Updated : November 28, 2025
Published : January 30, 2018
Guides

Do you know the difference between an ottoman bed and a storage bed with drawers? While they both have storage, there are some significant differences between them.

In this blog post, we look at why the ottoman opening is better than the drawer system.

What is an ottoman bed?

You may have heard the term ottoman referring to a small footstool or a cushioned low seating area. However, when we’re talking about a storage bed, ‘ottoman’ refers to the lifting mechanism.

We have three mechanisms and six bed bases for you to choose from in our range of deep ottoman beds. Each of our bed bases offers a slightly different amount of storage, but they all open the same way.

The whole mechanism of the bed lifts up to allow you to access the storage underneath it. And best of all, you don’t have to remove any of your bedding or furniture to access them.

What is a storage bed with drawers?

You usually need a divan base to add storage in the form of drawers. A divan is a bed base with a flat top, often upholstered in a basic fabric. Of course, the larger the base, the larger the drawers, hence why they are usually quite chunky.

Some beds with drawer storage are finished in upholstery fabrics, but they are mostly the divan style which would require a valance to cover the basic fabric underneath.

What makes an ottoman bed superior?

There are several reasons why the ottoman mechanism is better than a drawer system. Here are just a few.

The opening mechanism on an ottoman bed is easy to lift. Drawer beds often have drawers partially blocked by bedside tables, meaning you must move them before accessing storage.
The ottoman opening mechanism allows for maximum storage space. While drawers can be small, an ottoman bed gives access to the entire footprint of the bed.
Both divan drawers and ottoman bases increase storage as the base size increases, but ottoman systems can hide far more storage thanks to clever design.
An ottoman opening is likely to last longer than drawer systems. Wooden drawers are light and can wear out over time, whereas ottoman beds use steel mechanisms and gas pistons for durability.

Of course, we are slightly biased as we don’t make storage ottomans with drawers, but the facts speak for themselves – and if you don’t believe us, visit one of our showrooms to test out the mechanism on an ottoman bed for yourself.

Do gas lift beds run out of gas?

The gas lift pistons, or struts, on our ottoman beds are strong enough to raise the mattress and the slats underneath it so you can easily access the storage underneath.

Just like a bicycle pump, these struts contain gas and oil. The gas doesn’t deplete over time, so if the mechanism on your bed isn’t working quite as well as it used to, it’s more likely that wear and tear have led to a loss of pressure.

If you notice that your gas lift bed is not functioning properly, such as not lifting smoothly or struggling to stay in the raised position, contact the manufacturer. They can assess the issue and recommend appropriate solutions, such as replacing the gas springs if necessary.

Do all ottoman beds have gas struts?

Not all ottoman beds have gas struts. While gas struts are commonly used in ottoman beds to assist with the lifting, other mechanisms are available.

Some ottoman beds use alternatives, such as hinges, pistons, or springs, to make lifting the mattress easier. This allows you to access the storage space underneath. These mechanisms can vary depending on the design and manufacturer of the bed.

It’s essential to check the specifications or consult with the retailer to determine the specific mechanisms used on the bed you’re interested in before you invest.

At Furl, we use powerful gas pistons because they make it easy to lift the mattress. In fact, it’s possible to open and close our beds with just one hand.

Moreover, these gas pistons raise the mattress almost 1.7m to give greater access – particularly important if you need anything stored at the back of the bed.

Ottoman bed vs storage bed with drawers

Choosing a bed to sleep in every night comes down to personal preference. When deciding between drawers or an ottoman bed, consider how much storage you need and how often you’ll need to access the space.

A divan with drawers offers limited storage, but with an ottoman bed, you can use all the available space under your mattress.