How much can you store in an ottoman bed? A double ottoman bed holds roughly 700–900 litres of usable storage — about the same as eight to ten large storage boxes, or the entire contents of a two-drawer chest plus a wardrobe shelf. The exact figure depends on your bed size and base depth, and the numbers below let you work out yours before you buy.
Table of contents
- Storage capacity by bed size
- What actually fits inside
- Ottoman vs divan drawers vs under-bed boxes
- How to organise the space
- Frequently asked questions
Storage capacity by bed size
Ottoman storage depth typically runs 25–30cm beneath the mattress platform. Multiply that by the bed's internal footprint and you get approximate usable volume:
| UK bed size | Mattress dimensions | Approx. storage volume | Roughly equivalent to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190cm | ~430–510 litres | 5–6 large storage boxes |
| Small double | 120 × 190cm | ~570–680 litres | 7–8 large boxes |
| Double | 135 × 190cm | ~640–770 litres | 8–10 large boxes |
| King | 150 × 200cm | ~750–900 litres | 9–11 large boxes |
| Super king | 180 × 200cm | ~900–1,080 litres | 11–13 large boxes |
These are working estimates based on standard UK mattress dimensions and typical 25–30cm base depths — always check the specification on the individual product page, since headboard construction and frame design affect internal space.
What actually fits inside
In a double ottoman base you can comfortably store: two spare duvets (13.5 tog, folded), four to six pillows, a full set of winter bedding, two medium suitcases, and a box of seasonal clothing — simultaneously. Because the compartment is one uninterrupted space rather than divided drawers, bulky and awkward items fit that drawers simply cannot take: a folded travel cot, a Christmas tree box, guitar cases, or a stack of framed pictures.
Crown Supreme Ottoman Storage Bed — built for heavy loads
Reinforced base and spacious gas-lift compartment. From £389.99 with free UK delivery and a 5-year warranty.
Shop the Crown Supreme →Ottoman vs divan drawers vs under-bed boxes
| Storage type | Typical capacity (double bed) | Access | Dust protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman base | ~640–770 litres | Lift platform | Fully enclosed |
| 2-drawer divan | ~170–220 litres | Slide drawer | Enclosed |
| 4-drawer divan | ~340–440 litres | Slide drawer | Enclosed |
| Under-bed boxes | ~100–200 litres | Pull out | Partial — dust gets in |
That's the arithmetic behind the three-to-four-times figure: an ottoman doesn't waste space on drawer runners, side walls or the gaps between units. Our full comparison of the two formats is in ottoman vs divan beds.
How to organise the space
Zone it. One large empty space becomes a jumble fast. Use three or four soft labelled bags — bedding, seasonal clothes, luggage, sentimental — so you're lifting the platform once, not rummaging.
Vacuum-pack the bulk. Duvets compress to roughly a third of their size, effectively tripling what the base holds.
Heaviest at the hinge end. Weight near the hinge is easier on the gas struts than weight at the opening edge.
Leave breathing room. Don't pack to the very top — the platform needs clearance to close flush.
Frequently asked questions
How much storage does a double ottoman bed have?
Approximately 640–770 litres — roughly eight to ten large storage boxes, using a typical 25–30cm base depth.
Is ottoman storage bigger than divan drawers?
Yes — typically three to four times a two-drawer divan, because no space is lost to runners and dividers.
Can you store clothes in an ottoman bed long term?
Yes. The compartment is enclosed and dust-protected. For long-term storage, make sure items are clean and fully dry first, and add a moisture absorber in damp homes.
Is there a weight limit for ottoman storage?
The gas struts are rated for the platform plus mattress, not the contents — contents rest on the base, not the lifting mechanism. Very heavy loads make lifting harder rather than damaging anything.
See capacity for yourself across our handcrafted ottoman bed range, or check room fit first with the UK bed sizes guide.
