Ottoman Beds vs Divan Beds: Which One's Best for You?

First Up – What's the Difference?

A divan bed usually has built-in drawers. Handy, sure, but tricky if your room is tight. An ottoman bed, on the other hand, lifts to reveal the entire bed base as usable space. It provides up to 4 times more storage than standard drawers.

Divan vs Ottoman: Which Bed is Best for You?

Storage beds are having a moment (and rightly so). If you're fed up with clutter or want to make smarter use of space, you're probably weighing up two strong contenders: divan beds and ottoman beds.

Both are brilliant in their own way, but they suit different needs. Below, we've broken down the pros and cons of each to help you choose the one that suits your home and life best.

Divan Beds: Simple, Smart, and Easy to Love

Pros

• Quick to set up – Most arrive in two neat sections and are fuss-free.
• Great for smaller rooms – They match the mattress size exactly.
• Handy drawer storage – Choose from 2 or 4 drawers.
• Plenty of choice – Wide range of fabrics, finishes, and optional headboards.

Cons

• Awkward to carry upstairs – Especially in tight hallways or staircases.
• Low to the ground – Harder to clean underneath and not robot-vac friendly.

Ottoman Beds: Hidden Storage Heroes

Pros

• Maximum storage – Uses the entire bed base as one large storage space.
• Easy to lift – Gas-lift pistons make access simple (after an initial nudge).
• Keeps bedrooms clutter-free – Perfect for a tidy, minimal look.
• Stylish options available – From boucle to velvet, neutrals to bolds.

Cons

• It costs a bit more – Hydraulic systems increase the price.
• Harder to move – Once filled, they're heavy and less flexible.
• Not one for the kids to play with – Safety features exist, but caution is key.

Pros and Cons Comparison

The primary drawback of an Ottoman bed is often its cost. Ottomans are usually significantly more expensive than Divan Beds. That's where DFI Beds come in. Our standard DFI Gas-lift Ottoman Bed starts at just €649, including FREE express delivery. At this kind of price, there's nothing to stop you!

So… Which Bed Should You Go For?

Here's the short version:

1. Pick a divan if you're on a tight budget and want something compact, quick to assemble, and easy to move, with simple drawer storage.
2. Go for an ottoman if you need every inch of storage you can get, and don't mind a bed that stays put once it's in place.

Pro tip: Many customers living in cities say they wish they'd gone Ottoman sooner. More storage space = less stress.

Still Unsure? Come Try One Out

We've got both styles in our Newry showroom, but fair warning – the Ottoman usually wins hearts (and storage wars). Compare them side by side, examine the finishes, and test the lift mechanisms in real life.

Browse our Ottoman Beds online or visit our DFI Beds Newry showroom – Home of the Ottoman Bed, Ireland.