Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed – Which Is Right for You?
Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed – Which Is Right for You?
Two of the most popular bed types in UK bedrooms right now are ottoman beds and divan beds. Both offer practical storage solutions, both come in a wide range of upholstered styles, and both are available across all standard UK sizes. But they work quite differently — and depending on your bedroom, your lifestyle and your priorities, one will suit you significantly better than the other.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ottoman beds vs divan beds to help you make the right decision.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a gas-lift base — the entire mattress platform lifts upward on a smooth pneumatic mechanism to reveal a large, open storage area underneath. The storage compartment typically runs the full footprint of the bed, giving you a substantial amount of hidden space.
Ottoman beds can open from the foot end (most common) or from the side, depending on the model. They are usually fully upholstered and look identical to a standard bed frame from the outside.
Our Luxury Ottoman Bed is one of our most popular designs — combining beautiful upholstery with a reliable gas-lift mechanism and generous storage capacity.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed consists of a fabric-covered base (usually on castors or legs) which sits directly on the floor and provides the foundation for the mattress. The base is typically solid or has a sprung top for added comfort.
Many divan bases come with built-in storage drawers — usually two or four, fitted into the sides of the base. Unlike ottoman beds, drawers are accessed from the side rather than from underneath, so you don't need to lift the mattress to reach your stored items.
Divan bases are often sold as part of a complete divan bed set with a matching headboard.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage access | Full under-mattress lift | Side drawers |
| Storage capacity | Very large — full bed footprint | Moderate — 2 or 4 drawers |
| Ease of access | Lift entire mattress | Pull out individual drawers |
| Best for | Bulky items (duvets, bedding, luggage) | Smaller, regularly accessed items |
| Floor clearance needed | Foot or side clearance to open | Side access clearance |
| Price | Usually slightly higher | Usually slightly lower |
Ottoman Bed: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maximum storage space — the full under-bed area is usable, with no dividers or mechanisms eating into the space
- Great for bulky items — ideal for storing duvets, extra pillows, suitcases, seasonal clothing
- Clean, seamless look — no visible drawers means a sleeker exterior appearance
- Easy to lift — gas-lift mechanisms make raising the mattress effortless even when the storage is full
Cons
- Needs clearance space — you need space at the foot (or side) of the bed for the lid to open fully
- Full mattress must be lifted — if you need to access stored items frequently throughout the day, this can be less convenient than drawers
- Slightly higher cost — the gas-lift mechanism adds to the price
Divan Bed: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy, frequent access — drawers can be opened without disturbing the mattress or your sleeping partner
- Good for smaller items — ideal for clothing, accessories, books and regularly used items
- Lower profile option — divan bases often sit lower to the ground, which suits certain bedroom aesthetics
- Lower price point — generally more affordable than ottoman beds
Cons
- Less total storage — drawers take up only a portion of the under-bed space
- Needs clear side access — drawers need unobstructed space to open fully, which can be a problem in smaller rooms
- Less suitable for bulky storage — duvets and large items won't fit easily into standard drawers
Which Should You Choose?
Here's a simple way to decide:
- Choose an ottoman bed if you have lots of bulky items to store, prefer a seamless exterior look, and have space at the foot or side of the bed for the lid to open.
- Choose a divan bed with drawers if you need regular, easy access to stored items, have limited space at the foot of the bed, or prefer a lower price point.
If you're tight on space in a small bedroom and want maximum storage, the ottoman is almost always the better choice — the difference in usable storage capacity is significant.
Explore Our Ottoman and Divan Collections
Browse our full range of ottoman storage beds UK — all handcrafted with smooth gas-lift mechanisms and available in multiple fabrics and colours. Or explore our divan bed collection if you prefer drawer-based storage.
Complete your setup with one of our UK mattresses or find a matching upholstered headboard. Not sure on fabric? Order free swatches before you buy.
