If you've been browsing ottoman beds at John Lewis, you already know what you want: a well-made, upholstered storage bed that looks beautiful and lasts. Department stores are a great place to start your search, but they're not the only option. Buying direct from a UK bed maker can give you more choice, more flexibility and often better value.
Here's what to compare before you buy, so you get the right ottoman bed for your home, wherever you choose to buy it.
Department store vs buying direct from the maker
Many of the made-to-order ottoman beds sold by big department stores, including John Lewis, are produced by specialist UK bed manufacturers. Buying from a department store gives you the convenience of a big brand, a wide range of styles from different makers, and the chance to see some beds in a showroom.
Buying direct from the workshop that makes your bed has its own advantages:
- No middleman. You buy straight from the maker, which often means more bed for your money.
- Talk to the people who build it. Questions about sizes, fabrics or mechanisms go straight to the team who make your bed.
- More flexibility. A maker can often adapt a design, from headboard height to non-standard sizes.
6 things to compare when choosing an ottoman bed
1. The guarantee
Guarantees vary a lot between retailers and manufacturers, and many ottoman beds on the high street come with one year of cover. Always check the length of the manufacturer's guarantee and what it covers. Every Elliots bed comes with a 2 year manufacturer's guarantee as standard.
2. Price for the size you actually need
Headline "from" prices are usually for the smallest size, so compare like with like. Check the price of the exact size you want, whether a mattress is included, and whether delivery and assembly are extra.
3. Fabric choice
Some ranges offer a handful of fabrics, while makers often offer a much wider choice of colours and textures, from plush velvets to boucle. Whoever you buy from, order fabric swatches so you can see the true colour in your own room.
4. Design and headboard options
Look at the headboard height, shape and detailing, and whether you can change them. If you love a dramatic look, ask about floor-to-ceiling options. We make upholstered wall panels that turn the whole wall behind your bed into a statement headboard.
5. Custom sizes
Got an alcove, a sloping ceiling or an unusual room? Standard sizes won't always fit. As a made-to-order workshop, we specialise in bespoke sizes and tricky spaces. Tell us what you need.
6. Delivery, assembly and payment
Check delivery times and costs, whether assembly is included or available, and how you can pay. At Elliots Beds, delivery is free and you can spread the cost with Klarna or Clearpay. Ask our team about delivery timescales and assembly for your area when you order.
Why choose Elliots Beds?
- Handcrafted to order in Yorkshire by specialists, not pulled from a warehouse.
- 2 year manufacturer's guarantee as standard.
- Free delivery and Buy Now Pay Later with Klarna and Clearpay.
- Bespoke sizes and designs, plus floor-to-ceiling wall panels.
- Fabric swatches so you can see and feel before you buy.
Ottoman beds our customers love
Zurich Bed with Storage Option
One of our best sellers, combining a striking headboard with practical storage options. Shop the Zurich bed.
Savoy Bed with Storage Options
A true statement piece for a boutique-hotel feel at home. Shop the Savoy bed.
Empire Bed with Ottoman Option
A classic, elegant design with an ottoman storage option. Shop the Empire bed.
Serenity Bed with Storage Options
One of our newest designs for 2026. Shop the Serenity bed.
Still deciding between styles? Read our Best Ottoman Beds UK buyer's guide or our guide to ottoman beds vs divans.
FAQs
Are Elliots beds made in the UK?
Yes. Every bed is handcrafted to order in Yorkshire.
Can I see the fabric before I buy?
Yes. You can order fabric swatches to check colours and textures at home.
Can you match a style I've seen elsewhere?
We specialise in bespoke orders, so if you have a design in mind, get in touch and we'll talk you through the options.
Talk to the people who make your bed
Call us on 0800 124 4846, message us on WhatsApp at 07485 492367, or browse our full range of luxury ottoman beds.
Elliots Beds is an independent bed maker and is not affiliated with John Lewis & Partners. John Lewis is a trademark of its respective owner.