Deep Storage Ottoman Beds: How Deep Should You Go?
Deep Storage Ottoman Beds: How Deep Should You Go?
Last updated: 1 November 2026
An ottoman bed turns the whole space under your mattress into storage. But not all ottomans are the same depth, and the difference between a standard base and an extra deep one is the difference between storing a few spare sheets and storing duvets, pillows and suitcases. Here is how to choose the right depth, what really fits inside, and what to check before you buy.
The quick answer
- Standard (30cm rail): about 22cm of usable space. Good for bed linen, towels and flat items.
- Deep (40cm rail): about 32cm of usable space. Fits folded duvets, pillows and shoe boxes.
- Extra deep (50cm rail): about 36cm of usable space. Best for bulky bedding, winter coats and suitcases.
- Remember: a deeper base also makes the bed sit higher, so think about your mattress depth too.
Rail height vs usable storage depth
When you compare ottoman beds, you will usually see the side rail height. That is the height of the base from the floor to the top of the frame. The space you can actually use inside is less than this, because the solid storage floor and the lifting platform with its slats take up some of the height.
| Storage option | Side rail height | Usable depth (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 30cm | 22cm |
| Deep | 40cm | 32cm |
| Extra deep | 50cm | 36cm |
Always check the usable depth, not just the rail height, and measure the things you want to store before you choose.
What fits in a deep storage ottoman?
Standard storage
Ideal for spare bed linen, towels, blankets, flat shoe boxes and anything you want to keep flat and dust-free.
Deep storage
Room for folded duvets and pillows, seasonal clothes in vacuum bags, gift wrap, board games and shoe boxes stacked two high.
Extra deep storage
The best choice if you want the bed to replace a cupboard. Use it for bulky winter duvets, coats, sleeping bags, children's toys and soft-sided luggage. Measure your suitcases first, as hard-shell cases vary in depth.
The full area of the bed becomes storage, so even a standard depth on a King or Super King holds far more than a chest of drawers. See our UK bed sizes guide for the dimensions of each size.
Is deeper always better?
Not always. A deeper base gives you more storage, but it also raises the height of the bed. Add your mattress on top and an extra deep ottoman sits noticeably higher than a standard bed. For most adults that feels comfortable and easy to get in and out of, but it is worth thinking about if you prefer a lower bed, have a very deep mattress, or are buying for a child.
A taller bed also looks best with a taller headboard. Many of our deep storage designs, such as the Larissa and Genoveva, come with extra high headboards so the bed looks balanced in the room.
Some retailers advertise 60cm deep ottomans. Before you choose one, check the usable depth inside rather than the outside height, and check how high the mattress will sit. Our extra deep 50cm rail gives plenty of storage while keeping the bed at a height that is easy to live with.
Why the frame matters more on a deep ottoman
The deeper the base, the more you are likely to store inside it, and the more the frame has to cope with every day. A deep ottoman also has taller side panels, which can flex on a cheaply made frame. This is where most budget ottoman beds fail, at the joints, the side rails and the lifting frame.
Our frame is our own design. We started developing it back in 2012, testing different hardware until we got it right, and we have been making and supplying ottoman beds for over 10 years. Here is what goes into it:
- Steel cross bars on the lifting frame. The folding frame that lifts your mattress is supported with steel cross bars, which make it rigid so it does not twist or flex when you lift it.
- Triple-reinforced with heavy-duty steel bars. The frame sits directly on the floor with no legs to bend or snap.
- Stamped T nuts on every bolt. All our bolts are fixed into stamped T nuts from the other side of the panel, so the joints stay tight and quiet for years instead of working loose like screws in chipboard.
- Hinge mechanism fitted in our factory. We attach the hinges and lifting mechanism to the side rails before the bed leaves our workshop, so the trickiest part of assembly is already done for you.
- A solid storage base. Your belongings sit on a solid floor, not on the carpet.
- Better-quality hardware. We use hardware chosen to last, and if any component ever fails we can send out a replacement.
Read more about why a reinforced frame matters.
Easy to assemble
Because the hinges and lifting mechanism are already attached to the side rails, putting your bed together is straightforward. Every bed comes with a comprehensive assembly guide, and you can always call us if you need help.
Deep storage ottoman bed or base only?
You can choose a complete deep storage ottoman bed with a matching headboard, such as the Josefa or Lazarus. If you already have a headboard you love, choose a deep storage ottoman base on its own, such as the Constance or Nora.
Not sure whether an ottoman is right for you? Compare the options in our guide to ottoman beds vs divans vs drawer beds, or read are ottoman beds good?
Choosing a mattress for a deep ottoman
Because a deep ottoman already sits higher, many people choose a medium-depth mattress to keep the overall height comfortable. A good pocket sprung or memory foam mattress also needs a flat, firm base, which our slatted lifting platform provides. Browse our mattresses.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is a deep storage ottoman bed?
Our deep storage ottoman beds have a 40cm side rail with about 32cm of usable storage, and our extra deep option has a 50cm side rail with about 36cm of usable storage. A standard ottoman has a 30cm rail with about 22cm of usable storage.
Will a suitcase fit in an ottoman bed?
Soft-sided bags and many cabin cases fit in an extra deep ottoman. Hard-shell suitcases vary in depth, so measure yours and compare it with the usable storage depth before you buy.
Does a deep storage ottoman make the bed higher?
Yes. A deeper base raises the height of the bed, so the total height depends on the base and your mattress. Many of our deep storage beds have extra high headboards to keep the bed in proportion.
Is a deep ottoman bed harder to lift?
No. The gas-lift mechanism takes the weight of the platform and mattress, so the base lifts smoothly and stays open while you reach inside.
Are deep storage ottoman beds easy to assemble?
Yes. We fit the hinges and lifting mechanism to the side rails in our factory, and every bed comes with a comprehensive assembly guide.
What happens if a part fails?
We use high-quality hardware, but if any component ever fails we can send out a replacement. Just call us on 0121 630 7005.
Made to order in Birmingham
- Sizes: 3ft Single, 4ft Small Double, 4ft6 Double, 5ft King and 6ft Super King.
- Fabrics: Atlanta Soft Teddy, Smooth Velvet, Chenille, Linen-Textured and Wool-Textured Tweed. Order free fabric samples first.
- Delivery: Delivery is normally within 2 weeks of your order. Delivery is free to mainland UK addresses.
See our deep storage ottoman beds in person
Come and lift one yourself at our factory showroom in Highgate. Customers visit us from across the West Midlands and beyond, including Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Coventry and Wolverhampton.
Showroom: 24 Athole Street, Highgate, Birmingham, B12 0DA
Phone: 0121 630 7005
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