Ottoman vs Divan Bed – Which Is Right for You?

If you are shopping for a new bed with storage in the UK, you will quickly meet two names: the ottoman bed and the divan bed. Both hide storage under the mattress and both save space, but they work in different ways. This guide explains what an ottoman bed is, what a divan bed is, the pros and cons of each and how to choose the right one for your bedroom.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An ottoman bed has a base that lifts up to reveal one large storage space underneath the whole mattress. It is usually an upholstered bed frame with a headboard, so it looks like a classic bed while giving you the maximum amount of storage – perfect for spare duvets, seasonal clothes and suitcases.

Pillovely upholstered and ottoman beds come in 140x200, 160x200 and 180x200 cm, in styles from soft minimalism – like the Carla ottoman bed – to Japandi, such as the Neria.

What Is a Divan Bed?

A divan bed is a solid, upholstered base on which the mattress sits. Storage is built into the base as drawers or compartments rather than under a lifting platform. In continental Europe the same idea is often called a continental bed or boxspring bed: a sprung base, a main mattress and a topper stacked on top of each other for a higher, hotel-style bed.

Pillovely divan and continental beds follow this layered design, for example the Stavy divan bed with topper and storage, the Domy divan bed with two storage compartments and the Mariel with mattress and topper.

Ottoman vs Divan Bed – Key Differences

Are Ottoman Beds Good? Pros and Cons

Pros: the most storage of any bed, no drawers sticking out into the room (great next to wardrobes or in narrow bedrooms) and a clean, upholstered look.

Cons: you need to lift the base to reach your things, so it suits items you do not use every day.

Divan Bed Pros and Cons

Pros: quick access to what is inside, a comfortable layered sleep surface and a taller bed that many people find easier to get out of.

Cons: drawers or compartments need clear space to open, and storage is usually smaller than in an ottoman.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose an ottoman bed if storage is your priority – small flats, children's rooms or bedrooms without a big wardrobe.
• Choose a divan bed with storage if you want easy everyday access, a higher bed and the cushioned feel of a base plus topper.

Still undecided? Think about what you will keep under the bed. Bulky, rarely used items point to an ottoman; things you reach for weekly point to a divan.

Bed Sizes: UK vs European

Pillovely beds use European sizes. As a guide: a UK double is 135x190 cm, a UK king 150x200 cm and a UK super king 180x200 cm. Our 140x200 beds are close to a UK double but a little longer, 160x200 sits between king and super king, and 180x200 matches a super king. Choose a mattress in the same size as the bed – see our guide to the best type of mattress and our pocket sprung mattresses.

Shop by size: 140x200 beds, 160x200 beds and 180x200 beds. Planning a whole room? Read how to choose a bedroom furniture set.

FAQ

What is the difference between an ottoman and a divan bed?
An ottoman bed lifts up to reveal one large storage space, while a divan bed has storage drawers or compartments built into a fixed base.

What is an ottoman bed?
An upholstered bed frame whose base lifts up, giving you storage under the whole mattress.

What is a divan bed?
A bed made of a solid upholstered base with the mattress on top, often with drawers or compartments for storage. A continental or boxspring bed is a similar design with an extra topper.

Which has more storage, ottoman or divan?
An ottoman bed, because the storage runs under the entire base.

Do I need a special mattress for an ottoman bed?
No – just choose a mattress that matches the bed size exactly.