Updated : January 16, 2025
Published : January 16, 2025
Guides

One of the worst things to disrupt your bedroom’s look is clutter. Not just any clutter, but the stray stuff that never seems to find a place to live. Think about bulky winter duvets stuffed in wardrobes, shoes shoved awkwardly into tight corners or random items like old tech gathering dust under the bed.

If your bedroom feels more chaotic than calming, it might be time to consider an ottoman bed. Instead of cramming things into overstuffed wardrobes or piling them awkwardly on shelves, ottoman beds give you neat, out-of-sight storage, keeping your room feeling functional and, most importantly, serene.

With a simple lift of the bed frame, you get a whole compartment of space where you can organise everything neatly. And yes, they’re big enough to stash away even your travel suitcases – well, at least when it comes to Furl’s models.

But before making the leap and investing in an ottoman bed, there’s a lot to consider. The first step is understanding how they actually work and what’s involved in choosing the right one for your needs.

Types of Baseboards for Ottoman Beds

An ottoman baseboard supports both the mattress and the storage area underneath. There are two common types.

The first is a boarded base. This is a solid, sturdy panel that completely covers the bottom of the storage area. It stops your belongings from sitting directly on the floor, keeping them clean and protected. This type of base is ideal for heavier items because it’s strong and can handle loads.

The second type is a fabric base. There are two variations here. Some fabric bases rest directly on the floor, while others (known as shadow ottoman frames) feature a fabric pocket that creates a “floating” effect beneath the bed. This shadow-style design makes the bed look sleeker and less bulky. While fabric bases are a practical choice for lighter, smaller items, they’re not as robust as boarded bases.

Solid Bases vs. Sprung Slats

There are two main types of bases people go for when choosing an ottoman bed.

A solid base is, as the name suggests, a flat and sturdy surface where the mattress rests. This gives firmer support and is ideal if you prefer a more solid sleeping surface.

One thing to keep in mind is that a solid base can make your mattress feel firmer than its actual firmness level. Heavier sleepers often prefer this kind of setup for better support, while lighter sleepers might find it feels too firm. If you like a soft to medium feel, this may not be your best pick.

On the other hand, sprung slats offer some added flexibility. These are curved slats that slightly bend under pressure, giving a softer feel and better shock absorption. They’re suitable if you want a more cushioned experience. Plus, the gaps between the slats allow for better airflow, keeping you cooler during the night.

Opening Mechanism

When you're looking at ottoman beds, one of the most practical design choices you can make is how you'd like the storage bed to open. An ottoman bed comes with a base that lifts up effortlessly using gas-assisted pistons, giving you access to a spacious storage compartment underneath. The difference comes down to how this lift works — either from the side or the end of the bed.

Side-Opening Ottoman Beds

A side-opening ottoman bed gives you access to its entire storage space from the long edge of the bed. This is handy if you don't have much room at the end of the bed or your bed is placed against a wall.

You can open it easily without bumping into furniture or struggling for space.

End-Opening Ottoman Beds

Beds with end-opening storage lift from the foot of the bed instead. This design is perfect if the end of your bed has more open space than the sides.

Everything packed underneath is still just as easy to reach, but this orientation might work better for some floorplans.

Material Options

Just like standard beds, ottoman beds come in three main materials — wood, upholstered fabric, and leather.

Wood

A wooden ottoman bed gives your room a natural, timeless vibe. Wood adds a warm, grounded look, whether it’s a lighter tone like pine or a darker finish like oak. It’s sturdy, lasts for years, and doesn’t need much effort to keep clean — a simple wipe does the trick. Plus, wooden beds work well in almost any room style, bringing a classic touch that fits both modern and traditional spaces.

Upholstered Fabric

Leather

If you like a sharper, more polished style, a leather ottoman bed is a great pick. Leather, both real and vegan, gives a sleek yet bold look, making it stand out in any bedroom. It’s also practical and easy to care for, needing just a quick wipe to keep it clean.

Genuine leather is a solid investment for its durability, while faux leather gives a more affordable option without losing the luxury feel.

Choosing an Ottoman Bed

“Bed is the perfect climate.” - Noel Coward

We’ve covered somewhat technical details above, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the basics when choosing your ottoman bed. These practical things matter and can save you a headache down the line. Here’s what you need to double-check.

Size

Ottoman beds don’t need extra room for outward-opening drawers like divans do, but you still have to measure your space carefully. Most ottoman beds come in standard sizes, so it’s straightforward to match one to your room. Make sure the bed fits well and leaves enough walking space – at least 30cm is usually enough.

Watch out for the ceiling height, too. Ottoman beds lift upward when opened, so there needs to be proper space to avoid scraping or damaging anything above. Take a look at your room and ceiling setup before deciding.

At Furl, we have everything from the compact single for tight spaces to a luxurious emperor size, with doubles and super king options in between for any room size.

Storage Capacity

Storage depth isn’t universal across ottoman beds, so consider what you plan to store. For heavier items like seasonal clothes or bedding, a deeper storage area is ideal.

Furl offers six storage depth options, ranging from a sleek 20cm for lighter storage to a spacious 40cm for bulkier items.

Manual or Electric

Manual ottoman beds rely on gas-lift struts to raise the mattress with a bit of effort. They’re simple, sturdy, and budget-friendly. You’ll need to lift the bed yourself, but the struts make it smooth and manageable.

Alternatively, electric ottoman beds come with a motorised system for lifting. You operate it with a button or remote, making it a great option if you want full convenience or need an easier way to access storage. It’s hands-free, precise, and effortless — all you do is press and the bed does the rest.

Mattress Weight

Most standard mattresses, like memory foam or hybrid, fit fine on ottoman bed frames. The main thing to think about is weight. If you’re using a manual lift, a bulky or heavy mattress can make the storage space harder to access. A lighter mattress allows the lifting mechanism to work smoothly, so you can easily stash away extra bedding, clothes, or anything else.

Another thing to look at is the height of the mattress. Ottoman beds are designed to have a modern, sleek look, so a thick or extra-tall mattress can throw off the balance. Go for something low to medium in height for a seamless fit that suits the overall look and function of the bed.

Assembly

Putting together an ottoman bed takes more effort than a standard frame. You’ll need to take your time and follow the instructions carefully. If you’re into DIY, you might actually find the process satisfying.

If you’re not a fan of assembling furniture, though, no problem. You can always call in a professional to handle it for you. Even better, at Furl, we take care of the assembly so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Final Words

An ottoman bed keeps your room tidy while offering a comfortable place to sleep. With options for storage depth, materials, and opening styles, it’s easy to find one that suits your space. Whether you need extra room for bulky items or a sleek design that fits your bedroom layout, an ottoman bed combines smart design with everyday convenience.