Space-saving ottoman storage beds for a clutter-free bedroom in 2024
When it comes to making your home look and feel tidy, good storage solutions make all the difference. In houses of every size, people battle with tricky spaces, little storage and trying to keep their rooms clutter free. Enter the ottoman bed: designed to help with just that problem. Unlike regular double bed frames or single beds, these are beds with designated storage space underneath them, offering you a useful space instead of a dead one.
Which type of storage bed is best?
There are two main types of storage solution beds. The ottoman bed and the bed frame with hidden storage–also known simply as a 'bed frame with drawers'. Ottoman beds are purpose built to be hollow inside; the mattress is supported by slats, leaving a large storage compartment to keep things underneath, with the aim of having more floor space free. The lift mechanism is powered by gas lift hydraulics to make everything extremely light, the bed lifts up, either at the end or to one side. As ottoman beds lift upwards to open, you don't need any extra room space to accommodate them.
The other option is the bed frame with drawers. This one is self-explanatory–it is a divan bed with drawers under it for extra storage space. Do bear in mind that when you're measuring the space you want the bed to fill, you need to ensure you have space to open the drawers to their full width.
Best ottoman beds and storage beds, at a glance:
Don't have time to read our in depth guide? Our favourite ottoman beds are:
- Best ottoman bed overall: John Lewis & Partners Emily Ottoman Storage Upholstered Bed Frame
- Best four poster ottoman bed: Get Laid Beds Four Poster Wooden Ottoman Bed
- Best hydraulic lift ottoman bed: Darlings of Chelsea Barking Ottoman Bed
- Best ottoman bed with drawers: Loaf Space Storage Bed
- Best for upholstery options: Loaf Space Storage Bed
MAY WE SUGGEST: the best bed frames to buy now
Are ottoman beds a good idea?
Yes, ottoman beds are a great idea! They are especially handy if you only want to access the items within it once or twice a year. Although it is easy to lift up, the ottoman bed can be a bit of a faff, so do consider that before picking between an ottoman and a bed with drawers. For daily to weekly use, we recommend a storage bed with drawers as they are much simpler to access.
Ottoman bed frames and storage beds are endlessly versatile. There's a wealth of choices of upholstery and finishes such as velvet fabric and wooden legs to choose from, and they're available in all sizes from single to super king, too. The practicality of an ottoman storage system doesn’t end in the bedroom though. They’re also perfect as footstools, coffee tables and even extra seating, where they can do the same space-saving task in the living room. If you've been inspired, read our edit of the best ottomans and footstools, too.
With clean lines and practical design, this bed frame has a rather timeless feel. Sprung slats provide the best possible support for your mattress, whilst hydraulic arms and a handle allow you to easily access the storage underneath.
Sofa.com has a really excellent offering of ottoman beds but this is our favourite. Choose from a range of fabrics to tailor it to your room scheme and taste.
Whilst no headboard is pictured here, the Loaf offer the choice of around 15 different handmade to order options, so you're sure to find something to your taste. Underneath the bed, four handy drawers can be rolled out to reveal ample storage.
With five different sizes, tens of fabrics and a few foot options, this ottoman bed is the most customisable we've seen. You can also add a double headboard (there are nine styles to choose from), so you can kit out your whole bed in one go.
This divan bed from Oka could be left as is, with its pretty stripes on show, or covered with a valence of your choice. Featuring a platform top, this bed lifts up to reveal an expanse of storage underneath.
Trust La Redoute to come up with an ottoman bed that's as stylish as it is practical. With a large padded headboard and smart upholstery, it's price belies the bed's smart look. If green is not your thing, fear not, as there are 13 colours available for this bed.
This elegant bed features a camel back headboard and a spacious hollow area underneath. However, comfort has not been compromised as the bed also has sprung slats that help make the most of your mattress. Hydraulic pistons on the bed frame create a smooth and easy lift, allowing you to access the space underneath quickly and without too much hassle.
Although we love this dark sapphire hue, the bed does come in other options too. This one lifts up to reveal a wealth of storage.
This affordable choice from Feather and Black lifts up from the end of the bed to provide space to store your things.
This divan bed features four large drawers that offer easy-access storage. If choosing an upholstered bed feels a little daunting, remember that you're always free to switch things up by adding a valence over the top.
Brook + Wilde offers different sizes, fabrics and headboards depending on your preference, making it a bespoke service for a very decent price. Their ottoman bed base lifts up using gas pistons which make the whole thing very light to open and an ideal choice for easy access storage.
This four poster bed from Get Laid must be the smartest ottoman bed we've seen. It really is a feat of craftsmanship to create a four poster with storage underneath and this one can be customised to your specific preferences. Choose from turned, curved, square and tapered legs and a range of woods and stains to compliment your pre-existing space; you can even add a floating shelf that clips onto the frame as a sleek bedside table.
