Ottoman Bed vs Standard Bed: Which Storage Option Is Right for You?

Every Revalis Living bed frame comes with a choice of base: slats, base boards, or ottoman storage. It's an easy detail to skim past when you're focused on the headboard and fabric, but it's worth a proper look — it changes what your bed can actually do for you.

Slats — included as standard

A slatted base is the classic choice: a series of wooden slats supporting the mattress, allowing airflow underneath to help keep it fresh. It's included at no extra cost on every bed, and it's the right call if under-bed storage isn't a priority and you'd rather keep things simple.

Base boards — a solid, supportive base

Base boards swap the slats for a solid platform. The mattress sits on a firmer, more even surface, which some sleepers prefer, particularly with certain mattress types. It's a small upgrade for a noticeably different feel underfoot when making the bed.

Ottoman storage — the space-saving option

An ottoman base uses a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire bed and mattress, revealing a deep storage compartment underneath. It's the obvious choice for smaller bedrooms, box rooms, or anyone who'd rather store spare bedding and out-of-season clothes under the bed than in a separate piece of furniture.

What ottoman storage is genuinely good for

• Spare duvets, pillows and bedding that only come out seasonally
• Out-of-season clothing or shoes
• Bulky items that would otherwise need a wardrobe or under-stairs cupboard

What to consider before choosing it

Ottoman beds need clearance at the end (or side, depending on the lift mechanism) to open fully, so it's worth checking your room layout before committing. They also tend to sit slightly higher off the floor than a standard slatted base, which is worth factoring in if you have a lower ceiling or prefer a low-profile look.

Our take

If storage is a genuine problem in your bedroom, ottoman is worth the upgrade — it solves a real space issue rather than just adding a feature you won't use. If storage isn't a pressure point, slats do the job perfectly well, and base boards are a nice middle-ground upgrade for a firmer feel.

All three options are available across our full bed collection, so you can choose per design rather than committing to one base for every room in the house.