Are ottoman beds good? It’s a question we hear quite a lot, often from people in the midst of a home redesign, or curious buyers simply tired of tripping over clutter. And the answer, as with all good design, depends on context. Because while ottoman beds can offer transformative storage and surprising elegance, not every model delivers equally. And not every home, or body, benefits from the same features.
So let’s take a considered look – not just at the appeal of hidden storage, but also at the practical trade-offs. What works, what doesn’t, and how our new models are designed to close the gap between clever ideas and the realities of daily life.
There’s something deeply calming about a room with nothing under the bed – no tangled suitcases, no mismatched baskets, no reminder of the mess you haven’t tackled. But what if that clear space could actually hold your winter coats, spare linens, extra pillows, without a single thing in sight?
That’s the core appeal of ottomans: space-saving beds with hidden storage that work quietly in the background, freeing up wardrobes, drawers, and floor space without making your room feel like a storage unit.
What you need to know about storage beds is that lift is only part of the story. You want stability, durability, and – most importantly – access. Some models only partially open. Others expose too little of the interior, making deep corners nearly impossible to reach. The mechanism matters too: gas pistons can make lifting effortless, but only if calibrated to your mattress weight.
And now, that mechanism has evolved.
Furl’s newest innovation is a fully electric-assisted ottoman bed: a reimagining of the format that makes opening and closing utterly effortless. Press a button on the remote and two motors lift the mattress for you. To close it? Press a single button and it glides silently shut, no matter how heavy your mattress may be.
Underneath, you’ll find up to 40cm of usable storage (in our Max depth version), easily accessible and safely contained. The entire system is supported by advanced pressure sensors (the same kind you’d find in an electric car window) designed to stop automatically if anything gets in the way.
This isn’t just clever engineering, but a demonstration of our commitment to inclusivity by design. For those with joint pain, injuries, mobility concerns or simply a desire for ease, it’s a revolution in how we interact with our homes.
We always believe in transparency, and recommending the best product that actually aligns with your day-to-day needs. And the truth is, ottoman beds are heavier than traditional frames – particularly once filled. This can mean that they aren’t ideal for people who move furniture often, or live in spaces that require frequent reshuffling. And while Furl beds are delivered in parts and installed by professionals, once in place, they’re not designed to be dragged across the room.
You’ll also want to consider the layout of your bedroom. The bed needs clearance to open fully – a challenge in especially tight spaces, where proximity to walls or radiators might limit functionality. Side-opening mechanisms can help (we offer those too), but it’s worth measuring carefully.
Finally, lower-quality ottoman beds can be a false economy. Weak hinges, cheap internal bases, and poor weight distribution can lead to creaks, warping, or worse. At best, you get frustrated. At worst, you damage the contents inside. This is why we only use engineered wood with strong central support, and mechanisms tailored to mattress weight – all of it tested, refined, and guaranteed to last.
If your bedroom doubles as a storage unit, or if you live in a flat where floor space is at a premium, the appeal is obvious. Families, urban dwellers, minimalists – all benefit from furniture that pulls double duty.
But perhaps more than anyone, it’s the people who value ease, not just space, who find ottoman beds most worthwhile. And with the arrival of our new electric-assisted model, that benefit extends even further. This is storage that doesn't demand effort, but instead adapts to your needs. It gives more, and takes less.
And yes – in case you’re wondering – it still works manually in the event of a power cut. The bed reverts to traditional gas-assisted lift, so you’re never stuck waiting on the grid to make your bed.
So – are ottoman beds good? In the right hands, yes. In the right homes, essential. But only when they’re done properly. Quality matters, and mechanism matters too. So does the quiet sense of relief you feel when something just works – not because it’s flashy, but because it’s been designed to make life a little easier.
And if you’ve ever ruled out ottoman beds - whether it be because of the lifting, the bulk, or the effort - this might just be the model that changes your mind.
Furl ottoman beds are handmade in Nottingham, with up to 40cm of storage underneath. Lift one in our London showrooms, or order free fabric samples to see at home.
