Ottoman Beds Vs Divan Beds: Which Is Better?

Choosing between an ottoman bed and a divan bed can feel difficult, especially when you’re trying to make your bedroom more organised and comfortable. Both styles offer extra storage, but they work in different ways. An ottoman bed gives you one large space under the mattress, while a divan base usually comes with built-in drawers that are easy to reach.

The best choice depends on your room size, how much storage you need, and the look you prefer. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences in simple terms, so you can decide which option suits your home. We’ll also point you towards helpful pages, like our range of storage beds, upholstered bed frames, and our guide on choosing the right mattress, in case you’re planning a full bedroom update.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which type of bed can help you save space, reduce clutter, and sleep more comfortably.

What is an ottoman bed?

An ottoman bed is a clever lift-up bed frame with storage hidden inside. Instead of having drawers, the whole base lifts from the side or the end, giving you one big space underneath to keep things out of sight. The gas-lift mechanism does most of the work for you, so you don’t have to struggle with the mattress.

Most people choose an ottoman when they’re running out of room or just want a tidier, more organised bedroom. It’s perfect for storing bedding, shoes, jackets, or anything you don’t use every day. If your room is on the smaller side, an ottoman can feel like gaining an extra cupboard without needing more floor space.

You’ll find ottoman beds in different looks and fabrics too, from modern designs to soft upholstered styles that add warmth to your room. If you like the idea of extra space without visible drawers, our ottoman storage beds are a great place to start.

What is a divan bed?

A divan bed is a simple, practical bed base that sits neatly on the floor and usually comes in two parts. The base is made from a sturdy wooden frame, covered in fabric, and it’s designed to support your mattress evenly from edge to edge. Many people like divans because they feel stable, supportive, and comfortable to sleep on.

Most divan beds also offer built-in drawer storage, which is great if you want quick access to everyday items like spare bedding, towels, or clothing. The drawers slide out smoothly, and you can choose layouts that work best for your room. If you don’t have much floor space around your bed for drawers to open, you might prefer looking at ottoman storage beds instead.

Divans come in a wide choice of fabrics and colours, making it easy to match them with your décor. You can also add your own headboard, so you’re free to create a look that suits your style. If you want something tidy, supportive, and budget-friendly, exploring our divan beds and divan bases is a great place to begin.

Which bed is best for you?

Choosing between an ottoman and a divan bed really comes down to how you live day to day and what your bedroom needs most.

If you’re always running out of space or feel like your room gets cluttered quickly, an ottoman bed can make a huge difference. It gives you one big storage area that’s completely hidden, so you can keep spare bedding, clothes or anything bulky neatly out of sight. It’s also a great choice for small bedrooms, where opening drawers isn’t always possible. If this sounds like you, our range of lift-up ottoman beds is worth exploring.

If you’d rather have easy, everyday access to your things, a divan bed might be the better fit. The drawers slide out smoothly, making it simple to grab what you need without lifting anything heavy. Divans also tend to be more affordable, and many people like the clean, simple look that works well with different styles of headboards and décor. You can browse our divan beds if you want something practical and straightforward.

Still unsure? Think about what matters most to you:

• Maximum storage → Choose an ottoman

• Quick access → Choose a divan

• Smaller room → Ottoman often works best

• Lower budget → Divan is usually more cost-friendly

Whatever you choose, pairing it with the right mattress will make the biggest difference to how well you sleep. If you need help with that, our mattress buying guide is a great place to start.