Why is it called an ottoman bed?

The modern-day ottoman bed has a particularly interesting history of where it has come. The term ottoman comes from the place of origin: The Ottoman Empire, which was a major power founded in the thirteenth century in Anatolia.

Ottoman furnishings is wooden chests, footstools and beds which were first developed in what is now Turkey. The special design of ottomans and storage functionality became immensely popular and was presented throughout Europe by the eighteenth century.

Currently, ottoman beds aren’t just clever storage solutions, but they look amazing too. Whether your selection is traditional or modern, ottoman beds suit a range of styles.

From faux leather to fabric upholstery, you can personalise the perfect ottoman bed for you. Whether you want a pastel, neutral colour blend or a stylish, stand-out statement piece, you’ll find a range of colours too.

The ottoman doesn't cost much visual real estate but it can be a lifesaver when you have more guests than chairs or spots on the sofa.

An antique gold velvet ottoman with turned mahogany legs is as spare as a simple bench in front of an embellished sofa on a blue-medallion oriental rug. It becomes a bench to sit on or put extra throws on just as easily as it relocates to wherever in the room the conversation has attracted more friends than there are seats.

When the ottoman isn't a seating area, it's a table. Throw a few magazines on it – it's a coffee table. A chessboard turns into a chess table. A large, tufted cushion, upholstered in kilim carpet, holds an enamelled tray with cups, saucers, coffeepot, croissants and a spray of orchids in a slim vase for casual brunch.

A grey linen ottoman on ebony legs is a sturdy counter for a platter of cheese, grapes and wine glasses for a post-prandial get-together with friends.

The round ottoman allows equal access to all sandwich eaters in the shelter and wipes down in a heartbeat afterwards. Unique ottomans – cubes or cylinders – are rear tables next to the sofa or a reading chair but pull around for a TV tray or casual table when you don't feel like negotiating with the dining room.