A Guide To Ottoman Bed History

Why Are Ottoman Beds Called Ottoman Beds? – Ottoman Bed History

The term “ottoman bed” conjures up images of luxurious comfort and sleek design. But have you ever wondered, “why are ottoman beds called ottoman beds?”

The answer, like an ottoman bed itself, boasts a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries to a different time dominated by empires.

This article delves into the origins of the ottoman bed, exploring its evolution from a simple piece of furniture to the versatile storage and sleeping solution that we know and love today. And as one of the biggest retailers of ottoman beds you’ll find anywhere, it’s fair to say that the team here at Home Treats UK know a thing or two about the ottoman bed.

The Ottoman Empire and the Birth of Ottoman Furniture

The history of the ottoman bed begins, as you’d imagine, with the Ottoman Empire, a powerful state that ruled over vast swathes of territory from the 14th century right up to the early 20th century. This empire, encompassing parts of modern-day Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa, had a profound influence on culture and design. The impact of the Ottoman Empire on modern day life is huge, not least in furniture.

The first piece of furniture to be known as an ‘ottoman’ wasn’t a bed and was instead a grand upholstered seat or bench. It had no arms or back rest, so was often piled with cushions to get that comfort and support. These fancy seats were the primary seating option in the Ottoman era, but what set them apart from any old bench was their built in storage space. Early ottomans developed to have hinged interiors, opening up a world of extra storage space within a piece of furniture. The hidden storage unit was often used by families of the time to hold blankets, bedding and other bulky items, something which still rings true today.

The Storage Ottoman Moves West

As word of this clever storage/furniture innovation spread and the ottoman design evolved, popularity of ottomans grew significantly and their reach extended outside of the Empire. Larger and higher versions emerged, featuring a deeper storage compartment to cope with growing numbers of belongings people owned. These changes laid the foundation for the kind of ottomans we see in modern homes today.

Towards the late 18th century, Ottoman furniture styles, including the ‘ottoman’ itself, began to emerge in the Western world. European travellers were impressed by the unique designs and added functionality of these ottoman seats, with the built in storage a revelation.

More and more Europeans began to introduce this fashionable yet functional furniture piece into their homes and the simple name of ‘ottoman’ stuck. This was because any upholstered bench or seating that included a storage unit became synonymous with the area it had come from – the Ottoman Empire.

The Ottoman Bed Is Born

But “where did the ottoman bed come from?” we hear you cry. Well, if you think about it, the creation of storage beds like an ottoman bed was a natural progression from ottoman seating. The ottoman bench had shown the possibilities of using furniture for more than one primary purpose. The space-saving potential was immense and, with bedroom space often at a premium, ottoman bed frames were about to revolutionise bedroom furniture.

The main obstacle to overcome was how to access that storage space underneath the mattress, as beds are much larger and heavier than a simple bench. The solution was implementing an assisted lifting mechanism using metal levers, joints and runners that made it easier to lift the bed up and meant the lifted mattress would stay upright while the storage space was accessed.

That said, the most early ottoman beds were likely handcrafted and bespoke pieces, improved through trial and error. Over time, manufacturing processes improved and became more regimented, leading to these practical storage beds being more readily available. The appeal of the extra space incorporated into the bed was obvious and those who had always felt they didn’t have enough space in their room suddenly had ample space for storage.

Ottoman Bed Innovation and Improvement

The 20th and 21st centuries saw the ottoman bed undergo further transformation as technology developed at a rapid pace after the industrial revolution. The biggest improvement was introduction of gas-lift mechanisms (also known as gas lift hydraulics), which made opening the storage compartment doable with minimal effort. This meant that ottoman beds were able to cater to a wider audience, meaning designs and materials had to diversify to satisfy different tastes.

Fast forward to today and ottoman beds come in a variety of sizes, materials and configurations, catering to the enormous demand. They can be upholstered in luxurious fabrics and sleek leathers or left in a more traditional wooden or metal aesthetic, depending on the homeowner’s bedroom decor desires. This versatility ensures that there’s an ottoman bed out there to suit everybody.

The Benefits of Ottoman Beds

The advantages of ottoman beds extend far beyond their storage capabilities and we have summarised them below. For more details on all the benefits of ottoman beds, read our detailed guide via the link.

• Space Maximisation: In smaller bedrooms, maximising space is crucial. Ottoman beds eliminate the need for bulky furniture, utilising the space beneath the bed for storage and helping to keep the bedroom tidy.
• Improved Organisation: The hidden ottoman storage within the ottoman bed provides a convenient place to store spare bedding, seasonal clothes or anything else you want to keep out of sight, even in spacious bedrooms.
• Cleaner Aesthetics: By offering a hidden storage solution, ottoman beds can contribute to a more streamlined and clutter-free bedroom environment.
• Enhanced Comfort: Many ottoman beds come with plush headboards and comfortable mattress supports, ensuring a restful sleep experience.

In Summary

The ottoman bed frame has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a seat with storage space in the Ottoman Empire. Since then, it has developed and improved immeasurably as technology advanced, leading ottoman beds to their position as one of the most popular bed options available today.

Whether you’re seeking a space-saving solution, a clutter-free environment or simply a comfortable and luxurious place to sleep, the ottoman bed offers a timeless design that has stood the test of time, ready to enhance your bedroom for generations to come.

Looking for Your Perfect Ottoman Bed?

With a wide selection of ottoman beds available in various styles, sizes, and materials, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for your bedroom. There’s everything from double ottoman beds to single and king size options, alongside a variety of mattress options. We also offer a choice between a side opening ottoman bed or an end opening ottoman bed, with each opening suitable for different bedroom layouts.

Explore our collection today and discover the comfort, functionality and timeless style that an ottoman bed can bring to your home! Click here to view all our ottoman beds.