How to Organise an Ottoman Bed - Easy Tips

Summary:

Who doesn’t love organisation these days? With ottoman beds now becoming more common in UK households, you should definitely know the right way to store your belongings. If you have a knack for pro organisation, read our guide till the end.

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Seeking extra storage or the most convenient solution to your clutter issues? Then you should definitely consider an ottoman bed for your bedroom. It is a stylish, comfortable bed with a smart storage option. There is a big hidden space underneath the mattress-which is great for storing all your seasonal clothes or even extra bedding. But unless there is an appropriate organisation, it can swiftly turn into a mess.

In this step-by-step guide, we will guide you on how to organise your ottoman bed. Because it’s not just about storing, but how you maximise this amazing space in the best way possible. Whether it’s a wooden or an upholstered ottoman bed frame, it’s time to strategise the way you store your essentials. With our easy tips and step-by-step storage instructions, make your room neat, practical and stress-free.

What Is An Ottoman Bed?

Ottoman beds is a storage bed which can be raised either at the foot or at the side by means of a gas-lift hydraulic system to give access to a large storage space beneath the mattress. Compared to drawers or basic bed frames, ottoman bed frames use the whole area under the bed as storage.

Types Of Ottoman Beds

Why Organising Your Ottoman Bed Is Important

If you haven’t set your ottoman bed, this totally defeats the purpose of having one. Here’s why getting it right matters:

• Maximises storage space
  
• Prevents clutter and chaos
  
• Protects stored items from damage
  
• Saves time when retrieving items
  
• Keeps the lifting mechanism safe and functional
  

Step-by-Step: How To Organise An Ottoman Bed

1. Empty & Clean

Before you organise, start fresh:

• Remove all items currently inside.
  
• Vacuum and wipe down the base.
  
• Check for moisture or dust buildup.
  
• Air it out to prevent any mustiness.

2. Sort & Categorise What To Store

Not everything belongs under your bed. Stick to items that are:

• Bulky or hard to store elsewhere
  
• Seasonal or occasionally used
  
• Neatly foldable

Common storage categories:

• Seasonal clothing
  
• Bedding, duvets, pillows
  
• Extra towels or linens
  
• Luggage, travel bags
  
• Shoes (in storage boxes)
  
• Holiday decorations
  
• Keepsakes or baby items
  
• Tech accessories (neatly packed)

3. Use Storage Containers & Bags

Using the right tools makes a huge difference. Here are some recommendations:

By following this, you will be able to:

• Keep items dust-free
  
• Easy to pull in/out
  
• Stack neatly
  
• Prevent shifting when lifting the bed

4. Label Everything

Don’t skip this!

• Use sticky labels or luggage tags.
  
• Colour code by category or season.
  
• Label all four sides if possible.

Example labels:

• "Winter Jackets"
  
• "Guest Bedding"
  
• "Holiday Decor"
  
• "Photo Albums"
  

5. Place Items Based On Frequency

Organise according to how often you use the items:

 

This strategy ensures that you don’t have to worry about making a mess finding anything. You will already know where the items are based on this placement strategy. 

6. Avoid Overloading

It is important to consider the weight capacity of your ottoman divan bed. Overloading puts pressure on the hydraulic lift system.

• Check your bed manual – most ottoman beds can hold 40–60 kg of storage.
  
• Distribute weight evenly.
  
• Avoid stacking heavy boxes.

7. Maintain Regularly

Don’t treat it as a "set and forget" zone. Schedule regular upkeep and:

• Declutter every 6 months
  
• Wipe down storage boxes
  
• Reorganise based on the season
  
• Rotate items based on usage

Special Tips For Upholstered Ottoman Beds

• Avoid hard plastic boxes that may scratch the interior base.
  
• Use felt or cloth bins.
  
• Never store wet or damp items – it can damage the fabric.
  
• Clean the storage with a vacuum.
  
• Maintain to avoid dust build-up.
  
• Use lavender sachets for a fresh scent.
  
• Avoid overpacking, especially in corners.
  
• Place heavier items near the hinges to reduce pressure on the lift mechanism.
  

Storage Do's & Don'ts

Do:

• Use soft-sided containers
  
• Label each box
  
• Store items based on access frequency
  
• Keep items dry and clean
  
• Use dividers for small items

Don’t:

• Store food or perishables
  
• Leave loose items (they shift around)
  
• Overfill the space
  
• Store sharp objects directly on the fabric base
  

Creative Storage Ideas For You

 

What’s best to store in an upholstered ottoman bed?

• Spare bedding – duvets, blankets, pillows, guest linens
  
• Seasonal clothing
  
• Extra towels and linens
  
• Shoes in cloth pouches or breathable storage boxes
  
• Holiday decorations – soft or lightweight items stored in bins
  
• Keepsakes or memory boxes
  
• Travel bags or luggage – folded and stored flat
  
• Out-of-rotation books or magazines
  
• Toiletry surplus
  
• Framed photos or soft home decor

What should I avoid storing under an ottoman bed?

• Food, snacks, or perishables
  
• Liquids or bottles that may spill
  
• Wet or damp towels or clothing
  
• Heavyweights (gym gear, large electronics)
  
• Sharp or pointed objects
  
• Highly valuable or fragile items (unless secured)
  

Conclusion:

With our detailed guide, now you can be pro-level in organising your Ottoman bed. Simply use the insights that we have provided above, and you will be able to change your storage space into something that will be free of messes and something that will make your lives much more comfortable.

FAQs:

Can I store everyday-use items in an ottoman bed?

You can, but only if it’s easy to access your ottoman bed. If not, keep daily-use items outside.

Can I organise without containers?

Technically, yes, but it becomes chaotic fast. Even simple zip bags make a big difference. It’s best to use containers for a mess-free placement. 

Will the weight damage the lift mechanism?

If you exceed the weight limit or unevenly distribute items, yes. Always check your bed specs. Always:

• Distribute weight evenly
  
• Use lightweight bins or bags
  
• Don’t overfill the bed
  
• Allow for airflow and safe closing.

How do I keep items from smelling?

Here’s how to prevent it:

• Air out the storage section every few months.
  
• Store only clean, fully dry items.
  
• Use moisture absorbers
  
• Add a lavender pouch or cedar block
  
• Use breathable containers (cloth bins or mesh bags) where suitable.

Is it okay to store shoes in an upholstered ottoman bed?

Yes, just store the shoes properly with our following tips:

• Clean shoes before storing
  
• Use cloth pouches or breathable shoe organisers.
  
• Place them in bins that match the bed’s dimensions.
  
• Add a deodorising sachet or cedar block if storing leather footwear.