Storage Beds

A bed takes up a significant amount of floor space, so it makes sense to put the area beneath it to good use. While drawer divans remain a practical choice, ottoman storage bases have become increasingly popular because they provide access to a much larger, open storage space beneath the mattress.

At Vale Furnishers, our storage-bed collection includes options from brands such as Highgrove, Millbrook, Harrison Spinks and TEMPUR. From good-value upholstered bases to premium bed systems, we can help you find the right balance of storage, comfort, appearance and budget.

Why choose an ottoman storage bed?

Rather than relying on individual drawers, an ottoman base lifts to reveal storage across most of the bed’s footprint. This makes it particularly useful for larger items such as spare bedding, duvets, pillows, towels, suitcases and seasonal clothing.

The mattress platform is normally supported by gas-assisted pistons, helping to make the base easier to open and close. Depending on the design, it may lift from the foot of the bed or from one side. Some ranges also offer electrically operated ottoman bases.

One of the first things we ask customers is where the bed will sit within the room. An end-opening ottoman needs clear access at the foot, while a side-opening design must open towards the most accessible side of the bed. Bedside furniture, wardrobes, radiators and sloping ceilings can all influence which arrangement will work best.

What will you be storing?

It is worth thinking about what you actually want to put beneath the bed before deciding between drawers and an ottoman.

Ottoman storage is particularly good for bulky but relatively lightweight items that you may not need every day. It gives you one large compartment rather than dividing the space between several smaller drawers.

If you want regular access to smaller items, drawers may still be the more convenient choice. They can be opened without lifting the mattress and allow different belongings to be kept separately. However, you will need sufficient space beside the bed for them to open fully.

What we often tell customers is that neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the room, what you want to store and how frequently you need to reach it.

Storage without compromising comfort

Choosing a storage bed should not mean accepting a mattress that is less comfortable or supportive. The starting point should still be finding the mattress that suits you, before looking at the compatible storage bases available beneath it.

Our collection includes storage options across a range of comfort levels and price points. Highgrove provides a broad selection of practical bases, including side-opening, end-opening and electric ottoman options on selected ranges. Millbrook combines its straightforward mattress collection with upholstered base and ottoman choices, while Harrison Spinks offers storage alongside its naturally filled mattresses and premium divan systems. TEMPUR provides contemporary storage designs created to work with its pressure-relieving mattresses.

Individual models and options will change, but having several manufacturers available means we can help you compare different approaches rather than directing you towards a single type of storage bed.

Part of a much wider bed collection

Storage is only one part of choosing a new bed. Mattress feel, base construction, overall height, fabric and headboard style all contribute to the finished result.

With over 50 beds on display in our Ash Vale showroom, you can compare different mattress comforts and see a selection of storage bases in person. Our team has also visited several bed factories, giving them a greater understanding of how the mattresses, bases and lifting systems are constructed and designed to work together.

Try the mechanism before deciding

An ottoman mechanism is something that is best experienced rather than simply viewed online. Opening a display model allows you to judge the usable storage space, understand how the lifting system operates and see whether the access would suit your room.

Bring your bedroom measurements with you and, if possible, make a note of nearby furniture and the items you intend to store. We can then help you compare ottoman and drawer options, choose the most practical opening direction and find a mattress that feels right.

Visit Vale Furnishers in Ash Vale to explore our storage beds and discover how useful the space beneath your bed could be.