Updated : June 30, 2025
Published : June 18, 2025
Guides

When space is limited, every square metre matters - and in modern homes, storage isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity. That’s why the conversation around beds has shifted; people aren’t only thinking about sleep anymore - they’re thinking about how that bed earns its keep during the day.

So, ottoman vs divan: which bed type actually rises to the challenge of 21st-century living?

We’ll be candid - while both offer built-in storage, only one truly pulls its weight in a high-functioning, design-conscious space.

The Ottoman Bed: Storage, Style and Structural Intelligence

Ottoman beds are, quite simply, designed to do more. Instead of relying on drawers that steal space from your walls and flooring, ottomans lift from above - giving you access to the entire footprint of your bed. Not part of it. Not whatever’s left after you account for awkward skirting boards or bedside tables. All of it.

That’s where the efficiency lies - and the elegance too. The storage is invisible from the outside, giving the bed a clean, minimalist profile that works beautifully in contemporary interiors. No clutter. No clunky handles. Just seamless design that happens to hold, well, just about anything.

Add to that the fact that ottomans don’t require clearance around the sides to function, and they immediately become the smarter choice for compact rooms, tight layouts, or shared spaces. You can place the bed against a wall, in a corner, or even float it centrally - the mechanism still works, the storage still opens. No reshuffling of furniture required.

And with Furl’s newest electric-assisted ottoman, the experience is almost absurdly smooth: lift the strap, let go, and the bed rises silently on its own. To close it, just press a button - even with a heavy mattress, it’s effortless. Inside? Up to 40cm of usable storage, enclosed and protected. It’s innovation that actually improves your day-to-day life, not just a gimmick or bolt-on.

Divan Beds: Serviceable, Yes - But Compromised

Now let’s look at divans. The truth is, they’ve had their moment - but their limitations are increasingly difficult to ignore in modern homes.

Yes, they technically offer storage. But let’s be honest: the drawer system on most divans is a spatial compromise. The drawers only cover part of the bed’s footprint; they require clearance on either side to open (which makes them a pain in small rooms); and they often don’t hold much more than a few pillowcases and a spare set of sheets.

What’s more, divan drawers are structurally fixed - so you’ll need to work around them when planning your layout. Ottomans, by contrast, give you freedom. You can design your room however you like, knowing your storage is built into the floorplan - not jutting out of it.

There’s also the aesthetic question. While some divans have improved in appearance over the years, they still tend to carry a bulky, slightly dated profile - all boxy corners and visible seams. Functional? Sure. Beautiful? Not quite. And rarely customisable in the way that ottomans can be (especially ours, which come in a vast range of sizes, finishes, and bespoke fabric options).

Why Storage Volume Matters

If you're comparing the two based purely on how much they hold - ottomans win, decisively. It’s not even close. With the right ottoman (and by right, we mean one that’s been properly engineered with sturdy internal supports and a smooth lift system), you’re effectively gaining a full chest of drawers under your bed, without sacrificing any floor space.

Take our Max depth ottoman, for example - with up to 40cm of enclosed storage, it swallows duvets, luggage, out-of-season clothes, keepsakes, books, spare towels, Christmas decorations - all the stuff you usually hide in boxes under beds or at the back of wardrobes. But it’s cleaner. More accessible. And far easier to live with.

If that piques your interest, you can take a look at our under-bed storage range and get a sense of just how efficient ottomans have become.

What About Cost?

We won’t skirt the issue, divans can be cheaper. This is because they’re often mass-produced, lightweight, and quicker to assemble. But as with most things, you get what you pay for. The lower price tag typically reflects lower build quality, limited design options, and less storage functionality.

Ottomans are a long-term investment. You’ll spend more up front, yes - but in return, you get something that improves your home functionally and visually. It’s not just a bed. It’s a storage system, a design piece, and a smart use of every available inch.

So, Ottoman vs Divan - What’s the Verdict?

From our experience - and we’ve spent nearly two decades building storage beds for real homes - ottomans outperform divans in almost every meaningful category.

More storage. Better design. Greater flexibility, a cleaner, more elegant footprint, and with the rise of electric-assisted mechanisms, even the last remaining hurdle (ease of lifting) is gone.

Divans might still suit specific cases - low-footfall guest rooms, budget refurbs, or children’s bedrooms where light use is expected. But for anyone looking to genuinely maximise their space, live better in a smaller footprint, or invest in a bed that works harder - the ottoman is the future.

Want to read more? Take a look at our comprehensive guide to ottoman beds over on our blog.