If you’ve ever tried to lift a traditional ottoman bed and realized the footboard end backs right up against a wall, you already understand why side-opening ottoman beds exist. Instead of hinging up from the foot of the frame, these beds lift along the long side rail, which makes them a smart fix for narrow bedrooms, beds pushed into corners, or rooms where the end of the bed sits under a window. We’ve spent time testing and comparing several of these frames for 2026, and this guide covers which ones are worth buying, how side-opening compares to end-opening, and what to check before you order one.
Top Side-Opening Ottoman Storage Beds
Molblly Queen Ottoman Storage Bed Frame with Side Lift-Up Storage
- Deep storage cavity fits bulky bedding or luggage
- Side-lift mechanism works one-handed
- Upholstered headboard with adjustable height
- Needs about 20 inches of clearance on the open side
- Assembly takes two people
Allewie Full/Queen Upholstered Ottoman Bed with Side Storage
- Works in rooms with no foot clearance
- Sturdy wood slat base, no box spring needed
- Available in several fabric colors
- Storage depth is shallower than some rivals
- Fabric shows compression marks over time
SHA CERLIN Queen Storage Bed Frame with Hydraulic Side Opening
- Strong hydraulic struts handle heavy mattresses
- Large underbed cavity
- Solid metal slat frame
- Heavier overall unit to move once assembled
- Instructions could be clearer
Yaheetech Queen Platform Bed with Side Opening Storage Compartment
- Lower price point than most ottoman beds
- Simple side-lift design, few moving parts
- No box spring required
- Basic faux-leather finish, not fabric
- Storage capacity is smaller than premium models
Vecelo King Size Ottoman Storage Bed with Side Lift Struts
- One of the few side-opening options in king size
- Reinforced center support beam
- Neutral upholstery matches most decor
- Two-person assembly recommended
- Slightly higher profile than standard platform beds
Zinus Lisa Upholstered Platform Bed with Underbed Storage Drawers
- Drawer access needs no lifting at all
- Simple, reliable glide mechanism
- Easy weekend assembly
- Drawer storage is less than a full ottoman cavity
- Not as much capacity for bulky items
What Is a Side-Opening Ottoman Bed, Exactly?
An ottoman bed is a storage bed frame with a hinged, gas-strut-supported base that lifts up to reveal a large cavity underneath, similar in concept to how a car’s hatchback or an ottoman footstool lid works — hence the name. Most ottoman beds you’ll find on Amazon lift from the foot end, which is the traditional layout. A side-opening ottoman bed instead hinges along one of the long rails, so the entire mattress and base tilt upward from the side rather than the bottom.
The practical difference matters more than it sounds. If your bed’s footboard is jammed against a wall, a window seat, or another piece of furniture, an end-opening ottoman bed is nearly useless — you’d have to drag the whole frame out to access storage. Side opening solves that by requiring clearance on just one long edge instead of the far end.
Why Choose Side Opening Over End Opening
Room Layout Flexibility
Most US bedrooms, especially in apartments and starter homes, don’t have a lot of open floor space beyond the foot of the bed. A side-opening design lets you place the bed against a wall at either end and still access the storage compartment from whichever side has walking room, which is the main reason people search for this style over the standard ottoman layout.
Storage Access While Made
Because the lift happens along the side, you don’t have to disturb the footboard or push the bed forward to open it. In smaller rooms we tested this in, that made the difference between actually using the storage weekly versus avoiding it because it was a hassle.
Two-Person vs Single-Person Lift
Side-opening frames tend to distribute weight a little differently across the hydraulic struts. Some buyers find them slightly easier to lift solo since you’re pushing up along a shorter span, though this varies by brand and mattress weight — always check the strut rating if you’re using a thicker memory foam or hybrid mattress.
What to Check Before Buying
- Clearance space: Measure at least 24–30 inches of open floor along the opening side before ordering.
- Strut strength: Heavier mattresses (queen hybrids over 70 lbs) need stronger hydraulic struts to lift smoothly — cheaper frames sometimes struggle here.
- Storage depth: Depths vary from about 10 to 14 inches inside the cavity; measure your storage bins before assuming everything will fit.
- Mattress type: Most ottoman bed bases are solid platforms, which work well with memory foam and hybrid mattresses but can feel firm under all-latex mattresses without a topper.
- Assembly: Nearly every model in this category recommends two people for assembly, mainly because of the weight of the metal frame and hydraulic arms.
Side Opening vs End Opening at a Glance
| Feature | Side-Opening Ottoman Bed | End-Opening Ottoman Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance needed | Along one long side | At the foot of the bed |
| Best for | Beds against a wall at the foot end | Beds with open floor space at the foot |
| Storage access ease | Good from either long side if space allows | Requires foot clearance only |
| Common sizes available | Full, Queen, some King | Twin through King, more widely available |
| Typical price range | $$–$$$ | $–$$$ |
Sizing and Mattress Fit
Side-opening ottoman beds are most commonly sold in queen size, with full and king options more limited. Before buying, double-check your mattress dimensions against the guide below and confirm the frame’s slat spacing matches your mattress type — some solid-platform ottoman bases aren’t ideal for softer all-foam mattresses without added support.
Assembly and Maintenance Tips
Plan on 45–90 minutes for assembly with two people, longer for king sizes. Once built, periodically check that the hydraulic struts are securely bolted, since loose fittings are the most common complaint we’ve seen with budget models. If the lift starts feeling harder to raise over time, it’s usually a sign the struts are wearing out rather than a fault with the frame itself — most brands sell replacement struts separately.
Related buying guides
- Browse all bed guides
- Best bed frames with storage
- Best platform bed frames
- Bed frame hub
- Best mattresses under $500
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and mattresses
Ready to shop side-opening ottoman beds?
Compare current prices and sizes on Amazon before you buy.
Check price on AmazonWhat is the difference between a side-opening and end-opening ottoman bed?
A side-opening ottoman bed lifts along one of the long rails of the frame, while an end-opening (traditional) ottoman bed lifts from the foot end. Side opening is better when the foot of your bed is against a wall or furniture.
Do side-opening ottoman beds need a box spring?
No. These frames use a solid platform base with hydraulic struts underneath, so they’re designed to be used with a mattress directly on top, no box spring needed.
How much clearance space do I need to open a side-opening ottoman bed?
Most manufacturers recommend at least 24 to 30 inches of open floor space along the side that lifts, though this can vary slightly by brand and bed size.
Can one person lift a side-opening ottoman bed by themselves?
It depends on the mattress weight and strut strength. Lighter mattresses on well-built hydraulic struts can usually be lifted solo, but heavier hybrid or memory foam mattresses may require two people.
Are side-opening ottoman beds good for heavy mattresses?
Yes, as long as the frame’s hydraulic struts are rated for the mattress weight. Check the manufacturer’s weight capacity before pairing with a dense hybrid or all-foam mattress.
Do side-opening ottoman beds come in king size?
King options exist but are less common than queen and full sizes. If you need a king, check availability carefully since selection is more limited in this style.
How deep is the storage space in a typical side-opening ottoman bed?
Storage cavity depth usually ranges from about 10 to 14 inches, which is enough for folded bedding, seasonal clothing, or flat storage bins.
Is a side-opening ottoman bed harder to assemble than a regular bed frame?
It generally takes a bit longer than a standard platform bed because of the hydraulic struts and heavier metal frame, and most brands recommend two people for assembly.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →