Ottoman beds have a built-in storage compartment that is accessed by lifting the bed’s top. To access the storage compartment, you must open a drawer or slide a door, unlike divan beds. Small bedrooms with limited space or need for extra storage benefit from ottoman beds.
Considering buying an ottoman bed but undecided? Have you decided you want one but don’t know enough about it to choose one for your bedroom? This Ottoman Storage Beds Buying Guide is for you.
Why buy an ottoman bed instead of a regular bed?
Ottoman beds have three main benefits:
Extra storage
Extra storage space is the main draw of these beds. Ottoman beds save space by combining a bed and storage space. Make use of every inch of space under your mattress.
Organized room
Ottoman beds keep bedrooms clean and reduce dust. Items under your bed can’t fall out, and humans tend to store more and more items in a “out of sight, out of mind” manner. The bed between the bed and the box spring keeps items from sticking out and protects them from dust. That saves cleaning. Decluttering is known to reduce stress.
Professional-looking finishes
An ottoman bed’s design doesn’t prioritize practicality over aesthetics. Ottoman bed bases are elegant and sturdy. Beds can be upholstered in different materials to match your room’s style. They can use traditional or contemporary interior design depending on your material and color.
To choose the best ottoman storage bed, buy a good bed from a better bed company that supports your mattress and consider how it will fit in your bedroom.
Ottoman beds and comfort
Ottoman beds, like other beds, are designed for comfort and support. They offer lightweight metal frames or wooden ottoman beds with standard bed features and fittings. Just pick the right mattress and size.
Your mattress choice depends on firmness, memory foam preference, and whether you prefer latex or allergen-free. You don’t need a custom mattress for ottoman beds (unless you choose a bespoke bed), but some factors will influence your choice:
Mattress weight
Ottoman beds have a hydraulic system, and mattress weight can affect how easy it is to open and close. A lighter mattress is preferable. Consider avoiding traditional sprung mattresses because they’re heavier. Choose a thinner spring mattress if you use one.
Slat compatibility
Some mattresses need wider slat gaps. The rest need narrower ones. The slat gap should be 7 cm (2.7 in). Any wider will wear out the mattress faster. The mattress’s design and materials determine its slat compatibility.
Mattress type
Your thoughts on memory foam mattresses? These are lightweight, frame-compatible, and comfortable due to the foam’s density. Although they cost more than traditional mattresses, they’re worth considering because they don’t strain the ottoman bed’s hydraulic system. They also provide good support.
You must also consider bed size.
Ottoman storage bed bases work how?
Ottomans lift the bed lid with pistons or gas struts. They slow the top when closed or lifted. An ottoman bed lid may be difficult to lift without them.
Bed quality
Ottoman beds are expensive, but buying one from a trusted retailer is best. Quality matters. Quality beds can lift 40–80 kilos. Mattress weight won’t affect the lifting mechanism, making the bed easier to open and close. However, a cheap ottoman bed may collapse under weight.
Weight limits
Check the manufacturer’s weight restrictions for the bed and items you can store. Some ottomans’ ‘floating’ storage bases can only support so much weight. Others have a boarded base or sit directly on the floor, preventing you from worrying about the weight of your items under your bed.
Ottoman bed strength
When choosing an ottoman bed, check the piston strength. These will determine the bed’s mattress weight and platform top liftability. Piston strength is important because there’s no standard like pocket springs. Check the weight of your mattress before buying an ottoman bed base because it may have lower-gauge pistons and can’t lift heavier mattresses.
When choosing an ottoman bed, look for these Newtons (n) and gas piston counts:
- 4x 600n for a side-lift ottoman.
- 4x 800n on an end-lift divan ottoman bed.
- 2x 900n on a double bedstead ottoman.
- 2x 1100n on a kingsize.
- 2x 1350n on a super kingsize.
Also important is strut quality. With two screws, solid brackets will attach advanced gas struts and pistons to the base. Four screws will likely connect them.
Avoid plastic hinges and struts. It’s unlikely these will support your mattress. The lid may also fall when accessing the bed’s storage compartment.
Finally, consider
Storing items in ottoman beds keeps your room tidy, which is good for your mental health. Crushed velvet and faux leather allow you to keep the room tidy and have an elegant bed.
