7 Hidden Features That Set Premium Ottoman Beds Apart

A premium ottoman bed isn’t just a place to sleep - it’s an architectural element that transforms how your room feels and functions. Beneath the calm surface lies a feat of precision engineering: mechanisms that lift effortlessly, bases that support hundreds of kilos, and craftsmanship that ensures longevity.

For many, the difference between a standard and a premium ottoman bed is invisible until you live with one. But the hidden details make all the difference - the quiet mechanisms, the structural integrity, the fine-tuned finishes. Here are seven features that set the best apart from the rest.

close up shot of an open storage bed

1. Gas-Lift Mechanisms that Do the Heavy Lifting for You

The defining feature of an ottoman bed is its lift mechanism - but not all are created equal. Cheaper designs often use stiff or unevenly weighted pistons that make lifting awkward, especially with a heavier mattress. Premium models employ gas-assisted struts that balance weight perfectly, allowing you to open and close the bed with minimal effort.

The quality of this motion matters more than you’d think. A smooth, balanced lift mechanism means you can access under-bed storage daily without feeling like you’re wrestling your furniture. In the best designs, the motion is almost silent - no creaks, no resistance, just quiet efficiency.

2. Structural Reinforcement That Protects What You Store

One of the subtler differences between entry-level and premium ottoman beds lies beneath the mattress platform. In high-quality models, the base is reinforced on all sides - and often through the centre - to prevent sagging or warping over time.

This isn’t just about durability; it’s about safeguarding what’s inside. Whether you’re storing bedding, luggage, or off-season clothes, you want reassurance that the floor beneath them won’t bow. Some premium ottoman beds even feature hidden support feet underneath the storage floor - invisible to the eye but crucial for long-term stability.

3. Deep, Usable Storage Space - Without Compromise

The whole point of an ottoman bed is the extra space it creates, but not all of it is truly usable. Some cheaper designs have shallow cavities or uneven floors that make it hard to store larger items. Premium versions, by contrast, maximise internal depth - often offering up to 40 cm of vertical storage.

The engineering here is subtle but essential. Deep storage doesn’t mean a bulky silhouette; thoughtful frame construction allows for maximum capacity while keeping external proportions sleek. In a smaller apartment or bedroom, that difference translates directly into how tidy and breathable the space feels.

4. Smooth Interior Finishes That Prevent Damage

One of the quietest signs of quality is found inside the storage compartment. Cheaper ottoman beds often leave exposed wood, screws, or fabric edges, which can catch or tear stored items over time.

Premium beds go further. Interiors are lined, smoothed, or fitted with canvas bases to create a clean surface that protects your belongings. It’s the kind of feature you might not notice on day one - but after years of use, you’ll be grateful for it.

These details reveal the intent behind the design: furniture built to last, not just to look good on delivery day.

empty storage bed with gas-lift mechanism
Air Storage Bed

5. Modular Assembly That Fits Any Home

Ask anyone who’s ever tried to manoeuvre a full bed frame up a narrow staircase: access matters. The best ottoman beds are designed with this in mind. They’re delivered in modular sections that can be easily carried through tight hallways and assembled in situ - without compromising on strength or aesthetics.

This modular approach isn’t just a convenience; it’s a reflection of craftsmanship. It allows each part of the frame to be constructed with precision, ensuring perfect joins and balanced weight distribution. And because the structure isn’t stressed during installation, it’s far more likely to last decades without loosening or creaking.

6. Customisable Fabrics and Finishes That Define a Room

One of the great advantages of premium furniture is personalisation. A high-end ottoman bed isn’t just functional; it’s tailored to your space. From linen blends to velvets, wools, and performance fabrics, premium makers offer hundreds of upholstery options to suit different textures, palettes, and lifestyles.

The ability to customise headboard height, leg style, and finishing details means your bed doesn’t have to adapt to your décor - your décor can grow around it. And unlike mass-market versions, these fabrics are selected not just for colour but for Martindale durability, ensuring they maintain their texture even under everyday wear.

7. Precision in Motion - and Longevity in Design

Perhaps the most defining hidden feature of a premium ottoman bed is how quietly and consistently it performs over time. Good engineering is invisible when it’s working correctly - but you feel it every day. The hinge alignment, the calibrated pistons, the integrity of the frame - all of it contributes to a motion that remains smooth year after year.

It’s the difference between a bed that merely lifts and one that glides - silently, gracefully, and without strain. In a sense, this reliability becomes part of the design language itself. It signals craftsmanship at its most subtle: function elevated to an art form.

Furl Ottoman Beds - Where Craftsmanship Meets Everyday Luxury

Furl has built its reputation on reimagining how storage furniture should feel. Based in Nottingham and founded in 2007, the company’s ottoman beds are designed, built, and assembled entirely in the UK. Every model combines handmade craftsmanship with intelligent engineering, resulting in storage beds that are as beautiful as they are practical.

Furl’s ottoman range offers up to 40 cm of storage depth, reinforced bases, and perfectly balanced gas-lift or electric mechanisms. Each bed is made to order, available in an extensive library of fabrics, and delivered in modular form for homes with limited access. The attention to detail runs through everything - from the soft-close motion of the frame to the smooth, lined interiors that keep storage pristine.

What truly sets Furl apart is its longevity. Every mechanism comes with a five-year warranty, but most beds last for decades. Their philosophy is simple: furniture should solve real problems elegantly, not add to them. For designers, homeowners, or anyone seeking calm in compact living, a Furl ottoman bed isn’t an indulgence - it’s a foundation for better living.

FAQs

1. What’s the ideal mattress type for an ottoman bed?

A pocket-sprung or hybrid mattress works best. These provide even weight distribution, supporting both comfort and smooth operation of the lift mechanism. Always check weight limits specified by the manufacturer - heavier mattresses may require stronger pistons or an electric lift.

2. Are ottoman beds noisy to use?

Not if built well. Premium designs feature precision-engineered hinges and gas pistons that lift and close silently. Any noise usually comes from low-quality fittings or friction points - issues you won’t encounter with well-made models.

3. Can you use ottoman storage beds on wooden or uneven floors?

Yes, though it’s wise to use felt pads or stabilisers under each leg. Some premium ottoman beds include discreet adjustable feet, allowing you to level the frame perfectly - ideal for older homes with sloped or uneven flooring.

4. How do you maintain the lift mechanism over time?

A quality gas-lift mechanism is virtually maintenance-free. Wipe down the pistons occasionally with a dry cloth, and avoid overloading the storage area. If the bed begins to feel heavier to lift after several years, it may simply require new gas struts - a simple, affordable replacement.

5. Do ottoman beds lose strength with repeated use?

Only if poorly made. Premium designs are tested for thousands of lift cycles and built with reinforced joints. As long as the bed isn’t overloaded or handled roughly, it should perform just as smoothly after ten years as it did on day one.

6. Can ottoman beds be customised for awkward spaces or bespoke dimensions?

Yes - and that’s where makers like Furl excel. Bespoke sizing allows you to adjust the bed’s width, length, and storage depth to fit perfectly into alcoves or under low ceilings. Customisation also extends to fabrics, headboards, and mechanisms for a truly tailored finish.

7. Are ottoman beds worth the higher price tag?

Absolutely. The extra investment goes into materials, construction quality, and mechanisms that last. Over time, a premium ottoman bed pays for itself - in durability, in storage efficiency, and in the everyday satisfaction of furniture that feels built for life, not just for now.

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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.