A design-led bedroom balances beauty with function. It’s not just about choosing stylish furniture – it’s about creating harmony between aesthetics and everyday practicality. Few pieces achieve this better than an ottoman bed. By combining sleek silhouettes with discreet under-bed storage, these beds deliver the minimalist elegance that contemporary interiors demand.
Furl, a British manufacturer renowned for its handcrafted designs, has perfected this concept with a collection that blends craftsmanship, innovation and visual appeal. Below, we explore five of their best ottoman beds for homes where design is just as important as comfort.
Comparison Table
| Rank | Model | Design Focus | Storage Depth | Best For |
| 1 | Furl Mirage Storage Bed | Raised metal legs, floating effect | Around 33 cm | Modern interiors and design purists |
| 2 | Furl Illusion Electric Ottoman Bed | Seamless structure, hidden tech | Up to 38 cm | High-end bedrooms prioritising refinement |
| 3 | Furl Hotel Storage Bed | Boutique-inspired shape and finish | Around 33 cm | Sophisticated master suites |
| 4 | Furl Simplicity Storage Bed | Clean lines, understated profile | 26–36 cm | Minimalist or small-space bedrooms |
| 5 | Furl Max Storage Bed | Strong proportions, deep frame | Up to 40 cm | Statement furniture in large rooms |
1. Furl Mirage Storage Bed
The Mirage embodies the art of balance – form meeting function. Elevated on slim metal legs, it appears to float above the floor, creating visual space while concealing generous storage beneath. Its proportions are crisp and contemporary, making it ideal for homes that favour architectural precision. Upholstery choices include refined neutrals and textured fabrics that highlight the bed’s structural lines. The Mirage doesn’t shout for attention; it anchors a room with quiet sophistication, perfect for mid-century, minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces.
Design Highlights:
- Raised base for a lighter, floating appearance
- Crisp, tailored upholstery in custom fabrics
- Streamlined silhouette ideal for modern layouts
Why It Works:
This model is for the homeowner who values aesthetic restraint. It merges sleek geometry with practical storage, turning a functional bed into a design statement.
2. Furl Illusion Electric Ottoman Bed
Where technology meets craftsmanship, the Illusion stands apart. Its concealed electric lift system allows access to deep storage with a single touch, preserving the bed’s flawless outer structure. Every surface feels deliberate – from its clean edges to its optional headboards and slim leg options. Despite its technical core, the Illusion remains visually calm and elegantly proportioned. It embodies the idea of “invisible luxury”: design that looks simple but hides intelligent engineering.
Design Highlights:
- Seamless outer design with built-in electric lift
- Modular structure, available in bespoke finishes
- Refined silhouette that complements high-end interiors
Why It Works:
This is design minimalism at its most advanced. The Illusion offers a serene aesthetic while integrating complex functionality – a hallmark of truly modern furniture.
3. Furl Hotel Storage Bed
The Hotel model draws inspiration from boutique interiors, pairing a refined upholstered frame with balanced proportions. Its design captures the essence of luxury hospitality – generous padding, curved corners and an inviting symmetry that feels indulgent but never overdone. Beneath, a discreet lift mechanism provides ample storage for linens or luggage. This is the kind of piece that transforms a bedroom into a destination.
Design Highlights:
- Classic upholstery and timeless shape
- Works beautifully in both residential and hotel-style settings
- Option to choose coordinating headboards for a cohesive design look
Why It Works:
The Hotel bed’s strength lies in its timelessness. It’s contemporary enough for modern spaces, yet warm and tactile enough to complement more traditional décor.
4. Furl Simplicity Storage Bed
True to its name, the Simplicity excels in restraint. Its clean lines, subtle stitching and slim frame make it one of the most adaptable ottoman beds available. With a shallower base than larger models, it’s perfect for small rooms or minimalist schemes where visual weight needs to stay low. The design ethos here is less about showing off and more about seamless integration – beauty through simplicity.
Design Highlights:
- Lightweight frame with understated elegance
- Wheels or gliders for easier movement
- Ideal for compact or open-plan bedrooms
Why It Works:
For design-led homeowners who prefer subtlety, the Simplicity proves that minimalism and luxury can coexist effortlessly. It blends into any setting while maintaining a refined, crafted feel.
5. Furl Max Storage Bed
The Max combines boldness with practicality. Its deeper frame and solid structure give it a grounded presence, ideal for larger rooms or feature spaces. The design’s strength lies in its symmetry – precise stitching, even proportions and seamless upholstery. Despite its capacity, the bed’s form remains elegant and balanced. It’s a reminder that functional furniture can still embody sculptural beauty.
Design Highlights:
- Deep frame design for a grounded visual effect
- Generous storage without compromising aesthetics
- Available in a range of premium fabrics and finishes
Why It Works:
The Max proves that size and sophistication can coexist. It’s substantial without being bulky – a confident centrepiece for a bedroom that values proportion and presence.
What Defines a Design-Led Ottoman Bed
Design-led furniture is about coherence – how each element serves both form and function. For ottoman beds, this means:
- Proportion: Balanced height and frame depth maintain harmony in the room.
- Materiality: High-quality fabrics, leathers and finishes add tactility and warmth.
- Functionality: The mechanism should feel effortless, enhancing design rather than disrupting it.
- Craftsmanship: Clean stitching and precision joinery are visual markers of care.
- Versatility: A design-led piece should adapt to both contemporary and classic interiors.
FAQs
1. How do ottoman beds enhance interior design?
By hiding storage beneath the mattress, they allow the rest of the room to remain visually uncluttered. The clean lines and custom finishes also contribute to a cohesive, intentional look.
2. Can storage beds still look elegant?
Yes. High-end designs use refined proportions, slim profiles and high-quality materials to make functionality feel luxurious rather than practical.
3. Are raised-leg ottoman beds a good choice for small spaces?
Absolutely. Designs like the Mirage appear lighter due to their elevation, which creates visual openness and avoids a heavy footprint.
4. What are the best materials for a modern ottoman bed?
Neutral woven fabrics, soft textured velvets and structured linens all lend sophistication. Bespoke upholstery ensures the design aligns with your décor.
5. What distinguishes Furl’s approach to design?
Each model is handcrafted in Britain with precision engineering that prioritises proportion and balance. Their designs avoid excess, focusing instead on timeless form and lasting quality.
Final Thoughts
The best ottoman beds are as much about design as they are about storage. They bring architectural clarity to the bedroom – simple shapes, rich materials and intelligent mechanisms working together. Whether you prefer the quiet luxury of the Mirage, the modern innovation of the Illusion, or the timeless comfort of the Hotel bed, these designs prove that function doesn’t have to come at the expense of form. In a design-led home, beauty and practicality should coexist seamlessly – and a well-made ottoman bed makes that possible.