Ottoman Divan Beds with Storage.
Storage is one of the biggest challenges in any bedroom, and an ottoman divan bed is one of the most elegant solutions available. Unlike drawer divans that only utilise a portion of the under-bed space, an ottoman base opens to reveal the entire footprint of the bed as usable storage. For anyone dealing with a smaller bedroom, a spare room that doubles as a home office, or simply a household with more bedding and seasonal clothing than available wardrobe space, the difference is significant.
At ZORA Beds, our ottoman divan bed collection has been designed to combine generous storage capacity with the comfort and aesthetics of a properly upholstered bed base. These are not the flimsy, hard-to-lift ottomans of years past. Modern gas-lift mechanisms make accessing your stored items straightforward, and the build quality of our bases ensures they perform reliably day after day.
How Ottoman Divan Beds Work
The principle is straightforward but the engineering matters. A hinged platform top is attached to the divan base via a gas-lift piston mechanism. When you pull the handle, usually located at the foot end, the pistons assist in raising the entire top section to reveal the storage cavity beneath. Releasing it gently allows the pistons to lower the top back into position.
Our ottomans use high-quality hydraulic pistons rated for the weight of both the mattress and the base itself, so lifting requires minimal physical effort. This is a detail that matters more than people expect. Cheaper gas-lift mechanisms can be stiff, unpredictable, or prone to failure, which rather defeats the purpose of choosing an ottoman in the first place.
Size Options and Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of an ottoman divan bed scales directly with the bed size, which is worth considering when you are deciding between dimensions.
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A divan ottoman bed in king size offers approximately 1.4 cubic metres of storage space. The five-foot width combined with a depth of around 200 centimetres provides genuinely capacious storage for bulky items like winter duvets, spare pillows, suitcases, and out-of-season clothing. If storage is a primary concern and your room can accommodate a king, this size delivers the best balance of sleeping space and practical storage volume.
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A double ottoman divan bed is the most popular size in our ottoman range and suits the majority of UK bedrooms. The four-foot-six width still provides substantial storage while fitting comfortably into rooms where a king would feel cramped. This is often the sweet spot for couples who need the storage but have moderate room dimensions to work with.
End Lift Versus Side Lift
The direction in which the ottoman opens has practical implications that are easy to overlook until the bed is installed in your room.
An end-lift ottoman opens from the foot of the bed, which is the most common configuration and works well when there is clearance at the bottom end. This is generally the preferred option for beds positioned against a wall on both sides, as it does not require additional lateral space to operate.
A side-lift ottoman opens from one side, which can be useful in rooms where the foot end is blocked by furniture or a narrow gap. It also provides easier access when you need to retrieve items from the far side of the storage cavity without leaning across the full depth of the bed. Our collection includes models that offer both options, so you can choose based on your room's layout.
Build Quality and Upholstery
Every ottoman divan bed in our range is upholstered in a choice of contemporary fabrics, with padded tops that create a finished, comfortable surface even before the mattress is added. The internal frame is constructed from solid timber and reinforced at stress points to ensure long-term structural integrity, even when the storage cavity is fully loaded.
The base fabric lining is hard-wearing and helps protect stored items from dust. We also include anti-slip materials on the platform top to keep your mattress securely in position, preventing the frustrating issue of mattresses gradually sliding on smooth upholstered surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ottoman divan bed difficult to open?
Not at all. The gas-lift pistons do the heavy lifting for you. You simply pull the handle at the foot end and the mechanism raises the top with minimal effort. The pistons are designed to hold the top open once raised, so you can access your belongings with both hands free. Lowering it is equally straightforward and controlled.
How much weight can the ottoman storage hold?
The storage capacity is designed for typical bedroom items such as bedding, clothing, shoes, and seasonal decorations. The platform base itself is engineered to support the weight of a mattress and normal sleeping loads, and the storage floor is reinforced. Avoid storing extremely heavy items like dense boxes of books or weights, as these can strain the base structure over time.
Can I use any mattress with an ottoman divan bed?
Yes. Ottoman divan bases use a solid platform top, which is compatible with all mattress types including pocket sprung, memory foam, open coil, and hybrid designs. Unlike slatted bases that may require specific mattress compatibility, a platform top provides uniform support across the entire surface area, which actually benefits most mattress constructions.
Does an ottoman divan bed need to be pushed against a wall?
It does not need to be against a wall, but positioning it centrally does require enough clearance on at least one side or the foot end for the lid to open fully. If you prefer a freestanding look, a side-lift model may work better as it only requires clearance on one side rather than at the foot.
How is an ottoman divan bed delivered?
ZORA Beds delivers ottoman divan bases free to UK mainland addresses. The base typically arrives in two sections for double sizes and above, with the gas-lift mechanism pre-fitted. Assembly is straightforward and all necessary fixings are included. Delivery times vary by model, and we provide tracking information so you can plan accordingly.