Ottoman beds are widely considered the best choice for small bedrooms because they provide a vast amount of storage without increasing the footprint of the furniture. Unlike divan beds with drawers that require extra floor space to open, an ottoman uses a gas‑lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress upwards. This allows you to access the hidden storage compartment underneath even in the tightest of spaces. By consolidating your bed and your storage into a single unit, you can often eliminate the need for a bulky chest of drawers or extra wardrobes. This keeps the floor area clear and makes a compact room feel significantly more spacious and organised.
What This Means In Practice:
In a small bedroom, every centimetre of floor space is a premium. The main challenge with traditional storage beds is that you need a wide clearance zone around the frame to pull out drawers. If your bed is tucked against a wall or in a narrow room, those drawers often become useless. An ottoman solves this by using vertical space instead. You simply lift the base from the foot or the side, and the entire area beneath the slats becomes available for stowing away bulky items.
For example, the Isla 4ft6 double ottoman bed uses front-end gas struts to lift the mattress weight for hands-free access to the storage below. Its compact shape and rounded edges are designed to fit into narrow room layouts or between bedside tables. It features flexible wooden slats for mattress support and airflow, finished in a textured chenille with a curved headboard.
Quick Facts:
• Ottoman bases provide storage across the full length and width of the frame.
• Gas‑assisted struts take the weight of the mattress for easy opening.
• Front‑end or side‑lift options allow the bed to fit any room orientation.
• The storage area is fully enclosed to keep items dust‑free and hidden.
• Wooden slats provide a flexible, breathable foundation for any mattress type.
• Textured fabrics like chenille or velvet add depth and a tactile finish to the room.
Who This Is Best For:
The ottoman bed is the ultimate solution for the starter or the renter moving into a compact modern apartment. It is perfect for anyone who struggles with a lack of built-in wardrobe space or those who want to maintain a minimalist, clutter-free look. If you have a guest room that needs to stay tidy or a bedroom that is overflowing with gear, an ottoman provides a massive storage win without making the room feel cramped. It suits those who want their furniture to do more than just provide a place to sleep, acting as a welcoming centrepiece that clears the floor and restores peace.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
• Maximum storage capacity that uses the entire footprint of the bed.
• No extra floor space is needed to access the storage compartment.
• Gas‑lift mechanisms make the process smooth and manageable for one person.
• Flexible slats help with airflow and mattress longevity.
Cons
• The frame is more complex to assemble than a basic static bedstead.
• You must have the mattress in place for the gas pistons to close properly.
What To Consider Before Buying:
Before you choose an ottoman bed, think about the layout of your room to decide where you will stand when opening it. A front‑end lift is perfect if you have space at the foot of the bed, while a side‑lift might be better if the bed is pushed against a far wall. You should also check the internal storage depth to ensure it fits your specific items, such as suitcases or spare duvets. Consider the height and shape of the headboard too. A generously curved, cocooning headboard adds a sculptural presence but you should ensure it clears any low windows or wall‑mounted lights. Finally, choose a fabric and colour that softens the room. For example, a light cream chenille or velvet works well to keep a small space feeling airy and restful.
Buying Checklist:
• Measure the total length and width of the room for a comfortable walk‑around.
• Check the clearance at the foot of the bed for a front‑end hydraulic lift.
• Ensure your mattress weight is compatible with gas‑assisted struts.
• Verify the headboard dimensions against any wall fixtures or windows.
• Confirm delivery access to ensure the base units can get to your bedroom.
• Look for a slatted base to ensure your mattress stays breathable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid:
• Buying an ottoman and placing it in a spot where the lift is obstructed.
• Overloading the base so much that the slats cannot sit flush.
• Trying to force the hydraulic struts down without a mattress in place.
• Forgetting to measure the ceiling height if the bed is for a loft conversion.
• Neglecting the quality of the slats; flexible wooden slats are better for sleep.
Expert Advice By Furniture Outlet’s Interior Stylists Jo & Liz:
“In a small bedroom, we always suggest choosing an ottoman bed in a lighter fabric or a neutral tone to help the bed blend into the walls. This stops the furniture from looming in the space and keeps the room feeling airy. To make the storage even more effective, use clear vacuum bags for your out‑of‑season clothes or spare pillows. It compresses the items down and lets you see exactly what you have stored when you lift the base. If you have a very narrow room, skip the bulky bedside tables and use a small floating shelf instead. This leaves the area around the base clear and makes the whole room feel much less cluttered.”
Care Note:
To keep your ottoman functioning perfectly, lift the base at least once a month to keep the gas struts lubricated. Avoid leaving the bed in the open position for extended periods as this can strain the mechanism. Wipe the internal storage area with a dry cloth periodically to remove dust. For fabric or velvet frames, a quick brush or vacuum with an upholstery attachment will keep the surface looking fresh and prevent the pile from flattening over time.
Shop Ottoman Beds:
Why Buy Your Ottoman Bed at Furniture Outlet
We specialise in smart furniture that solves the challenges of modern homes. Our ottoman beds collection is curated to offer the best balance of style and heavy‑duty storage capacity. We focus on high‑quality lift mechanisms that are built to last, ensuring you can access your belongings easily for years to come. Because we hold our stock in our own warehouses, we can offer fast delivery across London and Essex, helping you reclaim your space without the long wait times.
Try Before You Buy
Pop into any of our five showrooms to test the different lift mechanisms for yourself. It is the best way to feel the quality of the bed frames and see exactly how much storage space you will gain in your own home.
Browse our current range of storage beds online to see which of our in‑stock models is ready to land in your bedroom this week.
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