Ottoman Vs Divan Storage Beds: A Buyer's Guide

How Ottoman Beds Work

An ottoman bed has a solid base that lifts on gas-piston struts, similar to a car boot. The entire mattress platform rises as one piece, revealing a single large storage cavity underneath.

Most ottoman beds lift from the foot end, though side-opening designs are available for rooms where the foot of the bed sits against a wall. The gas struts take the weight of the mattress, so lifting requires minimal effort even with a heavy pocket sprung mattress on top.

The storage cavity is typically 25 to 30 cm deep. Because it is one open space with no dividers, it suits larger items well: spare duvets, pillows, suitcases, and seasonal clothing.

How Divan Beds Work

A divan bed is a fabric-covered box base, usually made in two halves that bolt together. Storage comes from drawers built into the sides of the base, typically two or four depending on the model.

Standard divan drawers are around 20 cm deep and 60 to 80 cm wide. Four-drawer divans have one drawer per quarter of the bed, accessible from both sides. Two-drawer versions usually have drawers on one side only.

Divans are the most common bed type sold in the UK. They are simple, relatively inexpensive, and available from almost every bed retailer. Most divan bases include a headboard attachment point, and many are sold as a set with a matching mattress.

Storage Capacity

Ottoman beds hold significantly more than divans. A king-size ottoman offers roughly 1,000 to 1,200 litres of storage space. The same size divan with four drawers holds around 300 to 400 litres.

That said, not all storage is equally useful:

• Ottoman storage is harder to access day to day. You need to lift the mattress platform, retrieve the item, and lower it again. This makes it less convenient for things you reach for every morning.
• Divan drawers are quicker. Pull open a drawer and you are done. For everyday items like spare bedding, books, or clothing, drawers are more practical.
• Ottoman cavities collect dust. The space under the bed is not fully sealed, so items stored for months will need cleaning or covering.
• Divan drawers have limited depth. Bulky items like suitcases or rolled duvets will not fit. Ottomans handle these easily.

If you need storage for things you use regularly, a divan is more convenient. If you need to store bulky or seasonal items and do not mind the occasional lift, an ottoman uses the space far better.

Price And Value

Divan bases cost less. A basic double divan with two drawers starts at around £200 to £300. A comparable ottoman base starts at £350 to £500. The gas-piston mechanism and single-piece construction add to the manufacturing cost.

Both are sold with and without mattresses. Buying a set (base plus mattress) from the same retailer is usually cheaper than buying separately, but check the mattress quality before committing. Some retailers pair a decent base with a low-quality mattress to make the package price look competitive.

For current prices on beds and mattresses, our mattress listings page compares live offers from UK retailers.

Assembly And Delivery

Divan beds are easier to move. The two-piece base fits through standard doorways and up narrow staircases. Each half weighs 15 to 25 kg for a double, manageable for two people.

Ottoman beds are heavier and bulkier. A king-size ottoman base can weigh 40 to 60 kg, and even when flat-packed the pieces are large. Some models need three people to carry upstairs. Check the delivery terms before ordering: many retailers offer room-of-choice delivery for ottoman beds because they know customers cannot easily move them alone.

Assembly time differs too:

• Divans: bolt the two halves together, attach the headboard, place the mattress. Twenty minutes at most.
• Ottomans: assemble the frame (if flat-packed), attach the gas struts, adjust the lifting mechanism, and fit the mattress. Allow an hour or more, and read the instructions before starting. Incorrectly fitted gas struts are one of the most common complaints in online reviews.

Maintenance

Both types need occasional attention:

• Divan drawers can stick if the runners warp or collect dust. A drop of furniture wax on the runners usually fixes this. Check the drawer bases for sagging if you store heavy items.
• Ottoman gas struts lose pressure over time. After three to five years, the mattress platform may not stay raised on its own. Replacement struts cost £15 to £30 and are straightforward to fit at home.
• Both types benefit from vacuuming underneath every few months. Dust builds up quickly in bedroom furniture.

Which Should You Choose

Choose an ottoman bed if you:

• Need maximum storage in a small bedroom
• Store bulky or seasonal items like duvets, suitcases, or ski gear
• Access stored items occasionally rather than daily
• Have the budget and the doorway clearance for delivery

Choose a divan bed if you:

• Want quick, easy access to stored items every day
• Prefer a simpler, lighter bed that is easy to move
• Are on a tighter budget
• Need to get the bed up narrow stairs or through small doorways

If you are also choosing a new mattress, our UK mattress sizes guide covers which sizes are available and how much room each needs. For help choosing between mattress types, see our memory foam vs pocket sprung comparison.