The wardrobe is full. There’s a suitcase balanced on top of it, the spare duvet lives in a bin bag under the stairs, and the Christmas decorations have nowhere to go. A storage bed makes sense. The question is which kind.
Ottoman beds vs divan beds is one of the most common questions we hear at Royal Sleep Beds, and there’s no single winner. The right choice depends on what you store, how big your room is and how often you need to reach it. This guide compares both on storage, comfort, style, price and room size, with plain pros and cons, so you can buy once and buy right.
Quick answer: An ottoman bed lifts up on gas struts to reveal the whole space under the mattress, so it holds more and suits bulky items. A divan bed is a solid, fabric-covered base that usually stores things in drawers along the side, which is handier for things you use every day. Pick an ottoman for maximum storage in a small room. Pick a divan for quick daily access and a lower price.
What is an ottoman bed?
An ottoman bed has a mattress platform that’s hinged at one end. Lift it and the whole base opens up, a bit like a car boot. Everything under your mattress becomes one large, enclosed storage compartment that keeps dust off whatever you put in it.
Because the storage runs almost the full length and width of the bed, an ottoman storage bed holds far more than drawers can. Spare bedding, winter coats, suitcases, the lot.
How a gas lift ottoman bed works
Two gas pistons, usually called struts, sit on either side of the base. They carry most of the weight of the platform and mattress, so opening a gas lift ottoman bed takes a steady pull on a handle or strap rather than real effort. Heavier mattresses need stronger struts, so if you’re pairing the bed with a deep memory foam or pocket sprung mattress, tell your retailer the mattress weight before you order.
Most of our beds can be ordered with gas lift ottoman storage in standard, full metal or solid divan versions, so you aren’t stuck with one design just because you want storage.
End lift vs side lift ottoman beds
An end lift ottoman rises from the foot of the bed. It’s the most common type and works well when you have clear floor space at the end of the bed. Our Camden Divan Ottoman End Lift Storage Bed is a good example.
A side lift ottoman opens from the long side. It makes sense when the foot of the bed faces a wall, a radiator or a wardrobe, or when the bed is pushed lengthways against a wall in a box room.
What is a divan bed?
A divan is a box-shaped base, normally a timber frame wrapped in fabric, that sits on castors or small feet. The mattress goes on top and a headboard bolts to the back. It’s been a staple of British bedrooms for decades because it’s simple, sturdy and tidy.
The top of a divan bed base isn’t always the same. According to the National Bed Federation’s Bed Advice UK guide to bed bases, sprung edge divans act like a giant shock absorber for the mattress, while platform top divans have a rigid, non-sprung panel that feels firmer and costs less. That detail changes how your bed feels, so it’s worth asking about.
Divan beds with drawers: 2 or 4?
Most divans come with optional drawers. Two drawers on one side suit a bed that sits against a wall. Four drawers, two on each side, double the storage and work best when you have walking space on both sides. The Plush Velvet Divan Bed with 2 Drawers shows the classic layout.
Can a divan also be an ottoman?
Yes, and this is where a lot of people get confused. Many beds sold in the UK as ottomans are ottoman divans: a divan-style base with a lift-up top instead of drawers. Our Divan Ottoman Storage Bed with Memory Mattress is exactly that. So the real comparison isn’t “divan or ottoman”. It’s drawers or a lift-up base.
Ottoman vs divan bed: key differences at a glance
| Ottoman bed | Divan bed | |
|---|---|---|
| How storage works | Whole platform lifts on gas struts | Pull-out drawers (2 or 4), or no storage |
| Storage capacity | Highest: uses almost the full base | Moderate: drawers use part of the base |
| Everyday access | Lift the mattress each time | Open a drawer in seconds |
| Best for storing | Bulky or seasonal items | Clothes, linen and daily items |
| Floor space needed | None beside the bed | Clearance to pull drawers out |
| Weight and moving | Heavier, more parts | Lighter, often on castors |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
| Mattress feel | Slatted or solid platform | Sprung edge or platform top |
Storage space: which bed holds more?
The ottoman wins on volume, and it isn’t close. Drawers only use part of the base, because the middle of a divan still needs its frame and supports. An ottoman opens up almost the entire footprint of the bed.
Drawers win on convenience, though. You can grab a jumper without stripping the duvet off. A simple rule: things you use weekly belong in drawers, and things you use a few times a year belong in an ottoman. If most of what you need to store is bulky and seasonal, the ottoman is the better buy.
Comfort and mattress support compared
Most of what you feel when you lie down comes from the mattress, not the base. Still, the base plays a part. Ottoman platforms are usually slatted or solid boards, which give a firm, even surface. A sprung edge divan adds a little extra give, while a platform top divan feels closer to an ottoman.
If you’re replacing an old mattress at the same time, that’s a good moment to match the two. The Sleep Charity suggests replacing a mattress after roughly seven to ten years, and waking up with aches is one of the signs it’s time. You can add a mattress to most of our beds, or browse our full range of mattresses.
Style and design options
The old idea that divans look plain and ottomans look bulky doesn’t hold up any more. Both now come fully upholstered, with tall headboards, wingbacks and Chesterfield buttoning. Our Monaca Wingback Curved Luxury Ottoman Bed and Chesterfield Ambassador Bed are both statement pieces with storage hidden underneath.
Across our upholstered beds you can choose from six fabric ranges and more than 60 colours, with headboard heights of 48, 54, 60, 70 or 80 inches. Not sure about a shade? Order free fabric swatches and see them in your own light before you commit.
Price and value for money
Divan beds usually cost less, because they don’t need a lift mechanism or a reinforced hinged platform. At the time of writing, our divan beds start from around £190 for a set with a mattress and headboard, and our ottoman beds start from around £239.
The price gap is smaller than it looks, though. A king-size ottoman can easily replace a chest of drawers or a blanket box, and in a small flat that freed-up floor space is worth a lot. If you’d rather spread the cost, PayPal Pay in 3 is available at checkout.
Room size: which is the best bed for a small bedroom?
UK bedrooms are rarely generous. The government’s nationally described space standard sets a minimum of just 7.5 square metres for a single bedroom and 11.5 square metres for a double. In rooms that tight, every bit of floor counts.
Divan drawers need clear space beside the bed so they can open fully, plus room for you to kneel in front of them. An ottoman needs none of that, because it opens upwards. That means you can push it tight against a wall and still use all of its storage. For most small rooms, the ottoman is the best bed for a small bedroom. Just check for low windowsills, shelves or a sloping ceiling that could get in the way of the lid.
Durability, weight and moving house
An ottoman has more moving parts: hinges, struts and a lifting frame. Built well, those parts last for years, and gas struts can be replaced if they weaken. A divan is simpler, lighter and often sits on castors, which makes it easier to shift when you’re cleaning or rearranging the room. Larger divans often come in two halves, which helps on narrow stairs.
Accessibility matters too. A gas lift does most of the work, but you still need to stand at the end or side of the bed and lift. Some people find that easier than bending down to low drawers, and some don’t. If anyone in the house has back or mobility problems, think about who will use the storage most.
Pros and cons of ottoman beds
Pros
- The most storage you can get from a bed
- No floor space needed beside the bed for access
- Enclosed base keeps stored items dust-free
- Ideal for small bedrooms and flats
Cons
- You have to lift the mattress to reach anything
- Usually costs more than a divan
- Heavier and harder to move
- Not ideal for young children to operate on their own
Pros and cons of divan beds
Pros
- Quick, easy access to everyday items
- Usually the more affordable option
- Lighter and easier to move, often on castors
- Choice of sprung edge or firmer platform top
Cons
- Less total storage than an ottoman
- Drawers need clear floor space to open
- Drawers are blocked if one side of the bed touches a wall
Ottoman or divan bed: which is better for you?
Choose an ottoman bed if…
You’re short on space, you have bulky things to store, and you don’t need to reach them every day. It’s also the smarter pick for a guest room, where the bed doubles as a store cupboard for luggage and spare bedding.
Choose a divan bed if…
You want to reach clothes or linen daily, you have space at the sides of the bed, or you’re working to a tighter budget.
For children’s rooms
Drawers are usually the safer and simpler option, because kids can reach their own toys and clothes without lifting a heavy lid. Our Single Divan 2 Drawers Storage Kids Bed is built for exactly that, and you’ll find more in our kids beds range.
What to check before you buy
- Measure the room, then add drawer clearance for a divan or lid clearance for an ottoman.
- Check the delivery route. Narrow stairs and tight landings matter.
- Know your mattress depth and weight, especially for a gas lift.
- Match the headboard height to windowsills, sockets and wall lights.
- Order free fabric swatches before you choose a colour.
- Read the warranty terms. Our beds come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and free delivery to mainland UK (excluding Northern Ireland and the Isles).
FAQs:
Which is better, an ottoman or a divan bed?
Neither is better for everyone. An ottoman gives you more storage and suits small rooms, while a divan gives quicker access to everyday items and usually costs less. Choose based on what you store and how often you need it.
Are ottoman beds worth it?
For most people with limited space, yes. An ottoman can replace a chest of drawers or blanket box, which frees up floor space. If you rarely need extra storage, a divan or standard bed frame may be better value.
Can you put an ottoman bed against a wall?
Yes. Because an end lift ottoman opens upwards from the foot, it can sit against a wall on one or both sides. Just make sure nothing above or at the end of the bed blocks the lid.
Do divan beds need a special mattress?
No. Any standard UK mattress in the right size will fit. The feel changes slightly depending on whether the divan has a sprung edge or a platform top, so pair a firmer mattress with a sprung base if you like firm support.
How much weight can an ottoman bed lift?
It depends on the gas struts fitted. Heavier mattresses need stronger struts, so check with the retailer before ordering. If the lid feels too heavy or won’t stay open, the struts may need replacing.
Is a divan bed good for a bad back?
A divan gives a stable base, but back comfort depends mostly on the mattress. Choose a mattress that keeps your spine aligned and replace it once it’s past its best.
Which is easier to clean around?
Both sit close to the floor, so dust has fewer places to gather than under a raised frame. A divan on castors is easier to roll out for a deep clean. An ottoman keeps stored items sealed away from dust.
Ottoman beds vs divan beds: the verdict
If storage and floor space are your priorities, go for an ottoman. If you want quick daily access and a lower price, a divan is hard to beat. Either way, you’re getting a bed that works harder than a standard frame.
Browse our ottoman beds and divan beds, handcrafted in the UK and made to order in your choice of fabric and colour. Still torn between the two? Get in touch and we’ll help you pick the right one for your room.