10 Design Details That Make a Furl Ottoman Bed Worth Every Penny

In the world of furniture, few pieces work as hard as the bed. It’s the anchor of the bedroom, the keeper of calm - and, in smaller spaces, the battleground between comfort and practicality. That’s where ottoman beds come into their own. Among the many brands offering storage solutions, Furl stands apart for its craftsmanship, engineering precision, and quiet commitment to longevity. Their designs prove that function doesn’t have to mean compromise - it can mean beauty, ease, and a lifetime of better sleep.

store front of Furl

Who is Furl?

Furl is a British furniture company specialising in handcrafted, space-saving designs - most notably their acclaimed ottoman storage beds. Founded in 2007 by David Norman, the brand began as The Storage Bed Company before evolving into Furl, a name that better reflects its broader range of intelligent, multifunctional furniture.

Every piece is built in their Nottingham workshop by a dedicated team of craftspeople, combining engineering precision with an eye for design. The brand’s ethos is simple: furniture should solve problems without looking like it’s trying to. Their beds, sofas, and extending tables are designed to bring calm and clarity to modern living, particularly in homes where space is at a premium.

Among their range, Furl’s ottoman beds stand out - not as a gimmick or passing trend, but as a masterclass in British-made craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering. Here are ten design details that make them worth every penny.

Illusion Electric Ottoman Bed

1. Lift Height Like No Other

Furl’s ottoman beds lift higher than any other on the market - up to an impressive 1.7 metres. That’s not a minor design tweak; it’s a functional leap. The extra lift transforms under-bed storage from awkward, half-usable space into a fully accessible compartment that can hold everything from bulky suitcases to spare bedding. It’s storage you’ll actually use, not just hide away.

And because the lifting mechanism is gas-assisted, the motion is smooth and almost effortless. There’s no wrestling with weight or straining to close it - just a quiet, graceful glide.

2. Engineering You Can Feel (But Never See)

The hallmark of good design is when you don’t notice it working. Furl’s internal mechanisms are engineered in-house, using gas pistons calibrated specifically to each bed size and mattress weight. This means that whether you’re lifting a king-size with a heavy mattress or a double with a lightweight one, the resistance always feels perfectly balanced.

For those who prefer total ease, there’s also an electric-lift option, allowing you to open and close the bed at the touch of a button. It’s a small luxury, but one that quietly transforms everyday living.

3. Handcrafted in Nottingham, Built to Last

Every Furl bed is made - not manufactured - in Nottingham. Skilled upholsterers, carpenters, and engineers oversee every stage of production, from cutting the frame to finishing the headboard stitching. There’s no outsourcing, no flat-pack assembly lines.

This control over the process allows Furl to guarantee quality and longevity. In fact, they offer a five-year warranty on mechanisms and two years on upholstery, but their products are designed to last far beyond that. Customers frequently describe them as “lifetime pieces” - furniture that feels reassuringly solid, in an age where disposability has become the norm.

4. Real Storage Depth - Up to 40cm

Many “storage beds” on the market offer shallow compartments that fit little more than a few folded towels. Furl’s range includes models with up to 40cm of storage depth, giving you genuine capacity to declutter wardrobes or clear out cupboards.

It’s not just depth that matters, but accessibility. Each compartment is lined with a durable protective canvas to keep belongings clean and off the floor - a small touch that makes a big difference when you’re storing items long-term.

5. Thoughtful, Modular Construction

Getting a large bed up narrow stairs is usually an ordeal. Furl’s modular approach solves that. Every bed is delivered in sections, specifically designed to fit through tight doorways and staircases.

It’s a practical detail born from experience - and it’s why Furl has a near-perfect success rate for installations. Their team handles delivery and on-site assembly, ensuring each bed is properly built and ready for use. If access proves genuinely impossible (which is rare), Furl even offers a full refund. That level of confidence speaks volumes.

6. Customisable in Every Detail

Furl’s beds are built to specification. Customers can choose their fabric, headboard height, storage configuration, and even custom measurements if needed. For those looking to match an existing interior scheme, the brand offers a bespoke service allowing you to send in your own fire-retardant fabric.

This flexibility is particularly useful in design-led spaces, where cohesion matters. From soft wools to velvets and performance fabrics, the finishes are high-end and carefully selected. The result: a storage bed that looks as good as it performs.

Low Storage Bed
Simplicity Storage Bed

7. A Design Philosophy That Prioritises Calm

Furl often speaks about creating space and serenity - not just storage. The idea is that physical clutter feeds mental clutter, and by designing beds that elegantly conceal possessions, they help restore visual and emotional calm.

It’s a subtle but powerful ethos. The beds themselves embody it: clean lines, muted fabrics, understated forms that sit quietly in a room. You notice the calm before you notice the cleverness.

8. Comfort Isn’t Compromised

Unlike many storage beds that prioritise practicality over comfort, Furl’s designs are engineered for daily, long-term use. Their platforms are fully reinforced, supporting any mattress type evenly - so you don’t get sagging or uneven wear over time.

Even their sofa beds follow this philosophy, built with full-depth mattresses rather than flimsy fold-outs. It’s consistent across the range: every piece is designed to be both functional and genuinely comfortable.

For those who want to explore the different styles available, Furl’s website offers a clear overview of their functional beds with lift-up storage - a perfect example of form meeting function without compromise.

9. Delivered, Installed, and Guaranteed

Furl doesn’t leave customers to wrestle with Allen keys. Every bed is delivered and installed by trained professionals who assemble the piece in your home, ensuring it works perfectly before they leave. It’s a level of service that’s surprisingly rare in furniture retail.

After installation, you’re not left on your own either. Furl provides ongoing aftercare and the ability to repair or adjust minor faults throughout the product’s lifetime. It’s part of the reason their customer loyalty is so strong - you buy once, and you’re supported indefinitely.

10. Designed and Built for Real Life

Furl’s beds are beautiful, but they’re also practical in the truest sense. They’re built to withstand weight (you can fill the base without worrying about warping), they stay open safely while you’re organising, and they close smoothly with a single push.

There’s no sense of “showroom fragility” - these beds are made for actual living. For families, couples, and anyone who values both order and elegance, they offer a rare blend of design intelligence and dependability.

Why They’re Worth the Investment

Price is often the first point of hesitation with premium furniture, but it’s worth thinking in terms of value, not cost. A Furl ottoman bed isn’t disposable. It’s designed to outlast cheaper alternatives by years - even decades - while improving daily life in small but meaningful ways.

They save you from buying extra storage furniture, reduce visual clutter, and introduce craftsmanship you can feel. Over time, those benefits far outweigh the initial spend. It’s not just about owning a bed; it’s about improving the space you wake up in every day.

And when you consider their pieces are entirely British-made - supporting skilled workers and sustainable local production - the value becomes even clearer.

Air Storage Bed

FAQs

1. How long does a Furl ottoman bed last?

Furl’s beds are designed to last a lifetime. With proper care, the mechanisms and frames remain smooth and stable for decades. The company offers a five-year warranty on lift mechanisms, two years on upholstery, and will repair minor faults long-term if needed.

2. Are Furl beds suitable for very heavy mattresses?

Yes. The gas pistons are calibrated to handle mattress weight, ensuring the bed lifts safely and easily regardless of size. If your mattress is unusually heavy, Furl can adjust the mechanism or recommend the electric-lift option.

3. Can you choose your own fabric?

You can. Furl offers hundreds of upholstery options, or you can supply your own fire-retardant fabric for a bespoke finish. This flexibility allows interior designers and homeowners alike to match any existing colour scheme.

4. How do Furl beds compare to cheaper storage beds?

The difference lies in engineering and materials. Cheaper beds often rely on weaker lift mechanisms, thin panels, and shallow bases. Furl’s frames are built for longevity - deeper storage, sturdier construction, and smooth, weight-balanced operation.

5. Do they deliver outside the UK?

Furl offers international delivery on an ex-factory basis, meaning you can arrange shipping through your own provider. Beds are partially disassembled for safe transport and can be reassembled easily on arrival.

The Takeaway

Furl’s ottoman beds represent more than clever design, they’re a philosophy of living. Every element, from the lift mechanism to the stitching, reflects attention to detail and an understanding of how people actually live with their furniture.

You could call them an investment, but that undersells it slightly. They’re peace of mind, neatly upholstered.

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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.