Ottoman Beds UK: 5 Factors to Consider Before Purchase

April 13, 2022

Elle Double Ottoman Bed

Homes in the UK are 20% smaller than they used to be 40 years ago.

According to research by one of the UK's premier structural warranty providers, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Warranty, the sizes of new homes are on a downward trend.

LABC Warranty compared property sizes in 20 UK cities since 1930. Its research revealed that the rooms most affected by downsizing are living rooms and master bedrooms.

What this means for you is that you’ll need smart furniture to make the most of your living space.

At Laura James, we know a thing or two about smart furniture. We make pieces that offer more than aesthetic satisfaction—they also present practical storage solutions.

Our range of Ottoman beds tops our list of smart furniture. Here’s what some of our esteemed clients have to say about them. 

'The bed is stylish and sturdy and clearly of good quality. Would highly recommend, and the storage is fantastic!
— Ilisha Boardman, Verified Five Star Reviewer 

You might wonder which of our beds is suitable for you. We’ve prepared a quick guide with all the factors you need to consider before purchasing a Laura James ottoman bed. 

How Much Space Do You Have Available?

Your room should be large enough to accommodate the Ottoman bed you’ve selected. You want to leave enough space to access drawers and manoeuvre around.

Remember that most beds, including ours, are self-assembled. Consider whether the headboard and other parts will fit up the stairs and around banisters. Allow room for skirting boards and door frames when planning how you’ll design the room.

To give you an idea of space requirements, here are Laura James ottoman bed sizes:

Bed Size Minimum Space Requirement
Double bed (4’6 ft x 6’3 ft)
King bed (5 ft x 6’6 ft)
Super king bed (6 ft x 6’6 ft)

How much space you have also determines which lift you’ll go for. Ottoman beds can open in one of three ways:

  • Side lifts — work well for rooms that have limited space, or where you can’t access one side of the bed easily 
  • End lifts — provide easy access to both sides of the storage and are best suited for spacious rooms 
  • Half lifts  — have a combination of drawer and under-bed storage. They are most suitable for awkwardly shaped rooms such as those with slanted ceilings 

How Much Storage Space Do You Need?

Laura James’ Otto King Size Ottoman Bed offers ample storage
Otto King Size Ottoman Bed - Royal Blue

Find out the depth and width of the storage space and decide whether it fits your needs. When browsing the Laura James ottoman beds catalogue, these details can be found in the 'Dimensions & Details' tab.

Our Otto King Size Ottoman Bed offers ample storage. With dimensions of 30 cm by 217 cm by 168 cm, you can use it for storing extra bedding, clothes or anything you don’t use daily.

Our customers attest to the Otto King Size Ottoman Bed’s space saving feature:

'Cannot fault this bed, it looks great and is sturdy and comfortable. The ottoman works great and provides ample under bed storage. The delivery came on time and well-packaged... Thanks, Laura James!'
— J Edwards, Verified Five Star Reviewer 

How Strong Are the Lift Pistons?

lift pistons must be strong to keep the mattress up
Otto King Size Ottoman Bed - Gold Velvet

The strength of the pistons used in the ottoman matters. It affects how easy the ottoman lifts and the weight of the mattress you can put on the bed. Some guidelines to go buy when assessing the strength of the pistons are:

  • Double bed — 2 x 900 n 
  • King bed — 2 x 1100 n
  • Super-king bed — 2 x 1350 n

Testimonial from Jen Carter

How Heavy Is Your Mattress?

pocket spring foam mattress that’s the right size and weight for your ottoman bed
Elle Double Ottoman Bed And Mattress Set - Grey Velvet

All ottomans have a weight limit. You need to check this limit against your mattress’ weight before purchasing.

If you’re having difficulty finding a mattress that fits, consider our ottoman bed & mattress sets. We take the hassle out of your purchase by getting you a pocket right spring foam mattress that’s the right size and weight for your ottoman.

Our spring foam mattresses come conveniently rolled, and vacuum packed—all you have to do is unroll and give it time to set.

They are made in the UK, with 1,000 foam-encased pocket springs that work independently to give you a good night’s sleep. The mattress contours to your shape, distributing your weight evenly and offering excellent support.

Our Ottomans have plywood sprung slats that offer maximum support. So, buying the bed and mattress set guarantees you wake up each morning refreshed and energised for a new day. 

Which Bed Style Do You Prefer?

Daisy double ottoman bed in grey velvet

When it comes to ottoman bed styles, there’s no shortage of options. You could go for a traditional design or a modern, minimalist look. Whether you’re looking for vintage vibes or just a touch of style to add to your room, you can find the perfect piece at Laura James.

Our Daisy King Size Ottoman Bed is a favourite among customers for its combination of luxurious velvet and traditional detailing. 

'I ordered the Daisy ottoman bed from Laura James, and the build quality & design of the bed is flawless. It looks so much more expensive than the actual price paid. I have a bed from my dreams, and I must say this bed isn’t far off in terms of quality...Overall 10/10, cannot fault them & really competitive pricing.'
— Rahat R, Verified Five Star Reviewer 

There are several style considerations you can make to guarantee you end up with a design you like. 

Fabrics

Fabrics

Ottoman bed frames can be upholstered in a range of materials such as faux leather and luxurious velvet. You can style your bed to suit your tastes by choosing a fabric that goes well with your bedroom decor.

We use velvet to upholster our ottoman beds. It gives them a soft feeling that goes well with many themes. It also adds a vintage feel that can be accessorised in many ways. 

Headboard Detailing

With all sorts of ottoman headboards in the market, it can be hard to settle on one. Remember that your bed could very well do without a headboard, so if you’re getting one, you have to make sure it suits your style.

For example, the deep buttoned detailing on our Daisy Velvet Ottoman Bed speaks opulence. The quilted headboard is complemented with curved wings that are perfect for both modern and traditional spaces. 

Colours

You can use your bed’s colour to accentuate or tone down other colours in your room. We have pieces in various colours, including navy blue, grey, mustard, and pink. Although grey is quite popular since it goes with almost every colour scheme, each of our other colours can be a great addition to your room. 

Get Space Saving Solutions That Won’t Break the Bank

A common misconception is that chic furniture has to be expensive. At Laura James, we are keen on providing value at a reasonable price point.

Don’t just take our word for it, here’s how impressed our customers are by the quality and price of our ottoman beds:

'I was really skeptical of this bed when I ordered it, as it was so much cheaper than any other ottoman bed on the market. But upon assembling, all of my doubts were gone! This bed is beautifully made! Really high quality and extremely sturdy! Has loads of support brackets to reduce any movement. I cannot recommend this bed enough! You won’t regret buying it...'
— Josh Pitch, Verified Five Star Reviewer 

If you’re ready for a good night’s sleep and don’t want to break the bank, look no further than our ottoman bed sets.

Place your order today and have it at your doorstep within 3–5 business working days.

We stand behind the quality of our products—if you’d like a refund or return, simply contact us within 14 days of receiving your order, and we’ll confirm your eligibility. Our return period is 28 days from the day of delivery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ottoman beds sag?

A high-quality ottoman bed doesn’t sag. Laura James beds have plywood sprung slats to distribute your weight evenly and ensure durability for years. They also have ample under bed clearance, and sturdy builds for stability. 

What is the best base for an ottoman bed?

A slatted base gives your mattress more ventilation. The slats control moisture and also keep the bed cool during hot weather. It’s also more affordable than a boarded base. 

Can you put a memory foam mattress on an ottoman bed?

Yes, you can put a memory foam mattress on an ottoman bed. There are no hard, fast rules on the ideal mattress for such a bed; your comfort and budget will determine which type you choose. 

Are ottoman beds safe?

Ottoman beds are generally safe to use. However, you might have concerns about using one in your child’s room. Although they can offer plenty of storage for toys, clothes and blankets, they might present a hazard.

Instead, you can use our cube storage units for your child’s room. They come in a range of colours and sizes for you to choose from.

Pinterest pin ottoman beds


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