Space is a premium when modern homes are concerned. With our belongings accumulating year by year, finding more efficient ways to keep our homes organised has become a top priority. Like many people, you may look at the large footprint of your bed, wondering if you can turn that space into something more—this is exactly how ottoman beds solve your storage woes.

At The Bed Village Yorkshire, we believe that your furniture should be as functional as it is beautiful. This is a six-minute read explaining what ottoman beds are and their benefits, their most common issues and how to fix them, and how you can make your ottoman bed perfect with us.

What Is an Ottoman Bed

An ottoman bed is a type of bed frame that features a gas-lift hydraulic mechanism, which allows its entire mattress base to be lifted with ease. It solves your storage woes by providing a hidden sanctuary for most of your items until they are needed.

Are Ottoman Beds Good?

Yes, especially for minimalist bedrooms or for those who would like to at least have their bedroom clutter-free. Ottoman beds allow the entirety of their footprint to be utilised as a storage space, unlike drawers which would usually leave a dead space in the middle.

You should get an ottoman bed if:

• You have a small bedroom: If you lack the space for an extra wardrobe or other storage furniture, an ottoman will provide the storage space you need without the clutter
• You prefer a minimalist aesthetic: You can maintain a clean, tidy look in your room because the storage area is entirely hidden beneath the mattress
• You need to store large or bulky items: An ottoman works best for large items that won’t fit in a standard box or drawer
• You value accessibility: You want your items to be accessible when you need them, especially when you have no other places where you can store your items
• You value ease of use: An ottoman bed’s gas-lift pistons will do the heavy lifting for you, making it easy to get the items you need when you need them

What Can You Store in Ottoman Beds

Versatility is an ottoman bed’s greatest strength. Since its storage space has plenty of depth and it spans the full width and length of the bed, it can act as an accessible secondary wardrobe or even a cupboard located right where you need it.

Items perfect for ottoman storage include:

• Extra bedding and pillows
• Seasonal clothing
• Decorations such as Christmas lights and other holiday decor
• Children’s toys
• Luggage and travel essentials

Why My Ottoman Bed Won’t Close

Now that you understand how ottoman beds solve your storage woes, it is time to address a very common and minor hurdle that comes with ottoman beds—the bed is stuck or won’t stay down. We understand that it can be frustrating when your new, supposedly sleek furniture appears stuck in an open position; we’re happy to inform you that it’s more or less the bed’s gas pistons doing their job a little too well.

Below are the three most common issues with ottoman beds, why they happen, and how you can fix them.

The Mattress Hangs Above the Base

The most frequent reason an ottoman bed won’t close is that the mattress isn’t placed on top. Most owners tend to forget the fact that an ottoman bed’s gas pistons are designed to support a significant amount of weight, meaning that it is extremely hard to push down by hand. If this happens, put your mattress on the frame first and you’ll soon see your bed close with ease.

Stiff Pistons

This is one of the main reasons why the ottoman bed would appear stuck. If this happens, ensure that the mattress is placed on top first before you apply a firm, steady pressure to the foot of the bed to have it closed. Remember that the pistons will have to complete their first few cycles before their movement becomes significantly smoother.

If you’re working with an older bed, then we recommend having them checked by a professional. The pistons may need to be replaced if they are worn out.

Overstuffed Compartment

It can be tempting to utilise every inch of your ottoman bed’s storage space. Do remember that if your items are piled too high, they can interfere with the pivoting hinges or the bed’s internal framework as the top descends.

For the ottoman bed to lock itself properly, your items need to be spread and set below the line of the frame; the gas pistons may be strong enough to lift your bed, but it does not guarantee that it is strong enough to squeeze your items in.

Customisation Options for Ottoman Beds

While our primary goal here at The Bed Village Yorkshire is to solve your storage woes with our extensive selection of ottoman beds, our secondary goal is to ensure that the bed fits perfectly in your room’s layout and decor.

Because our bed frames and mattresses are beautifully handcrafted, working with us ensures that you get to build a bed that’s truly tailored to your needs.

Opening Side

The layout of your room typically dictates how your ottoman bed should open. We offer both end-opening and side-opening configurations. The end-opening configuration fits beds that are positioned in the middle of the room or with plenty of space. The side-opening one fits a bed that is pressed against the wall.

Headboards

Our ottoman frames can be paired with a variety of headboard styles, offering options for style and functionality, or a mix of both. If you’re looking to make your bed more functional, opting for a headboard might be a good idea.

Suggested read: Upgrade Your Bedroom: Why a Bed with a Headboard Is a Game Changer

Footboards

You can choose this option to give your bed a more premium, “boxed-in” and cohesive feel. Rest assured that we’ll make the lifting mechanism remain easily accessible if you choose to have a footboard.

Fabric Finishes

We offer an extensive range of custom fabric finishes with a wide palette of colours available. With both of these in mind, you have the capacity to create a bed that will uniquely fit your bedroom.

You can request a free fabric sample here.

Mattresses

An ottoman requires a mattress that is heavy enough to balance its pistons but also flexible and soft enough to move with the base. We offer a curated selection of mattresses that ensure your ottoman functions as intended while guaranteeing your restful sleep with proper support, no matter your sleeping style.

Suggested read: How to Pick the Best Sleeping Bed Mattress for Your Sleeping Style

Frequently Asked Questions

How do ottoman beds solve your storage woes exactly?

Unlike divan beds with drawers, ottoman beds utilise the entire space under the mattress, creating a massive, hidden vault perfect for bulky items you can’t easily store somewhere else.

What is the difference between an end-opening and side-opening ottoman?

An end-opening bed lifts from the foot, which is ideal if you have space at the end of the bed. A side-opening bed lifts from either the left or right, making it the perfect choice for narrow rooms where the bed is placed against a wall.

Can I customise the look of my ottoman bed?

Absolutely! You can choose to have a headboard and footboard. You can also choose from a wide variety of fabrics, colours, and mattresses. We believe these options will help you create a bed that is truly unique to you.

Get the Perfect Ottoman Bed with The Bed Village Yorkshire

If you’re looking to make the most use of your bedroom’s floor space with smart storage solutions, it is time for an upgrade. At The Bed Village Yorkshire, not only do we understand how ottoman beds solve your storage woes, we take pride in helping our customers combine luxury with functionality. We have an extensive range of ottoman frames and premium mattresses, all designed to provide long-lasting comfort and a clutter-free home.

We’re just a phone call away if you need help picking the right size, material, or custom options. You can reach us by email at sales@thebedvillageyorkshire.co.uk or call us at 0800 844 5982.

Let us help you find your perfect mattress today!