Ottoman Bed: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How to Choose the Right One
An overflowing bedroom, a winter duvet sitting in a cardboard box, an already full closet: an ottoman bed directly addresses this problem. Concealed beneath the mattress is a spacious storage area, invisible in daily life yet highly practical, capable of swallowing sheets, throws, and seasonal items without taking up an extra inch of floor space. This guide covers what this type of bed truly is, its benefits, its few limitations, and above all, how to select the right size, opening mechanism, and upholstery fabric.
What Exactly Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed whose frame houses a large storage compartment underneath the mattress. The bed base lifts up to reveal this space and then folds back down once closed. From the outside, nothing sets it apart from a traditional bed: the storage remains completely hidden.
The system relies on a lift-up bed base: instead of being fixed, the platform supporting the mattress pivots upward, freeing up the entire volume between the floor and the base across the bed's full surface area. This provides a vastly greater storage capacity than a simple under-bed drawer.
This system comes in two main categories of mechanisms—manual or assisted by gas struts—detailed further below. In all cases, the underlying concept stays the same: sleep and store in the same spot without sacrificing room.
What Are the Advantages of an Ottoman Bed?
Its primary asset is storage. It offers a capacity comparable to a large wardrobe without taking up a single extra centimeter in the room. You can store items that are rarely used day-to-day: duvets, seasonal linens, suitcases, or spare cushions.
This space savings is especially valuable in smaller bedrooms: studio apartments, children's bedrooms, or attic rooms. Wherever floor space is tight, it turns wasted space into functional storage.
Linens stored dry, sheltered from light and dust, stay in better condition and remain accessible in seconds. For families, it offers real relief when swapping seasonal wardrobes.
Finally, aesthetics are not compromised: a stylish headboard, quality fabric, and clean lines ensure the storage remains completely unnoticed.
What Are the Disadvantages to Consider?
The first point concerns weight and operation. The lift-up base raises the entire mattress at once. With a manual model and a heavy mattress, the effort required can become noticeable over time.
If the storage space needs to be opened weekly, a gas strut model—which is much easier to lift—is highly recommended.
A second limitation: accessing the storage requires clearing the top of the bed. Consequently, an ottoman bed is better suited for occasional items rather than everyday essentials you need to grab multiple times a day.
Lastly, the price is often higher than that of a standard bed frame. The mechanism and reinforced structure explain this difference, but considering the space gained—often equivalent to a chest of drawers—the investment quickly proves worthwhile.
Gas Struts vs. Manual Lift Mechanism: What Is the Difference?
The primary difference lies in the effort required to open the storage compartment.
Gas Strut Lift Mechanism
Gas struts operate like the tailgate on a car: you lift gently, and the system handles the rest. The base rises smoothly, stays locked at the top, and lowers in a controlled manner. It is the ultimate comfort choice, ideal for frequent use or to avoid straining your back.
The thicker and heavier the mattress, the more weight it places on the mechanism during opening. For pocket sprung or high-thickness mattresses, gas struts are strongly preferred: they are engineered to lift this weight effortlessly.
The quality of the struts makes a greater long-term difference than the initial price tag: well-calibrated struts endure daily use over time, whereas an underpowered mechanism will quickly lose resistance.
Manual Lift Mechanism
Manual models are less expensive and contain fewer components subject to wear. They are suitable if the storage area is opened infrequently, such as once or twice a season. However, they require significant physical effort each time—an important factor to consider if you have a delicate back.
Safety: A Crucial Detail
Regardless of the mechanism, ensure the bed base holds firmly in the raised position without any risk of dropping while you pack or unpack items. This detail is particularly important in households with children: it is best to open and close the bed yourself and never allow children to play near a raised bed base.
Ottoman Bed or Drawer Bed: Which Should You Choose?
Both beds offer storage, but in different ways. An ottoman bed conceals one large, continuous space under the entire base, ideal for bulky items. A drawer bed offers one or two sliding bins, which are smaller but accessible at any moment without clearing the top of the bed.
Daily accessibility is the deciding factor: a drawer slides open in one motion, perfect for items you grab often. The ottoman bed requires clearing the top surface before opening, making it better suited for occasional storage.
Required floor space also plays a role: drawers need side clearance to slide out, whereas an ottoman bed opens upward and only requires a small amount of clearance at the foot of the bed.
In summary: choose an ottoman bed for maximum hidden volume and a streamlined bedroom look, or a drawer bed for quick daily access without extra handling.
What Size Ottoman Bed Should You Choose?
The ideal size depends on who will sleep in it and the available space in your room:
- 140x190 cm (Double) — suitable for a single person or a guest room.
- 160x200 cm (King) — ideal for a couple, providing comfort without feeling cramped.
- 180x200 cm (Super King) — for couples seeking generous room and spacious comfort.
The wider the bed, the larger the storage capacity, which gives an advantage to 160 cm and 180 cm formats. Remember to account for clearance in front of the bed so the frame can lift without obstruction, and leave at least 60 cm of walkway space on the sides.
Which Material to Choose for the Headboard?
The choice of fabric influences both the style and maintenance requirements of the bed.
Velvet brings a warm feel and a subtle sheen, catching the light beautifully. Beige or taupe velvet is easy to coordinate, though it requires slightly more regular care.
Bouclé is trending: its textured weave adds dimension and a soft, contemporary vibe. It pairs effortlessly with natural aesthetics, light wood, and neutral tones.
Linen and woven fabrics focus on simplicity and an organic feel. For homes with children or pets, a tightly woven fabric in a stain-masking shade like taupe is recommended.
How to Maintain and Clean an Ottoman Bed?
Maintenance is straightforward. Vacuuming the headboard and surrounding frame once a week with a brush attachment prevents dust from settling into the fabric fibers.
For small spots, prompt action is best: dab gently with a clean, slightly damp cloth from the outer edge toward the center without rubbing aggressively. On velvet, brushing in the direction of the nap restores its original texture. Avoid soaking the fabric, as excess water can leave watermarks.
The interior storage compartment also benefits from attention: emptying and airing it out for a few hours once or twice a year prevents stale odors. Lifting the base periodically—even when not accessing items—promotes airflow under the mattress and limits moisture buildup.
How to Choose the Right Ottoman Bed?
Combine three key criteria: a size suited to your room, a mechanism aligned with your usage frequency, and a fabric compatible with your lifestyle.
- Measure your bedroom, remembering to factor in clearance at the foot of the bed for opening.
- Select the mechanism: gas struts offer maximum ease for frequent opening.
- Choose the fabric based on your household needs (kids, pets) and preferred interior style.
FAQ
Does an ottoman bed damage the mattress?
No. The slatted base keeps the mattress completely flat, just like a standard bed frame. Airing out the compartment occasionally and lifting the base regularly minimizes humidity and can even extend your mattress's lifespan.
Can you use any mattress on an ottoman bed?
Almost all mattresses are compatible, provided they match the dimensions of the bed base. However, a very heavy mattress will place more strain on a manual mechanism; in such cases, a gas-strut model is preferred.
Is the storage space in an ottoman bed truly substantial?
Yes. In a 160x200 cm size, the usable volume is equivalent to a large chest of drawers: duvets, pillows, seasonal bedding, and suitcases fit easily.
Is an ottoman bed difficult to open?
It depends on the mechanism. With gas struts, opening is smooth and effortless. A manual model requires more physical strength, as the full weight of the base and mattress is lifted manually.
Is an ottoman bed suitable for a small bedroom?
Yes, it is actually one of its best applications: it replaces additional storage furniture while utilizing the bed's existing footprint, freeing up floor space. A 140x190 cm model fits well in compact rooms.
In Summary: The Right Ottoman Bed for Your Room
An ottoman bed remains one of the most effective solutions for gaining storage space without losing valuable floor area. Key takeaways: select the size based on the room and sleeper, choose gas struts for frequent access, and pick a fabric suited to your daily routine.
