Ottoman bed vs Drawers

Ottoman bed vs. drawers is a common confusion when buying a bed. Though both come with storage options suited to different lifestyles, in the end, it boils down to which one I should buy. Well, that is what I will try to answer in this blog. This blog will mainly discuss the differences between both beds and which one will fit your lifestyle.  

I created this blog mainly to make the buyers' decision process easier, as we often see people confused between both when they visit us for a bed. 

Let's start with a detailed comparison of Ottoman beds and drawer beds.

Ottoman bed vs drawer bed: A detailed comparison 

 

In this comparison, I will cover storage needs, design goals, and accessibility preferences. After reading this, you will get a clear mind about which option better suits your needs. 

But before that, let's discuss the basic difference between both beds. Both ottoman beds and drawer beds are similar bed frames as they both come with integrated storage space. Moreover, both beds are designed to address the same challenge of maximising space in small rooms. 

The main difference between both the beds is the type of storage. Ottoman bed come with a big single compartment lift-up mechanism, which is usually a gas lift mechanism. Where you have to lift the base of the bed. 

On the other hand, drawer beds are divan styled and come with built-in drawers and offer multiple compartments. 

Both beds are similar and distinct at the same time. So, let's go through what purpose each bed offers.

Storage Efficiency 

Storage is one of the main reasons, after the bed, that attracts users to buy a bed. This explains why Ottoman beds and drawer beds are so popular among users. Both targets different user needs and provide different storage approaches.

Ottoman bed - These beds come with a single big compartment underneath the base for storing blankets and bedding that require a big space and do not require regular opening. Ottoman bed can offer up to 1000 litres of storage space, which allows you to store heavy items that require a lot of space for storing.

Drawer beds - Unlike an ottoman bed, drawer beds are part of the divan base. Unlike Ottoman beds, they have multiple built-in drawers. Each drawer can be pulled out individually, which means they have multiple short compartments.  

 

Although it varies from bed to bed, drawer beds generally have shorter storage capacities than ottoman beds. The aim might be the multiple compartments, which decrease the overall storage space of the unit. 

So, if you have very limited space in your apartment for storing heavy blankets or other heavy items, then an ottoman bed would be a good investment. However, if you already have different storage compartments for clothing, then drawer beds are the best pick. 

So, in short, the winner in terms of storage is an ottoman bed any day. Not only can you store things 

Accessibility 

Accessibility should be one of the main parameters while selecting any storage bed. It is important if you have physical limitations or need frequent access.

Ottoman bed - If you want to access the storage of an Ottoman bed, you need to lift the mattress and base of the bed by yourself, which requires physical strength. But you can ease this process by buying an ottoman bed with a gas lift mechanism, though it still requires some strength to lift the base of the bed. After lifting the base, you get a big storage compartment where you can store anything you don't need for months, like heavy blankets, quilts or anything that is eating up the space. 

In short, accessing the storage of an ottoman bed is not for people with back issues or those with any mobility issues. 

We are bed manufacturers, but there are some users who prefer drawer beds over an ottoman bed because of their accessibility. You can even verify this on the web that some people got backache after lifting the ottoman bed base. The struggle is greater if you have a big, thick mattress on top.

Drawer bed - Drawer beds are easily accessible in comparison to an ottoman bed. All you need is to pull out the drawer and store anything you want. It is smoother and doesn't disturb any other part of the bed. 

The best thing about this bed is that it is ideal for daily use, especially if you have a big family and need to access the storage on a regular basis. Also, you can access the storage even if someone is sleeping on the bed. 

Moreover, a divan bed with drawers are best for people with any physical limitation or who have mobility issues, as you don't need to lift the heavy components like the mattress and bed base to access the storage.

So, in short, if we talk about which is better in terms of accessibility, then the poll leans towards a bed with drawers as they are easy to access for everyone within any age group. 

If you want to know more about Ottoman beds, you can check out this article - Are ottoman beds good?

Design 

 

Design can be a deciding factor if you want the bed to blend in with the other decor of the room. It can be a deciding factor for some people, especially for ones who love experimenting.

Ottoman bed:  Though ottoman beds are one of the oldest names in the bed industry, but bed industry has evolved over the years, and now you have sleek and modern designs. 

Ottoman beds come in different styles and designs, from simple wooden ottoman beds to upholstered ottoman beds. 

From plush velvet material to simple wooden finish, you can get anything in the bed market that matches your decor. Moreover, most retailers like us offer customers to customise their ottoman bed according to their liking. 

Ottoman beds offer a cleaner and sleeker look because of the hidden storage underneath, unlike drawer storage, where they are visible from the sides and don't offer the same sleek and minimalist look. Ottoman beds are often considered a statement piece and offer a luxury touch. 

Drawer bed: Unlike an ottoman bed, this bed comes with drawers that are visible and make the bed appear bulkier. However, these beds go well with classic as well as modern themes. But if we talk about versatility, then ottoman beds are ahead as they can easily blend in with home decor. 

To overcome this, some bed manufacturers now provide a drawer bed with a sleek profile and with an upholstered option to make it look more appealing and luxurious.

On the upside, divan beds with drawers are often praised for their compact frame structure.

Cost and maintenance 

Just like anything, beds also need maintenance from time to time. And with that comes the cost and hassle. Though both require some maintenance, but ottoman needs more care in comparison to the divan drawer bed. Let's find out why

Ottoman bed: These beds come with complex mechanisms such as a gas lift mechanism, which require skilful workers to set up everything in contact and at the right place. Because of the complex mechanism, it may become faulty after some time unless the quality is really good. Steel construction is said to be the most durable in Ottoman beds. 

Besides that, you need to check the mechanism from time to time or need to lubricate it. 

Drawer bed: Unlike an ottoman bed, these beds are simply designed and assembled and come with easy-to-maintain instructions.

The only thing you need to check is if the drawers are operating smoothly or not. If you feel difficulty in sliding the drawer, all you need is to tighten the drawer runners, or need to change them. 

If we talk about the cost of both beds, then it is well known that an ottoman bed costs more than a divan drawer bed because of the complex assembly and items used. 

The cost can vary from retailer to retailer, and what they are offering. A customised and upholstered bed can cost more than a normal bed. But overall, you will find ottoman beds expensive in contrast to a divan drawer bed.

Ottoman beds can cost up to £1600, whereas a divan drawer bed can range between £300-£ 800. 

Pros and cons of each bed

 

I have created this table to make it easy for the readers to understand everything. This comparison will make sure you make the right decision.

 

Conclusion 

 

So, if you are eager to buy any of these beds, then I suggest you go with the one that matches your needs. If you already have multiple wooden storage options at home, then I suggest you go with a drawer bed. It allows you to store your daily items like shoes, and on top of that, it will cost you less. 

However, if you live in a small space, then I suggest you go with an ottoman bed as it offers more storage space to store big and heavy items. But you should only go with an ottoman bed if it comes within your budget and you don't have any mobility issues. 

Also, you will get more customisation options with an ottoman bed, like choosing the fabric of your choice.

But if you are still confused between both, then you can go with a hybrid bed, which is a combination of an ottoman and a drawer. It is the best option if you are confused. 

Lastly, durability depends on the quality of the material used and how perfectly it is assembled. In short, make sure the price doesn't fool you. Higher price in bed doesn't always mean quality. You need to check the material or ask the retailer about the material used. Check the fabric quality by visiting the store or order a sample from the retailer online to check the quality and colour hue.