Storage beds are a must-have. Whether it’s drawers built into the base, lift-up ottoman storage or clever under-bed compartments, they’re brilliant at squeezing extra storage out of a bedroom without taking up any additional floor space. I’ve always found them particularly handy for bulky bedding, spare duvets and clothes I don’t need all year round, but there’s a catch: storage beds can be surprisingly expensive.
That’s why I was so impressed when I discovered Dusk’s wide selection of upholstered beds. The Wiltshire ottoman caught my eye almost immediately, having popped up on my social media feed over and over again. Eventually, I decided I needed it. Unlike some storage beds, which can look rather functional or bulky, the Wiltshire is incredibly stylish, with a generously padded, curved headboard and soft upholstered finish that makes it look much more expensive than it is.
Speaking of which, pricing varies depending on the colour and fabric you choose, with the most affordable option – a double in the light grey chenille – costing just £284. Each option is also available in king and super king sizes. For reference, I tested the mauve matte velvet version, which costs £322 for a double, £348 for a king and £373 for a super king, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to finding the right fit for your bedroom.
I’ve now been sleeping on it and putting the storage to good use for several months, so here’s my full review of Dusk’s Wiltshire ottoman storage bed.
Read more: Best storage beds to help you maximise space
Dusk Wiltshire ottoman storage bed
Delivery and assembly
One thing I really appreciated about ordering from Dusk was being able to select my delivery date, rather than being given a vague delivery window (as is often the way with more affordable brands). Everything arrived on time and was well packaged, with the bed supplied flat-packed across boxes.
You’ll definitely want two people for the assembly. The headboard in particular is very heavy, so I’d not recommend attempting assembly on your own. Dusk says to allow up to two hours for assembly. But it took two of us around an hour and a half.
The instructions are really clear and straightforward, which made the process much less daunting than I expected. You start by attaching the relevant bolts to the headboard and footboard, before connecting the side rails and central support rail. The ottoman frame is then assembled separately, with the lift mechanisms fitted alongside the fabric base, slats, mattress positioning handles and lifting strap.
One useful tip if you’re wondering where all the screws and fittings are: they’re hidden in the back of the headboard, behind a zip. We spent a few minutes wondering where they were before discovering them.
Once assembled, the whole thing felt incredibly sturdy and solid. It was a fairly stress-free build overall, and I was genuinely impressed by the quality considering the price. I wasn’t expecting it to feel quite so high-end.
Design
This is probably my favourite thing about the Wiltshire. Storage beds can sometimes prioritise practicality over aesthetics, but Dusk has managed to make this one look like a proper statement piece.
The headboard is the star of the show. It’s generously padded, with a softly curved, almost scalloped shape that gives it a really luxurious look without feeling overly traditional. The proportions are generous without making the bed feel too imposing, and the upholstered finish continues around the frame for a cohesive look.
There’s a great choice of fabrics and colours, too. I went for the mauve velvet, which is a really unusual and lovely shade. To my eye, it sits somewhere between a muted dusky pink, beige and burnt orange, depending on the light. It’s warm and understated rather than being obviously pink, which means it works surprisingly well with lots of different colours.
It’s one of those beds that manages to feel both on-trend and timeless, which is something I really value when spending money on a large piece of furniture.
Storage
The reason I wanted an ottoman bed in the first place was the storage, and the Wiltshire certainly delivers on that front.
The whole mattress platform lifts from the foot of the bed using the integrated lifting strap and mechanism, giving you access to the huge storage compartment underneath. Once the mattress platform is raised, you have a surprisingly large amount of room to play with.
I’ve managed to fit a lot underneath ours – it’s particularly useful for things that you need to keep but don’t necessarily want taking up valuable wardrobe or cupboard space, such as out-of-season clothes, spare bedding and bulky items.
The lift mechanism itself is very easy to use, although there is one caveat: how easy it feels depends on the weight of your mattress.
Our mattress is very heavy, so while I can lift it myself, it does require a bit more effort than it would with a lighter one. I’ve also found that, because of the weight, the lift mechanism doesn’t feel quite as sturdy when it’s fully open, so I prefer to have someone else hold it up while I’m getting things in and out. Dusk’s instructions also recommend using two hands when operating the mechanism and taking care when the bed is raised. With a lighter mattress, I don’t think this would be much of an issue.
Either way, having this much hidden storage is incredibly useful. I think it would be particularly handy for families, where there never seems to be enough room for everything, or anyone living in an apartment or a smaller bedroom where storage space is limited.
Sleeping experience
Of course, a bed can look beautiful and offer loads of storage, but ultimately it needs to be comfortable to sleep in.
I’ve found the Wiltshire really comfortable and, importantly, it provides a solid and supportive base for our mattress. The frame feels sturdy rather than flimsy, and there’s no sense that the ottoman mechanism compromises the stability of the bed once everything is assembled.
The upholstered frame also gives the whole bed a softer, more luxurious feel than a standard wooden or metal frame. The padded headboard is particularly nice if, like me, you sometimes sit up in bed to read or enjoy a morning cup of tea.
The mattress sits neatly within the frame, too, giving the finished bed a really polished appearance.
Quality
The Wiltshire really punches above its price point.
From the weight of the headboard to the solid feel of the frame once assembled, it feels like a considerably more expensive bed. The velvet upholstery feels soft and substantial, while the construction doesn't have the flimsy feel I've experienced with some more affordable flat-packed furniture.
After several months of use, I’ve also been impressed by how well it has held up. The frame still feels sturdy and the upholstery looks just as good as it did when it arrived.
There are some care considerations with the velvet, of course. Dusk recommends using a damp cloth or low-suction vacuum to remove dust, rather than abrasive cleaning products. The company also recommends checking the screws and fittings periodically and retightening them if necessary.
Is the Dusk Wiltshire Ottoman Storage Bed worth it?
Absolutely. I’m genuinely impressed by the Dusk Wiltshire, particularly considering its affordable price.
It’s incredibly well made, looks far more expensive than it is and gives you a huge amount of useful storage without making your bedroom look like you’ve sacrificed style for practicality. I love the soft velvet fabric, the gorgeous range of colours and the fact that the mattress fits neatly within the frame.
My only real niggle is the lift mechanism when paired with a particularly heavy mattress, but with a lighter one, I suspect this would be much less of an issue – and even with ours, it’s certainly not enough to put me off.
Considering that many similar upholstered storage beds I’ve looked at come in at around £1,000 or more, the Wiltshire feels like excellent value. If you want a stylish upholstered bed with genuinely useful storage without spending a fortune, it’s a no-brainer.
Read more: Best mattresses for 2026