If your bedroom feels like it’s low on storage, one of the best ottoman beds can provide design flair and a practical solution to store your belongings all at once. These space-saving beds have been around for a while (centuries, actually), but it’s fair to say they’re having a moment as one of the latest furniture must-haves. While modern ottoman beds are infinitely more stylish than their 18th-century counterparts, their defining feature remains the same. Namely, they have a whole lot of storage.
Of course, there are plenty of innovative storage options out there. But the great thing about ottoman beds – as you may have gathered – is that they provide tonnes of extra space, which you can literally sleep on. So, whether you’re looking for a slimline double, something to slot into a guest bedroom, or a classic mid-century style frame, there should be something here to suit.
How to choose the best ottoman bed?
What size ottoman is best? | What is the best base for an ottoman bed? | Is a side opening ottoman or end ottoman better? | Is a side opening ottoman or end ottoman better? | What mattress is suitable for an ottoman bed? | What does gas-lift hydraulics mean? | How did we test and review the best ottoman beds? | How does the GLAMOUR star rating system work? | Our picks
Best ottoman beds at a glance:
- Best ottoman bed overall: Ascot Bouclé Ottoman Storage Bed, £299, Dusk
- Best ottoman bed runner up: GFW Pettine Double Fabric Ottoman Bed Frame, £485, Argos
- Best side lift ottoman bed: Classic Side Lift Ottoman Storage Bed, £296.65, La Redoute
- Best single ottoman bed: Barking Ottoman Storage Range, from £760, Darlings of Chelsea
- Best foot of the bed lift ottoman bed: Isla Grande Ottoman Bed, £599, Dunelm
How does the GLAMOUR star rating system work?
1/5 – Not one you’re likely to see in our guides, as we aim to curate a list of only the best products. That said, a 1/5 rating would mean the product fails on value for money, quality, performance and how consumers reviewed it.
2/5 – Again, not likely to be included in our buying guides, a 2/5 would mean the product is a let down across most factors, perhaps excelling in one field e.g. value for money.
3/5 – A 3/5 would mean the product is passable, perhaps a good choice if you’re on a more modest budget, but leaves room for improvement. For instance, this could be an ottoman bed that has plenty of storage space, but the bed’s pistons and lift mechanisms have – according to customer reviews – a reputation for being a bit clunky and/or failing.
4/5 – A 4/5 would mean the ottoman bed is near perfect, with faults only small and easy to overlook. For instance, a storage bed that ticks all the boxes, but doesn’t have a foam padded headboard.
5/5 – A 5/5 rating means the product, website and company are all perfect. We will never give a product a five-star rating if it has a single fault that we’re aware of, so look out for these, they’re rather rare!
How did we test and review the best ottoman beds?
By using product reviews from customers combined with data on what you’ve been searching for, as well as checking thoroughly to see which products feature high-quality versus less durable materials, we curated what we feel is a selection of the best ottoman beds and storage beds on the market for year-round use. We’ve rifled through the good and bad comments, so you don’t have to, not to mention we – as a team of fashion, interiors and beauty experts – happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the business. Plus, with a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR, of course some of us have trialled an ottoman bed or two – so we have some do and don’t know-how, too. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last and, should anything about a product signal that that’s not the case, you’ll be the first to know – happy shopping!
What does gas-lift hydraulics mean?
It’s basically the same mechanism used for car boots: to open most car boots, all you need to do is pull a handle, which triggers the boot to lift up at a slow, steady pace. Likewise, for most ottoman beds, releasing the safety straps will trigger the upward motion of the mechanism, causing the mattress to lift up and revealing all that lovely extra space.
What size ottoman is best?
As you won’t need room either side of your bed – with an end-opening ottoman, that is – to open any bed drawers, ottoman beds allow you to take advantage of the full width of small bedrooms, should you need. So it’s important to measure your room and visualise whether you’ll want bedside tables, room for a foot rug or any other accessories. For singles, we’d recommend a small double or double for ultimate comfort and, likewise a king or super king will provide ample space for couples. Of course, it’s important to consider the size of your existing mattress too, and check that you haven’t owned a small double all this time under the impression you were kipping on a double. Top tip – ottoman beds usually come up larger than your standard divans and platform bed frames, so you really can’t make do with the wrong mattress size!
What is the best base for an ottoman bed?
Ottoman beds have one of two bases:
