What is an Ottoman? A brief history

You may have heard of an ottoman bed and ottoman furniture, but how much do you know about the history of this furniture? Likely, you’ve never given much thought to it. You might be surprised at how far back the story of ottoman furniture goes and how elaborate the tale of this functional and highly fashionable furniture is.

At Aspire, we aim to provide you with the best range of bedding and take pride in being experts in our field. We want to ensure you make informed decisions on every aspect of your life and have you covered for a brief history of ottoman furniture and everything you need for your bedroom.

What is the history of ottoman furniture?

Ottoman furniture is a type of furniture that originated in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the Middle East and North Africa from the 14th century to the early 20th century. During this time, the Ottomans developed a unique style of furniture that combined traditional Islamic design with Persian and Turkish influences.

Ottoman furniture is characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, rich colours, and sturdy construction. Today, ottoman furniture is highly sought-after by collectors and fans of antique furniture. While ottoman furniture is no longer made in the exact quantities as it once was, some skilled craftsmen still produce high-quality pieces that capture the essence of this iconic style. At Aspire, we are pleased to say we have skilled craftsmen in Yorkshire making these beds.

What are the different types of ottoman furniture you can add to your home?

Ottoman furniture is a great way to add extra seating or storage to your home. There are many ottomans, from simple footstools to large ottoman beds. You can also find ottomans with built-in storage, perfect for hiding away extra blankets or pillows. Here are some of the most popular types of ottoman furniture:

Footstool: An ottoman footstool (sometimes referred to as a tuffet or hassock) is a small, round ottoman that can be used as an extra seat or footrest. These footstools are usually lightweight and easy to move around, making them an excellent option for small spaces.

Storage ottoman: As the name suggests, storage ottomans have a built-in compartment that can store items such as blankets, pillows, or even board games. Some storage ottomans also have removable tray tops, allowing them to be used like coffee tables.

Ottoman bed: An ottoman bed is a type of bed with a storage compartment built into the frame. People can access the storage compartment by lifting the mattress, which is typically large enough to fit blankets, pillows, and other items. Ottoman beds are great for people who want to make the most of their available space, as they provide a convenient way to store things out of sight.

Additionally, ottoman beds are often more affordable than traditional storage beds, making them a budget-friendly option for many consumers.

How are ottoman beds made?

Ottoman beds offer ultimate comfort and relaxation. They have a unique ottoman mechanism that allows you to lift the mattress and access the space underneath easily. This is perfect for storing extra blankets or pillows or for simply keeping your bedroom tidy. But how are ottoman beds made? The ottoman mechanism is quite simple. It consists of a series of hinges that allow the mattress to be easily lifted, usually with a gas assisted lift through a mechanism which takes the weight of the lift, making them simple and easy to operate for anyone. 

The mattress is supported by a frame attached to the bed base. This frame provides structure and it also helps to distribute weight evenly. As a result, ottoman beds are highly sturdy, durable, and incredibly comfortable.

At Aspire, we take immense pride in delivering high-quality British beds crafted by the finest professionals in Yorkshire. Our considerable expertise and determination to provide innovative solutions mean we offer an extensive selection of small double ottoman bed frame options and the finest ottoman bed double solutions.

What are the main sizes of bed you can choose from?

There are several main sizes of beds you can choose from. These include standard bed sizes like single, twin, full, queen, and king. Twin beds are the smallest standard size and are typically used by children or in guest rooms. Full-size beds are larger and offer more sleeping space than a twin bed. Queen-size beds are popular for couples, as they provide a comfortable amount of space for two people to sleep. King-size beds are the most prominent standard size and provide ample room for stretching out.

However, ottoman beds are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. Most ottoman beds come with built-in storage space, such as a side opening ottoman bed, making them perfect for modest homes or apartments where space is at a premium. No matter your needs, there is sure to be a bed size perfect for you.

Whether you're looking for a small ottoman bed for a child's room or a super king size ottoman bed for a main bedroom, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

What are the benefits of an ottoman bed?

Some of the leading benefits associated with an ottoman bed include:

- An ottoman bed saves space in a room by freeing up storage space, and using the space beneath it.

- Another benefit of an ottoman bed is that it can be used as both a bed and a storage unit.

- An ottoman bed can also be easier to make than a traditional bed, as it does not require a box spring or mattress.

- Ottoman beds are really easy to use, making them suitable for all age groups.

Can you find ottoman beds in any fabric or colour?

If you're looking for an ottoman bed, you'll have plenty of options. These beds come in a wide range of fabrics and colours, so you can easily find one to match your existing decor. Ottoman beds are also available in various sizes, so you can choose one that's just right for your needs. From a crushed velvet ottoman bed to a colourful ottoman bed with a mattress and fine linen, you can create your ideal size at home.

Could I create my own ottoman bed?

We know that many people desire a unique style in the bedroom, and even though there are many fantastic ottoman beds to choose from, you might need to see the bed that you instantly know is perfect for your property.

At Aspire, we aim to provide you with every type of bed you might desire, but even then, we know there is nothing like having a bed tailored to your needs and requirements. This is why we are thrilled to offer a bespoke Build a Bed service, ensuring you have a perfect bed for your home.

Whether you want the finest linen for your bed or an exquisite finish like the Chesterfield design, no matter the Ottoman bed you desire, Aspire is here for you.