Best Ottoman Storage Bed UK: Which One Fits Your Room?

We all know the struggle of the modern British home. Whether you’re squeezing into a London flat, trying to make a box room work for a growing teenager, or simply have too much "stuff" and nowhere to put it, space is a premium. If you are tired of tripping over shoes or stuffing winter duvets into overflowing wardrobes, finding the right bed can be a game changer.

This is where the humble ottoman steps in. But with so many options on the market, finding the best ottoman storage bed UK retailers have to offer can feel like navigating a minefield. Do you need side opening or end opening? What on earth is a gas lift piston? In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for, helping you reclaim your floor space without sacrificing style or sleep quality.

Quick Picks: What Type Do You Need?

If you are in a rush and just need to know which style suits your situation, here is the cheat sheet:

• Best for small box rooms: Side lift ottoman (easier access when the foot of the bed is against a wall).
• Best for maximum storage: Deep base ottoman designs (look for internal depth of 25cm+).
• Best for easy lifting: Gas lift hydraulic systems (avoid simple spring mechanisms).
• Best for style: Upholstered velvet or linen finish (softens the look of a large furniture piece).
• Best value option: Faux leather or simple fabric finishes often offer the same utility at a lower price point.

What Makes the Best Ottoman Storage Bed in the UK?

Not all storage beds are created equal. You might find a bargain online, but if the base collapses under the weight of your winter coats, it wasn’t much of a deal. To ensure you are buying quality, you need to look at the "bones" of the bed.

Frame Strength and Build Quality

The best ottoman storage bed UK manufacturers produce will typically use solid wood or high grade metal for the internal structure. Cheap imports often rely on flimsy chipboard that can bow over time. Since the bed needs to support you, your mattress, and everything stored inside, structural integrity is non negotiable.

Base & Slats

You generally have two choices for the top base (the part the mattress sits on):

• Sprung Slats: Curved wooden slats that offer natural bounce and shock absorption. These can make a firm mattress feel slightly softer.
• Platform Top / Solid Board: A rigid base that provides a firmer feel and consistent support across the entire mattress. This is often better for preventing heavy mattresses from dipping.

Gas Lift Mechanism Quality

This is the engine of your ottoman. You want high quality hydraulic gas pistons (measured in Newtons).

• A standard double usually needs pistons with around 600N–800N of force.
• Heavier king size mattresses might require 800N–1000N.
  If the pistons are too weak, the bed won't stay open on its own. If they are too strong for a light mattress, it might be hard to close.

Storage Depth & Access

Don't just look at the total height of the bed; look at the internal storage depth. Some beds look chunky but have thick rails that eat up space. A good storage depth is usually between 20cm and 30cm. Also, check if the bottom of the storage area is a solid board or a fabric sheet Velcroed to the floor (the latter is harder to clean).

Ventilation

Airflow is crucial to prevent mould, especially in older UK homes that might be prone to damp. The best designs allow for some air circulation within the storage compartment to keep your linens fresh.

Weight Limits

Always check the manufacturer's weight limit. This usually includes the weight of the mattress plus the sleepers. A quality ottoman should easily handle 40 50kg of stored items plus the sleepers above.

Choose the Right Ottoman Bed for Your Room Size

The "best" bed is useless if it dominates the room or blocks the door. Here is how to match the bed to your square footage.

Box Rooms & Small Bedrooms

In the smallest rooms, every inch counts.

• Stick to a Single or Small Double: A standard Double might fit, but if you can't walk around it, making the bed becomes a daily workout.
• Avoid chunky headboards: Look for slimline designs or beds without footboards to reduce the visual footprint.
• Side lift is king: In narrow rooms, you often have to push one side of the bed against a wall. A side opening mechanism allows you to access your gear without climbing over the bed.

Medium Bedrooms

This is the standard territory for a Double or King size.

• Balance storage + style: You have room for a nice headboard here. Use it to create a focal point.
• Think about opening space: Ensure you have at least 50 60cm of clearance at the opening end (foot or side) so you can stand comfortably to lift the base.

Master Bedrooms

If you have the luxury of space, go for a Super King.

• Bigger sizes = stronger build: A Super King ottoman is massive. Ensure it comes in two base halves (linked together) rather than one giant frame, or you’ll never get it up the stairs.
• Deep storage: A Super King offers incredible storage volume often equivalent to two chests of drawers.

Side Lift vs End Lift Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions we see. Neither is strictly "better"; it depends entirely on your room layout.

End Lift Ottoman

The classic design where the bed opens from the foot end.

• Pros: Easy to access from both sides of the bed; looks traditional.
• Cons: You need significant clearance at the foot of the bed. If your room is long and narrow, this works well.
• Best if: You have plenty of space at the foot of the bed and access the bed from both sides.

Side Lift Ottoman

Opens from the left or right side (usually reversible during assembly).

• Pros: Perfect for narrow rooms where the bed must go against a wall.
• Cons: Can be harder to reach items stored on the far side of the base (near the hinge).
• Best if: Your bed is pushed into a corner or the room is tight on width.

Simple Rule: If the foot of your bed is near the door or a wardrobe, choose side lift. If the side of your bed is near a wall, choose side lift. Otherwise, end lift is the standard choice.

Best Ottoman Bed Materials (UK Homes)

Your choice of finish affects durability, cleaning, and the overall "vibe" of the room.

Upholstered (Velvet / Chenille / Fabric)

The most popular choice for best ottoman storage bed UK shoppers right now.

• Pros: Adds warmth and texture; soft edges prevent banged shins; huge range of colours (grey, navy, blush pink, etc.).
• Cons: Dust magnet (requires vacuuming); harder to clean stains.
• Best for: Adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the bedroom.

Leather Look (Faux Leather)

A practical, modern choice.

• Pros: Very easy to wipe clean; affordable; sleek look.
• Cons: Can feel cold to the touch; cats love to scratch it (be warned!).
• Best for: Modern, minimalist rooms or rental properties where durability is key.

Wooden / Metal Frames

Less common for ottomans but available.

• Pros: Traditional aesthetic; very durable; easy to dust.
• Cons: Hard edges; heavy to move; can sometimes look clunky with the lifting mechanism visible.
• Best for: Traditional or rustic style homes.

Cleaning Tip: For fabric beds, a lint roller is your best friend. For spills, blot (don't rub) immediately with a clean, damp cloth.

UK Bed Sizes & Storage Reality

Don't get caught out by European sizes (common with some large retailers). Stick to UK standards to ensure your mattress fits perfectly.

10-Point Checklist Before You Buy

1. Measure the room: Length and width, plus door swing clearance.
2. Measure the lift height: Ensure the mattress won't hit a low ceiling or light fitting when raised.
3. Check delivery access: Can the headboard fit around your banister?
4. Decide on opening: Side or End lift based on your layout.
5. Check internal depth: Is it deep enough for your suitcases or boxes?
6. Gas piston strength: Is it rated for your mattress weight?
7. Base type: Solid board (firm) or slats (sprung)?
8. Floor protection: Does it have feet/glides to protect carpet or wood floors?
9. Assembly: Do you need a "two-man" build or professional installation?
10. Mattress: Do you already have one? If so, is it compatible with an ottoman base?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the savviest shoppers make these errors.

1. Ignoring the mattress weight: If you put a heavy hybrid mattress on a budget ottoman with weak pistons, it won't stay open.
2. Forgetting the headboard thickness: A bed might be 200cm long, but a thick headboard adds another 10cm. Measure the total length.
3. Overloading the storage: The base board has a weight limit. Don't store dumbbells or heavy tools in there; stick to bedding and clothes.
4. Buying "European" sizes by accident: You end up with a gap between the mattress and the frame, or the mattress hangs over the edge.
5. Not venting the room: If you store fabrics in an enclosed space, open the bed occasionally to let air circulate.
6. Underestimating assembly time: Ottoman beds have moving parts. Allow 1-2 hours for assembly and get a helper.

A UK-Made Option (Macba Beds)

If you are looking for reliable quality without needing to visit a dozen showrooms, it is worth considering Macba Beds. Based in Batley, West Yorkshire the heart of British bed manufacturing they specialise in sturdy, well-built frames designed to last.

Their ottoman beds are crafted with durability in mind, using quality timber and robust gas-lift mechanisms that handle daily use with ease. Because they manufacture in the UK, you aren't waiting on shipping containers from overseas. Plus, they offer delivery coverage across England, Scotland, and Wales, bringing Yorkshire craftsmanship directly to your door.

FAQs

What is the best ottoman storage bed UK buyers should choose?
The "best" one depends on your needs, but generally, a bed with a high-quality gas-lift mechanism, a sturdy base (platform top or reinforced slats), and durable upholstery offers the best long-term value. Look for UK-made options for better build quality.

Is a side-lift ottoman bed better than an end-lift?
Not necessarily better, just different. Side-lift is better for small or narrow rooms where access to the foot of the bed is blocked. End-lift is better for rooms with space to walk around three sides of the bed.

Do ottoman beds damage mattresses?
No, provided the base is good quality. In fact, solid platform top ottomans can provide excellent support for mattresses, helping them maintain their shape. Just ensure the slat gap (if applicable) isn't too wide.

Are ottoman beds hard to assemble?
They are more complex than standard frames because of the lifting mechanism. However, clear instructions usually make it manageable. It is definitely a two-person job, especially when attaching the heavy lid/piston section.

Which ottoman bed is best for a small room?
A side-lift ottoman in a Small Double (4ft) size is often the perfect compromise. It gives you almost as much sleeping space as a Double but saves crucial floor width, and the side opening means you can push it against a wall.

Can I use any mattress on an ottoman bed?
Most standard mattresses work fine. However, extremely heavy mattresses (like some deep latex or dense hybrid models) might be too heavy for standard pistons to lift easily. Conversely, a very light, thin foam mattress might not be heavy enough to keep the lid closed.

How much storage space does an ottoman really give?
A standard King size ottoman offers roughly the same cubic storage space as four large chest-of-drawers. It is essentially a horizontal wardrobe.

Are gas lift beds safe?
Yes. Modern gas pistons are very safe. They are designed to control the speed of the lift and closure so the bed doesn't slam shut. Some also feature locking mechanisms for extra safety.