What to Store in an Ottoman Bed: A Practical Guide

An ottoman bed gives you a large, enclosed storage space under the mattress, but a large space is easy to fill badly. Pack it carelessly and it turns into a place where things disappear, get crushed or go damp. This guide explains what belongs in an ottoman bed, what to keep out, and how to organise it so you can still find things in a hurry.

How an ottoman bed works

An ottoman storage bed is a divan whose whole base lifts up. Gas-assisted hinges, the same type of strut used on car boots, take the weight of the platform and mattress so it rises easily and stays open while you reach in. The storage compartment sits under the mattress and runs the length and width of the bed, and it is far larger than a set of drawers. The base opens either from the foot (end lift) or from the side (side lift). If you are not sure which suits your room, see our divan base types guide.

The best things to store

Spare bedding: duvets, pillows, blankets and sheets are the ideal fit. They are light, soft and not damaged by a stable environment.
Off-season clothing: winter coats, jumpers and boots in summer, and the reverse, folded into breathable bags.
Towels and linen: especially useful in a guest room.
Suitcases: flat suitcases fit well and stay out of sight, with smaller bags packed inside.
Seasonal items: Christmas decorations and similar light items.

What to keep out of an ottoman bed

Anything damp. Wet laundry, towels that are not fully dry or items from a damp loft can cause mustiness and affect the mattress.
Food and drink. These can attract pests and spills are hard to clean.
Heavy or sharp objects. Tools, sports equipment and anything that could damage the fabric or the lift mechanism.
Valuables and paperwork. The space is not secure or fireproof.
Open liquids and chemicals. Paint, cleaning products and aerosols, for the same reasons.

How to pack it so it stays fresh

Use breathable storage bags. Cotton or non-woven bags let air move. Avoid sealing natural fibres such as wool or down tightly for long periods.
Keep things dry. Wash and fully dry all textiles first. Silica gel sachets absorb moisture in humid homes.
Put heavy items at the bottom and soft items on top, so the mattress platform lowers without crushing anything.
Label the bags. A list on the lid or a note on your phone avoids emptying the whole space.
Do not overfill. Leave a little room so air can circulate and the platform closes freely.

Organising ideas that work

Zones: bedding at the head end, seasonal clothes in the middle, rarely used items at the foot
Storage cubes or crates: keep categories together and make the space easy to lift out
A guest kit: a bag with spare sheets, towel and pillow ready for visitors

Safety and care

Keep your fingers clear of the hinges when lowering the platform, and do not let children play inside. Do not stand or jump on the raised platform, and avoid loading the base well beyond what you would store in a normal chest. The lift mechanism is covered by our 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects under normal residential use, so normal use is fine. Check the product page and care leaflet for specifics.

Choosing an ottoman bed for storage

For a complete bed with headboard, see our ottoman sets such as the Chesterfield ottoman divan bed set and the Valentino winged ottoman divan bed set.
For a base on its own, see the end lift ottoman divan base and side lift ottoman divan base.
For narrow stairs, the quarter split end lift ottoman base is built in sections.
For guest rooms, the Zip and Link ottoman divan bed base can be two single beds or one larger bed.

Ottoman bed or drawers?

Drawers suit items you need every day and rooms where you cannot open a base. An ottoman is better for bulky and seasonal items and has no floor space needed at the sides. Many people find a lift base more useful in a small room. Compare with our divan beds, and if you need even more space, add an ottoman storage box at the foot.

Storage plans for different households

A couple in a small flat

Use the ottoman for what does not fit elsewhere: spare duvets, winter coats in summer, luggage and a second set of bedding. Keep everyday clothes in the wardrobe. Label bags by season, and swap them twice a year.

A family with a spare room

Keep guest bedding, towels and a spare pillow in the guest room’s ottoman, so the room is ready on short notice. See our spare room guide.

A student or first-time renter

An ottoman bed can replace a chest of drawers. Pack clothes in neat cubes, keep laundry out, and use the space for bags and bulky items.

Packing step by step

Empty the space and vacuum it, to remove dust.
Decide what goes where. Put the least used items at the bottom.
Use breathable bags or boxes, and label them.
Pack lightly, and do not stack heavy items on top of fragile ones.
Close the base gently, and check nothing catches.
Review twice a year, and remove anything you no longer need.

Looking after the lift mechanism

The gas-assisted hinges are designed for regular use, but they last longer if you treat them well:

Lift and lower the platform smoothly, without letting it drop.
Do not overload the compartment.
Keep the area around the bed clear so the platform opens fully.
Watch for any change in how easily the base lifts, and contact us if something seems wrong.

Our beds are covered by a 3-year warranty, including the lift mechanism. See the warranty terms.

Keeping the space fresh

Enclosed spaces can become stale if they are never aired. Every few months, open the base fully, let air circulate, and check for any damp or odour. A sachet of dried lavender or a moisture absorber can help. Make sure items are completely dry before storing.

Seasonal swap: a twice-yearly routine

An ottoman bed works best with a simple routine. In spring, move winter coats, jumpers and heavy blankets into storage bags and place them in the base. In autumn, reverse it. Each swap is a good time to check for damp, vacuum the compartment and remove anything you no longer need. A reminder in your phone calendar is enough to keep the habit going.

Common questions

Can I store a mattress topper or duvet in an ottoman bed?

Yes. Bedding is the ideal thing to store. Keep it clean and dry in a breathable bag.

Does the mattress feel different on an ottoman base?

No. The solid platform top gives even support, and the lift mechanism does not change the feel.

Is an ottoman bed hard to open?

The gas-assisted hinges take the weight, so it lifts with little effort.

Every ottoman bed we make is handmade in the UK, with free delivery to mainland UK in 5 working days.