Cart
0
You may also like
A divan bed stores things in drawers that pull out from the side of the base. An ottoman bed stores things under a mattress platform that lifts on gas struts. The ottoman holds more, because the whole base is one open space. The divan is quicker for everyday items and needs no clearance above or behind the bed.
| Divan with drawers | Ottoman | |
|---|---|---|
| How you reach storage | Pull out a drawer | Lift the mattress platform |
| Storage space | Inside the drawer boxes only | The whole area under the mattress |
| Floor space needed | Room beside the bed for drawers to open | About 60 cm at the foot (end lift) or beside it (side lift) |
| Best for | Things you use daily | Bulky, seasonal or long items |
| Our starting price (single) | £129.99 Divan Drawer Base | £199.99 Ottoman Divan Base (all ottoman prices) |
Which holds more, a divan or an ottoman?
The ottoman, by a clear margin. Drawers lose space to their own sides, runners and the gap around them, and a 2-drawer divan only uses one side of the base. An ottoman uses the full width and length. If you're storing a spare duvet, a suitcase and Christmas decorations, only the ottoman takes all three at once.
Which is better for a small bedroom?
It depends which side of the bed you can reach. If the bed's foot is free, an end-lift ottoman. If the bed runs along a wall with the foot against furniture, a divan with drawers on the open side or a side-lift ottoman. Measure the free floor on each side before choosing; drawers you can't open are wasted money. Our small bedroom guide goes further.
Beds from our range for this
What is a divan ottoman bed?
It's a divan-shaped base, upholstered all round and sitting low to the floor, where the whole top lifts like an ottoman. You get the neat look of a divan and the capacity of an ottoman. Our Ottoman Divan Base is built this way on a solid timber frame with a platform top, and comes as end or side opening.
Which is easier to get upstairs?
The divan. Our divan bases come in two upholstered halves that bolt together in the room, so each piece is half the size. An ottoman base is one piece with the gas struts fitted, so measure the stairs and landing first if access is tight.
Do both work with any headboard?
Yes. Both take a separate headboard, and ours come in 24, 54 and 60 inch heights in every UK width. With an end-lift ottoman the platform hinges near the headboard, so a very deep, forward-leaning headboard can get in the way; flat panel and standard wingback designs are fine.
Shop by category: Divan Ottoman Beds · Divan Beds · Metal Ottoman Beds · Headboards · Mattresses. Every bed is handmade to order in our UK workshop, with free UK delivery in 5 to 7 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ottoman bed better than a divan?
For storage volume, yes. For grabbing everyday items without lifting the mattress, a divan with drawers is more convenient.
Is a divan ottoman the same as an ottoman bed?
It's one type of ottoman bed: a divan-style base that lifts. The other type is an upholstered bed frame with a gas-lift base inside.
Can you put a divan mattress on an ottoman bed?
Yes. Any UK-size mattress fits either base as long as the size matches. See the best mattress for each.
Which lasts longer, a divan or an ottoman?
The bases last similarly. An ottoman has gas struts that may need replacing after years of use; drawer runners can wear too.
Are ottoman beds more expensive than divans?
A little. Our Ottoman Divan Base starts at £199.99 and our Divan Drawer Base at £129.99 for a single.
