Key takeaways
- An ottoman bed with a mattress included combines two useful pieces: a sleeping surface and a lift-up storage base. It can be a practical choice for a guest room, studio apartment, or bedroom where every cupboard is already full. The…
An ottoman bed with a mattress included combines two useful pieces: a sleeping surface and a lift-up storage base. It can be a practical choice for a guest room, studio apartment, or bedroom where every cupboard is already full. The catch is that “cheap” ottoman beds vary widely in mattress quality, lifting hardware, assembly, and usable storage space.
Before shopping, decide whether you need a full-time bed or an occasional sleeper. A low-cost package can be perfectly adequate for guests, children, or a spare room. It is less appealing when two adults will use it every night, particularly if the included mattress is thin or the base flexes under load.
What an inexpensive ottoman bed package usually includes
Most packages contain an upholstered or wooden lift-up bed frame, a platform or slatted base, gas-assisted lifting struts, and a mattress. Some are sold as a complete bed but still require extensive assembly. Check the listing carefully: “mattress included” may mean a basic foam mattress rather than a pocket-sprung one, and bedding is almost never included.
The storage compartment is normally accessed by lifting the entire mattress and base from the foot or side. This is different from drawers. It gives you one large cavity for duvets, luggage, and vacuum bags, but you must have enough room to raise the mattress. A bed pushed tightly against a wall may be awkward if the lift mechanism operates from the side.
For a shortlist of current packages, browse ottoman bed frames with mattresses included. Filter by the actual mattress size you need, rather than assuming a “double” or “queen” label will match your existing bedding.
Which cheap ottoman bed type suits you?
| Type | Main advantage | Common drawback | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam mattress package | Usually the lowest price and easiest to carry | Can feel warm, soft, or less supportive; quality varies | Guest rooms and occasional use |
| Open-coil mattress package | Often provides a more familiar spring feel at a low cost | May transfer movement and develop impressions sooner | Budget everyday use with modest expectations |
| Pocket-sprung mattress package | Generally better motion separation and a more substantial feel | Costs more and makes the lift-up section heavier | Regular use by one or two adults |
| Fabric upholstered ottoman | Soft appearance and hides the storage base | Can show dust, marks, or poor stitching | Bedrooms where appearance matters |
| Wood or metal ottoman | Usually easier to wipe clean | Can look more utilitarian and transmit noise | Students, rentals, and hard-wearing spaces |
Pay closest attention to the included mattress
The mattress is where many bargain packages cut costs. Look for its thickness, construction, cover materials, and whether the seller states a supported weight range. A very thin foam mattress may be light enough to lift easily, but it can also bottom out against the base or feel less comfortable for a heavier sleeper. A thicker mattress may sleep better while making the ottoman mechanism harder to operate.
Foam is not automatically poor, and springs are not automatically better. A simple foam mattress can work well in a guest bed used a few nights a year. For nightly use, prioritize clear specifications and a sensible returns policy over impressive-sounding descriptions. Terms such as “orthopedic” or “luxury” are not a substitute for construction details, and evidence for mattress labels making health-related promises is limited.
If the package mattress looks too basic but the frame is a good fit, buying the replacement foam mattress separately may be better value. Confirm the internal sleeping dimensions first. A mattress that is even slightly too large can prevent the platform from closing or put unnecessary strain on the lifting hardware.
Check the lifting mechanism and storage base
Gas struts should assist the lift rather than making you wrestle with the mattress. Cheap struts may feel stiff when new, lose strength over time, or fail to hold the platform open. Read customer comments for reports of misaligned hinges, bent brackets, missing bolts, and a base that will not stay raised.
The storage area is only useful if it has a firm, supported floor. Some budget beds use fabric panels or thin boards that are fine for lightweight duvets but unsuitable for boxes, books, or heavy suitcases. A slatted platform can also leave gaps where small items disappear. Check whether the base is ventilated and whether the instructions specify a maximum storage load.
Measure the room with the bed closed and open. Allow space to stand at the foot or side while lifting it, and check that ceiling lights, shelves, and bedside tables will not interfere. In a small room, a side-lift model can be more practical than a foot-lift model, but only if the accessible side remains clear.
How to buy cheaply without buying twice
Set a complete budget that includes delivery, assembly, a mattress protector, and possibly new sheets. A bargain price loses its appeal if the bed arrives in several heavy boxes and you need paid help to assemble it. Check delivery terms for your location and inspect every parcel before disposing of packaging; damage claims are easier while the shipping materials are still available.
Prioritize a seller with clear dimensions, mattress details, warranty information, and a straightforward return process. Reviews are most useful when they mention months of use, lifting effort, noise, and whether the storage base remained square. Ignore reviews that only discuss how quickly the box arrived.
For a guest room, a basic twin ottoman bed with mattress is often the sensible cheap option. It takes less floor space, weighs less during assembly, and costs less to replace if the room’s purpose changes. Choose a larger size for everyday adult sleeping, but remember that a wider mattress also makes the lifted platform heavier.
Use a mattress protector from the first night, keep the storage compartment below its stated capacity, and lift from the recommended handle or strap rather than pulling the upholstery. If the frame creaks, the platform twists, or the struts no longer hold it safely open, stop using the storage function until the hardware has been checked.
When an ottoman bed is the wrong cheap solution
If you rarely need storage, a basic platform bed plus under-bed boxes may cost less and be easier to repair. Boxes slide out without lifting a heavy mattress, although they need clearance on one or both sides. A sofa bed may be the better choice for a living room that must convert between seating and sleeping, but its mattress is usually thinner and less suitable for regular overnight use.
Likewise, do not choose an ottoman bed simply because it includes a mattress. If you already own a comfortable mattress, buying a frame-only model can avoid paying for an unwanted replacement. Confirm the frame’s weight limit and the mattress height it can accommodate before ordering.
FAQ
Are cheap ottoman beds comfortable?
Some are comfortable enough for guests or occasional use. Comfort depends mainly on the included mattress, its thickness, and how well the base supports it, not on the storage feature itself.
Can I replace the included mattress?
Usually, yes, provided the replacement matches the bed’s internal dimensions and does not exceed the platform’s weight or height limits. A heavier mattress may make the lift mechanism difficult to use.
How much can I store inside?
Only store what the manufacturer allows. Lightweight bedding is the safest default; heavy boxes can strain the base, hinges, and gas struts.
Is an ottoman bed good for a small bedroom?
It can be, because one large storage compartment replaces some cabinet space. Measure the clearance needed to lift the base, and choose a side- or foot-lift design that matches the room layout.
