What Is An Ottoman Bed? And Is It Worth It For Your Home?

Saving space is essential to keeping your bedroom tidy and organized. That's especially the case when you live in a home that's tight on square footage. You may rely on a wardrobe as a storage solution for your bedroom without a closet, or a tall dresser that conveniently maximizes vertical space. But even if you have extra bedroom square footage to spare, it doesn't hurt to add more storage hacks that'll make your bedroom more organized to your arsenal — like using an Ottoman bed.

An Ottoman bed is a deep, low-lying bed that lifts to reveal storage underneath. You can store bedding, linens, and other bedroom essentials, or use it to maximize your closet space for things you need easy access to. Ottoman furniture dates back to, you guessed it, the Ottoman Empire, which fell between the 14th and 20th centuries. Originally, Ottoman furniture was simple bench seating with plush cushions and interior storage, but over time, it adapted to the modern, storage favorite used as footrests and beds today. When you're making the most out of bedroom storage, it's a smart choice to utilize must-have furniture. Depending on your needs, like your bedroom space, layout, physical ability, and storage expectations, drawers under your bed can be a sensible choice, but because of their unique storage features, an Ottoman bed is also something to consider. 

Like most space-saving furniture, there are a few things to consider before buying an Ottoman bed. One of the promises of an Ottoman bed is space-saving storage capabilities. Your bed takes up a lot of space as is, and utilizing the underside of the bed can save you room that you would use in your bedroom closet. Unlike beds with dressers underneath, where you're limited to the items you can store, Ottoman beds have a deep storage container that can keep bulky items, like duvet covers or out-of-season items, neatly tucked away. Because many Ottomans have hydraulic gas-lift pistons, you can find models that are easy to lift based on your physical needs. Beyond function, Ottoman beds come in a variety of styles and designs, making one that fits your interior style a breeze.

On the flip side, the physical requirements for an Ottoman bed can be inconvenient or challenging for some, so it might not be worth buying if you have physical limitations. And because of their large build, Ottomans can be hard to lift and therefore difficult to rearrange throughout your home, and they may need to be disassembled to pass through doorways. You might want to skip if you have lower ceilings that interfere with lifting your Ottoman bed to access the undercarriage. Further, there are potential safety risks, specifically with the closing and opening mechanisms, especially if you have small children or pets; so extra caution is important. Finally, routine upkeep is important to ensure the safety and durability of the bed's mechanisms.