5 Storage Bed Brands Leading the Market in Craftsmanship and Durability

Storage beds solve the chronic shortage of bedroom storage that plagues most UK homes. Built-in wardrobes consume floor space, chests of drawers crowd rooms, and under-bed plastic boxes slide chaotically requiring furniture moving for access. Quality storage beds eliminate these frustrations through engineered lifting mechanisms revealing cavernous storage accessed in seconds. However, cheap storage beds fail catastrophically - gas struts lose pressure, frames crack under stress, mechanisms jam mid-lift leaving mattresses suspended awkwardly. The difference between excellence and disaster lies in craftsmanship and engineering quality.

Brand Specialisation Key Innovation Manufacturing Warranty
Furl Ottoman beds with industry-leading depth Up to 40cm storage depth, gas-lift to 1.7m UK-made in Nottingham since 2007 5-year mechanism, lifetime frame
And So To Bed Heritage luxury ottoman beds Handcrafted with Vispring & Tempur partnerships UK craftsmen Varies by model
Vispring Premium divan ottomans End-opening mechanisms, pocket springs UK handcrafted in Devon since 1901 5-year base, 1-year gas struts
Get Laid Beds Solid wood ottoman beds Mortise & tenon joinery, 474kg weight capacity UK handmade in Leicester 11-year guarantee
The Bed Crafters Bespoke upholstered ottomans British-made custom designs UK handcrafted Varies by model
max ottoman bed

1. Furl - The Storage Depth Champions

Furl pioneered industry-leading storage depths reaching 40cm in the Max model - nearly double typical ottoman bed capacity. This engineering achievement results from precisely calculated frame heights, mattress platforms positioned at optimal levels, and gas-lift mechanisms raising to 1.7m providing unprecedented access. The Nottingham workshops manufacture every ottoman bed to order, ensuring quality control impossible in mass production.

Why Furl Leads in Craftsmanship

The gas-lift mechanisms use industrial-grade components designed for thousands of lift cycles. Cheap ottoman beds economise on mechanism quality, resulting in failures within months when struts lose pressure or mounting brackets tear from frames. Furl's five-year mechanism warranty demonstrates confidence in engineering longevity, covering the mechanisms long past typical failure points of inferior products.

Frame construction utilises solid timber rather than chipboard or MDF. The frames extend just 2cm beyond mattress dimensions, maximising usable floor space whilst maintaining structural integrity. Joints are screwed and glued, creating permanent bonds rather than relying solely on cam-lock fittings that loosen over time.

The Ottoman Bed Range

The Max ottoman bed provides up to 40cm storage depth - the deepest available in the UK market. This capacity accommodates bulky winter duvets, multiple pillow sets, and seasonal clothing without compressing items excessively. The gas-lift raises to 1.7m, enabling easy access even when storage is packed completely.

The Illusion ottoman bed features wood detailing adding visual interest whilst maintaining up to 38cm storage depth. The Air ottoman bed showcases tall tapered legs creating an elevated floating appearance whilst still providing 38cm storage. The Simplicity ottoman bed includes wheels enabling repositioning for cleaning and storage depths of 26-36cm depending on size.

For loft conversions or rooms with limited ceiling height, the Low ottoman bed provides 20-22cm storage without requiring excessive headroom. The Mini Max delivers 28cm storage in a no-frills design offering excellent value. The Mirage ottoman bed combines slim metal legs with 33-38cm storage depths, suiting contemporary aesthetics.

UK Manufacturing Excellence

Since 2007, Furl has manufactured every storage bed in Nottingham workshops where skilled craftspeople build furniture by hand. The made-to-order approach means each bed receives individual attention rather than rolling off assembly lines. This local production enables quality control at every stage, reduces transportation emissions compared to importing furniture, and supports domestic employment.

The lifetime frame warranty demonstrates confidence in construction quality. Frames built to last decades rather than years align with sustainable furniture principles - buying once and keeping forever rather than replacing repeatedly. The five-star installation service includes professional assembly, mechanism demonstration, and complete packaging removal, ensuring optimal functionality from delivery day.

For more information on Furl's complete ottoman bed range, visit Furl Ottoman Beds.

2. And So To Bed - Heritage Luxury Specialists

And So To Bed emphasises heritage-inspired craftsmanship blending timeless aesthetics with practical storage solutions. Their ottoman bed collection includes both their own UK-handcrafted Emilia range and partnerships with premium brands Vispring and Tempur, offering customers luxury options across different price points and design preferences.

Handcrafted Quality

The Emilia Ottoman bed showcases UK craftsmanship with comfort and exceptional quality at its core. Handmade by skilled craftspeople, each bed receives the individual attention that mass production cannot replicate. The attention to unseen details - properly finished interiors, smooth mechanisms, quality materials throughout rather than just visible surfaces - distinguishes heritage craftsmanship from cost-cutting shortcuts.

And So To Bed's fabric selection exceeds 90 options, enabling precise colour matching and texture coordination with existing bedroom decor. Customisable details like decorative studs (which can be added or removed during the creation process) provide personalisation impossible with standard production-line furniture.

Luxury Brand Partnerships

Through partnerships with Vispring and Tempur, And So To Bed offers ottoman beds incorporating these premium manufacturers' expertise. Vispring ottoman divans feature end-opening mechanisms providing ample storage whilst maintaining the brand's reputation for handmade quality and attention to detail. Tempur ottoman beds like the Holcot model combine the brand's specialised pressure-relieving mattress technology with practical storage solutions, featuring stately high-backed, winged headboards.

These partnerships demonstrate And So To Bed's commitment to offering customers the best available options rather than limiting selections to house-brand products alone. The curation reflects expertise in identifying quality across the market and providing customers with choices meeting various aesthetic and functional requirements.

For more information on And So To Bed's ottoman bed collection, visit And So To Bed Ottoman Beds.

air ottoman bed
and so to bed home page

3. Vispring - Premium Divan Ottoman Engineering

Vispring's ottoman divan collection, including the Europa Ottoman, delivers functionality with contemporary aesthetics. The end-opening mechanism distinguishes Vispring's approach from top-opening ottoman beds, suiting room layouts where bed ends remain accessible but sides position against walls. Handcrafted in Devon, Vispring has been manufacturing luxury beds since 1901.

Decades of Craftsmanship

Vispring's intricate craftsmanship spans over a century, with expertise originally focused on premium mattress construction extending to bed bases and frames. The company created the world's first pocket-sprung divan and has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise. This mattress-maker perspective ensures ottoman bases provide proper support for the mattresses they hold, considering weight distribution, structural integrity, and longevity under the specific stresses mattresses create.

The Europa Ottoman is constructed using carefully nested pocket springs (1900 supportive pocket springs) in a sustainable timber frame that creates a responsive layer working in harmony with the mattress above. The end-opening lift mechanism operates smoothly despite the weight of premium mattresses, using strong gas struts engineered for reliable long-term performance. The mechanism stays open without requiring propping or holding, enabling safe two-handed access to stored items.

Design Integration

Vispring ottoman divans suit buyers wanting storage without the upholstered aesthetic of traditional ottoman beds. The divan format provides clean lines and discreet storage access, with the ottoman functionality adding practicality to what appears as conventional divan bases. This subtlety appeals to design-conscious buyers wanting functionality that doesn't dominate visual presentation.

The warranty includes 5 years on the base and platform, with 1 year on the gas struts. This coverage provides peace of mind beyond token one-year warranties accompanying budget alternatives, demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to standing behind their products over genuine long-term use.

For more information on Vispring ottoman beds, visit Vispring Beds.

4. Get Laid Beds - Solid Wood Ottoman Excellence

Get Laid Beds specialises in solid wood ottoman storage beds showcasing traditional carpentry techniques. The mortise and tenon joinery creates joints of exceptional strength and durability, representing proven construction methods that mass-produced furniture has largely abandoned in favour of cheaper, faster assembly techniques. Manufacturing takes place in Leicester, UK.

Engineering Strength

Get Laid Beds' ottoman frames withstand average loads of 474kg (approximately 75 stones) - equivalent to five adults simultaneously. This extraordinary weight capacity results from solid wood construction, proper joinery, and engineering that prioritises structural integrity over cost savings. The beds are genuinely built to last lifetimes rather than merely years.

The slats are twice as thick and wide as average bed slats, with each individually screwed in position rather than simply resting in place. This attention to detail prevents the slat failures common in budget beds where slats shift, break, or fall through frames over time. The secure mounting ensures consistent support regardless of mattress type or sleeping movements.

Storage Capacity

A king-size Get Laid Beds ottoman provides approximately 851 litres of storage capacity - space for substantial amounts of bedding, clothing, or seasonal items. The generous depth accommodates bulky items without requiring compression or creative tetris-style packing. The ottoman mechanism lifts smoothly despite the solid wood construction, using quality gas struts properly mounted to the robust frame.

Direct-from-Manufacturer Value

Get Laid Beds sells directly to customers without retail middlemen, enabling premium quality at more accessible prices than traditional retail markup structures allow. This direct relationship means customers can discuss specifications, ask technical questions, and receive expert advice from people who actually build the furniture rather than merely selling it.

Each bed is made to order with focus on both quality and speed, with delivery typically within days to weeks rather than months. The company offers an 11-year guarantee on all beds, demonstrating confidence in their construction quality and durability.

For more information on Get Laid Beds ottoman storage beds, visit Get Laid Beds.

get laid beds home page
the bed crafters home page

5. The Bed Crafters - Bespoke British Manufacturing

The Bed Crafters focuses on handcrafted beds combining British manufacturing with customisation options matching individual requirements. Models like the Havana Ottoman and Abu Dhabi Ottoman showcase the company's commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary comfort whilst providing generous, discreet storage.

Handcrafted Attention

Each Bed Crafters ottoman receives the care and attention that British furniture making is renowned for. The craftspeople building these beds bring expertise developed over years, creating furniture where quality is evident in both visible aesthetics and hidden structural details. Properly finished interiors, smooth mechanisms, and quality materials distinguish handcrafted furniture from economy alternatives.

The company offers delivery within approximately one week of ordering, with their own delivery drivers (no third-party involvement) ensuring seamless communication and efficient service. Customer reviews consistently praise the quality, speed of delivery, and excellent customer service at reasonable prices.

Design Flexibility

The Bed Crafters offers extensive fabric choices and finish options in velvet, leather, and other premium materials, enabling creation of ottoman beds perfectly matching existing bedroom aesthetics. This customisation extends beyond simply choosing colours to selecting headboard styles, frame finishes, and design details creating truly personalised furniture.

British manufacturing enables direct communication between customers and makers. Questions about dimensions, mechanisms, or customisation options receive answers from people intimately familiar with the production process rather than retail staff reading from specification sheets. This expertise helps customers make informed decisions resulting in furniture truly suited to their needs.

For more information on The Bed Crafters ottoman bed collection, visit The Bed Crafters.

What to Look For When Choosing Storage Bed Brands

Mechanism Quality - Industrial-grade gas struts or electric motors from reputable manufacturers rather than economy components from unknown suppliers

Frame Construction - Solid timber frames with proper joinery (mortise and tenon, screwed and glued joints) rather than chipboard with cam-lock assembly

Manufacturing Location - UK production typically indicates higher quality control, transparent supply chains, and better customer support than anonymous overseas manufacturing

Warranty Coverage - Five to eleven-year mechanism warranties and lifetime frame guarantees demonstrate manufacturer confidence; avoid brands offering only token one-year coverage

Storage Depth - Measure actual usable depth rather than accepting marketing claims; depths ranging from 20cm (minimal) to 40cm (industry-leading) suit different storage needs

FAQs

1. How do I know if a storage bed brand uses quality mechanisms rather than cheap alternatives?

Check warranty coverage - brands confident in mechanism quality offer five-year minimum coverage. Ask about manufacturer specifics - quality brands will name their gas strut or motor suppliers. Test mechanisms personally in showrooms - smooth, controlled lifting with no jerking or sticking indicates proper engineering. Cheap mechanisms often feel loose, make clicking noises, or require excessive force to operate.

2. Is UK manufacturing genuinely better quality than imported storage beds?

UK manufacturing typically enables better quality control, transparent supply chains, and accountability when issues arise. Domestic production means you can visit workshops (Furl offers showroom visits), understand construction methods, and communicate directly with makers. However, quality depends on specific manufacturers rather than location alone - some imports are excellent whilst some UK products disappoint. Research individual brands thoroughly regardless of manufacturing location.

3. What storage depth do I actually need for typical bedroom items?

Winter duvets require 25-30cm depth minimum for storage without excessive compression. Seasonal clothing (coats, jumpers) needs 20-25cm. Bulky items like suitcases or spare pillows benefit from 30-40cm depths. Multiple categories stored together (bedding AND clothing AND miscellaneous) justify maximum depth options. Measure your current under-bed storage requirements before purchasing to ensure adequate capacity.

4. Do electric ottoman beds break more frequently than manual gas-lift versions?

Quality electric mechanisms from reputable manufacturers prove reliable, but cheap electric options fail dramatically. The additional complexity (motors, wiring, controls) creates more potential failure points than simple gas struts. Choose electric mechanisms only from established brands offering substantial warranties (five years minimum). Manual gas-lift mechanisms from quality manufacturers like Furl provide excellent reliability with fewer components potentially failing.

5. How important is visiting showrooms versus buying storage beds online?

Showroom visits enable testing mechanisms personally, assessing build quality, and confirming dimensions work for your space. However, reputable online-only brands (like Get Laid Beds) often provide excellent quality despite lacking physical showrooms. If buying online, ensure generous return policies, comprehensive warranties, and accessible customer service. For the Furl ottoman bed collection with showroom demonstrations, visit https://www.furl.co.uk/storage-beds/ottoman-beds.

Final Thoughts

Quality storage beds require proper engineering, solid construction, and manufacturer commitment to longevity rather than disposability. Furl leads the UK market through industry-leading storage depths, five-year mechanism warranties, and lifetime frame guarantees backed by Nottingham manufacturing since 2007. And So To Bed offers heritage luxury with extensive customisation. Vispring provides premium divan options with over a century of craftsmanship expertise. Get Laid Beds showcases solid wood construction and traditional joinery with an 11-year guarantee. The Bed Crafters delivers bespoke British manufacturing with comprehensive personalisation. Choose brands demonstrating genuine craftsmanship through transparent manufacturing, substantial warranties, and quality materials rather than economy shortcuts masquerading as value.

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David Norman

David Norman is the founder of Furl, a UK-based furniture brand known for redefining how people live with space-saving, design-led storage beds and sofa beds.

With almost two decades of hands-on experience in product design, manufacturing, and brand strategy, David has built Furl into a trusted name among urban professionals seeking calm, clutter-free homes. His work has been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship, with features in publications such as Yahoo Finance and The Telegraph.

David continues to lead Furl’s creative direction, developing furniture that solves real-world problems without compromise.

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