An ottoman bed is usually the better choice if you want the most storage possible, because the whole base lifts up to reveal one large compartment. A divan bed with drawers suits you better if you want quick, everyday access to a few items without lifting anything. The right answer depends on your room layout, what you need to store and how often you need to reach it.
As the clocks go back and the house fills up with winter coats, spare duvets and, soon enough, festive decorations, the space under your bed becomes valuable. This guide explains how each type works, compares them side by side and gives you a simple checklist so you can choose with confidence.
What is the difference between an ottoman bed and a divan bed?
The difference is how you reach the storage. An ottoman bed has a base that lifts on a hinge, while a divan bed has a fixed base with pull-out drawers (or no storage at all).
Ottoman bed: the mattress platform is hinged, usually at the headboard end, and supported by gas-lift pistons. You raise the platform with the mattress still on it and the full footprint of the bed becomes a storage well.
Divan bed: a solid, box-style base that sits close to the floor, normally on castors or glides. Storage versions come with two or four drawers built into the sides or foot end. Divans are typically sold as a base, with a headboard and mattress added separately or as a set.
Ottoman vs divan bed: side-by-side comparison
In short, ottomans win on storage volume and floor-space efficiency, while divans win on easy daily access and simpler moving.
| Feature | Ottoman bed | Divan bed with drawers |
|---|---|---|
| How storage opens | Whole base lifts on gas-lift pistons | Drawers slide out from the sides or end |
| Storage capacity | The entire area under the mattress | Limited to the drawer volume |
| Floor space needed to open | Very little – the lid lifts upwards | Clear space beside or in front of each drawer |
| Best for | Bulky, seasonal or rarely used items | Things you reach for every day |
| Works against a wall? | Yes – access is from the foot end or one side | Only the drawers on the open side are usable |
| Ease of moving | Heavier; usually emptied and partly dismantled | Often lighter and may split into two halves |
| Mattress considerations | Pistons must suit the mattress weight | Takes most mattress types without adjustment |
Which storage bed is best for a small bedroom?
For most small bedrooms, an ottoman bed is the better fit, because it needs no extra floor space to open. A divan only works well in a compact room if you can leave enough clear floor beside it for the drawers to slide out fully.
Many UK bedrooms are tight. The government's nationally described space standard sets a minimum of 11.5m² for a double bedroom and 7.5m² for a single in new homes in England, with the main double bedroom at least 2.75m wide. In a room close to those minimums, a double bed plus bedside tables leaves little spare floor, which is exactly where a lift-up base earns its place.
The pressure on space is real: the Self Storage Association UK's 2026 annual industry report notes that around three-quarters of self-storage use comes from household customers, with not having enough room at home given as their main reason. Making better use of the space under the bed is one of the simplest ways to claw some of that back.
If your spare room has to double up as a study or snug, a sofa bed may be a better fit than a full bed – our guide to why a fabric sofa bed works well in guest rooms covers that option.
What are the pros and cons of an ottoman bed?
The big advantage is volume; the main drawbacks are the lifting action and the extra weight.
Pros
- Uses the full area under the mattress, so it holds bulky items such as duvets, suitcases and pillows.
- Opens upwards, so it suits narrow rooms and beds pushed against a wall.
- Contents stay enclosed, which helps keep dust off stored bedding.
Cons
- You lift the mattress platform each time, which is less convenient for items you need daily.
- Gas-lift pistons need to be matched to the weight of your mattress.
- Heavier and more involved to move house with.
- Keep children and pets clear of the hinge and lift mechanism.
Browse our gas-lift ottoman beds to see the headboard styles and fabric colours available.
What are the pros and cons of a divan bed?
Divans are simple, sturdy and convenient for small items, but they hold less and need floor space for the drawers.
Pros
- Drawers give instant access – ideal for nightwear, books, chargers and spare linen.
- A firm, even platform that suits most mattress types.
- Often easier to carry upstairs or move, particularly split-base versions.
Cons
- Total storage is lower than an ottoman of the same size.
- Drawers on a side that faces a wall, wardrobe or bedside table may be unusable.
- The solid base sits low, so you cannot slide boxes underneath as with a bed on legs.
Explore our divan beds with storage if drawer access suits your routine better.
How do I choose between an ottoman and a divan? A 6-step checklist
Start with your room, then work out what you need to store. These six steps will point you to the right type.
- Measure the room and the bed position. Note the width of floor either side of the bed and at the foot end, plus the position of radiators, windowsills and doors.
- Check drawer clearance for a divan. Find the drawer depth on the product specification and make sure you have that much clear floor, plus room to stand or kneel.
- Check lift clearance for an ottoman. Look for anything above the bed that the raised platform could hit, such as a sloping ceiling, shelves or a low windowsill.
- List what you will store. Bulky, seasonal items suit an ottoman; small, everyday items suit drawers.
- Think about the mattress. If you choose an ottoman, check that the lift mechanism is suitable for the weight of the mattress you plan to use. Our mattress range includes pocket-sprung, memory and pillow-top options.
- Consider access to the room. Measure stairs, landings and doorways so the base can be carried in.
What size storage bed do I need?
Choose the largest mattress that still leaves comfortable walkway space around the bed – ideally around 60–70cm on any side you need to walk past.
Standard UK mattress sizes are:
- Single: 90 x 190cm
- Small double: 120 x 190cm
- Double: 135 x 190cm
- King: 150 x 200cm
- Super king: 180 x 200cm
Remember that these are mattress sizes. The base, headboard and any wingback design add to the overall footprint, so always check the full external dimensions listed on the product page before you order.
How do I style a storage bed for autumn and winter?
Pair a fabric headboard with layered textiles and warm, earthy colours for a cosy look this season.
Interiors editors are pointing towards cocooning bedrooms for the colder months. Ideal Home's autumn/winter 2026 bedroom coverage highlights grounded shades such as burgundy, deep green, inky blue and camel, along with plenty of texture, while Your Home and Style picks out olive greens and velvet upholstery among the season's key looks.
An upholstered headboard in one of these tones instantly warms a room. Finish the scheme with a soft rug either side of the bed, matching bedside cabinets for lamps and books, and a chest of drawers for the everyday items you would rather not lift a bed for.
Can you use a storage bed for guests?
Yes. A storage bed in the spare room keeps guest bedding, towels and pillows in one place, ready to pull out when visitors arrive.
If your guest space also needs to work as a living area, a sofa bed may be more flexible. Our article on how a corner sofa bed with storage can transform your space explains how that works, and you can browse the full range of sofa beds.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ottoman bed better than a divan bed?
An ottoman bed is better if your priority is maximum storage, because the entire area under the mattress is usable. A divan with drawers is better if you want quick access to everyday items without lifting the mattress. Many people choose based on room layout as much as storage needs.
Can you put any mattress on an ottoman bed?
Most standard mattresses fit, but the gas-lift pistons need to suit the mattress weight. A very heavy mattress can make the base hard to lift, while a very light one may stop it closing smoothly. Check the bed's guidance on mattress weight before you buy.
Are ottoman beds good for small bedrooms?
Yes, ottoman beds are well suited to small bedrooms because the base lifts upwards and needs no extra floor space to open. This means they work even when the bed is pushed against a wall. Just check there is nothing above the bed that the raised platform could hit.
Do divan beds need space for the drawers?
Yes, each drawer needs clear floor in front of it to open fully, plus room for you to stand or kneel. Drawers on a side facing a wall or bedside table may not open at all. Measure the drawer depth on the product specification against your room before ordering.
What is the difference between an end-lift and a side-lift ottoman?
An end-lift ottoman opens from the foot of the bed and is the most common type. A side-lift ottoman opens from one long side, which suits rooms where the foot of the bed is close to a wall or wardrobe. Pick the direction that matches where you have clear space to stand.
Can a divan bed have a headboard?
Yes, most divan bases are designed to take a headboard, which is either bolted to the base or fixed to the wall. Many divans are sold as a set with a matching headboard. Check that the headboard width matches your bed size.
Find the right storage bed for your home
If you want to make every centimetre count, start with our ottoman beds collection – or compare it with our divan beds with drawers to find the storage style that suits your room and routine.
