Updated : November 28, 2025
Published : July 19, 2022
Guides

If you’re searching for a storage bed, then no doubt you keep seeing results for ottoman beds – and you’re probably wondering what that is.

In this blog, we look at what an ottoman bed actually is, and what pieces of furniture are classed as an ottoman. From footstools to beds, and even sofas, we’ve got it all covered.

What is an ottoman?

An ottoman is a piece of furniture that is usually used as a footstool and, sometimes, a coffee table. Its padded cushion sits on top of a solid frame, and it has no arms or a backrest.

They’re available in a variety of designs and colours in leather and upholstery. You’ll find ottomans in front of sofas and chairs where people can put their feet up to relax.

Ottomans – or footstools – usually have a hinged lid that opens up to reveal storage inside. This space is handy for keeping throws, magazines, and extra pillows or cushions.

Ottomans with a flat top are sometimes used as coffee tables for drinks or to hold coffee table books and TV remotes.

Why is it called an ottoman?

The word ottoman originates from Turkey in the 1700s – the seat of the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), also known as the Turkish Empire. In this part of the world, ottomans were long benches with cushions piled on top. They were pushed to the side of the room and used for relaxing.

By the time the word reached Britain in the early 1800s, it was synonymous with a footstool. Today ottomans are used as a coffee table, storage unit, blanket box, and even a bed.

What is an ottoman bed?

An ottoman bed is a type of bed that lifts up to reveal extra storage underneath. It’s designed to store everyday items, from clothes and shoes, to luggage and bedding.

The mattress sits on a gas-lifting hydraulic mechanism that makes it easy to lift up and down. There are two types of ottoman bed:

1. End-opening ottoman bed

2. Side-opening ottoman bed

Both mechanisms have the same angle of opening, they just pivot from a different point. So, if your bed is positioned in a spot that makes it hard to access the bottom of it, you can opt for a side opening ottoman bed instead. We also offer ottoman beds with electric options, too, for even easier opening and closing.

Furl ottoman beds are made to fit compact spaces, but despite their small footprint these beds are hiding a lot of space inside. In fact, ottoman beds have far more storage than the standard drawer bed, as all of the space underneath the bed is put to use.

Does an Ottoman Bed come in different sizes?

Our bespoke ottoman beds come in wide-range of different sizes, so whatever bedroom space you’ve got, you can be confident of picking one that fits. Furl ottoman beds come in eight sizes to be precise, from single to emperor, and every British and European size in-between.

Top 3 best-selling Furl Ottoman Beds

Furl’s ottoman beds are made in the UK to exacting standards. There are six styles that come in a raft of colours. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together our top three ottoman beds.

1. Hotel ottoman bed

The Hotel ottoman bed has to be seen to be believed. This stylish bed looks like it belongs in a hotel, but lift up the mattress and you’ll find a vast amount of storage inside. Despite its small footprint, this bed’s winged headboard and slender metal legs give it a stately presence.

The Hotel ottoman bed at a glance:

1) 30cm deep storage

2) Option to add an extra 5cm with Hotel+

3) Choose from leather or fabric in hundreds of colours

4) All UK and European sizes available

2. Low ottoman bed

If space is at a premium, this practical ottoman bed is for you. Our range of ‘Low’ beds are cleverly designed to make small rooms look bigger and ceilings look higher – and it does all this without compromising on storage space.

The Low ottoman bed at a glance:

1) 22cm deep storage

2) Option to add an extra 5cm with Low+

3) Choose from leather or fabric in hundreds of colours

4) Available with end or side opening mechanisms

5) All UK and European sizes available

3. Illusion ottoman bed

This beautifully designed ottoman bed combines elegance with practical storage. It has a sturdy steel mechanism that can be opened from the end or the side, and its wooden storage tray reaches the floor for extra capacity.

You can choose from 14 headboards in leather or fabric.

The Illusion ottoman bed at a glance:

1) 33cm deep storage

2) Option to add an extra 5cm with Illusion+

3) Choose from hundreds of colours

4) All UK and European sizes available

How much can a Furl ottoman bed store?

Whether you live in a house or a flat, storage is always lacking. An ottoman bed is the perfect storage solution. It uses space underneath your bed that might otherwise be lost, and it also helps to keep your bedroom tidy.

Our storage beds range from offering a 600 cubic litre capacity up to a whopping 1,100 cubic litre capacity. Of course, which bed you choose depends on how much you want to store.

The Max storage bed has the most space under it. You can expect to be able to store suitcases, ski gear, winter clothes, and spare bedding – and all with room to spare.

The Simplicity is more compact with 20cm of storage height, which is perfect for shoe boxes, clothes, extra bedding, and linens.

Do ottoman beds come with headboards?

All our beds are custom-built in our workshop in Nottingham so you can order your bed with or without a headboard. If you change your mind later, you can come back and order your headboard separately.

All of Furl’s headboards can be fitted directly to the bed frame or mounted to the wall to create a focal point in your bedroom.

Our ottoman beds come in parts so access to your property is no problem – even if you live at the top of an apartment block! We’ll assemble your bed in situ so you can start enjoying it sooner than you think.

What is a sofa ottoman with storage?

The word ottoman is now associated with any piece of furniture that has storage, including ottoman boxes. What started as a footstool and later became a bed can now also be an ottoman sofa with storage.

With this type of sofa, you can tidy up all the things you want to hide from view, and free-up your living space. It has storage under the seat cushions, and in the arm rests, where you can keep everyday items for easy access, from throws to extra cushions.

Our ottoman sofas are designed to be practical without compromising on style. There are six designs to choose from in a range of colours.

Why choose a Furl ottoman bed?

At Furl, we’re on a mission to make furniture that is stylish and practical. We know that most homes don’t come with enough built-in storage, and we’re all struggling to fit our lives into the space we’ve got available.

Furl ottoman beds might look compact, but they are hiding a huge amount of storage space, that is designed to give you back some much-needed room.

Find out how to organise your under bed storage.