In the quest for a clutter-free sanctuary, your bed is your greatest ally. For most British homeowners, the decision usually comes down to two heavyweights of the storage world: The Gas-Lift Ottoman and The Drawer Divan.
While both offer ingenious ways to reclaim floor space, they function very differently. At The English Bed Company, we handcraft both styles in our Manchester workshop, upholstered in your choice of luxury fabric to perfectly match your headboard.
Note: Storage options are available for Double, King, and Super King sizes. Our Single and Emperor frames are designed for sleep without internal storage.
The Ottoman: The “Cavernous” Gas-Lift Choice
Our Ottoman beds are the ultimate “vault” for your bedroom. Using high-quality gas-lift hydraulic pistons, the slatted mattress platform rises effortlessly when pulled from the foot of the bed, revealing the full footprint of the frame as storage.
- The Design: Unlike a solid base, our Ottomans feature a slatted base, providing excellent ventilation for your mattress while keeping your belongings tucked away.
- Best for: Bulky, seasonal items like winter duvets, suitcases, or extra pillows.
- The 2025 Advantage: In smaller rooms, the Ottoman is king. Because it lifts vertically from the base, you don’t need extra floor space around the sides to access your things.
Like our Christie Contemporary Bed seen here as a Gas-Lift Ottoman, with ampule storage.
The Drawer Base: The “Easy Access” Essential
If you prefer a traditional Divan style, our Drawer Storage is the “grab-and-go” solution. These are solid, upholstered bases that integrate seamlessly with your bedroom’s aesthetic.
- Configurations: Depending on your needs, you can opt for 2-drawer or 4-drawer setups.
- Seamless Upholstery: To ensure a cohesive look, the drawer base is upholstered in the exact same fabric as your chosen headboard—whether that’s a rugged leather or a plush velvet.
- Best for: Items you need daily or weekly, such as bed linens, towels, or shoes.
- The Drawers: Unlike the slatted Ottoman, these are classic Divan-style drawers that slide out laterally, making organization a breeze.
Like our Oscar Storage Bed here with our 4 Drawer Divan Base.
| Feature | Gas-Lift Ottoman | Drawer Divan |
| Storage Volume | Maximum (Full Footprint) | Moderate (Drawer Based 2 or 4) |
| Access Type | Vertical Lift (from foot of bed) | Lateral Pull-Out (Sides) |
| Base Type | Slatted | Solid Divan, Upholstered |
| Ideal For | Large, Bulky, Seasonal Items | Everyday Linens and Essentials |
| Customisation | Upholstered to match Bed | Upholstered to match Bed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose an Ottoman if… You have a “box room” or limited floor space around the bed. If you’re hiding away heavy items you don’t need every day, the 100% storage utilization of a gas-lift slatted base is unbeatable. It keeps your room looking sleek without a drawer handle in sight.
Choose a Drawer Base if… You want quick, effortless access to your belongings. If you prefer the look of a traditional upholstered Divan and have enough space on either side of the bed to pull drawers out, this is the practical choice for busy mornings.
Design Tip: To truly embrace the 2025 “Organic Mix” trend, consider a 2-drawer base in a rich leather. It provides the perfect structured foundation for a room filled with greenery and soft, tactile linens.
Handcrafted in Manchester
At The English Bed Company, we don’t believe in “standard.” Every storage bed we make—from our gas-lift slats to our 4-drawer divans—is built to order. By manufacturing locally, we ensure that the fabric on your base is a perfect match for your headboard, every single time.
