An ottoman bed is a space-saving bed frame with storage built right into its base. Gas struts or pistons make lifting the heavy mattress platform easy, and the storage area is perfect for bulky bedding, out-of-season clothes, shoes, and more.
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When shopping for the perfect ottoman storage bed, there are a few key considerations:
1. Ottoman Bed Frame Size
Ottoman beds come in standard UK bed sizes to fit your mattress – from small single to super king size. A small single, at only 75 x 190cm, works well for kids’ rooms or guest bedrooms but is too narrow for most adults.
Single-size beds at 90 x 190 cm accommodate single sleepers in tighter spaces; however, they can feel cramped. Small doubles, also known as queen-size, have a cosy 120 x 190cm mattress, providing enough width for couples desiring close comfort.
The mattresses in double beds measure 135 x 190cm, offering ample personal space to spread out and not constantly touch.
King-size ottomans measure 200 cm wide, handily filling larger master bedrooms while providing more space than doubles. Finally, super king beds spanning 180 x 200cm are the ultimate luxury for large bedrooms.
2. Storage Depth Of An Ottoman Bed
The storage cavities in ottomans range from shallow to deep – between 22 to 35 cm. More storage depth enables stashing larger items under the bed but comes with considerations around accessibility. Greater depths mean hoisting that mattress platform higher up to access clothes, bedding and everything stored inside.
A lower profile ottoman may be advantageous for contemporary bedrooms, save for any obstructive footboards or bases hampering storage entry on such shallow models. Those needing serious storage should maximise depth but ensure they can physically manage repeatedly lifting that weighty mattress base to access the compartment.
When deciding on depth, balance your storage requirements with the desired room’s appearance and physical capabilities.
3. Hinge Location
What sets ottomans apart is their lift-up platform, allowing storage access. Most models feature hinges along one side or one end. This necessitates choosing between a side or end-opening ottoman bed. Here’s the lowdown:
- Side-opening ottomans have lifts on both long sides of the bed base, allowing the mattress platform to be raised from one side to access storage.
- End-opening ottomans open at the foot of the bed, which is convenient for larger bedrooms with the bed in the middle of the room.
For most bedrooms, an end-opening ottoman bed works best.
4. Material: Wood or Upholstered Base
Ottomans come with a wooden base or a smoothly upholstered fabric base. Wooden ottomans complement existing wooden furniture for a cohesive, built-in charm. Warm wood tones fit nicely in traditional bedrooms.
On the other hand, upholstered bases are wrapped in soft, often neutral fabrics like faux leather or cotton. Upholstered ottomans meld with headboards effortlessly, beautifully suiting modern and eclectic décor.
The softer appearance of fabric bases also offsets wood flooring and furniture, making them ideal for mid-century and farmhouse interior designs. If your bedroom has carpet, an upholstered ottoman will suit it better.
5. Ottoman Bed Styling And Headboards
Beyond efficient storage, ottoman beds flaunt serious style, serving any décor.
Sleigh beds like the Urban Aspire Chesterfield have gorgeous curves, while wingback ottomans like the Bedmr Warwick have lush headboards with rounded cossetting side alcoves mimicking classic wingback chairs.
You can even buy TV ottomans like the Star TV Ardor, which allows comfortable gaming and streaming in bed while giving you lots of storage space.
Many ottomans readily accept bolt-on headboards to align with existing bedroom furniture themes. Feel free to blend and match the ottoman storage base with a standalone headboard silhouette matching your cherished décor. Then, accessorise with coordinating bedroom furnishings for a seamlessly chic look.
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