What Is the Purpose of an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed has an integrated storage system underneath the mattress base. Like the boot lid of a car, the base lifts on a gas hydraulic strut, revealing storage space underneath for bedding, shoes, or anything else you throw in there.

The benefits of ottoman beds are plentiful:

• Massive amount of storage
• Easy to access storage
• Hidden storage
• Wide range of bed styles
• Compact footprint
• Choice of materials (e.g., upholstery or wood)

Compared to other bed frames, ottoman beds offer the most practical storage solution and help to keep bedrooms tidy and clutter-free.

The only catch is ottoman beds typically cost more than regular bed frames because they have more moving parts and are more expensive to manufacture. However, the investment is worth it for the hidden storage on offer.

How do ottoman beds work?

Ottoman beds have a lift-up mattress base on a hydraulic gas strut. Your bed will have a fabric tab on the front or side for lifting the base, or you can pry your fingers between the base and bed frame to lift the platform.

The mattress platform will stay raised until you lower it with force. The hydraulic strut is rated for a maximum weight load that will exceed your mattress and bedding weight (a 100kg to 200kg weight limit is typical).

Pictured: Milan Bed Company Side Lift Leather Ottoman Bed – Black. Available from Bedstar.

When choosing an ottoman bed, find out the load rating of the gas strut to determine the weight of the mattress the bed can lift and how easily you can lift the base.

The platform stays closed with the weight of your mattress because the strut’s maximum lifting capacity triggers after around five inches of opening. It will only lift the mattress once you make the initial effort.

What are the pros and cons of ottomans?

There are more pros than cons with ottomans, although whether an ottoman bed is right depends on what storage level you need.

The pros

• You can get an end or side-lift ottoman to suit any bedroom layout.
• The storage space is completely hidden when not in use.
• The amount of storage is superior to any other bed frame.
• Available in any style, including wood and upholstery finishes.
• Ottomans hold onto their value, helping you get money back if you sell.

The cons

• You will pay around 20% more for an ottoman than a regular base.
• The bed is hefty and difficult to move without wheels.
• The ottoman platform is a safety risk for children and small pets (we cover why below).

Are ottoman beds a risk for children?  

Ottoman beds are a safety risk for children and pets because the ottoman platform can slam shut if excessive weight is placed on it in the open position.

For this reason, we recommend ottomans for ages eight plus.

The risk of entrapment, suffocation, and damage by force is real with ottomans, so you must ensure a safe environment.

You must teach children not to monkey around with the bed and ensure they do not jump on the platform. Note that ottoman beds do not have a locking mechanism to stop the platform from slamming shut with extreme force.

Who should buy an ottoman bed?

 Pictured: Birlea Castello 4FT 6 Double Ottoman Bed – Grey. Available from Bedstar.

Ottoman beds are perfect for people with no airing cupboard for bedding and towels, children over eight with lots of toys, teenagers with messy bedrooms, and small bedrooms with no adequate cupboards.

The beauty of an ottoman bed is it takes up no more space than a standard bed frame, although it might look bulkier due to the solid frame. This makes ottoman beds suitable for any bedroom, no matter the layout.

The bottom line – if you need a bedroom storage and de-cluttering solution, ottoman beds offer the ultimate solution. The alternatives (boxes under a bed frame and drawers in divan beds) do not come close to matching the versatility.