Style on top, storage below: How to style an ottoman bed

Worried that your sensible ottoman bed choice is too practical to be aesthetic? Think again.

We’re here to tell you that, with the right styling, an ottoman bed can indeed be both practical and beautiful. Since ottoman beds have a boxy profile and tend to sit closer to the ground, they need specific styling to look their best. And just because your clutter is concealed under your bed doesn’t mean the job is done. You still need to think about the rest of the furniture in your bedroom, how they complement your ottoman, and how to dress your bed, too.

In this expert guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know when decorating a bedroom with an ottoman bed, from headboard pairings and bedding choices to pillow arrangements and finishing touches.

Before you style it, find the one you love

There are so many different types of ottoman beds, meaning you don’t need to compromise on style to find the perfect storage bed for your sleep space.

Here at Dreams, we have ottomans in all shapes and sizes, from single to king-size, and available in a wide range of materials, including velvet-touch, faux leather, bouclé, wood, and more.

You can also choose from end-opening and side-opening ottomans, so you can configure your bed to suit your bedroom. This is especially useful if you’re working with a particularly narrow or tricky bedroom layout. Typically, end-opening beds work best for narrow or small rooms, whereas side-opening beds suit larger spaces where the bed can be accessed from any side.

Nail the bedding, and the rest follows

Your bedding does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to designing a bedroom around an ottoman bed. No matter what your taste is, the way you dress your bed has the power to tie the whole scheme together, elevating your sleep space to something worth showing off. Here are our top bedding tips for your ottoman…

Duvets and what to look for

Before you get too caught up in colours and patterns, it’s important to pay attention to your duvet quality. What tog do you need to feel ultra cosy? What kind of fill do you prefer? Do you like a lighter, breathable duvet in the summer and a thicker tog for the winter, such as our 13.5 tog Dream Team Ultimate Washable Duvet? All of these considerations are essential for laying the foundations of your dream sleep set up.

For more information on duvet tog ratings and fillings, check out our Duvet Buying Guide.

Fitted vs flat sheets

Next, decide on your bed sheets. While fitted sheets are the more popular choice, adding a flat sheet to your bed can not only bring warmth, but can create a luxurious, hotel-style feel in your bedroom. Make sure your flat sheet is slightly longer than your duvet, so you can fold it over the top for a sleek look.

Throws and how to layer them

No bed, including ottomans, is complete without a throw or two. Beautifully styled throws can completely elevate your finished bed look. The best way to present your throw is by folding it lengthways and draping it at the end of your bed, so that it covers the bottom two-thirds and hangs slightly over each side, as we’ve done with our beautiful Orion Upholstered Ottoman Bed. To layer your throws, choose two complementary colours in contrasting textures (such as a quilted fabric paired with a chunky knit) to keep things cohesive. Place the thinner blanket first, with the thicker throw on top.

Psst! Want more bedscaping tips? Check out our expert guide on how to dress a bed.

How many pillows are too many? (It’s not as many as you think)

When it comes to choosing the number of decorative pillows for your bed, sometimes simplicity is key. It can be difficult lifting an ottoman with too many cushions stacked on top, never mind the hassle of taking everything off the bed just to grab something from your storage. So, why not make life easier for yourself? See how we’ve dressed our traditional Billy Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame, with a single statement striped cushion. The neutral-toned colours match the natural bed frame and wider colour scheme perfectly, adding subtle elegance to the space.

To headboard or not to headboard?

Ottoman beds don’t have to be bulky! Whether you’re short on space, prefer sleeping without a headboard, or simply want to choose your own headboard to suit your bedroom, you can invest in an ottoman divan bed, like our Sealy Ottoman Divan Bed Base. Opting for an ottoman divan gives you all the benefits of a storage bed, without taking up any more space in your bedroom.

Don’t neglect the furniture around it

You may be tempted to think you need less furniture in your bedroom as you have built-in storage, but this makes the pieces you do pick even more important. The furniture you choose to arrange around your ottoman bed can massively impact the overall look and feel of your space. The trick is to be intentional. Build your bedroom thoughtfully with furniture that complements your ottoman bed, whether that’s through colour, material or style.

Prefer to keep things coordinated? Many of our ottoman beds have matching bedside table and blanket boxes to purchase separately and create your own matching set at home.

The finishing touches that make it yours

Finishing touches make all the difference. Rather than viewing your bed as one area of your bedroom, keep in mind the bigger picture. How does your bed fit in with the rest of your scheme? Try to add similar colours or matching accessories around your bedroom that tie the whole design together.

Our Isla Ottoman Bed styled above is a prime example of this. The pink accessories complement the dusty pink walls perfectly, and the stripey cushion ties in with the striped lamps on either side of the bed. Another great way to style an ottoman bed is with a stylish rug. Preferably, in a fabulous cow print…

From beautiful bedding combinations to investing in matching furniture for a cohesive look, with these expert ottoman styling tips, you have everything you need to dress your ottoman bed. Storage has never looked so good.