What is the real difference between an ottoman bed and a divan bed?

An ottoman bed lifts as one piece — the mattress base rises on gas struts to reveal a single full-size cavity underneath. A divan bed keeps its storage in side drawers built into the base. Ottoman gives you one deep space for bulky items; divan gives you one to four drawers you can open one at a time.

The ottoman. Because the entire area under the mattress is one cavity, it holds more volume than side drawers, which are limited by the depth of the base. Drawers win on organization and quick access, though.

Can an ottoman bed go against a wall?

Yes, as long as the foot of the bed has clear space above it for the base to lift. The sides can sit against a wall — that is exactly where a divan's drawers could not open.

Do both take the same mattress?

Yes. Both are offered in 3ft single to 6ft super king, with the same mattress choices — standard comfort included free, plus memory foam, orthopaedic, 1000 pocket sprung and 2000 pocket sprung.

How much do they cost?

Divan bases start at £185 and ottoman beds start at £350 at the time of writing. Live prices for every size are on each product page — free UK delivery either way.

Buying guides

Ottoman vs divan: which storage bed is right for you?

Both hide storage under your mattress, and both come in the same UK sizes with the same mattress choices. The difference is how you reach what is inside — and that decides which one belongs in your room. Here is the honest comparison, with the real prices on this site today.

Side by side

	Ottoman bed	Divan bed
How the storage works	The whole base lifts on gas struts, opening one full-size cavity under the mattress.	Drawers are built into the base — one to four of them, along the sides.
What fits inside	Bulk you rarely touch: duvets, suitcases, seasonal clothes, bedding boxes. One deep space.	Everyday items you reach for often: clothes, sheets, the things you would normally keep in a chest of drawers.
Space you need around it	Clear air above the foot of the bed so the base can lift. Nothing needed at the sides, so it suits beds tucked into a corner or an alcove.	Room to pull each drawer out at the side — about the depth of the drawer itself.
How you reach things	One lift, everything visible at once. You lift the base to get to anything.	Open one drawer at a time, without moving the mattress or the bedding.
Look	Upholstered frame and headboard in crushed or plush velvet — a statement bed with hidden storage.	The bedroom classic: a low fabric base with a matching headboard, drawers flush to the floor.
Price from	£350 (Aurora Ottoman Gas-Lift Bed)	£185 (Divan Bed)
Sizes	3ft single through 6ft super king, with or without a mattress	3ft single through 6ft super king, with or without a mattress
Mattress choices	Standard comfort (free), memory foam, orthopaedic, 1000 and 2000 pocket sprung	Standard comfort (free), memory foam, orthopaedic, 1000 and 2000 pocket sprung
Assembly	Self-assembly with tools included; professional assembly can be added at checkout.	Self-assembly with tools included; professional assembly can be added at checkout.

Prices shown are the entry price for each style and can change with size, fabric and options — check the product page for the live figure.

Choose an ottoman if…

You are storing bulky things — duvets, suitcases, boxes — not daily clothes.
The bed will sit against a wall, in an alcove, or flush to a corner where no drawer could open.
You want one big space rather than organizing across two or four smaller ones.
The room is short on floor space and you cannot spare a chest of drawers.

Shop ottoman beds

Choose a divan if…

You want clothes or bedsheets within reach every day without lifting a heavy base.
There is clear space beside the bed for drawers to slide open.
You like the low, tidy divan silhouette more than a big upholstered frame.
Budget matters — divan bases start at £185, roughly £165 under the cheapest ottoman.

Shop divan beds

One more thing to measure

Storage is only useful if the bed fits. Measure the room, the doorways and the tightest stair turn before you order — and leave about 60 cm beside the bed if you are leaning towards drawers.

Open the size guide Browse all beds

Quick answers

What is the real difference between an ottoman bed and a divan bed?: An ottoman bed lifts as one piece — the mattress base rises on gas struts to reveal a single full-size cavity underneath. A divan bed keeps its storage in side drawers built into the base. Ottoman gives you one deep space for bulky items; divan gives you one to four drawers you can open one at a time.
Which stores more?: The ottoman. Because the entire area under the mattress is one cavity, it holds more volume than side drawers, which are limited by the depth of the base. Drawers win on organization and quick access, though.
Can an ottoman bed go against a wall?: Yes, as long as the foot of the bed has clear space above it for the base to lift. The sides can sit against a wall — that is exactly where a divan's drawers could not open.
Do both take the same mattress?: Yes. Both are offered in 3ft single to 6ft super king, with the same mattress choices — standard comfort included free, plus memory foam, orthopaedic, 1000 pocket sprung and 2000 pocket sprung.
How much do they cost?: Divan bases start at £185 and ottoman beds start at £350 at the time of writing. Live prices for every size are on each product page — free UK delivery either way.