Ottoman TV Beds - Pros, Cons and Are They Comfortable?

What is an ottoman TV bed?

An ottoman TV bed combines two clever ideas in one frame. The mattress base lifts up on gas struts to reveal a big storage space underneath, and the footboard hides a TV that rises at the touch of a button.

It's one of the most popular styles we sell, and it's easy to see why. But it isn't the right choice for everyone. Below, we cover the honest pros and cons, whether ottoman beds are comfortable, and the safety questions we get asked most.

The pros of ottoman TV beds

• Loads of hidden storage. The whole area under the mattress becomes usable space. It's ideal for spare bedding, winter coats or suitcases, and it frees up your wardrobe.
• No more dust traps. With a solid base, there's no gap under the bed collecting dust and lost socks.
• Easy access. Gas struts do the heavy lifting, so you don't need to drag boxes out or crawl around on the floor.
• Tidy cables. On beds like our Amber and Harlow, a floating floor keeps the wiring out of sight, so your stored items never sit on top of cables.
• Perfect for smaller rooms. You get a bed, a TV unit and a storage cupboard in one footprint. No need for an end-of-bed TV stand or a chest of drawers.

The cons of ottoman TV beds

• You need room to lift. The base hinges upwards, so you'll need clearance around the bed to open it fully.
• Heavier to move. An ottoman frame weighs more than a standard bed, so it's a two-person job if you rearrange the room.
• Lifting with a mattress on. The struts take most of the weight, but a very heavy mattress can make the lift feel stiffer.
• Usually a higher price. The lift mechanism and solid base add to the cost compared with a basic slatted TV bed.
• Are ottoman beds comfortable?

Yes. An ottoman bed is just as comfortable as a regular bed, because comfort comes from the mattress, not the frame.

Ottoman TV beds like our Amber, Titan and Lakes sit your mattress on a ventilated base. That gives it firm, even support and lets air circulate, which helps keep it fresh. Pair it with a good quality mattress, such as the Sunrise Flourish Memory HD1000 we recommend with the Amber, and you'll sleep just as well as on any other bed.

TV beds also add comfort of their own. High padded headboards, like the one on the Titan, make it easy to sit up and watch a film, and USB charging ports on both sides keep your phone topped up.

Are ottoman beds dangerous?

No, not when they're well made and used properly. Most worries come from cheap frames with weak gas struts that can drop the base unexpectedly.

A few simple habits keep things safe:

• Lift and lower the base with the handle, not by grabbing the edge.
• Keep small children and pets away while the base is open.
• Don't overload the storage area or lean on the raised base.
• Check the struts now and then, and get in touch if the lift starts to feel weak.

Our TV lifts are safe too. On the Amber, the motor cuts out automatically once the TV is fully lowered, and the Harlow includes a safety bar.

Ottoman TV beds from our range

If an ottoman TV bed sounds right for you, these are the models we'd point you towards.

• Amber 4.1 Multimedia Ottoman TV Bed: Our best value ottoman. You get gas-lift storage, a winged headboard, 4.1 surround sound and a hidden lift for TVs up to 43". Available in double and king, in grey or beige.
• Titan 4.1 Multi Media Ottoman TV Bed: A tall padded headboard, 16 speakers plus a subwoofer, and headphone sockets on each side. Comes in king and super king.
• Harlow 5.1 Surround Sound Ottoman TV Bed: Soft oatmeal linen, 5.1 surround sound and a floating floor to keep cables separate from your storage. King or super king.
• Lakes Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 TV Bed: Our pick if sound matters most. Dolby Atmos speakers in the headboard, mood lighting and two HDMI ports, all on top of ottoman storage.

You can browse every size in our collection, or see our full range of TV Beds.

FAQs

Can you put a TV in an ottoman bed?

Yes. Our ottoman TV beds hide a TV of up to 43" in the footboard, on a remote-controlled lift.

What can I store in an ottoman bed?

Bedding, towels, out-of-season clothes and suitcases all fit well. Keep heavy items spread evenly.

Do ottoman beds need a special mattress?

No. Any standard mattress in the right size will work, but a lighter mattress makes lifting the base easier.

Are ottoman TV beds hard to assemble?

Most take two people around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you'd rather not, our assembly service can do it for you.

The verdict

For most bedrooms, the pros far outweigh the cons. An ottoman TV bed gives you comfort, a cinema-style screen and serious storage in one piece of furniture. Just measure up first to make sure you've got room to lift the base.