Bedrooms are shrinking. Wardrobes are bursting. The suitcases are stacked in the corner. Where else would they go? Sound familiar? After all, it’s the bed that solves all that, and it’s not a storage box.
The Bed That Doubles As Your Wardrobe
An ottoman is any frame that has a neat lifting base. The entire mattress system is lifted by hydraulic pistons, exposing a large depression below. There will be spare bedding, suitcases, off-season clothes, and pretty much anything else that you don’t want to look at.
59% of all dwellings in the UK do not comply with official storage recommendations. What does that mean? Home space is limited, particularly in flats and city dwellings, in most homes in Britain.
This is a problem that can be dealt with quietly, with the help of an ottoman, without the need to acquire additional furniture.
How Does an Ottoman Bed Actually Work?
What is an Ottoman bed? This is a bed that has the full base section that opens up like a car boot, through smooth hydraulic pistons. No drawers. No bending. Save space on the ground!
The Lift Mechanism
The pair of powerful gas pistons supports the mattress and base. Lifting with the foot end will lift all in one continuous movement. A push pushes it back down, but won’t slam it down.
What Sits Underneath?
Below, there is a completely lined storage chamber. Top-quality builds will be either thick fabric or solid wood floors to prevent dust and damp from entering the floor. Frequently, cheap ones are made with thin linings that are extremely fast-wearing
Desire to see how to make a good ottoman? The Zenna ottoman bed collection will allow you to get a better view of the hardware and finish.
Side Opening vs End Opening Ottomans
There are two predominant styles to be seen. The layout of the room will determine this.
Side Opening Ottoman
This kind of opening rises on the long side of the bed. It is best if there is more room along the side of the house. The bed is easier to access if it is centrally located in the room.
End Opening Ottoman
Ottoman (end opening) pops up from the side of the bed. Very attractive with one side of the bed pressed against a wall. This style is most suited for narrow flats and box rooms.
How to decide which to choose? Stand in your room in the house. What is the largest unobstructed area on the floor? So, that will do it for you.
Real Ottoman Bed Benefits Beyond Storage
People choose these frames for storage, but it’s not the only thing. There are several advantages to having a real ottoman bed:
- A “clutter-free living” that doesn’t require more furnishings.
- More ventilation than divan drawer beds prolongs the life of the mattress.
- Sleek, luxurious-looking upholstered frames, rather than budget storage!
- Even when you use this product every day, it is quiet.
- More cost-effective than purchasing a frame and a standalone wardrobe or locker unit.
What To Check Before You Buy?
There are different kinds of ottomans. Some do look good and fail in a year. Some run without problems for 10 years. So what is the best thing to look at?
Hardware Quality
Properly branded gas pistons, steel reinforced frames, and bolt fixings. Stay away from plastic mechanisms!
Storage Depth
Look at the true measurement for storage, in centimetres, and not just the marketing photograph! A king ottoman should provide you with a minimum depth of 25cm to 35cm.
Under-Bed Clearance
The under-bed clearance and base weight are important if you ever plan to move the bed. Heavier divan-style ottomans will require two people to move.
Fabric And Finish
Upholstered frames in velvet, linen, or boucle make a good appearance and mask up smaller scuffs than leatherette does. For something more polished, the Zenna luxury bed collection shows the same fabrics across luxury frames, too.
Summary
An ottoman is more than a secret box! This is a great solution if the space you need in your bedroom is a third of what you need, but you don’t want to spend extra on clothes storage.
Simply select one that has deep storage, excellent hydraulics,s and is upholstered correctly. You will have everything that comes with the luxury of a bed, with the functionality of a built-in cupboard. It’s the smartest bed for most UK homes, and it can operate stealthily, undetected.
Check the full Zenna handmade beds collection and pick one built to last!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ottoman beds heavy to lift every day?
No. Quality hydraulic pistons absorb the entire weight of the base and mattress, so all of the weight is lifted up with one easy pull.
Can you put a heavy mattress on an Ottoman bed?
Yes, in the advertised weight range. Mostly quality ottomans will be able to deal with pocket springs up to about 35kg without a problem.
What is the difference between side and end-opening Ottomans?
There is a side opening and an end opening. Side-opening lifts from the long side and end-opening lifts from the foot. Finish opening beds in bedrooms pushed up against a wall.
How much storage space do you actually get?
Roughly the size of a coffin-shaped cavity beneath the mattress. King-size frames give 25 cm to 35 cm of usable depth across the full bed footprint.
Do the hydraulic pistons wear out over time?
Branded pistons will last for 8-10 years of use. Virtually any low-priced piston can fail within two. Pistons can be easily replaced.