Ottoman Beds vs Divan Beds: Which Is Right for You?
Last updated: May 2026
If you are shopping for a bed with storage, you will quickly find that most options fall into one of two categories: ottoman beds and divan beds. Both make use of the space under the mattress. But the mechanism, the capacity, the aesthetics, and the price are quite different. This guide explains how each type works, what the real trade-offs are, and which is likely to suit your room and budget.
How They Work
Ottoman Beds
An ottoman bed has a solid platform base that lifts upward on gas-lift hinges, revealing a large storage cavity underneath. The entire floor area beneath the mattress becomes accessible storage — typically between 30cm and 45cm deep depending on the frame height. To access the storage, you lift the mattress platform (which is counterbalanced by the gas struts, so it opens easily) and lower it again when done. Ottoman beds are available in end-opening and side-opening configurations. End-opening ottomans are more common and easier to place in most rooms; side-opening models are better for rooms where the foot of the bed is against a wall.
Divan Beds
A divan bed consists of a fabric-covered base (usually sitting on small castors or feet) with drawers built into the sides or foot. Drawer configurations vary: you might get two drawers on one side, two drawers on each side (four total), or a combination of drawers and an ottoman-style end-opening panel on some hybrid models. The drawers are accessed without moving the mattress — they pull out like conventional furniture drawers. Divan bases are typically sold separately from the mattress and are available in a wide range of fabric options.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ottoman Bed | Divan Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Very large (entire floor area) | Moderate (drawer volume only) |
| Access method | Lift mattress platform | Pull-out drawers |
| Access ease | Easy (gas-lift assisted) | Very easy (no lifting) |
| Room needed to open | Yes (end or side clearance) | Minimal (drawer clearance only) |
| What you can store | Bulky items: duvets, suitcases | Smaller items: bedding, clothes |
| Appearance | Upholstered, contemporary | Fabric-covered, traditional |
| Price range | Higher | Lower to mid |
| Assembly | Moderate complexity | Simple (base + mattress) |
Storage Capacity
This is where the ottoman bed wins decisively. The storage cavity beneath an ottoman base is typically large enough to hold two full-size duvets, several pillows, a suitcase, and still have room left. It is the most efficient storage solution available in a bedroom short of a built-in wardrobe. Divan drawers, by contrast, are better suited to folded clothes, bedding sets, and smaller items. A four-drawer divan gives you four medium-sized drawers, which is useful but significantly less volume than an ottoman. If your main goal is storing bulky seasonal items like duvets, spare pillows, or luggage, an ottoman is the better choice. If you want convenient everyday access to frequently used items, divan drawers are more practical.
Room Requirements
Ottoman beds require clearance space at the opening end (or side) for the platform to lift fully. For an end-opening ottoman, you typically need around 50–60cm of free space at the foot of the bed — enough for the platform to rise without hitting a wall or wardrobe. If your bed sits with the foot against a wall, you will need either a side-opening ottoman or a divan. Divan beds have no special clearance requirements beyond the standard room space needed to pull out a drawer — usually 50–60cm alongside the bed, the same as most bedroom furniture.
Aesthetics and Style
Ottoman beds tend to have a more upholstered, contemporary appearance. The platform base is typically covered in fabric or faux leather, with a clean, low-profile look. They suit modern, hotel-style bedroom designs. Divan beds have a more traditional UK bedroom aesthetic — the fabric-covered base with visible drawers is familiar and understated. Divan bases are available in a wide range of fabric options (at onlineand.direct, our made-to-order divan bases are available in 30+ fabrics), making them easy to coordinate with existing bedroom decor. Ottoman beds typically come in a smaller range of fabric options.
Price
Ottoman beds are generally more expensive than divan beds at equivalent quality levels. The gas-lift mechanism, heavier frame construction, and more complex manufacturing process add cost. At onlineand.direct, both ottoman beds and divan bases are priced at direct-from-manufacturer rates, which means the gap is smaller than you would find at a high street retailer. As a rough guide, a good quality king-size ottoman frame will typically cost 20–40% more than an equivalent divan base with four drawers.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose an ottoman bed if:
- You need to store bulky items like duvets, pillows, or luggage
- You want the maximum possible underbed storage in a single purchase
- You have clearance space at the foot or side of the bed
- You want a contemporary upholstered frame aesthetic
- Budget is flexible
Choose a divan bed if:
- You want convenient, everyday access to stored items without lifting the mattress
- The foot of your bed is against a wall with no clearance for a lifting mechanism
- You are furnishing a guest room or rental property and want a practical, durable solution
- You want a wide choice of fabric options for the base
- Budget is a priority
A Note on Divan Base Configurations
Divan bases come in several drawer configurations: no drawers (platform top only), 2 drawers (typically on one side), 4 drawers (two on each side), and end drawer configurations. Some divan bases also combine side drawers with an ottoman end panel. If you are ordering a made-to-order divan at onlineand.direct, drawer configuration and fabric are both customisable. Specify your requirements at the time of ordering.
Shop Ottoman and Divan Beds at Onlineand.direct
Both ottoman beds and divan bases are available at onlineand.direct in all standard UK sizes — single, small single, double, king, and super king. Every order includes free UK delivery in 3 working days by our specialist 2-man team. Browse all beds to compare options.
Related guides
For the full picture, read our in-depth ottoman beds buying guide and divan beds guide — or shop the ottoman beds and divan beds collections, all with free 3-day UK delivery.