Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which Offers Better Storage?

Storage bed purchases are primarily driven by storage requirements, and there are two dominant models to consider when looking for a bed that provides ample storage space: the ottoman bed and the divan bed. Both utilise the maximum possible space under the mattress, although they differ entirely in how they do this. This review discusses storage space, accessibility, room compatibility, durability, and cost to help you choose the best bed.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

The Ottoman bed comprises a base that rises vertically due to the presence of gas pistons built into it, uncovering a single spacious storage space underneath. There are no partitions inside.

How the Gas Lift Mechanism Works

This particular system makes use of compressed pistons within the frame to balance against the weight of the mattress. Consequently, you will be able to elevate the bed frame easily, even if the bed frame is king-sized or super king-sized. The average gas lift system has a weight capacity of 100–150 kg, which is sufficient for a regular mattress. Lower-end models feature a smaller number of pistons or less powerful pistons; hence, ensure to verify the specifications before purchase.

End Lift vs Side Lift: Which Is Better?

This is perhaps the most ignored aspect of selecting an ottoman bed.

End-lift ottoman beds operate from the end of the bed, and they are the most common type. They are best suited for cases when there is sufficient clearance at the end of the bed, which is the case in most bedrooms.

Ottoman beds that open from the sides of the bed are called side-lift beds. Such types of beds are best suited for cases when the end of the bed has a wall next to it, or there is furniture such as wardrobes or TV stands preventing access from the end of the bed. In other words, side-lift ottoman beds require sufficient clearance from the sides.

What Is a Divan Bed?

The divan bed has a rigid frame that is made from fabric and placed on the floor firmly. Drawers are found in the frame, which are located either on the sides or sometimes at the bottom end of the bed. The mattress sits directly on the frame, and some divan beds have a top either spring-loaded or a platform.

2-Drawer vs 4-Drawer Divan: What's the Difference?

2-drawer divan beds, with drawers placed on both sides of the divan bed base. They provide convenient access to stored items such as spare bedding, clothes, or children's toys. However, the storage capacity is relatively small.

4-drawer divan beds, with extra drawers added. Usually, the extra drawers are added at the foot end or sometimes even added in the middle on each side. In general, it almost doubles your storage area and is recommended if you want to replace a wardrobe or dresser. It is advisable to make sure that there is enough room for drawers 

Sprung Base vs Platform Top

The sprung divan base features rows of springs incorporated into its upper surface, adding extra padding and increasing the lifespan of your mattress, especially when using a hard mattress. The platform top (flat and firm surface) gives you a more comfortable sleep and is common in cheaper versions. When choosing a replacement for a bed with a slatted base, go for a sprung base.

Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Storage Capacity Compared

This is the biggest practical distinction between both beds.

1. Raw Volume: Ottoman Beds Win

The Ottoman bed frame structure is completely hollow. For a king-sized bed (150 cm by 200 cm), the storage space will be 25–35 centimetres deep, making the capacity to be 750–1,050 litres. This amount is enough to accommodate multiple suitcases, a full winter duvet set, several storage boxes, and much more. Even better, super king ottomans give even more space.

As for the divan bed, the capacity is much less despite the four drawers. They have a capacity of around 30-50 litres each, bringing the storage capacity to 120–200 litres for a king-size bed.

2. Accessibility: Divan Beds Win

Access to items stored in an Ottoman entails picking up the whole bed every time you require something. This is not much of an issue for season-specific items that you would use only a couple of times a year, but it is difficult when dealing with everyday objects. 

3. Item Size and Shape Flexibility

The Ottoman bed is capable of storing all types of objects, such as large luggage, folded carpets, winter jackets, sporting gear, and oddly shaped boxes. The divan drawers have limitations regarding their length, breadth, and height.

Which Storage Bed Suits Your Room?

Small Bedrooms and Studio Flats

For small rooms and studio apartments, the best option is the ottoman bed. Since the drawers are opened vertically, there is no need for clearance on either side or at the foot of the bed. If a divan bed with four drawers is placed in a small room, it will be very difficult to use its drawers if they cannot open fully due to space constraints.

The exception: if the Ottoman bed has an opening drawer from the side, then you will have similar problems if there is no clearance on that side.

Master Bedrooms

Ottoman beds will work nicely in a big bedroom. They tend to be a little more polished and sleek, and can even have a high-end feel like those in a hotel. You can use an ottoman bed to store luggage, bulky duvets, and other big items. If you need easy access to things, a divan bed with four drawers works better.

Kids' Rooms

It is preferable to buy divan beds for children. The drawers of divan beds are easy to operate by children without any adult help. Lifting up the lid of the ottoman divan bed is difficult for kids because of the lid’s weight, and thus, they need adult supervision. Single-size and small double beds are available for kids.

Rental Properties and Guest Rooms

It would be better to have divan beds for your kids. It is easier for children to use the drawers of a divan bed since they do not require any assistance from grown-ups. Children find it hard to lift the lid of an Ottoman divan bed because of its weight; hence, they require adult guidance. There are single and small double-sized beds for children.

Durability and Long-Term Maintenance

Search Intent Matching Ottoman beds can carry more weight. Divan beds are easy to operate. This will help you determine which type of bed you need.

Ottoman Bed Durability

The main disadvantage of any Ottoman bed is its gas lift system. Regular usage over several years will cause pistons to deteriorate, and they should be replaced accordingly. Better-quality beds will come equipped with stronger pistons that will last longer. Choose a bed whose warranty on its gas lift system lasts at least 3 years, and check if replacement pistons are offered by the company.

Its frame, made of either hardwood or MDF, is strong, provided it is assembled properly. Do not overload your bed past its weight capacity, as that could cause the floor panels to bend.

Divan Bed Durability

A divan bed does not have many components, thus requiring less maintenance. The main points of wear include drawer runners, which could become loose or break down when overloaded constantly. Wood runner beds are better than plastic ones in terms of longevity.

In addition, their fabric bed bases may become scratched, but that does not affect durability.

Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Price Comparison

How Much Does a Divan Bed Cost? If your concern is the cheaper option, then the divan will provide you with great storage space at a much cheaper cost compared to the ottoman bed.

What Does an Ottoman Bed Cost?

Ottoman beds sit at the higher end of the price range for storage beds. A double ottoman starts at roughly £400–£600 in the UK. King-size models typically run £600–£900, and super king ottoman beds can reach £1,000–£1,500 for quality builds. The gas lift mechanism and premium upholstery account for most of the premium.

Budget ottoman beds are available for under £400, but they often use weaker pistons, thinner base panels, and lower-quality fabric. If buying on a tight budget, prioritise mechanism quality over aesthetics.

What Does a Divan Bed Cost?

The Ottoman bed costs more than any other type of storage bed out there. A double-size ottoman bed costs about £400 to £600 in the United Kingdom. King size will cost you somewhere between £600 and £900. A super king size can be anything above £1000.

A budget ottoman can go below £400, but usually compromises the piston and the strength of its base panelling, as well as its upholstery.

Are There Any Alternatives Worth Considering?

When the ottoman and the divan do not quite suit your purposes, it is important to know other options that exist on the market.

Cabin beds and storage beds with drawers are basically variations of the divan, but mounted on a platform with a large number of drawers at the bottom. They provide greater drawer capacity compared to a regular divan but also necessitate additional height – a great solution for kids' rooms.

Bed frames with under-bed storage boxes are located between the ottoman and the divan. You get the classic bed frame design, but also add modular drawers that go below the bed. Not as much storage capacity as with the ottoman, but way more flexible and affordable.

Ottoman sofa beds provide storage in a living room setting – not quite a comparable option, but useful if you are furnishing a studio apartment and need a sofa bed combination.

Which Bed Should You Choose?

Consider the Ottoman bed when:

• You require maximum storage space for large or cumbersome objects
• You have little ground space in your bedroom next to the bed
• You keep seasonal objects which you do not often use daily
• You wish to purchase an elegant-looking bed upholstered in your master bedroom

Consider the divan bed when:

• You wish to access your storage space easily and quickly daily
• Your home includes a guest room or child’s bedroom, or is a rental home
• Cost-effectiveness is important
• You desire maintenance-free storage that involves no mechanisms whatsoever

Whereas the Ottoman bed provides the greatest amount of storage space, the divan is comparable in terms of its practicality and worth. Ultimately, the ideal storage bed is not necessarily the one that can store the most.

Still unsure? Measure your room, list what you plan to store, and work backwards. The right bed will be obvious once you match storage type to storage need.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Do Ottoman beds have more storage than divan beds? 

Yes – Ottoman beds have much greater storage capacity. King-sized Ottoman beds provide about 750-1050 litres of space, while 4-drawer king-size divans provide only 120-200 liters of space.

Q2. Are Ottoman beds hard to open? 

No, the mechanism of gas lifts does all the work. Opening them is easy in most cases; however, cheap models may be difficult to open over time due to low-quality pistons.

Q3. Can a divan bed replace a wardrobe? 

To some extent. King-sized divan beds have extra storage, although not enough to replace your wardrobe because of the small drawer depths.