collaborative post | Deciding between a fabric or wooden ottoman bed frame? This versatile furniture piece maximises bedroom space with hidden storage inside its base. But weighing up wood vs upholstery leads many buyers to a tricky toss-up.
On the one hand, wooden ottomans provide sturdy, resilient support in a classic material. Hardwoods like oak and mahogany create a structured, durable base to store your extra belongings. Meanwhile, upholstered ottomans win points for their lightweight convenience and more extensive colour choices.
Wooden Ottoman Beds
Wooden ottoman beds have a timeless, classic aesthetic that pairs well in bedrooms of any style. Wood’s rich grain and natural warmth give it a homely charm, with light wood ottoman beds being particularly popular.
Hardwoods like oak and mahogany are common, but you can also get pine and veneer. The main downside of wooden ottoman beds is their sheer weight. They are far heavier than fabric models, making them trickier to assemble and much less portable if you ever need to move home. Wooden frames are also prone to scratching, denting and other wear and tear.
However, the heavyset nature of wood does make it very supportive. It won’t sag or warp. For safety and stability, wood reigns supreme. The storage capacity inside a wooden ottoman is also maximised thanks to its rigid structure.
Wood finishes give you plenty of choice, too. Oak ottomans have a rustic appeal, while painted, lacquered, or stained wood allows you to match any colour scheme. Distressed wood finishes are ideal for shabby chic bedrooms.
Overall, wooden ottoman beds are a sensible investment for bedrooms of any style where resilience and security are top priorities.
Fabric Ottoman Beds
For a lightweight, versatile ottoman bed, fabric reigns supreme. Rather than a wooden frame, the base and sides are upholstered in your fabric choice. This makes fabric ottomans easier to move and assemble than bulkier wooden versions.
The extensive choice of fabrics is a major pro of fabric ottoman beds. You can choose from everything from faux leather to crushed velvet in virtually any colour imaginable. You can match existing decor or make a bold statement with a vibrant ottoman, with tufted upholstery adding a luxurious look.
However, the durability of fabric ottomans depends on the fabric’s quality. Cheap polyester blends are more likely to snag with use. Choose resilient fabrics like cotton, microfibre or linen for long-lasting softness and structure.
The excellent news is fabric ottomans are less prone to scuffing and scratching than wood, although the fabric is scratchable, so take care with sharp objects around your bed.
Regarding storage space, fabric ottomans are equal to wooden ottomans but are more manoeuvrable due to the MDF/fabric build weighing less than solid wood.
Overall, fabric ottoman beds add a welcoming softness to bedrooms of any size. The customisable upholstery and lighter weight make them easy to integrate into your existing layout and adjust as needed.
Which is Best?
When choosing between fabric versus wood ottoman beds, consider your priorities. Do you need unmatched sturdiness and security from a wooden frame? Or are you swayed by an upholstered ottoman’s effortless portability and style options?
Here are some scenarios to consider:
- If you want classic, durable construction – choose wooden.
- If you want to easily match existing decor – choose fabric.
- If you have a compact, rental, or temporary bedroom – choose fabric for portability.
- If you have kids or pets – choose wood for scratch resistance.
- If you want to make a style statement – choose fabric for extensive colour options.
A fabric ottoman bed offers more flexibility if you have a compact bedroom that may require future layout tweaks. Larger bedrooms will benefit more from the sturdy structure of wood. Both offer ample hidden storage – just ensure to measure dimensions against your needs (most ottomans have 22-30cm of storage depth).
Whichever style you choose, an ottoman bed is a savvy solution for equipping your bedroom with bountiful space. With fuss-free storage and design versatility, ottomans keep bedrooms clean, comfy and clutter-free.
