If you're shopping for a new bed and storage is high on your list, you've probably come across two main options: ottoman beds and divan beds. Both offer built-in storage, both look smart in a bedroom, but they work in very different ways — and the right choice depends on your room, your stuff, and how you like to access it.
We've been building ottoman beds in our West Yorkshire workshop for years, so we know both styles inside out. Here's an honest, no-nonsense comparison to help you decide which is right for your bedroom.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed has a solid base that lifts up — either from the side or the foot end — to reveal a large storage cavity underneath. Heavy-duty gas-lift struts (the same technology used in car boots) do the heavy lifting, so you can raise the base with one hand, even with a mattress on top.
The entire area under the mattress is your storage space. There are no dividers, no drawers — just one big, open cavity. Most ottoman beds will hold the equivalent of several large suitcases worth of belongings.
Side-Lift vs End-Lift
Ottoman beds come in two lifting styles:
- Side-lift (side-opening): The base lifts from one long side. Better if your bed is positioned with the foot against a wall, or if you want to access storage while standing beside the bed.
- End-lift (foot-opening): The base lifts from the foot end. Ideal if your bed sits between two walls or bedside tables, where side access is limited.
At Britain Sleep, most of our ottoman beds are available in both configurations, so you can choose what suits your room layout best.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed is a traditional British bed style consisting of a fabric-covered base that sits directly on the floor, usually on small castors. Storage comes in the form of built-in drawers — typically two or four — that slide out from the sides of the base.
Divans are a familiar, well-established design. You'll find them in hotels, guest houses, and bedrooms across the country. They're practical, straightforward, and don't require any lifting.
Drawer Configurations
Most divan beds offer a few drawer options:
- 2 drawers (same side): Two drawers on one side of the base. Good if the other side is against a wall.
- 2 drawers (one each side): One drawer on each side. Balanced access.
- 4 drawers: Two on each side. Maximum drawer storage, but you need clearance on both sides.
- No drawers: A plain platform base with no storage — the most affordable option.
Ottoman vs Divan: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | Very large — full base cavity | Moderate — limited to drawer space |
| Ease of Access | Lift once, see everything | Pull individual drawers |
| Clearance Needed | None — lifts upward | Needs space beside bed for drawers to open |
| Best for Small Rooms | Excellent — no side clearance needed | Can be tricky if bed is against a wall |
| Best for Large Items | Ideal — duvets, suitcases, seasonal clothes | Limited — drawers suit smaller items |
| Everyday Access | Requires lifting mattress | Quick — just pull the drawer |
| Style Options | Wide range — upholstered frames, headboards | More limited — typically plain fabric base |
| Visual Profile | Statement piece — sits higher, more presence | Low-profile, understated |
| Price Range | Mid to higher | Budget to mid |
| Durability | Strong — gas-lift mechanisms last years | Good — drawer runners may wear over time |
Storage Capacity: A Closer Look
This is where ottoman beds really pull ahead. The entire base of an ottoman bed is one large, open storage space. For a king size ottoman, that's roughly 150 cm × 200 cm × 25 cm deep — around 750 litres of storage. That's the equivalent of 10-12 large storage boxes.
A four-drawer divan, by comparison, gives you around 200-250 litres across all four drawers. That's still useful — but it's about a third of what an ottoman offers.
If you're storing bulky items like spare duvets, pillows, winter coats, or suitcases, an ottoman is the clear winner. If you mostly need quick access to smaller items like books, chargers, or sleepwear, drawers might suit you better.
Which Is Better for Your Room?
Choose an Ottoman Bed If:
- You need serious storage and want to hide away bulky items
- Your room is small and you can't spare space for drawers to open outward
- Your bed is pushed against a wall on one or both sides
- You want a statement piece with a full upholstered frame and headboard
- You don't need to access the storage every single day
- You want to eliminate the need for a separate chest of drawers
Choose a Divan Bed If:
- You want quick, daily access to stored items without lifting
- You prefer a lower-profile bed that sits closer to the floor
- You're on a tighter budget and don't need maximum storage
- You have clearance on both sides of the bed for drawers to open
- You like the traditional, no-fuss hotel-style look
- You primarily store smaller, everyday items
Why We Specialise in Ottoman Beds
At Britain Sleep, we've made ottoman beds our speciality — and for good reason. When customers tell us their biggest bedroom frustration, it's almost always the same thing: not enough storage. Ottoman beds solve that problem better than any other bed style, and they do it without cluttering your room with extra furniture.
We offer over 120 ottoman bed designs across styles including chesterfield, wingback, ambassador, sleigh, and panel. Every one is available in more than 200 fabrics — from luxurious crushed velvets to calming natural linens — so your bed looks exactly how you want it.
Because we handcraft every bed in our West Yorkshire workshop, we control the quality from start to finish. Our gas-lift mechanisms are heavy-duty and tested to last. The frames are solid timber. The upholstery is done by hand. This isn't flat-pack furniture — it's built to last you years.
Browse our ottoman bed collection — from compact singles to generous super kings, there's a style and size for every room.
Order a Free Fabric Sample
Not sure which fabric to go for? We get it — choosing a colour from a screen isn't the same as seeing it in your bedroom. That's why we offer free fabric samples delivered to your door. Hold the fabric, see how it looks in your lighting, and order with confidence.
Browse our full bed collection to explore fabrics, styles, and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ottoman beds hard to open?
Not at all. Quality ottoman beds use gas-lift struts (like a car boot) that make lifting the base effortless — even with a heavy mattress on top. Our ottoman beds can be opened with one hand. The struts also hold the base in the raised position so it won't drop while you're rummaging around inside.
Do ottoman beds creak or make noise?
A well-built ottoman bed shouldn't creak. Creaking usually comes from cheap materials or poorly fitted components. Our beds are built on solid timber frames with high-quality fittings, so noise isn't an issue. If you ever do notice a sound, a quick check of the bolts usually sorts it.
Can I use any mattress with an ottoman bed?
Yes — ottoman beds work with any standard mattress (spring, memory foam, hybrid). The flat slatted platform provides even support. Just make sure your mattress is the correct size for the base (single, double, king, or super king).
How much weight can an ottoman bed hold in storage?
Our ottoman beds are designed to handle significant weight in the storage cavity — think duvets, pillows, clothes, shoes, and more. The gas-lift struts are rated for the combined weight of the mattress plus stored items. As a guideline, you can comfortably store 30-50 kg without any issues.
Are divan beds old-fashioned?
Not necessarily — they're a classic design that still works well for many people. But in terms of style, customisation, and storage capacity, ottoman beds offer more flexibility. If your priority is a bedroom centrepiece with serious storage, an ottoman is the more modern choice.
Which storage bed is better for couples?
For couples, an ottoman bed usually wins. Two people means more stuff — seasonal wardrobes, extra bedding, luggage — and the large open cavity of an ottoman handles all of it. A divan's drawers can feel limiting when you're sharing the storage between two people's belongings.