With everything evolving around the world, the bed industry is not behind. In recent years, the bed industry has focused on creating bed frames that are both aesthetically pleasing and versatile storage space solutions.
The Ottoman bed is at the top when it comes to storage and aesthetics. Unlike traditional beds, ottoman beds feature a lift-up mechanism and provide a large storage compartment. These beds are best for people who live in urban settings and need a space to store seasonal bedding or heavy items to keep the space clutter-free and dirt-free.
This blog will cover everything about ottoman beds, starting from what is ottoman bed is to history, features, types, benefits, and some drawbacks of ottoman beds.
This is the only guide you need to read to know everything about Ottoman beds. In the end, I will share my personal experience as well as customers' experience with Ottoman beds.
Firstly, we start with the question of what an Ottoman bed is and then go through the history of Ottoman beds over the years and how it became so popular among beds.
Introduction to an Ottoman bed
An ottoman bed is a bed based on a lift base system. In simple words, it is a bed with one big storage compartment underneath it, which can be accessed by lifting the base of the bed. This allows the user to store heavy items like blankets, pillows, and duvets in one place to keep the surroundings clean and clutter-free.
When closed, the ottoman bed resembles a sleek and upholstered bed that adds a touch of luxury to the room. A sleek design makes it a better option for people who get bored with a divan drawer design.
Nowadays, an ottoman bed comes with a lift mechanism. Some retailers use a hydraulic system, while others prefer gas pistons to ease the access of lifting the base and prevent any backache issues. The mechanism works similarly to a car boot.
You need Little physical strength to lift the base and close the base. This ensures that you can easily lift the base and prevent the sudden closure of the base, as it can lead to major injury.
Moreover, some big retailers offer electric-operated lift mechanisms for more convenience. It is best for people who have any physical limitation or who need a bed that can be accessible for everyone, from young to older people.
This type of mechanism is operated with the help of a remote. One needs to click the button, and the bed base opens without any physical touch.
Furthermore, ottoman beds popularity led to the availability of ottoman beds in different categories, and now they are available in different sizes from single to superking and in different designs to suit different room layouts. In short, there are enough options available in Ottoman beds that target different users and needs.
History of Ottoman bed
The Ottoman bed is as old as the Ottoman Empire, a state where Muslims used to rule from the 14th to the early 20th century. Back then, furniture was made in a way that provided practicality and comfort.
A lot of people don't know that the original Ottoman was low, had a cushioned seat and didn't have any arms or backrests. In old times, the Ottoman was usually used as a footstool or additional seating.
Some craftsmen used to make an ottoman that features hinged lids, which allow users to use it as a storage unit. This whole led to the foundation of the Ottoman storage bed, which we know now.
Thomas Jefferson was the one who mentioned Ottoman in English in 1989. He was recorded purchasing an ‘ottomane of velours d’Utrecht’ in his memorandum book(ottoman furniture).
Ottomans have evolved over the years, and by the 19th century they ottomans were built into small circular or octagonal pieces with hinged seats for storage.
Earlier, people used them in their bedrooms for seating and storage.
The transition from Ottoman to Ottoman beds began during the boom of urbanisation as spaces got more compact. The designer decided to adopt the storage solution from the ottoman and embed it in a bed as thus led to the foundation of ottoman beds.
Earlier Ottoman beds came without any lift-up mechanism, you needed to lift the bed base with physical strength. But at present, most ottoman beds come with a gas lift or a hydraulic lift system, which makes the storage access easy.
Types of Ottoman beds
Ottoman beds come in different styles and materials. So let's go through every style and its advantages and what it is best for.
Foot end opening
This type of ottoman bed is most common as it provides full access to the storage compartment and opens from the foot. This type of ottoman is best for rooms that have space at the foot of the bed.
The key feature of this bed is that it provides maximum storage capacity and is easily accessible with different mechanisms.
Side opening
As the name suggests, this type of ottoman bed opens from the side. This is best for rooms that have very limited space, and you can only access the bed from the side. The best thing about this bed is that it can be accessed from both sides.
The only drawback of this bed is that it requires more effort to lift the base of the bed.
Half opening
Unlike any other ottoman bed, this type of bed opens only half at the foot. Some retailers provide extra shelves and drawers in this bed. This is best for rooms that have less ceiling height or for people who want mixed storage, i.e drawers and an ottoman.
It is also best for people who love to organise things accordingly in different compartments. It comes with the same mechanism as the other ottoman beds, but the only difference is that it opens halfway.
The only drawback of this bed is that you get slightly less storage in comparison to other ottoman beds.
Electric lift
Electric lift mechanism ottoman beds use electric motors to lift the base of the bed. With the help of a remote, you can access the storage underneath the base.
This is best for people with any mobility issue, or if you want everyone in your family to access the storage easily.
The best thing about this bed is that it doesn't require any physical strength.
But you have to pay extra for an electric ottoman in comparison to other ottoman beds because of the equipment costs. On top of that, it is more prone to technical issues.
Materials
Ottoman beds are made in different materials to target the interests of different customers. Every material suits different aesthetics.
Upholstered
Upholstered beds are in trend nowadays as they are easy to blend in with any decor. They are covered with different types of fabric, like linen, velvet, or any synthetic material.
Most retailers like us provide customisation options to the customer to pick the fabric of their choice. You can select he fabric according to your room decor so that it complements it naturally.
Most people who want to create a luxurious outlook go with a velvet option. Linen is better who want to create an open and welcoming outlook.
Synthetic is for people who prefer durability and don't want to spend extra money on other fabrics. The downside of synthetic fabric is that it traps heat and is not good for places where summers are hot. For hot weather, linen is preferable.
Wooden
Wooden ottoman beds are made from different types of wood. It can be an oak, pine, or mahogany.
These types of beds are more suited to traditional themes and never go out of style.
People usually buy these beds to match the aesthetic of other furniture in the room.
Metal
As the name suggests, metal ottoman beds are made of steel or iron. These beds are modern but not as popular as the other options above.
The best thing about this bed is that it is cheap in comparison to others.
However, in the end all boils down to personal preference and home decor.
Functionality and mechanism
The Ottoman bed works on a lift mechanism. This makes the storage access easy for the user.
There are two types of mechanisms used by retailers. The first one is a gas piston, and the second one is a hydraulic system. The compressed gas creates the force to push the bed base for controlled movement.
This ensures that the bed opens and closes easily without much physical strength. And also prevent any sudden drop of the bed base.
Lastly, if we talk about electric-operated ottoman beds, then they usually come with multiple batteries, which helps in lifting the bed base. This mechanism is operated with the help of an electric remote.
Some of the beds with this mechanism have the ability to change the position of the bed base. But they cost way more than a gas-lifted mechanism.
Storage space in ottoman beds is basically a single compartment, but sometimes manufacturers add extra support underneath, which reduces the space. But there is enough space to store heavy items.
Benefits of an Ottoman bed
Ottoman beds offer plenty of benefits in terms of practicality and aesthetics. Storage is the main benefit of ottoman beds, but let's discuss briefly some other benefits of ottoman beds.
Plenty of storage capacity: Ottoman beds offer plenty of storage space for storing. In comparison to divan drawer beds, ottoman beds offer extra space where you can store blankets, pillows, suitcases, as well as smaller items like books.
People in cities prefer an ottoman bed, which allows them to store winter clothes during the summer. This not only creates space for summer clothes but also keeps the unused clothes dirt-free.
Space-saving design: Ottoman bed not only gives you storage space but also eliminates the need for extra furniture, which makes it ideal for an apartment with little space.
Aesthetic: Another benefit of an ottoman bed is that it helps in creating a clutter-free and minimalist space. On top of that, it comes in different colours and fabrics to complement different decors.
There are plenty of options available in Ottoman beds, making it easy for buyers to pick the bed that blends easily with the overall theme of the house.
Versatility: Ottoman beds are super versatile as you can use them in your personal bedroom, in a guest room, as well as in a children's room, and even in master bedrooms.
Drawbacks and solutions
Just like anything, ottoman beds are not 100 per cent durable. So, let's cover some of its drawbacks that you, as a customer, should know before investing in an ottoman bed.
Mechanism failure: The main problem with Ottoman beds is that their mechanism gets faulty after some time if the quality is not up to the mark. Usually, the gas pistons may wear out quickly, making the lifting difficult.
To overcome this problem, you need to change the pistons if they create a problem, and you need to lubricate them from time to time.
Or you can choose the high-end models that come with a warranty.
Poor quality material: With popularity comes the cheap copies, and it's the same with the ottoman bed. Many retailers use cheap materials in the bed frame, which leads to sagging or instability. So, it is a customer's duty to look for the reviews or verify by visiting the store themselves.
Moreover, you should also look for retailers who provide a good warranty period.
Noise issues: Another big issue with an ottoman bed is creaking and squeaking wood noise from the bed, which can interfere with sleep. Before buying a bed, you need to make sure that the pistons are aligned properly, and you need to check whether the retailer is providing a sufficient warranty period for the bed and mechanism.
Safety concern: Earlier, there were incidents of the ottoman bed base falling suddenly. But nowadays, they come with a hydraulic system, but still, one cannot fully trust in machinery, as it can break down at any time.
You need to be extra careful while opening and closing the bed when children and pets are around.
Or you can also select the models that come with safety stops to prevent a sudden fall.
Difficult in lifting: Though it comes with a lift-up mechanism, one might still face difficulty in lifting the bed again and again on a regular basis.
Or you can buy an electric lift model if you need regular access to the storage, or go with a divan drawer bed.
Comparison with other beds
To better understand the difference between an ottoman and other beds, let's compare them side by side.
Ottoman bed vs divan bed
So, let's first compare the most popular beds ottoman and the divan bed. Both beds provide storage but serve different purposes.
As discussed, the Ottoman bed comes with one big storage compartment, whereas the divan bed consists of 2 to 4 drawers which can be easily accessed from the side without any need for lifting the base. However, the space in a divan bed is less in comparison to an ottoman bed, but it is more organised, as you can store different things in different compartments.
Moreover, a divan bed doesn't need any complex mechanism because storage is accessible from the side and anyone can use it from young to old age. In short, there is no danger involved while accessing the storage in a divan bed.
Also, a divan bed costs less compared to an ottoman bed because of its simple structure. The only downside is that they might not look as sleek and minimalist as an Ottoman bed.
To know more about this, you can check out this article - Ottoman bed vs Drawers
Ottoman bed vs traditional bed frame
Traditional bed frames are the simplest beds out there, without any storage. These beds are perfect if you only need a bed and have a separate storage solution for storage.
The best thing is is very affordable in comparison to other beds.
Platform bed with frame
These beds are similar to divan beds as they come with drawers integrated into the frame.
These beds are also very less in comparison to divan and ottoman beds. However, you will find very few options in these types of beds because of less demand.
Tips for choosing the right ottoman bed
Now let's discuss some tips to find the right ottoman bed.
Size and dimensions: Firstly, you need to make sure the bed is perfect for your room, not too small or too big. Some beds are very big, like a superking ottoman bed, which needs a master bedroom. Mostly king-size bed is the right choice for a normal room.
Further, you also need to make sure your mattress fits right on the bed. One inch less or more in the mattress can become an issue. So, make sure you either compare your mattress with the bed size or buy a new mattress after purchasing a bed.
Style and material: Choose the material according to the theme of your home. If you have wooden furniture everywhere in the house, then simply go with a wood frame so that it can easily blend in with the overall outlook. If you want a more luxurious and modern touch, then invest in an upholstered bed; you can choose the fabric of your choice.
Lifting mechanism: Invest in manual gas lifts if you are comfortable lifting and want more durability. Manual ones also cost less and are a top pick for most people.
If you want to access the storage on a frequent basis and don't want the hassle of lifting the bed base by yourself, then an electric mechanism makes sense.
Weight capacity: It is important to verify the weight capacity of the bed for heavy sleepers. Moreover, you need to check the storage capacity and how much load it can take with a mattress on. This is important to make sure a bed can hold a weight or heavy items, a mattress, and your weight.
Storage needs: You need to be very clear about what type of storage you need. Think about whether you prefer trays or dividers for storage.
If you check all the steps explained, you can buy a bed that matches your aesthetics and is also practical.
Maintenance and care
Here are some tips to maintain the ottoman bed to increase its durability.
Cleaning
Firstly, if you are planning to buy an upholstered ottoman bed, then you need to clean the fabric with a vacuum cleaner regularly to keep it dirt-free.
Upholstered beds are also more prone to stains, which require spot cleaning from time to time. Follow the retailer's guidelines to clean the bed.
Mechanic maintaince
Ottoman beds that come with a hydraulic or gas lift mechanism need some attention from time to time. You need to check the leaks and wear out from time to time. If there is a noise issue, lubricate the pistons; otherwise, you need to replace the pistons.
For lubrication, you can use a silicone spray for the smooth operation of moving parts.
Do check the mechanism on a regular basis, even if it comes under a warranty.
Storage organisation
Most people neglect this, and they just fill the compartment with heavy items, which leads to overload. Overloading can lead to problems in the lift mechanism. So, make sure not to surpass the storage limit when putting the heavy items in.
Styling an ottoman bed
After everything, let's discuss the main thing, i.e styling an ottoman bed.
Modern minimalist: if you are more into modern minimalist, then I would suggest you go with an upholstered bed and pick only neutral tones like white or grey. Grey is and a cream bed can easily blend in with most decors.
Semi-suede and synthetic fabrics are the best option for this.
Traditional: If your home theme is inspired by a traditional design, then go with a wooden frame and stained finish.
This wooden finish is an all-time classic and never goes out of style. Moreover, it can easily blend with other home furniture.
Industrial: If you are buying a bed for a hotel or for a house you want to rent, then you can invest in a metal base with exposed joinery.
Tip: If you want to style your bed to the next level, choose the right colour and fabric bedsheet that complements the furniture. Always go with light bedsheets as they blend in easily with any type of theme. Keep the bedsheets simple and plain and not overexperiment.
To enhance the overall look, put some pillows. You can experiment with different colour pillow covers to create to make the look more lively. You can use printed pillow covers if everything in the room is plain to create a pop-up. For a minimalistic Outlook, go with plain covers, but you can experiment with colours.
Always experiment with pillow covers and not with bedsheets. Keep the bedsheets as neutral and simple as possible.
Trends in Ottoman beds
As the world evolves and inclining more towards technology, the bed industry will surely adapt some smart methods to provide more features in the ottoman bed.
Smart technology: Ottoman beds will surely adapt technology, and you will see ottoman beds that will come with sensors to monitor or automate lifting.
Sustainable material: The second big change will be fabrics. As big brands in clothing move towards more eco-friendly fabrics, the time is very near when you will see eco-friendly materials like Bamboo, reclaimed wood, or organic fabrics to attract and gain the trust of customers.
Customisation: Now, many brands are giving more freedom to customer over their beds. And in the near future, almost all brands will provide customisation options in all of their beds to make the user experience good. Brands want to make beds that customer wants to buy, and not that they make and advertise them to make people buy them.
More features: There is no doubt that companies are working on adding more features to the ottoman bed. The main focus of companies is to provide a bed that is adjustable to user preferences and improve their sleep experience.
Frequently asked questions
Are ottoman beds good?
Well, mostly, ottoman beds are safe. There is very little probability of the bed base falling down. However, you need to be more careful when children and pets are around.
More on this - Are ottoman beds good?
Can I use a mattress with an ottoman bed?
Yes, you can use different types of mattresses with ottoman beds. You only need to check that the weight of the mattress is compatible with the bed.
How durable are ottoman beds?
High-quality beds with solid material quality can last a very long time. However, Ottoman beds' mechanisms might not be that durable and require regular maintenance. So, always check the warranty period when you buy a bed.