Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which One Suits Your Lifestyle Best?

When it comes to choosing the perfect bed with storage, two popular options often come up: ottoman beds and divan beds. Both promise extra space to stash your stuff, but they work in quite different ways. So, the big question is: Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which One is Better for You? 

In this guide, we’ll dive into a thorough storage bed comparison, explore the differences between hydraulic lift beds and drawer beds, and help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make a confident choice. Whether you’re tight on space or just love smart storage, this blog is for you.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed is a modern storage solution where the mattress and base lift, usually with a hydraulic mechanism, to reveal a large storage compartment underneath.

• How it works: You simply lift the mattress from the foot or side, and the hydraulic pistons help ease it up.
  

• Storage: A large, open space ideal for storing bulky items like duvets, suitcases, or boxes.
  

• Space: Because it lifts straight up, ottoman beds don’t need side clearance.
  

Perfect for: Smaller bedrooms, apartments, or anyone wanting to maximise under-bed space without losing room around the bed.

What Is a Divan Bed?

Divan beds are traditional storage beds with a base that often comes with built-in drawers or a storage compartment accessible by lifting the mattress (sometimes without hydraulics).

• How it works: Some divans have pull-out drawers, others have lift-up tops.
  

• Storage: Multiple smaller compartments or drawers, great for organising smaller items.
  

• Space: Drawer divans need room on the sides or ends to open the drawers.
  

Perfect for: Larger bedrooms with enough space to open drawers and those who prefer easier access to smaller items.

Ottoman Bed vs Drawers: Storage Bed Comparison

Hydraulic Lift Bed vs Drawer Bed: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up the confusion between hydraulic lift beds and drawer beds:

• Hydraulic lift beds (aka ottoman beds) feature pistons that make lifting the mattress smoother and easier. These beds offer more storage but require you to lift the mattress to get access.
  

• Drawer beds have storage compartments in the form of drawers, so you pull them out instead of lifting anything heavy. Easier daily access but less total storage space.
  

Lift Up Bed vs Drawers: Which One Wins?

Choosing between a lift-up bed vs drawers depends on your space, needs, and lifestyle.

Reasons to Choose a Lift Up Ottoman Bed

• You want to use every inch of space under your bed.
  

• Your bedroom is tight, and there’s no room to open drawers.
  

• You need to store large or awkward items like suitcases or thick blankets.
  

• You prefer a sleek bed design without visible drawers.
  

Reasons to Choose a Drawer Bed

• You want quick, easy access to your storage every day.
  

• Your bedroom has enough space on the sides or end for drawer clearance.
  

• You like the idea of separate compartments to organise clothes, shoes, or smaller items.
  

• You want a more budget-friendly option.
  

Ottoman Bed vs Storage Bed with Drawers: Which Suits Your Needs?

If you’re comparing an Ottoman bed vs a storage bed with drawers, here are some quick tips to help you decide:

• Storage volume: Ottoman beds offer more overall storage in one large space, great for big or bulky things.
  

• Ease of use: Drawers offer faster, easier access without lifting a mattress.
  

• Room size: No drawer clearance needed for ottoman beds; drawers need enough space to open fully.
  

• Aesthetic: Ottoman beds give a neat, seamless look without visible drawers, while divans with drawers show the compartments.
  

• Budget: Drawer beds tend to be cheaper upfront, but good quality hydraulic ottoman beds are worth the investment if space-saving is key.

Divan Bed with Drawers

Pros:

Easy Access to Storage: The drawers pull out horizontally, allowing you to access stored items without lifting the mattress. This can be a big plus for people who prefer not to lift heavy objects regularly.

Better Organisation: Having multiple drawers means you can separate and categorise your items more efficiently. For example, one drawer can hold clothes, another can hold bedding, and so on, making it easier to find what you need.

Generally More Affordable: Divan beds with drawers often come at a lower price point compared to ottoman beds, making them a budget-friendly option for those seeking storage solutions.

No Heavy Lifting: Since the storage is drawer-based, there’s no strain or effort involved in accessing your belongings, which is perfect for all age groups.

Cons:

Space Required to Open Drawers: The major downside is the need for clearance on the sides of the bed to pull the drawers out fully. In small bedrooms or rooms with limited space, this can be a challenge.

Potential Dust Buildup: Drawers, especially if not fully sealed, can allow dust to settle inside. This might require occasional cleaning of stored items.

Wear and Tear on Drawer Mechanisms: Over time, drawer runners, wheels, or sliders may become worn, jam, or break, potentially needing repair or replacement.

Less Storage Capacity: Drawer storage tends to offer less total volume compared to the single large compartment of an ottoman bed, limiting the size or number of items you can store.

Aesthetics: The presence of drawer fronts and handles can interrupt the visual flow of the bed’s design. This may not suit those looking for a minimalist look.

Ottoman Bed

Pros:

Maximised Storage Space: Ottoman beds offer one large, deep storage compartment beneath the mattress. This design allows you to store bulky items like blankets, suitcases, or large boxes with ease. The full-length storage space often exceeds what drawer beds provide.

No Need for Extra Space Around the Bed: Since the mattress lifts vertically, you don’t need to leave extra clearance on the sides to open drawers. This makes Ottoman beds a perfect choice for smaller bedrooms or tight spaces where floor clearance is limited.

Sleek and Modern Look: With no external handles or drawer fronts, ottoman beds tend to look minimalistic and streamlined. This design can fit beautifully into contemporary bedroom styles and creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Enhanced Dust Protection: The storage compartment is fully enclosed, which helps keep stored items free from dust and dirt, unlike drawers that can sometimes let dust accumulate inside.

Hydraulic Lift System: Many ottoman beds use hydraulic lifts that make lifting the mattress easier, even though the mattress and frame can be heavy. This reduces the physical effort needed compared to lifting manually.

Cons:

Lifting Effort Required: Despite hydraulic assistance, lifting the mattress can still be a bit demanding, especially for elderly people or those with back problems. It requires some strength and care when accessing storage.

Hydraulic Maintenance: Over time, the hydraulic pistons and mechanisms can wear out or malfunction, requiring maintenance or replacement, which can add to the cost or inconvenience.

Single Storage Compartment: Having one large storage space means less opportunity to organise your items into sections. This can make finding things more difficult unless you use storage bins or boxes within the compartment.

Typically Higher Price: Ottoman beds usually cost more than divan beds with drawers, due to the hydraulic lift system and more complex construction.

New Insights: What You Might Not Know

1. Mattress Weight and Ottoman Beds

If you own a heavy mattress, like memory foam or latex, check if the ottoman bed’s hydraulic system can handle it easily. Otherwise, lifting might get tiring.

2. Drawer Beds and Room Layout

Think carefully about your room layout. Drawer beds aren’t the best choice if your bed is against a wall. Ottoman beds are better for tight spaces or rooms with limited walk-around space.

3. Durability and Maintenance

Hydraulic pistons may need occasional maintenance or replacement, but usually last for years with care. Drawer mechanisms might squeak or jam over time, but are easy to fix.

4. Hybrid Beds: Best of Both Worlds?

Some beds combine both, a lift-up base with a couple of drawers. These tend to be pricier but offer great flexibility if you want both types of storage.

Where do you Buy?

At Best Bed, we specialise in delivering exceptional sleep solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Our curated collection features premium ottoman beds and divan beds, combining smart functionality with elegant design to elevate any bedroom space. Whether you’re seeking discreet storage or timeless comfort, our beds are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and style. Complementing our bed range, we also offer luxurious mattresses engineered for superior support and indulgent comfort, ensuring a truly restful night’s sleep. Discover the perfect blend of innovation and sophistication—only at Best Bed.

FAQs

Q1: Are Ottoman beds hard to open?

Modern hydraulic ottoman beds make lifting the mattress surprisingly easy, but cheaper models might require more muscle.

Q2: Can drawer beds fit in small rooms?

Only if you have enough space to pull out the drawers comfortably. If space is tight, ottoman beds are a safer bet.

Q3: What kind of mattress works best?

Most mattress types work on both bed types, but heavier mattresses might be tricky for some ottoman beds.

Q4: Do divan beds come without storage?

Yes, some divan beds don’t have drawers or lift-up storage; they’re just standard bases.