If you have started shopping for a new bed, you have probably noticed two names coming up again and again: ottoman beds and divan beds. Both are incredibly popular across UK bedrooms, both offer storage space, and at first glance, they can look surprisingly similar. So it is completely normal to ask: are ottoman beds better than divan beds?
The honest answer is that it depends on your space, your storage needs, and how you like to access things under your bed. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can pick the option that actually fits your lifestyle, not just the one that looks nicer in photos.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed is a solid, upholstered base, usually with drawers built into the front or sides. It sits directly on the floor and typically pairs with a matching headboard. Divan beds have long been a UK favourite because they are sturdy, affordable, and simple to use.
Our range of divan beds comes in two-drawer and four-drawer configurations, giving you practical storage without changing how the bed looks or feels day to day.
What Is an Ottoman Bed?
An ottoman bed uses a gas-lift mechanism, allowing the entire base to lift up from the bottom, revealing one large open storage compartment underneath. Instead of pulling out drawers, you lift the whole mattress platform, similar to the boot of a car.
Our ottoman divan beds are available in both end-lift and side-lift designs, so you can choose whichever suits the layout of your room.
Storage Comparison: Where Ottoman Beds Win
This is usually the deciding factor for most buyers. A divan bed’s drawers offer decent storage, but the space is divided and limited to what fits inside a drawer.
An ottoman bed, on the other hand, turns almost the entire area under the mattress into one large storage zone. This makes it far better for storing bulky items like spare bedding, suitcases, or seasonal clothing that would never fit in a drawer.
If maximising storage is your main priority, ottoman beds are the clear winner here.
Ease of Access: Where Divan Beds Win
While ottoman beds offer more space, divan bed drawers are quicker and easier to access for everyday items. You simply slide a drawer open, no lifting the mattress, no shifting pillows or bedding out of the way first.
If you need frequent access to your storage, for example, keeping extra pillows or daily-use items nearby, a divan bed’s drawers may actually be more convenient day to day.
Price Differences Between Ottoman and Divan Beds
Generally speaking, divan beds tend to be slightly more budget-friendly than ottoman beds, mainly because ottoman frames require a gas-lift mechanism and stronger hinges to support the lifting motion safely.
That said, the price gap has narrowed significantly, and many ottoman beds now sit in a similar range to higher-end divan models. It is worth comparing individual products rather than assuming one type is always cheaper.
Comfort and Height: Is There a Difference?
Both bed types can be paired with the same mattresses, so comfort ultimately comes down to what you place on top rather than the base itself. However, ottoman beds are sometimes built slightly higher off the ground due to the storage mechanism, which some buyers actually prefer for easier getting in and out of bed.
Whichever base you choose, pairing it with the right mattress matters most. If you prefer a supportive, structured feel, our pocket sprung mattresses respond well to body movement. If you want a plusher, sink-in feel, our pillow top mattresses are worth considering.
Which One Suits Small Bedrooms Better?
For smaller bedrooms or flats where every inch of storage counts, ottoman beds usually make more sense. Since the entire base lifts up, you get significantly more usable storage without needing extra furniture like wardrobes or under-bed boxes.
If you are working with a tighter space overall, it is also worth reading our space-saving bed buying guide for more layout-friendly bed options.
Which One Suits Family Homes Better?
In family homes where quick, everyday access to items matters more than maximum storage volume, divan beds often work better in practice. Parents managing daily routines may find drawer access simpler than lifting a mattress each time.
For a broader comparison of base types beyond just these two, our guide on divan bed vs bed frame is a useful next read.
Quick Comparison Summary
- Best for maximum storage: Ottoman beds
- Best for quick daily access: Divan beds
- Best for smaller rooms: Ottoman beds
- Best for budget-conscious buyers: Divan beds
- Best for family routines: Divan beds
Final Verdict
There is no single “better” option here; it genuinely comes down to how you plan to use the storage. If you need to store bulky, occasional-use items and want to make the most of limited floor space, an ottoman bed is worth the investment. If you prefer quick, everyday access and a slightly lower price point, a divan bed remains a reliable, tried-and-tested choice.
Whichever you choose, check our bed size guide before ordering to make sure your new bed fits your room comfortably. Browse our full range of beds and mattresses at Super Beds, all backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee and fast UK-wide delivery.
FAQs
1. Do ottoman beds need more maintenance than divan beds?
Not much more. The gas-lift mechanism is low maintenance and rarely needs attention beyond occasional checks.
2. Are ottoman beds harder to move than divan beds?
Slightly, due to the lifting mechanism, but most ottoman beds still disassemble easily for moving house.
3. Can I fit a divan bed drawer with bulky items like duvets?
It depends on drawer size, but large duvets often fit better in an ottoman bed’s open storage space.
4. Is one option quieter than the other?
Both are quiet when well-built. Check for reinforced hinges on ottoman beds to avoid squeaking over time.
5. Which is more popular in the UK, ottoman or divan beds?
Divan beds remain slightly more popular overall, though ottoman beds are quickly gaining ground for storage needs.
