Ottoman vs Divan: Which Storage Bed Is Best? (UK 2025 Buying Guide)

If you’re choosing a storage bed for your bedroom, you’ve likely narrowed your choice down to the two most popular UK styles: Ottoman beds and Divan beds. Both offer excellent functionality, look stylish, and help maximise your space—but they work very differently.

This detailed guide explains the pros, cons, differences, and best uses of each to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your home.

1. What Is an Ottoman Storage Bed?

An Ottoman bed uses a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress platform, revealing a spacious, hidden storage compartment underneath. The lift can be:

End-lift (most common)
Side-lift (ideal for tight spaces)

⭐ Key Feature: Maximum storage capacity

Ottoman beds offer up to 4x more storage than a divan bed with drawers because the entire base is usable.

⭐ Why UK buyers love Ottomans

Perfect for small bedrooms
Stores bulky items like duvets, clothes, shoes, suitcases
Gives your room a clean, minimalist look
Works extremely well with tall headboards

👉 Explore all Ottoman Storage Beds:

https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-ottoman-storage-beds

2. What Is a Divan Storage Bed?

A Divan bed is a compact, space-efficient base built to the exact size of the mattress. Unlike ottomans, divans offer storage via sliding drawers built into the base.

Common drawer configurations include:

2 drawers (one on each side)
4 drawers (2 on each side)
Foot-end drawers (ideal when side space is limited)

⭐ Key Feature: Quick, convenient access

You don’t need to lift the mattress—just slide open a drawer.

⭐ Why UK buyers choose Divans

Ideal for everyday use items
Great for guest rooms
Cheaper than ottomans
Still offers valuable storage space

👉 Browse Divan Beds:

https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-beds

3. Ottoman vs Divan: The Full Comparison

Below is an extended comparison to help you decide based on room size, accessibility and personal preference.

📌 Storage Capacity

Type	Storage Level
Ottoman Bed	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very high — full base space)
Divan Bed	⭐⭐⭐ (Medium — drawer compartments)

Ottomans are the clear winner here.

📌 Room Size Suitability

Ottoman beds work better in smaller rooms because the lift mechanism opens vertically.
Divan drawers need horizontal space — meaning walkways must remain clear.

For UK small bedrooms, we also recommend:
👉 Best Beds for Small UK Bedrooms

📌 Ease of Access

Divan drawers win for quick, everyday use.

Ottomans are suitable for items you don’t need daily, like:

Spare bedding
Luggage
Seasonal clothing
Baby supplies
Shoes & accessories

📌 Style & Design

Modern interior styles often favour ottomans because of their:

Sleek, clean-sided base
Hidden storage
Compatibility with tall headboards
More premium look

Divans offer a traditional look but can still be modern when combined with:

Wingback headboards
60-inch tall headboards
Plush velvet fabrics

Read more:
👉 60" Headboard Benefits
https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/blogs/sleep-advice/60-inch-tall-headboard-benefits

📌 Cost Comparison

Type	Price Range	Notes
Ottoman	Mid–High	Costs more due to lift mechanism
Divan	Low–Mid	More budget-friendly

If budget is a priority, choose Divan.
If storage is a priority, choose Ottoman.

4. What You Should Consider Before Choosing

1. How much storage do you need?

If your home lacks wardrobes or you need deep storage, choose Ottoman without hesitation.

2. How big is your bedroom?

Small rooms → Ottoman
Medium rooms → Either
Rooms with tight sides → Ottoman or foot-end drawers

3. Do you access items daily or occasionally?

Daily access → Divan
Occasional access → Ottoman

4. Do you want a luxury look?

Ottomans naturally pair better with tall and wingback headboards.

5. Pros & Cons of Ottoman Storage Beds

✔ Pros

Maximum storage
Ideal for small bedrooms
Clean, modern design
Perfect for bulky items
Keeps room clutter-free

✘ Cons

More expensive
Requires lifting (gas-lift mechanism helps)
Not ideal for very frequent access

6. Pros & Cons of Divan Storage Beds

✔ Pros

Easy to access daily
More affordable
Compact footprint
Drawer configurations to suit room layout

✘ Cons

Much less storage than ottomans
Requires space for drawer opening
Not ideal for very tight rooms

7. Which One Is Best for Small UK Bedrooms?

🏆 Ottoman Beds Are the Best Choice

Small bedrooms benefit from the vertical lifting design.
No floor space is needed on the sides, making ottomans perfect for:

New build homes
Box rooms
Spare rooms
Apartments

Explore:
👉 https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-ottoman-storage-beds

8. Which One Is Best for Guest Rooms?

🏆 Divan Beds Are Ideal

In a guest room, convenience is more important than maximum storage.
Drawers are:

Quick for guests
Easy to access
Less costly
Perfect for spare bedding

9. Interior Styling: Headboards & Fabrics

Both Ottoman and Divan bases pair beautifully with:

⭐ Wingback headboards

A luxury statement, perfect for master bedrooms.

⭐ Tall 60” headboards

Hotels use them because they make the room feel taller and more premium.
Learn why:
https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/blogs/sleep-advice/60-inch-tall-headboard-benefits

⭐ Plush velvet, chenille, crushed velvet, naples

Matches any décor style, from modern to classical.

10. Final Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?

✔ Choose an Ottoman if you want:

Maximum storage
A luxury, modern look
A solution for small bedrooms
A clean, minimalist design
A bed that hides clutter easily

✔ Choose a Divan if you want:

Quick everyday access
A more affordable storage option
Traditional storage drawers
A compact frame with no excess width

⭐ Conclusion

Both ottoman and divan beds offer excellent benefits — but the best choice depends on your storage needs, room size and lifestyle.
In most modern UK homes, ottomans are the preferred option due to their huge storage space and premium appearance.
Divans remain an excellent choice for budget-friendly, easy-access storage.

⭐ Shop the Full Range at Solace Beds

👉 Ottoman Storage Beds

https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-ottoman-storage-beds

👉 Divan Beds with Drawers

https://www.solacebeds.co.uk/collections/divan-beds

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