Choosing a new bed is always a significant decision, but when you start looking at ottoman beds, the stakes feel a little higher. You aren’t just choosing a place to sleep; you’re investing in a substantial piece of furniture that doubles as your primary storage solution.

In many UK homes, where space is often at a premium, the ottoman bed has moved from being a luxury to a practical essential. Over the past 17 years, we’ve seen the shift firsthand—nearly half of our customers now opt for a storage bed.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of ottoman beds, specifically focusing on the difference solid wood makes to longevity, hygiene, and everyday use.

 

1. What is an Ottoman Bed? (And Why They’ve Become a UK Essential)

At its simplest, an ottoman bed features a lift-up base—supported by gas-lift hydraulics; that allows you to access the entire area beneath the mattress for storage.

Unlike drawer-storage beds, which require clear floor space on either side to pull out the runners, an ottoman opens vertically. This makes them the ultimate solution for narrower rooms or spaces where bedside tables or radiators might block traditional drawers.

In the UK, where bedroom footprints are notoriously compact, the "hidden" nature of this storage is a game-changer. It allows you to keep the room feeling airy and minimal while hiding away the clutter that usually ends up in the back of a wardrobe or under a standard bed frame.

2. Solid Wood vs. Upholstered Ottomans: The Durability Debate

When you search for "ottoman beds," you’ll see a sea of fabric-covered options. While upholstered beds have their place, there are three key reasons why we choose to focus exclusively on solid hardwoods like oak and poplar.

Longevity and Structural Integrity

An ottoman bed undergoes more "stress" than a standard frame because of the lifting mechanism. Cheaper upholstered frames are often constructed from MDF or thin plywood. Over time, the pressure from the gas struts can cause these materials to warp or the screws to pull through the soft wood.

A solid wood frame, however, offers the strength and long-term stability needed to support both the weight of a quality mattress and the repeated action of the lifting base. It’s the difference between a bed that lasts a few years and one that stays with you through different homes.

Hygiene and Dust

Fabric-covered beds are notorious for trapping dust and allergens. Because the storage area is enclosed, upholstered versions can sometimes develop a "musty" feel if not aired frequently. Solid wood is naturally easier to keep clean—a quick dust or a wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s required.

Timeless Style

Trends in fabric and velvet change every season. A solid wood bed frame, like in our Chester collection, has a natural character that improves with age. It doesn't date, and it fits as comfortably in a modern apartment as it does in a traditional cottage.

3. The Mechanics: How Gas-Lift Hydraulics Work

The most common question we hear is: "Will it be heavy to lift?"

The answer lies in the gas-lift pistons (the hydraulics). These are designed to do the heavy lifting for you. When you pull the handle at the foot of the bed, the pistons take the weight of the mattress, allowing the base to rise smoothly and stay open safely while you reach inside.

Why quality pistons matter:

• Safety: High-quality pistons ensure the bed stays open and won't "drop" unexpectedly.
• Ease of Use: They are calibrated to work with the weight of standard UK mattresses.
• Silence: Properly fitted mechanics in a solid wood frame avoid the squeaks and groans often associated with metal or plastic frames.
  

At The Oak Bed Store, we’ve used our 17 years of experience to source mechanisms that are robust enough for daily use, ensuring the lifting action remains as smooth in year ten as it was on day one.

4. Storage Capacity: Visualising the Space

It’s hard to picture how much space is actually inside an ottoman until you see it in person. Unlike drawers, which have internal sides and runners that eat into the available volume, an ottoman gives you the full footprint of the mattress.

To give you a practical idea, here is what typically fits inside a King Size (5ft) ottoman:

• Two large suitcases
• A winter-weight king-size duvet
• Four to six pillows
• Multiple boxes of seasonal clothing or shoes

It effectively acts as a horizontal wardrobe. For items you only need occasionally, like Christmas decorations, travel gear, or spare linens, it is the most efficient use of space in the home.

5. How to Style a Wooden Storage Bed

Because ottoman beds have a "solid" base to accommodate the storage, they can sometimes look a little heavier than a bed with legs. However, with the right styling, they can still feel light and airy.

• Go for a Low Foot-End: Designs like our Wilmore feature a low foot-end, which helps the room feel less restricted and allows the eye to travel across the room.
  
• Balance with Lightness: Use lighter-coloured bedding or neutral tones to contrast with the rich grain of the oak.
• Order Samples: To ensure the wood tone doesn't overwhelm your room, we always recommend you order free wood samples. Seeing the finish in your own natural light helps you feel confident in the choice. 
  

6. Common Concerns: Are Ottoman Beds Squeaky?

No one wants a bed that announces every time they turn over at night. The "squeak" often associated with ottoman beds usually comes from two places: poor quality materials or loose fixings.

Because our frames are made from solid hardwood, the joints are significantly more stable than those made from composite materials. We recommend checking the bolts and fixings once or twice a year; a two-minute job that keeps the bed feeling quiet and "solid."

When properly assembled, a solid wood ottoman is one of the sturdiest and quietest frames you can own.

 

FAQs

Are ottoman beds hard to lift? No. The gas-lift pistons are designed to take the weight of the mattress. While you need to give it an initial firm pull, the pistons do most of the work to raise and hold the base in place.

Can I use any mattress with a solid wood ottoman? Yes, our frames are designed for standard UK mattress sizes. However, very light mattresses may require a bit more effort to keep the bed in the "closed" position, while extremely heavy mattresses might require a slightly firmer lift to get started.

How much clearance space do I need around the bed to open it? The beauty of an ottoman is that you don't need side clearance to access the storage. However, we recommend leaving at least 60–80cm at the foot of the bed so you can stand comfortably while lifting the handle. For more layout tips, see our Bed Frame Size & Layout Guide.