessible place to reach; especially if your knees aren’t what they were.
Still, no need to cram even more stuff into already overflowing drawers. That treasure of under-bed storage is yours for the taking; all you need to do is upgrade your bed frame to an ottoman design.
What is an ottoman bed?
You might be able to guess that an ottoman bed has foreign origins. Hailing from Turkey, once the centre of the mighty Ottoman Empire, the concept began in benches and living room stools before graduating onto beds.
What are the benefits of having an ottoman bed?
Storage, pure and simple. The bed’s base lifts up with the help of gas-powered pistons to reveal a huge chasm of space underneath. The lift can be end-of-bed or from either side, which is helpful if your bed is set up against a wall or you’re working with a small space
Often the storage space is just one large area, but a few designs split the space into two. That’s no bad thing; all the easier to organise your excess stuff. Other ottomans combine a lift with drawers to make things you don’t need often easier to stow away (think seasonal decorations and camping gear), and stuff you do need much easier to access when you’re in a hurry - things like towels, blankets and spare bedding.
Are ottoman beds expensive?
You’d think there would be an extra price to pay for all that unlocked storage, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised because ottoman beds won’t throw a grenade into your bank balance. Most hover around the £300 - £400 mark for a double size, although they are of course available in all standard UK bed sizes.
Whether you want to make your small bedroom work harder or just despise clutter, an ottoman can keep your bedroom looking and feeling like the tranquil retreat it's supposed to be.
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Divan Base Direct Signature Ottoman Storage End Lift Divan Bed Base
Combine a divan base with an ottoman-style opening and what do you get? One hardworking bed frame that gives you plenty of storage too. A headboard and mattresses can be added onto the base purchase, allowing you to get everything you need in one go, or you can forgo the extras if you already have the other bedding bits in place.
Made from white wood and boasting an end lift, the under-bed storage is divided into two compartments, making it easier to organise your things. The frame is finished with upholstery which comes in various colours to suit your space.
Buy now £499.95, Divan Base Direct
Divan Base Direct Grandeur Luxury Side Lift Ottoman Divan Bed Base
If you’re yearning to create a clutter-free zone in your bedroom but your cupboards and drawers are already full to bursting, an ottoman divan base can unlock the extra room you need.
This option features a gas piston side lift allowing you fast access from one end while keeping your mattress stable on top. Strong corner joints and reinforced edges add to the durability of the design. Comes with a one-year warranty.
Buy now £439.95, Divan Base Direct
Home Treats Upholstered Bed Single
An ottoman-style bed makes a fantastic addition to spare rooms, giving you space to store extra duvets and bedclothes, preventing wardrobes from looking overstuffed.
This bed, finished with pale grey-coloured linen, lifts to reveal a swathe of space under the strong spun wooden slats. Putting the bed together is a self-assembly job, so one to crack out the toolbox for.
Buy now £184.99, Amazon
Copenhagen Upholstered Ottoman TV Bed - Shell
Offering an elegant take on the TV bed, this design from Time4Sleep is another space-saver. It features ottoman storage beneath the sprung slatted base (with three times more storage space than a traditional drawer divan) plus space for a TV measuring a max of 42 inches at the foot, easily lifted up and down with the help of a remote control.
There’s even a shelf in the base of the bed to store gaming consoles.
Buy now £849.00, Time4Sleep
Dreams Drift Gaming Ottoman TV Bed Frame
Could this be the ultimate in gaming luxury? A bed that houses a TV so you needn’t even get out of bed to immerse yourself in new worlds.
Offered in small double, double and king sizes, Dreams’ option comes with a TV included in the purchase - choose from a 32-inch smart LED HD, 43-inch smart LED HD or a 43-inch smart 4K screen.
The souped-up specs don’t end there; find USB-C ports for charging on either side, under bed ottoman storage to a depth of 19cm and even mood lighting under the bed, behind the headboard and within the TV compartment. We’ve never been more excited to get into bed.
Buy now £1799.00, Dreams
Habitat Weetley Ottoman Double Bed Frame - Grey
It's not often you find ottoman beds with legs, but Habitat's stylish ottoman design gives the illusion of a regular bed while hiding 524 litres of storage beneath the covers. The luxe look uses a pneumatic system and sprung wooden slats to offer superior support to your mattress so there are no sagging spots. Comes with a one-year manufacturer's guarantee.
Buy now £440.00, Argos
Furniture Village Javier Ottoman Bed Frame
If you're spending more time than ever at home, and you're tired of the acceleration of wear and tear on furniture like beds, sofas and dining tables, it's time to secure yourself an upgrade for less. Swap your tired pieces for brand-new items at Furniture Village, which often sees markdowns in its sales. Case in point, this Javier Ottoman Bed Frame which comes with extra storage under the base and has £350 currently swiped off its RRP.
Buy now £1049.00, Furniture Village
DUSK Middleton Ottoman Storage Bed - Duck Egg
With a beautiful tall buttoned headboard and duck egg blue upholstery, this bed looks straight out of a country B&B. Lift the slatted base at the end, though, and you'll find a cavernous storage space, split horizontally to help you section your non-essentials. The design, which will require some assembly, is offered in double, king and superking sizes.
Buy now £330.00, DUSK
Happy Beds Rodley Oak Wooden Ottoman Storage Bed
Fan of the rustic look? So many ottomans are wrapped in upholstery so for those who have a thing for timber, this model offers a refreshing change. Clad in oak effect detail, it's much easier to clean while offering the same ample storage room for all your bits and bobs underneath.
Buy now £384.99, Happy Beds
Furniture123 Cream Fabric Double Ottoman Bed with Legs - Amara
Looking straight out of a country B&B, this upholstered bed frame comes complete with a buttoned Chesterfield headboard, making it look far more expensive than the ticket price. Also available in black and green options, the design features an end lift to access the storage space underneath, supporting up to 55kg when open which should be enough for most mattresses. Finished with a set of dark wood legs, the midcentury look promises to make the perfect focal point in any bedroom.
Buy now £479.97, Furniture123
