
Are Ottoman Beds Side Opening Good? UK Guide
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Are Ottoman Beds Side Opening Good? UK Guide
Side opening ottoman beds are becoming increasingly popular for their blend of style and storage efficiency. In this guide, we break down what makes side lifting ottoman beds so useful, explore their pros and cons, and offer practical tips to help you decide if a sideways ottoman bed is the perfect fit for your space.
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What Is a Side Opening Ottoman Bed?
Benefits of Side Opening Ottoman Beds
Side Opening vs Other Ottoman Styles
Upgrade Your Storage with ComfoRest
What Is a Side Opening Ottoman Bed?
A side opening ottoman bed features a hydraulic lift mechanism on one side, allowing the mattress platform to pivot up sideways. Accessing the storage space beneath the bed is made easy with this mechanism, which is especially convenient for narrow rooms where foot-end access is limited.
Unlike end-lift models, side opening ottoman beds give you access to storage drawers that run the full length of the bed - ideal for narrow rooms where foot-end access is limited. Additionally, side opening ottoman beds are suitable for various mattress types, making them versatile for different personal preferences.
Benefits of Side Opening Ottoman Beds
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Maximised Storage: Side ottoman beds feature a spacious storage compartment beneath the mattress, perfect for bedding, seasonal clothing or dreams storage beds that keep your room clutter-free.
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Easy Access: The side lifting ottoman bed mechanism requires minimal effort, letting you simply lift the side of the bed to retrieve items without unpacking the whole bed.
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Space Efficiency: Ideal for tight layouts where a side opening double ottoman bed or side opening ottoman king size bed can slide open without blocking walkways.
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Versatile Sizes: Available as a divan ottoman bed single, small double, double side lift ottoman bed, king size, or super king to suit any bedroom. Side opening ottoman beds are also suitable for larger bedrooms, providing ample bed storage space without compromising on space.
These beds are a practical solution for homeowners with a smaller bedroom, offering substantial hidden storage options.
Types of Ottoman Beds
Ottoman storage beds come in several types, each offering unique benefits and features.
Side opening ottoman beds provide easy access to the storage space from the side, making them ideal for rooms with limited foot-end clearance.
Side lift ottoman beds feature a lift mechanism that allows for effortless access to the storage area, ensuring you can retrieve items with minimal effort.
Lift ottoman beds, equipped with a hydraulic lift system, make it easy to lift the bed and access the extra space beneath.
Wooden ottoman beds are a popular choice for their durability and stylish appearance, while small double ottoman beds and super king ottoman beds cater to different sleep styles and room sizes.
No matter your preference, there’s an ottoman bed to suit your needs and enhance your bedroom’s functionality.
Key Features to Consider
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Hydraulic Strength: Look for robust gas-lift pistons in your double side lift ottoman bed to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
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Frame Quality: A sturdy hardwood or metal frame guarantees stability and protects your mattress.
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Storage Configuration: Decide between one large area or multiple divided compartments - handy for organising smaller items.
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Upholstery Finish: Choose fabrics that complement your décor while offering easy cleaning and durability. Options include velvet, which can align with various design aesthetics and preferences.
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Headboards: Customise your headboard with various fabrics and colours to add luxury to your bedroom. Headboards not only enhance the aesthetic charm but also provide additional comfort.
Choosing the Right Bed Frame
Selecting the right bed frame is essential when it comes to ottoman beds. Consider the size of your bedroom, the type of mattress you prefer, and the overall style and decor you want to achieve.
Ottoman bed frames are available in various materials, including wooden, upholstered, and fabric, each offering a unique look and feel. A wooden ottoman bed frame can add a touch of elegance to a master bedroom, while a faux leather ottoman bed frame provides a sleek and modern aesthetic.
It’s also important to think about your storage needs and the types of items you’ll be storing in the ottoman bed. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a bed frame that complements your bedroom and meets your storage requirements.
Bed Size and Style
When choosing an ottoman bed, it’s crucial to consider the size and style that best suits your needs.
Single ottoman beds are perfect for solo sleepers or smaller bedrooms, while small double ottoman beds offer a cozy solution for couples with limited floor space.
For those who desire more room, super king ottoman beds provide ample space for a comfortable night’s sleep. Think about your bed size, floor space, and sleep style when making your decision.
Consider the overall style and decor of your bedroom, including the headboard, pillows, and linen, to ensure your ottoman bed fits seamlessly into your space. With a variety of sizes and styles available, you can find the perfect ottoman bed to enhance your bedroom’s comfort and aesthetic.
Side Opening vs Other Ottoman Styles
Feature |
Side Opening |
End-Lift |
Access |
Along the bed’s long side |
From the foot end |
Ideal Room Layout |
Narrow or corridor-style rooms |
Wider spaces with clear foot-end clearance |
Storage Depth |
Full length, shallower depth |
Shallower length, deeper centrally |
Ease of Use |
Convenient if bed pushed against wall |
Better if front clearance is available |
Sleeping Arrangements |
Suitable for solo sleepers or couples in narrow rooms |
Ideal for couples or families needing more space |
Choosing the right mattress is crucial to ensure comfort and fit within different bed styles.
Storage and Organisation
Ottoman beds are an excellent choice for maximising storage and organisation in your bedroom. The storage space beneath the bed can be used to store bedding, clothes, and other belongings, keeping your room clutter-free and organised.
Depending on your needs, you can choose an ottoman bed with a spacious storage compartment or one with divan beds or drawers for additional storage options. The easy access and ample storage space provided by ottoman beds make them a practical and stylish solution for bedroom storage.
Whether you need extra storage for seasonal items or want to keep your everyday essentials within reach, ottoman beds offer a range of benefits, including hidden storage and a tidy, organised bedroom environment.
Care and Maintenance
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Regular Checks: Inspect the hydraulic pistons and hinges every 6 months for wear. A sturdy bed frame offers support while users sleep, highlighting the importance of durability.
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Clean Upholstery: Vacuum and spot-clean your fabric to prevent dust buildup.
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Avoid Overloading: Respect the weight limit - most side opening ottoman beds support up to 200 kg evenly.
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Self Assembly: Most ottoman beds require self-assembly, highlighting this as a key feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ottoman beds side opening more reliable?
Yes, with quality gas-lift mechanisms, side opening ottoman beds are as reliable as end-lift models, offering easier access in tighter rooms.
Can you get a side opening double ottoman bed in king size?
Absolutely - side opening ottoman king size beds are available, combining luxury dimensions with ample storage.
What’s the difference between a sideways ottoman bed and a standard divan?
A sideways ottoman bed adds under-bed storage accessible from the side, whereas a standard divan has either drawers or no storage.
Do side ottoman beds fit small rooms?
Yes - because they open sideways, they suit narrow or corridor-style rooms where foot-end clearance is limited.
Are ottoman beds affordable?
Yes, ottoman beds offer great value for their price. They combine storage solutions with comfort, and many models come with competitive pricing and promotional offers.
How do I choose the right ottoman bed?
Choosing the right ottoman bed depends on your personal preference. Consider the type of mattress, bed design, and storage features that best suit your individual tastes and needs.
Why Choose ComfoRest for Your Divan Beds?

At ComfoRest, finding your ideal divan bed base is easy. All our beds are designed to accommodate UK standard sized mattresses.
Whether you’re after ottoman divan beds or drawer divan beds with matching headboards or convenient pull-out drawers, our wide range of divan bases and storage bed frame selections offer the perfect blend of comfort and practicality.
Our divan bed set collection comes in different sizes - single divan beds , small double, double, king size, and super king divan beds - all with storage options or with a mattress included to tailor to your needs.
Prefer four drawers, two drawers on one side, two or four drawers, one on each side? We’ve got it covered. We even offer continental storage options for those with winged headboards and bedside tables.
Discover more in our Divan Bases Collection
Upgrade Your Sleep with ComfoRest

Explore our wide selection of high-quality ottoman beds, divan bed bases, and divan bed sets with storage drawers. All our divan beds feature elegant finishes and practical storage solutions that fit seamlessly into your bedroom and guest rooms.
With a range of sizes, different styles, storage options, and divan bed frame designs to choose from, there’s something to suit every home and lifestyle. Sweet dreams start with ComfoRest!