Ottoman or Divan Bed: Which Custom Option Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a bed that offers both comfort and clever storage, two leading contenders often come to mind: ottoman beds and divan beds. Both are popular for their space-saving qualities, clean designs, and practicality—but they each come with distinct features that suit different needs and sleeping spaces. If you're deciding between a custom ottoman bed or a bespoke divan base, understanding how they differ in structure, accessibility, and visual impact can help you make the right choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between ottoman and divan beds, highlight the pros and cons of each, and provide a detailed comparison tailored for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality, custom storage bed.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed features a lifting mechanism that raises the mattress and bed base, revealing a spacious storage area underneath. This design maximises the full footprint of the bed—making it ideal for small bedrooms, apartments, or homes with limited storage space. Ottoman beds typically come in two configurations: end-lift (where the mattress lifts from the foot of the bed) and side-lift (which lifts from the side).

Key Features of Ottoman Beds:

• Full base storage: No drawers or compartments, just open space

• Hydraulic or gas-lift pistons for smooth lifting

• Ideal for storing bulky or seasonal items like bedding, coats, or suitcases

• Clean, seamless appearance—no visible drawers

What Is a Divan Bed?

A divan bed is a base made from a solid frame covered in fabric. It often features built-in storage drawers on one or both sides, which are discreetly integrated into the base. Divan bases are typically lower to the ground and slightly more compact in size than a bed with a frame, making them a subtle and space-conscious option.

Key Features of Divan Beds:

• Storage options include two-drawer, four-drawer, or ottoman-style drawer combinations

• Ideal for smaller bedrooms where floor space for drawer opening is available

• Offers a more traditional bed base aesthetic

• Customisable in terms of fabric, drawer configuration, and headboard style

Ottoman vs Divan Bed: A Detailed Comparison

Let’s break down the differences across the most important buying considerations.

1. Storage Capacity

Winner: Ottoman Bed

If your priority is maximum storage, the ottoman wins hands-down. It utilises the entire under-bed space, while a divan bed’s storage is limited to drawer size and number. For storing large, awkward, or seasonal items, the deep base of an ottoman bed is unbeatable.

✅ Ottoman beds are the best option for high-capacity hidden storage.

2. Ease of Access

Winner: Divan Bed

Although ottoman beds are designed to lift easily, they still require a bit more physical effort—especially when lifting a king or super king mattress. In contrast, divan drawers glide open effortlessly, offering quick access to smaller items like clothes, documents, or spare pillows.

✅ Choose a divan bed if you access storage frequently and want minimal lifting effort.

3. Space-Saving Benefits

Draw – Depends on Room Layout

Both ottoman and divan beds are great space-saving beds, but how they function in your room layout makes a difference.

• Ottoman beds need vertical clearance to lift the mattress.

• Divan beds need lateral space for the drawers to pull out.

If you’re working with tight clearances (e.g. close walls or bedside furniture), an end-lift ottoman might be more convenient than side drawers. Conversely, if floor space allows, divan drawers are a great way to tuck away essentials without lifting.

✅ Customise your storage configuration based on how you move around your bedroom.

4. Aesthetics & Design

Winner: Tie (Highly Customisable)

Both options can be fully customised at Endurance Beds, allowing you to choose from:

• A wide range of fabrics (velvets, linens, faux leather)

• Headboard styles (buttoned, scalloped, panelled, plain)

• Storage layout

• Base height and depth

Ottoman beds often appeal to those who love a minimal, seamless look, while divan beds can have a more classic or hotel-inspired aesthetic, especially when paired with a statement headboard. Our upholstered bed frame collection also features full customisation for the fabric and headboard.

✅ Both bed types can be tailored to match your bedroom style—modern or traditional.

5. Mattress Compatibility

Winner: Both (With Consideration)

Custom ottoman and divan beds from Endurance Beds are built with durability and support in mind, meaning they’re compatible with almost all mattress types—from pocket-sprung to memory foam.

However:

• Ottoman beds should be paired with a mattress that isn’t too heavy, as this can make lifting harder—even with gas-lift support.

• Divan beds offer a fixed, stable surface, perfect for all mattress weights.

✅ Choose your mattress with lifting ease and support needs in mind.

6. Durability & Longevity

Winner: Ottoman Bed (Slight Edge)

Thanks to their robust internal structure and fewer moving parts (no sliding drawers), ottoman beds often age slightly better over time. Endurance Beds’ double-reinforced tops and 18mm MDF surrounds offer excellent support and lasting durability.

Divan drawers, while durable, can wear slightly quicker with frequent use—especially in lower-quality models (which is never a concern with our handmade bases).

✅ Ottoman beds may offer longer-term resilience for high-usage storage.

7. Budget Considerations

Winner: Divan Bed (Generally More Affordable)

Custom divan beds typically cost less than ottoman beds, as they involve simpler mechanisms and less internal engineering. If you're looking for an elegant storage bed on a tighter budget, a divan is often the more accessible choice.

That said, both options offer excellent long-term value when crafted to order—as all Endurance Beds are—thanks to their strength and custom features.

✅ Divan beds offer custom storage solutions without stretching your budget.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice—just the right one for your lifestyle and room layout. Both ottoman and divan beds offer excellent space-saving solutions, especially when custom-built to your specifications. At Endurance Beds, all our storage beds are handmade to order in the UK, giving you the flexibility to choose fabric, storage configuration, size, and headboard style.

Whether you're after the high-capacity utility of an ottoman bed or the everyday ease of a divan base, our team is here to help you build a bed that fits your space and style perfectly.

Previous post