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An ottoman bed is a stylish and practical solution for many bedrooms, with the storage area under the mattress providing valuable de-cluttering space. But how do you choose the perfect ottoman bed with so many options?
Follow these five tips to do just that:
- Measure your bedroom to maximise bed size
When choosing an ottoman bed, the first step is measuring your bedroom. Ottoman beds come in standard UK sizes – small double, double, king, and super king. Measure the length and width of your room to see which size bed will fit best.
Consider existing furniture layouts and allow space to walk around the bed. Most people need 40cm around the perimeter of their bed to walk around it.
The most popular sizes are double (135 x 190 cm) and king (150 x 200 cm), with most people opting for a king-size bed if their bedroom is big enough.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Side Opening 5FT King size Ottoman Base 5’ (150cm) x 6’x6” (200cm). Available from Bedstar. The Online Bed Superstore.
- Choose between an end or side-lift ottoman.
Ottoman beds have two main lifting mechanisms – end lifting and side lifting.
End-lifting ottomans have the hinge at the end of the bed. The mattress lifts from the end upwards, keeping bedside tables accessible. Side lifting ottomans have hinges on one side, so the mattress lifts from the side.
Side-lifting ottomans allow positioning against a vertical wall. However, anything on the bedside tables will need moving before lifting. Think about your existing furniture and which lifting mechanism will work best in your layout.
- Look out for storage depth
One of the most significant advantages of ottoman beds is hidden storage. However, storage space depth varies significantly between models. Deeper storage allows you to make the most of the space by storing bulkier and more awkward items.
Look for ottoman beds with a storage depth of at least 30cm. opt for a depth greater than 40cm for storing larger items like suitcases. Ottoman beds can quickly become cluttered, so maximising storage depth is essential.
Pictured: Bedmr Grayson 5FT Kingsize Wooden Ottoman Bed – White. 5’ (150cm) x 6’x6” (200cm). Available from Bedstar. The Online Bed Superstore.
- Compare wooden and upholstered frames.
Ottoman beds come with two main material options – wood or upholstered. Wooden ottomans have a smooth, lacquered, or painted frame. Wood lends a stylish, sleek, and minimalist look. Upholstered ottomans have padding and fabrics like faux leather or velvet upholstery, creating a softer, more elegantly dressed finish.
Consider which material will work best with your décor. The tactile difference in feel when lifting the bed is also noticeable.
- Feet, gliders, and castors
Ottoman beds have three main options for base support – feet, gliders, or castors. Feet keep the bed firmly in place. Gliders allow the bed to slide across the carpet when moved. Castors add full manoeuvrability even on wood or tile floors.
Pictured: Glider, replacing the traditional castor wheel to prevent indentations on carpets and damage to wood surfaces.
Consider your floor type and whether you need to move the bed after assembly. Many ottoman beds are heavy, so moving them is difficult.
Occasionally, repositioning the bed to vacuum or rearrange furniture is useful. If manoeuvrability is necessary, choose an ottoman with castors or gliders. Otherwise, opt for fixed feet to keep the bed stationary.
Summing up
- Measure your bedroom space to determine the maximum bed size that will fit. Double or king sizes are the most popular.
- Choose between an end lift or side lift ottoman mechanism based on the room layout and existing furniture.
- Watch out for storage space depth. 22cm to 30cm is the norm, but you can get ottomans with over 40cm of depth.
- Consider whether you prefer the look and feel of a wood or upholstered frame.
- Select feet, gliders, or castors for the base according to your floor type and whether you will need to move the bed anytime soon.
If you enjoyed this article, read our guide to ottoman beds for more tips.