If your bedroom never seems to have enough storage, an ottoman bed quietly solves the problem you walk past every day. By lifting the whole mattress platform on gas struts, it turns the dead space under your bed into a deep, dust-free store for duvets, suitcases and seasonal clothes — without adding a single centimetre to the room’s footprint. This guide explains exactly how ottoman beds work, how much they hold, which lift mechanism suits you, and how to be sure one will fit before you buy.
1. How an ottoman bed works
An ottoman bed looks like an ordinary upholstered or wooden bed, but the entire sleeping platform — slats, mattress and all — is hinged at one edge and counter-balanced by a pair of gas-lift struts, the same type used on car boot lids. You grip a strap or the base rail, lift gently, and the struts take the weight so the platform rises smoothly and stays open on its own. Underneath is a single, uninterrupted storage cavity that runs almost the full size of the bed.
The clever part is the counter-balancing. A good ottoman is tuned so that once you have lifted the platform past roughly 30 degrees, the gas struts carry it the rest of the way, and it holds steady at full height with no propping or holding required. Closing is just as controlled: a firm push releases the struts and the platform settles down slowly rather than dropping. Because nothing slides outward, you never need clearance at the side of the bed — unlike a divan with drawers, which needs walking room to pull each drawer open.
2. Who an ottoman bed suits
Ottoman beds earn their keep anywhere storage is tight and floor space is precious. They are the obvious answer for small bedrooms, box rooms and city flats where there is no room for a chest of drawers or a separate blanket box. Because the storage is hidden and the bed looks completely conventional when closed, they also suit anyone who wants a calm, uncluttered bedroom rather than visible storage furniture.
They are especially worth considering if you:
- Live in a flat or new-build with limited built-in storage and no loft.
- Need somewhere to keep bulky seasonal items — winter duvets, spare pillows, summer fans, suitcases — that you only reach for a few times a year.
- Want to free up a wardrobe or chest of drawers for everyday clothes by moving long-term storage under the bed.
- Have a guest room that doubles as a study and needs to swallow bedding and clutter quickly when visitors arrive.
They are less ideal if you have mobility issues that make lifting awkward, if your ceiling slopes low over the bed, or if you genuinely never store anything and would rather save money on a simpler frame. In those cases a standard bed from our wider beds range, or a divan with drawers, may serve you better.
3. How much storage you actually get
The honest answer is: a surprising amount. A double ottoman typically gives you a storage cavity around 135cm wide, 190cm long and 25–30cm deep — comfortably over 600 litres of usable space. That swallows two winter duvets, four or five pillows, a couple of cabin cases and a stack of spare bedding with room to spare. A king-size ottoman pushes well past 700 litres, and even a single offers around 300 litres, which is more than most chests of drawers hold.
What matters as much as volume is that the space is one continuous void rather than divided into drawers, so it takes awkward, bulky items a drawer never could. The table below gives realistic internal figures, though exact depth varies by frame and mattress height.
| Size | Approx. internal area | Usable depth | Rough capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (90cm) | 85 × 188cm | 22–28cm | ~300 litres |
| Small double (120cm) | 115 × 188cm | 24–30cm | ~470 litres |
| Double (135cm) | 130 × 188cm | 24–30cm | ~620 litres |
| King (150cm) | 145 × 198cm | 26–32cm | ~720 litres |
| Super king (180cm) | 175 × 198cm | 26–32cm | ~870 litres |
To protect what you store, keep heavier items toward the hinged end where the platform is most stable, and use breathable storage bags rather than sealed plastic so trapped moisture can escape. Vacuum bags are excellent for duvets and bulky bedding, halving their volume and keeping them clean between seasons.
4. Side-lift, end-lift and half-opening
Ottoman beds open in one of a few ways, and which you choose should be driven by how your bedroom is laid out rather than by looks alone.
- End-lift (foot-opening): the platform hinges at the head of the bed and lifts from the foot end. This is the most popular choice for beds pushed lengthways against a wall, as it needs clear space only at the foot. It is generally the easiest to load because you approach the cavity straight on.
- Side-lift: the platform hinges along one long side. Ideal when the bed sits with its long side accessible — for example in the middle of a larger room or against a headboard wall with space along one side. Side-lift can be slightly easier to reach into across the width.
- Half-opening: only one half of the base lifts, usually on a smaller single or for a bed where full clearance isn’t possible. It stores less but suits very low-ceilinged or awkward spaces.
For most UK bedrooms, where the bed sits with its head against a wall and its foot toward the door, an end-lift ottoman is the safest default. If you are tucking the bed into an alcove or against a side wall, measure which end stays clear and choose accordingly.
5. Sizes and the space you need
Ottoman beds come in the full range of UK sizes, from single (90 × 190cm) through small double (120 × 190cm), double (135 × 190cm), king (150 × 200cm) and super king (180 × 200cm). The mattress sizes are identical to any other bed, so you are not restricted in your mattress choice. If you want to brush up on the exact dimensions, our bed and mattress size guide sets every UK size out in centimetres.
The footprint of an ottoman is the same as a conventional bed of the same size — the storage is gained vertically, not horizontally — so it is the storage solution of choice when floor space is already at a premium. When planning the room, remember to allow:
- At least 70cm of walking space along any side you use to get in and out.
- Clear headroom above the lifting end, as covered above.
- Door-swing and access for delivery — ottoman bases are bulky single pieces and can be heavier than a flat-pack frame.
If you are furnishing a tight room, our small-space furniture ideas apply just as well to bedrooms: choose pieces that earn their footprint twice over, exactly as an ottoman does. You can browse the full range any time on our dedicated ottoman beds page.
6. Frames, gas struts and slats
The lift mechanism is the heart of an ottoman bed, so it pays to understand what separates a good one from a frustrating one. The two gas struts should be rated to your bed’s size — heavier platforms need stronger struts — and a quality bed will lift smoothly with one hand and hold open without creeping shut. Cheaper struts can feel either too stiff to start or too weak to hold, and they wear out faster.
Underneath, look for a sprung slatted base. Curved, sprung beech or birch slats flex with your body, cushion the mattress and improve airflow, which helps a mattress breathe and last longer. The slats should be securely fixed to the lifting frame so nothing shifts as the platform rises. The base lining matters too: a fabric-covered or boarded floor to the cavity keeps stored items clean and stops them snagging.
Frame style is a matter of taste and durability. Upholstered ottomans in linen-weave or velvet bring softness and a hotel-suite feel, and pair beautifully with a padded headboard; check the fabric is removable or wipeable where you can. Wooden and faux-leather frames are easy to keep clean and hard-wearing. Whatever the finish, the same care principles apply across the home — our furniture care guide covers keeping upholstery and timber looking their best.
7. Choosing the right mattress
Because an ottoman uses standard mattress sizes, you have a free hand — but weight and breathability deserve a thought. A very heavy mattress (a thick pocket-sprung and memory combination can top 30kg in a king) makes the platform heavier to lift, so if anyone using the bed finds lifting hard, lean toward a lighter foam or hybrid. The gas struts are sized to cope, but a lighter mattress always feels easier day to day.
Airflow is the other consideration. A closed storage cavity gets less ventilation than open space under a slatted frame, so choose a breathable mattress and lift the platform occasionally to let air circulate, particularly in the first few weeks of use and in colder, damper months. Our mattress buying guide walks through tension, fillings and how to match a mattress to how you sleep, and you can shop the range directly under mattresses.
8. Living with and caring for an ottoman bed
Ottoman beds are low-maintenance, but a few habits keep the mechanism sweet for years. Open and close the platform slowly and centrally rather than yanking from one corner, which keeps the struts and hinges evenly loaded. Avoid overpacking above the frame line — the lid needs to close flat onto the base, and a bulging duvet stops it sealing properly. Every few months, run a quick check that both struts still hold the platform open firmly; struts are replaceable parts if one ever weakens.
For upholstered frames, vacuum the fabric with a soft brush head and treat marks promptly with a cloth barely damp with mild soapy water, testing an unseen patch first. Keep the bed a few centimetres off a radiator wall so the fabric and any stored bedding don’t bake. Inside the cavity, a folded throw or liner across the base protects stored items, and an occasional wipe keeps dust at bay. Treat ottoman storage as a considered store, not an overflow bin, and it will stay tidy and easy to use.
Done well, an ottoman becomes the most useful piece of furniture in the room — quietly absorbing the bedding, cases and seasonal clutter that would otherwise crowd your bedroom.
9. Buying with confidence
Choosing a bed online should feel reassuring, not risky. Every Elystra Living order arrives with fast delivery, and we back each purchase with a 30-day returns promise, so you have time to be sure it is right for your room once it’s in place. If you’d like to spread the cost, you can pay in interest-free instalments with Klarna at checkout — making it easy to choose the size and finish you really want rather than settling for less.
If you are weighing up sizes or frames, take a measure of your room first, check the headroom above the lifting end, and then browse the full collection on our ottoman beds page. Our team is always happy to help you choose the right size and lift type for your space.
Frequently asked questions
Are ottoman beds easy to lift?
Yes — the gas struts do almost all the work. Once you start the lift past the first 30 degrees or so, the platform rises on its own and holds open without being held. Choose a lighter mattress if anyone using the bed finds lifting awkward, as that makes the action even easier.
How much can you store under an ottoman bed?
A double typically offers around 600 litres of usable space and a king over 700 litres — roughly two winter duvets, several pillows, a couple of suitcases and spare bedding. Because it is one open cavity rather than drawers, it takes bulky, awkward items easily.
What is the difference between side-lift and end-lift?
End-lift beds hinge at the head and open from the foot, so they only need clear space at the foot of the bed — ideal for beds against a wall. Side-lift beds hinge along one long side and suit beds with a long side accessible. Choose based on which end or side of your bed stays clear.
Do ottoman beds need space at the side to open?
No. Unlike a drawer divan, nothing slides outward, so you don’t need walking room beside the bed. You do need clear headroom above the lifting end — usually 60–70cm — so the platform can swing fully up and over the hinge.
Can you use any mattress on an ottoman bed?
Yes, ottoman beds use standard UK mattress sizes, so any mattress of the matching size fits. Bear in mind that a very heavy mattress makes the platform heavier to lift, and that the closed cavity benefits from a breathable mattress with occasional airing.
Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms?
They are one of the best choices for small rooms. The storage is gained vertically, so the bed takes no more floor space than a standard frame, yet replaces a chest of drawers or blanket box. That makes them ideal for box rooms, flats and guest rooms.
Is the mattress safe stored items in the box?
Yes. Store items below the frame line so the platform closes flat, keep heavier things toward the hinged end, and use breathable bags rather than sealed plastic. A liner across the base keeps stored items clean and stops them snagging on the slats.
How long do the gas struts last?
Quality gas struts last for years of regular use. If one eventually weakens and the platform no longer holds firmly open, struts are inexpensive, replaceable parts — you don’t need a new bed. Opening and closing the platform slowly and centrally helps them last longer.
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