An ottoman double bed is a standard UK double bed frame—measuring 135cm wide by 190cm long (4ft 6in)—engineered with a hinged platform that lifts smoothly to reveal the entire hollow base underneath. Powered by robust gas-strut pistons, the platform raises your mattress safely with minimal effort, providing a vast, clean compartment for items you want out of sight but within easy reach.
Unlike traditional divan beds that use sliding or pull-out drawers, this design uses every single square inch of the bed's footprint. In UK homes where spare cupboards and wardrobe space are often at a premium, an ottoman double bed unlocks up to four times more usable storage than a standard four-drawer base, all without needing extra clearance around the sides for drawers to open.
Why an ottoman double bed is the ultimate storage solution
When floor space is tight, clutter builds up fast. Bulky winter duvets, heavy wool blankets, spare pillows, and hard-shell suitcases often end up crammed into wardrobe tops or propped behind bedroom doors. An ottoman solves this headache in one fell swoop by converting empty, dead floor space into an organised storage hub.
Here is why choosing an ottoman style makes such practical sense for everyday living:
- Full-depth capacity: Because there are no internal drawer runners or wooden dividers, you get an uninterrupted, full-depth cavity. You can store awkward, bulky items that would never fit inside standard divan drawers.
- Zero drawer clearance required: In narrow rooms, bedside tables frequently block under-bed drawers from pulling out fully. Because an ottoman lifts upwards rather than outwards, you can place bedside cabinets right against the frame without restricting your access.
- Cleaner, dust-free belongings: Items stored loose under an open bed frame quickly gather dust and pet hair. High-quality ottomans feature either a boarded wooden base or a durable protective floor sheet, keeping your spare bedding fresh and shielded from grime.
Choosing the right frame style and lift mechanism
Not all ottoman frames operate in the same way, so it pays to think about your room's layout before settling on a design. You will encounter two primary opening mechanisms when shopping in the UK:
- End-lift ottomans: The platform hinges at the headboard and opens from the foot of the bed. This is the most common design and works brilliantly in bedrooms where you have easy access to the foot of the bed.
- Side-lift ottomans: The base hinges along one side, opening from the left or right. These are ideal for loft conversions, narrow bedrooms, or rooms with sloped ceilings where opening from the foot end might hit a low wall or beam.
Beyond the opening direction, pay close attention to the base construction. Boarded bases rest directly on your floor or sit inside the frame, supporting heavier loads such as books, shoes, and packed luggage. Fabric-sheet bases velcro to the bottom of the frame to keep dust out, which is fine for lighter items like linens and clothing.
Style-wise, you can choose from contemporary crushed velvet, warm bouclé, textured linen-look fabrics, or classic wooden surrounds. An upholstered headboard adds a plush, hotel-style feel, transforming your room into an inviting retreat after a long day.
Mattress compatibility and weight considerations
To get the best performance from your bed, you need to match your mattress to the lifting pistons. The gas struts used on quality ottoman frames are rated in Newtons (N) to counterbalance the weight of the platform and the mattress combined.
Standard pocket-sprung or hybrid double mattresses generally weigh between 25kg and 40kg, which standard domestic gas pistons handle with ease. However, if you pair your frame with an exceptionally heavy, multi-layered natural latex mattress, ensure the frame's pistons are rated to lift that weight safely. If the mattress is too light, the base might pop open unexpectedly; if it is too heavy, the base may feel hard to lift or struggle to stay open while you pack away your belongings.
Budgeting with 0% APR store credit
A sturdy, stylish ottoman double bed is an investment in both better sleep and a tidier home, but paying the entire balance upfront can strain your monthly budget. Rather than settling for a flimsy flatpack alternative that will squeak and sag within months, flexible payment options let you invest in proper craftsmanship straight away.
With a monthly payment plan, you can spread the cost of a brand-new ottoman bed frame and mattress up to £1,200 with 0% APR. Because a monthly payment plan involves no credit checks, your credit score will not hold you back from furnishing your home comfortably. You simply pay predictable, interest-free instalments that fit neatly into your monthly outgoings.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to lift an ottoman bed when the mattress is on it?
Not at all. The gas-lift hydraulic pistons do nearly all the heavy lifting for you. Once you take hold of the fabric pull handle and lift the platform a few inches, the pistons engage and raise the mattress smoothly, holding it safely in the upright position until you gently pull it back down.
Will my existing double mattress fit an ottoman base?
Yes, as long as your mattress is a standard UK double (135cm x 190cm / 4ft 6in). Both divan-style ottoman bases and slatted ottoman frames are built to standard UK dimensions, so your existing double mattress will fit snugly.
How much weight can the internal storage hold?
That depends on whether the base is boarded or fabric-lined. Ottomans with rigid wooden bottom boards supported by internal floor brackets can hold substantial weight, including full suitcases and storage tubs. Fabric-bottomed ottomans that rest on the floor carpet can also hold heavy items, whereas floating fabric bases should be reserved for lighter bedding and clothing.
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