Looking for a guest bed with storage? The Dusk Berkeley Ottoman Storage Bed has never let me down and has an extra 25% off in the Black Friday sales

Let's face it, there is never a problem with having too much storage in your home. The problem comes when you don't have enough space to put the storage.

Bedroom storage ideas are a prime example of this, with wardrobes quickly filling up walls and beds taking over the floor. The solution I recommend time and time again? Ottoman beds. I purchased the Dusk Berkley Ottoman Storage Bed in a similar Black Friday deal two years ago, and I've never regretted it since.

So, if you need a new guest bed to arrive before Christmas, or even a new bed for your master bedroom, then you need to know that it currently has an extra 25% off in the Black Friday sales. Here's why I rate it and think you will too.

What's it like?

The Dusk Berkeley Ottoman Storage Bed in natural is a linen look fabric covered ottoman bed with a winged headboard. It comes in three sizes – double, king size and super king size. It's currently on offer for £389 with an extra 25% off when you use code BF25.

The sides and base of the bed are covered in the same fabric as the headboard, and it has a wooden slatted base in a metal frame. It doesn't come with a mattress, but you can purchase a Dusk if you want to streamline your purchasing.

I opted to buy the SleepSoul Bliss 800 Pocket Memory Pillow Top Mattress that's currently reduced at Mattress Online, when I bought my bed as I'd had one of these mattresses before and knew how comfortable they were.

Visually, the bed has clean lines and a classical contemporary finish. The star of the show? The ample storage that sits underneath the base and is accessed via an easy-lift gas mechanism. To access the storage you simply pull on a fabric handle at the base of the bed, and to close it once open, you press both hands on top of the mattress, or hold onto the frame base and push down.

As the bed isn't raised off the floor, there's a fabric base that protects your carpet or bedroom flooring below which can be lightly vacuumed or brushed clean.

Ease of assembly

I'm a bit stubborn when it comes to putting furniture together, which has led me to undertake solo construction of items that are probably a two person job. This Orin White Wooden Storage Bunk Bed Frame from Happy Beds, (a great option if you're looking for bunk bed ideas as it's also currently reduced), was probably the worst one I tackled, but, I did, and it never fell apart.

My point is, the Dusk Berkeley Ottoman Bed is probably another item that would be easier assembled with two pairs of hands, but if you're worried about putting an ottoman bed together, don't be. I managed it by myself.

The frame and headboard are fairly easy to construct, but there'a bit more time and energy required on the base and gas lift mechanism. I'll admit to sitting there for quite a while not understanding how to make it work, and in fact did it wrong the first time. But, after a much needed coffee break and a clear mind, I started again and resolved the problem.

How I've found using the bed

Living in a relatively small apartment with no built in storage, I'm reliant on freestanding storage solutions to house everything we own. I needed an ottoman bed for a wide variety of items, ranging from spare bedding through to somewhere to hide Christmas presents.

Readers, the Dusk Berkley Ottoman Bed did and does not disappoint. It has provided a home for so many different items, so much so that when I next replace any of the other beds in my home, I will only be buying ottoman beds.

Although you can buy plenty of under-bed storage solutions for other types of beds, the most satisfying thing about an ottoman is that you don't have to try and disguise what's hidden underneath your bed. Once the lid is closed, it's completely out of sight.

Of course, out of sight out of mind does mean you do need to regularly remember to go under the bed, have a good decluttering session and clean it out.

I use storage bags for some items, such as these Veno 4 Pack Large Storage Bags from Amazon, to make the job a little easier, but as the items are essentially on the floor and there isn't any real ventilation, it's important to make sure you don't put any damp items in there or you could find yourself ending up with bedroom mould problems.

It's also worth noting that while the bed has a gas lift mechanism, do remember that you're lifting wooden slats, a metal frame and mattress when you access the storage. It's takes an initial fairly hefty pull and push to open and close the base of the bed, so if you have issues with arm strength do take this into account.

That said, would I recommend it to someone looking for an ottoman bed? Absolutely. I've lost count of the number of times I've praised it for its style and storage volume, so much so that one of my closest friends has ended up purchasing the same model for her bedroom.

And, with an extra 25% off in the current Black Friday sales, based on my experience of this bed, I'd say it's well worth investing in anything in the Dusk Black Friday Sale. This particular model is in stock and will arrive before Christmas, so make sure you check it's the same if you opt for a different one.

One of the other things I loved about the bed was the colour and finish. The natural linen finish means it can work well in lots of different bedroom colour schemes. It's also the perfect match with this year's interior design trends too.

I've also got my eye on the Hattie 2 Door Wardrobe with Drawer which has a beautiful fluted finish, again a key feature in this year's design predictions. If I had the space, I'd certainly be considering walk in wardrobe ideas, but until I move again, it's freestanding furniture for me and Dusk remains one of my favourite places to shop.