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End-Opening vs. Side-Opening Ottoman Bases: Which is Best?
End-Opening vs Side-Opening Ottoman Bedframe | Storage Guide
End-Opening vs Side-Opening Ottoman Bedframe: Which Is Best?
Ottoman bed frames are one of the most practical bedroom solutions in the UK. They lift to reveal a large storage compartment under the mattress, giving you far more space than drawers or standard divan beds. Whether you want a full ottoman bed frame for a master bedroom or a compact side lift ottoman bed for a smaller space, choosing the right lift direction makes a huge difference to how well the bed fits your room.
This comparison explains how each type works, the benefits and disadvantages, and the room layouts where each style is the perfect choice. Internal links are included so you can browse relevant ottoman ranges on the Bed Shop Group website.
What Is an Ottoman Bed Frame?
An ottoman bed frame is a bed with built in storage accessed by lifting the mattress using hydraulic pistons. Unlike drawer divans, an ottoman bed with storage uses the entire base area to store bedding, shoes, clothing and seasonal items.
An end-opening ottoman bed lifts from the foot of the bed. The mattress raises upwards from the bottom, exposing the full storage area underneath and giving clear access for storing bulky items.
Benefits of End-Opening Ottomans
Easy to lift from standing position
You stand at the foot of the bed and lift upwards, which many people find simple and natural for everyday use.
Best for centred room layouts
End-opening designs work best when the bed sits in the middle of the room with walking access on both sides.
Works well in long bedrooms
The lift direction follows the length of the room, making this style a good choice for long and narrow spaces.
Great for bulky storage
You can slide in larger items like suitcases, pillows and bedding from the foot of the bed without fighting for space.
Disadvantages of End-Opening Ottomans
Needs clear space at the foot of the bed.
Less suitable if a radiator, wardrobe or door is directly in front of the bed.
Can feel awkward in very small square rooms.
Perfect Scenarios for End-Opening Ottoman Beds
Master bedrooms with space around the bed.
Long and narrow rooms where foot access is clear.
Users who prefer lifting from a standing position at the foot.
Homes storing bulky bedding or seasonal items under the bed.
A side-opening ottoman bed lifts from the long side of the frame. The mattress tilts up from either the left or right side, supported by hydraulic pistons. This is often called a side lift ottoman bed and is highly popular in smaller rooms.
Benefits of Side-Opening Ottomans
Perfect for smaller rooms
You only need one free side, so the bed can sit against a wall and still give full access to storage.
Great for single bedrooms
Ideal for children’s rooms and guest rooms where every centimetre counts, especially when you need extra storage without extra furniture.
No need to move furniture
Side-opening designs do not rely on free foot space, so you do not have to move chests, benches or TV stands to reach the storage.
Ideal for angled rooms
Perfect for loft conversions or rooms with sloped ceilings, where lifting from the foot would be blocked.
Disadvantages of Side-Opening Ottomans
You must choose left lift or right lift at the point of purchase.
Lifting from the side feels less natural for some users.
Can feel unnecessary in very large rooms where foot access is easier.
Perfect Scenarios for Side-Opening Ottoman Beds
Small bedrooms where the bed sits against a wall.
Rooms with a radiator, door or wardrobe at the foot of the bed.
Loft rooms or angled ceilings where headroom is limited.
Guest rooms and rentals needing quick and regular access to stored items.
End-Opening vs Side-Opening Ottoman Bedframe: Comparison Table
Feature
End-Opening Ottoman
Side-Opening Ottoman
Opens From
Foot of the bed
Left or right side
Best Room Layout
Bed centred with clear foot space
Bed against a wall
Space at Foot Needed
Yes
No
Best for Small Rooms
Sometimes
Yes
Storage Capacity
High
High
Ease of Use
Natural for lifting from standing position
Natural in tight spaces
Which Ottoman Bedframe Is Best?
Both end-opening and side-opening ottoman bed frames are excellent choices if you want a space saving ottoman bed with storage. The right option depends on the size and shape of your bedroom, plus how you prefer to access the storage.
Choose End-Opening If:
You have free space at the foot of the bed.
Your bed sits in the centre of the room.
You store large, bulky items like suitcases and bedding.
You prefer lifting from a standing position at the foot.
Choose Side-Opening If:
Your bed sits against a wall on one side.
The foot of your bed is blocked by furniture, a door or a radiator.
You want maximum space efficiency in a small or awkward room.
You are furnishing a guest room, single bedroom or loft room.
Relevant Brands You Can Explore
You can also explore ottoman beds and supportive mattresses from these trusted brands:
Is an end-opening ottoman bed better than a side-opening one?
It depends on your room layout. End-opening ottoman beds are better when you have clear space at the foot of the bed and the frame is centred in the room. Side-opening ottoman beds are better in small or narrow rooms where the bed sits against a wall and only one side is accessible.
Does a side-opening ottoman bed offer the same storage space?
Yes. A side-opening ottoman bed frame offers the same internal storage capacity as an end-opening version. The difference is only the direction you lift from, not how much you can store under the mattress.
Is a side-opening ottoman harder to lift?
Modern ottoman bed frames use hydraulic pistons to take most of the weight, so both end-opening and side-opening designs are easy to lift. Some people find lifting from the foot more natural, but in a small room a side-opening ottoman is usually more practical.
Which ottoman bed is best for small bedrooms?
A side-opening ottoman bed is usually best for small bedrooms, because the bed can sit against a wall and you only need one free side to lift the mattress. This makes a side lift ottoman bed ideal for box rooms, loft rooms and tight guest spaces.
Can I use any mattress with an ottoman bed frame?
Most ottoman bed frames are designed to support a wide range of mattresses, including pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid styles. The important thing is to match the size correctly and to check the weight limit if you are using an especially heavy mattress.
Are ottoman beds stronger than divan drawers?
Ottoman beds typically offer more storage and a stronger lift mechanism than divan bases with drawers. If you want a large single compartment that can hold bulky items like luggage and bedding, an ottoman bed with storage is usually the better choice. For smaller items, you can also explore traditional divan options here: Divan Bases.
