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Ottoman Bed vs Normal Bed vs Drawer Bed: Which Is Better?
Key takeaways
- An ottoman bed usually gives the most storage and works well in small rooms because it lifts upwards rather than pulling out sideways.
- A drawer bed suits you if you reach into storage daily, but you need clear floor space beside the bed for the drawers to open.
- A standard frame is the lightest and simplest option, and works best when you already have enough wardrobes and drawers.
- Measure doorways, stairs, and the space at the foot and sides of the bed before you buy any storage bed.
- For most small double bedrooms with little other storage, an ottoman bed is the safest all-round choice.
If you’re choosing between an ottoman bed vs normal bed, here’s the short answer. An ottoman bed gives the most storage and suits tight rooms, a drawer bed is easiest for everyday access if you have side space, and a standard frame is the simplest and lightest choice when storage isn’t a priority.
If you haven’t yet decided which type to go for, this guide compares all three side by side. We look at storage, access, floor space, weight and practical points, so you can match the bed to your room rather than the other way round.
Ottoman bed vs normal bed: quick verdict
Here’s how the three options compare at a glance. Typical sizes are the same across all three: a small double is 120cm x 190cm (4ft), a double is 135cm x 190cm (4ft6) and a king is 150cm x 200cm (5ft).
| Feature | Standard frame | Ottoman bed | Drawer bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Little or none, unless you use boxes underneath | One large space under the mattress | Several smaller, separate drawers |
| How you get in | Slide boxes in and out | Lift the whole base upwards | Pull drawers out sideways or from the foot |
| Clearance needed | Minimal | Space at the foot to lift the base | Space beside the bed for the drawers to open |
| Weight | Lightest | Heaviest | Medium to heavy |
| Best for | Rooms with plenty of other storage | Small rooms and bulky items | Daily-use items you want to grab quickly |
Which storage bed is best depends on how you live. If you want the most space for the least floor area, go ottoman. If you want quick access, go drawers.
What counts as a normal bed?
A normal bed is a frame that holds a mattress without built-in storage. That usually means a wooden or fabric frame on legs with a slatted base, or a divan base without drawers. It’s the simplest bed to build, move and replace.
Most comparison pages skip this option, but it’s often the right answer. Not every room needs a storage bed.
Standard frame: pros and cons
- Pros: lighter to carry upstairs, easy to dismantle, plenty of choice of styles, and open space underneath for air to circulate.
- Cons: no built-in storage, and the gap underneath collects dust that needs hoovering around. Storage boxes help, but they’re less tidy than a built-in solution.
A standard frame suits you if your bedroom already has a good-sized wardrobe and chest of drawers. It also works well if you prefer a lighter, more open look. You can browse our range of Beds to compare styles.
How does an ottoman bed with storage work?
The whole base lifts up to reveal a storage space the full size of the mattress. Most use gas-lift struts, which hold the base open so you can reach in with both hands. Close it, and the bed looks like any other.
Storage capacity and what fits
An ottoman is generally the biggest storage option, because it’s one open compartment rather than several divided drawers. That makes it ideal for bulky items: spare duvets, winter coats, suitcases and bedding sets. Our guide on what fits in an ottoman bed goes through this by bed size.
Vacuum bags help you get more in, and they keep items clean and dry. Be aware that very large capacity claims you see online are usually manufacturer figures, not independent tests, so treat them as a guide.
Access and floor space
An ottoman opens upwards, so it doesn’t need side clearance. That’s a real advantage in a narrow room. You do need some free space at the foot of the bed to lift the base and reach in; retailers commonly suggest around 60cm, so check the guidance for the bed you choose.
The trade-off is that you have to strip or move bedding on top before you open it. If you need something every morning, that gets tiresome. Some people also find the lift-up base easier on the back than bending to pull out low drawers, because the opening is wide and you can reach in from the side or end.
Our Ottoman Beds buying guide for small bedrooms covers lift types and sizes in more detail, and you can shop the Ottoman Beds range directly.
How does a storage bed with drawers work?
A drawer bed has two or more drawers built into the base, usually at the foot or along the sides. You pull them out like a chest of drawers. Each drawer holds a smaller amount, but everything stays sorted and easy to find.
Access in tight rooms
Drawers are the better choice if you open your storage daily. Think pyjamas, spare towels, children’s clothes or books. You don’t have to lift the mattress or move bedding to get to them.
The catch is clearance. Drawers need room to slide out, so a bed pushed against a wall on one side or close to a wardrobe can block them. Before you buy, measure from the bed edge to the nearest obstacle and add the drawer depth. If the drawers face the foot of the bed, check you can still walk past with them open.
Drawer bed pros and cons
- Pros: quick access, tidy compartments, no need to lift anything, and good for items you use often.
- Cons: less total capacity than an ottoman, drawers need side or foot clearance, and the bed is heavy to move once built.
You can compare options in our Beds with storage category, which brings the different storage styles together in one place. If you’re also weighing up divans, we cover that in our separate ottoman bed vs divan comparison.
Which bed suits a small bedroom, guest room or rented home?
Small bedroom
For storage beds in the UK at small double size, an ottoman is often the best fit. It adds a lot of storage without needing side space, so you can keep a narrow walkway and still fit a bedside table. If you already have a wardrobe, a drawer bed can work too, provided the drawers have room to open.
Guest room
A guest room is used less, so storage you rarely open suits an ottoman well. Spare bedding and out-of-season clothes stay tucked away, and the room looks tidy. A standard frame also works if you’d rather keep things light and simple.
Rented home
If you move regularly, weight and ease of dismantling matter more. A standard frame is the easiest to take apart and carry. An ottoman or drawer bed is still practical, but plan the move: they’re heavier and usually need to be taken apart to get through doors and round tight stairs.
Practical points before you buy a storage bed
Whatever you choose, run through this checklist first:
- Measure the room. Allow for the bed size plus clearance for lifting or drawers.
- Measure doors, hallways and stairs. Storage beds are bulkier and heavier than standard frames, so check the delivered package size against your tightest turn.
- Check wall clearance. Headboards, skirting boards and radiators can affect where the bed sits and whether a lift or drawer can open fully.
- Plan for assembly. Storage beds have more parts, so allow time and a second pair of hands.
- Think about weight. An ottoman is the heaviest to move, so decide where it will stay long term.
- Check your mattress. Make sure it matches the frame size and suits the base, whether slatted or solid.
Upholstered beds sold in the UK also fall under fire safety rules for furniture and furnishings. If you want the background, the British Retail Consortium overview of the regulations is a useful read. Always check the product label and description when you buy.
Child and pet safety
Ottoman bases are heavy, and gas struts hold them open. Keep small children and pets away while the base is up, and close it fully after use. Don’t let children play inside the storage space. For drawers, keep fingers clear when closing and don’t leave them open as a trip hazard.
Which should you choose? Final recommendation by scenario
- Small bedroom with little other storage: choose an ottoman bed.
- You need daily access to clothes or small items: choose a drawer bed, if you have space for the drawers to open.
- Plenty of wardrobes already, or you move often: choose a standard frame.
- Guest room: an ottoman for seasonal bedding, or a standard frame to keep it simple.
- Still undecided: measure your room first. The clearance you have will often make the choice for you.
In short, a normal bed is simplest, an ottoman holds the most, and a drawer bed is the quickest to use. Pick the one that matches how you actually live in the room.
Ready to choose your bed?
Compare styles, sizes and storage types in our Beds with storage range. Delivery is free to the UK Mainland with no minimum spend, so you can choose the right size without worrying about reaching a basket total. Please check delivery details for the Scottish Highlands and offshore postcodes, as exclusions and surcharges can apply.
Browse the full Furnmart range of Beds, Mattresses, Sofas and Furniture, with delivery across UK Mainland and Multiple Payment Options.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ottoman bed better than a drawer bed?
It depends on how you use your storage. An ottoman generally offers more room and doesn’t need side clearance, so it suits small rooms and bulky items. A drawer bed is better if you reach into storage every day.
Do ottoman beds need a lot of space to open?
They open upwards, so you don’t need space at the sides. You do need clear floor at the foot of the bed to lift the base and reach in. Retailers often suggest around 60cm, but check the guidance for your chosen bed.
Are ottoman beds heavy to move?
Yes, they are usually the heaviest of the three bed types because of the solid base and lift mechanism. In many homes the bed needs to be taken apart to fit through doors and up stairs. Measure your access points before you order.
Which storage bed is best for a small double room?
An ottoman bed is usually the best fit for a small double room, as it offers the most storage without needing space beside the bed. If you already have a wardrobe and want easy daily access, a drawer bed can also work, provided the drawers can open fully.
Is a normal bed frame ever the better choice?
Yes. If your room already has enough wardrobes and drawers, a standard frame is lighter, easier to move and simpler to assemble. It also suits rented homes where you may move again soon.
Can I use any mattress on a storage bed?
You need a mattress that matches the bed size, such as 120cm x 190cm for a small double. Check whether the bed has a solid or slatted base, as some mattresses suit one better than the other. Our Mattresses range covers pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid options.
