Should You Choose a Bed With an Ottoman Base – Or Without?
When buying a new bed, most people focus on the headboard design, the fabric, or — in the case of a TV bed — the technology. But one decision quietly affects how your bedroom works every single day:
Do you choose an ottoman base… or go without one?
It sounds simple. In reality, it changes how much storage you have, how the bed feels, and how practical your room becomes long term.
Let’s break it down properly.
A bed without an Ottoman: The Traditional Slatted Base
A bed without an ottoman typically uses a fixed slatted base.
Wooden slats run across the frame to support the mattress. There’s no lifting mechanism and no storage underneath.
What that gives you:
- A lighter overall structure
- Natural airflow beneath the mattress
- Fewer moving parts
- Straightforward assemblyA traditional, simple setup
If you already have wardrobes, drawers or built-in storage, this option keeps things uncomplicated. When built well, it’s strong, reliable and does exactly what it needs to do.
Sometimes simple really is enough.
A bed with an Ottoman: Built-In Storage That Changes the Room
An ottoman base lifts from the foot end using gas-assisted struts, revealing storage underneath the entire mattress area.
Not drawers.
Not half the base.
The full footprint of the bed.
In UK homes where space is often tight, this can completely transform how a bedroom functions. Bedding, winter clothes, spare pillows — all neatly stored out of sight.
But here’s where most people don’t realise there’s more to it.
Not all ottoman bases are built the same.
Did you know there is there are Two Main Types of Ottoman Construction
Ventilated Board Platform
This design uses full boards across the lifting platform, usually with ventilation holes.
What that means:
- The mattress sits on a solid, even surface
- Strong weight distribution
- A sturdy, substantial feel
- Clean, uninterrupted storage space
The ventilation holes allow airflow while maintaining that firm platform support.
For heavier mattresses, or if you prefer a more solid base feel, this option tends to feel more robust.
Lift-Up Metal Frame With Slats
This version uses a metal lifting frame with wooden slats fitted inside it.
What that gives you:
- A lighter lifting structure
- Natural airflow through the slats
- Slightly more flexibility depending on build quality
- Full storage underneath
It blends the feel of a slatted base with the practicality of an ottoman.
Both constructions work well when engineered properly — but material thickness, weld strength and gas strut quality all matter long term.
Safety Is Part of Good Design
A well-designed ottoman shouldn’t just lift smoothly — it should stay securely in place while open.
Kaydian incorporate an additional safety support bar into their ottoman systems. Once lifted, the support locks into position — similar to the prop under a car bonnet — giving added reassurance while accessing the storage.
It’s not a headline feature.
It’s just proper engineering.
And details like that are often where you see the difference between a well-built bed and a rushed one.
Do All TV Beds Come With Ottoman Storage?
No — and that’s intentional. Some models are designed to be simpler and more affordable.
For example, the Vox TV Bed is a streamlined TV bed without storage, keeping the structure lighter and accessible.
Other models are built with storage included.
The Amber TV Bed and Edge TV Bed both feature integrated ottoman storage as part of their design.
The Darras TV Bed gives customers the choice — available in slatted or ottoman configurations.
So to conclude: Ottoman Bed vs Slatted Bed: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a slatted bed if:
- You already have sufficient storage
- You prefer a traditional bed frame
- You want minimal moving parts
Choose an ottoman bed if:
- Bedroom storage is limited
- You want to reduce clutter
- You prefer hidden storage
- You want to maximise space
There’s no universal “better” option.
It comes down to how your bedroom functions.