How To Choose A Storage Bed
Published
If you’re short on space or love an organised bedroom, a storage bed could be the perfect solution. Combining comfort and practicality, these clever designs help maximise every inch of your room without sacrificing style. In this guide, we’ll explore all the different types of storage beds and what to consider before buying, helping you find the perfect fit for your home.
What Are Storage Beds?
Storage beds are simply designed with built-in compartments for storing items such as bedding, clothing, seasonal essentials, or just about anything. They’re ideal for smaller rooms or if you just end up collecting a lot of things over the years and need extra storage space. Storage beds come in various types and offer a tidy and clutter-free solution without extra furniture.
Types of Storage Beds
With so many different storage beds available, it’s important to understand what makes each one unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so let’s look at the main types and what they offer, helping you make a choice.
1. Ottoman Beds
Ottoman beds feature a lift-up base from the end or side of the bed, revealing a large under-bed storage space beneath the mattress. They are a favourite choice as they are the most spacious and convenient storage bed types. Ottomans are ideal for smaller and larger bedrooms where storage is needed.
Benefits of ottoman beds include:
- Maximises under-bed storage for bulky items
- The gas-lift mechanism makes lifting effortless
- It keeps your items hidden and dust-free
If you need more information, check out our ottoman bed guide.
2. Divan Beds
Divan beds include built-in drawers within the base, offering an easy-access storage solution. Depending on the model and size, you can choose between two, four and even clever continental drawers (two full-size and two half-size). Make sure there’s enough space to open the drawers fully. Note that the storage space is limited to the drawer size, unlike ottoman beds, where you get the full space underneath the bed. Compare options in our Ottoman Beds vs Divan Beds guide.
Benefits of a divan bed include:
- Great for smaller bedrooms with limited space
- Simple drawer access, so no lifting required
- Can be paired with a matching headboard for a clean look
3. Sleigh Beds with Storage
Sleigh beds are known for their scrolled head and footboards, which bring timeless elegance into any bedroom. They are great if style is important to you. Many modern designs now include ottoman-style bases for added practicality and storage.
Benefits of sleigh beds include:
- Luxurious and traditional look
- Offers hidden storage without sacrificing style
- Solid construction for durability
4. TV Beds
For those who love tech and luxury, TV beds are perfect. They integrate a hidden compartment in the footboard where a television can be raised or lowered with a remote and come with built-in storage. These are great storage beds for smaller bedrooms, as you won’t need a TV stand or extra furniture for storage. Many TV beds come with ottoman-style storage beneath the mattress perfect for blankets, bedding, or clothing.
Benefits of TV beds include:
- Combines entertainment and comfort
- No need for extra furniture to put a TV
- Some models offer underbed storage
5. Gaming Beds
Great for teen or adult gamers, gaming beds with storage integrate features like built-in desks, shelving, or under-bed drawers to keep your bedroom organised. They are ideal for storing consoles and accessories. Some even come with a built-in TV mount or ottoman-style storage for extra space for blankets or clothing.
Benefits of gaming beds include:
- Combines sleep, storage and gaming space in one
- Helps keep cables, controllers and gear tidy
- Modern, stylish designs for gaming setups
6. Day Beds
Day beds are great multi-functional pieces for smaller spaces, offices, or guest rooms. They serve as a seating place by day and a comfortable bed at night, often with drawers or trundles underneath for storage or unexpected guests. Although they offer limited storage space, they are great for spare bedding or clothes.
Benefits of day beds include:
- Ideal for spare rooms or multi-use spaces
- Built-in drawers for extra versatility
- Stylish and space-saving
7. Sofa Beds with Storage
Designed for guest rooms or multifunctional spaces, sofa beds with storage double up as seating during the day and a sleeping space at night. Sofa beds are perfect as they double up as two pieces of furniture in one, a sofa and a bed, saving you space. Furthermore, some models come with extra room beneath the seat or mattress for bedding or pillows inside. However, these aren’t as spacious as ottomans or divans.
Benefits of a sofa bed include:
- Great for small homes, flats, or offices
- Easy to switch between sofa and bed
- Useful for guests and occasional sleepers
Need more space-saving and storage options? Take a look at our full range of guest beds.
8. Kids’ Storage Beds
Children’s bedrooms often need to work harder, offering space to sleep, play and study. Kids’ storage beds are the perfect choice, combining fun with function helping to keep everything tidy and organised. You can find kids' beds with ottoman-style storage, models with drawers, desks, shelves, cupboards, or even trundles. Many kids’ beds with storage offer elevated beds with storage space underneath, such as cabin beds, bunk beds and high sleepers.
Benefits of kids’ storage beds include:
- Combines storage, play and sleep in fun designs
- Encourages tidy habits with storage space
- Frees up floor space with vertical styles
For more, view our full range of kids’ beds.
What About Bed Frames with Storage?
Traditional bed frames made from wood or metal typically don’t have additional storage features. However, they do offer a space underneath the frame where you can place storage boxes or baskets if wanted. These beds are often more affordable and easier to clean, but the open storage can collect dust and it’s less integrated. You can however find a metal bed frame with a trundle or under-bed drawers, and wooden beds with drawers or a lift-up mattress that make it easier to store items.
How Much Storage Do You Get?
How much storage you get in a storage bed depends on the model and the size of the bed. Ottoman beds offer the most storage space compared to drawers or shelves as you have access to the entire underbed space, where other storage space is limited to the size of the drawer or shelf. Here’s a little comparison table to help you decide:
| Storage Bed Type | Storage Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ottoman Bed | Very high: the entire underneath of the bed, the bigger the bed size, the more space you have. |
| Divan Bed | Medium: depends on the number of drawers and drawer space. |
| Sleigh Bed | Very high: with a lift-up mattress like an ottoman. |
| TV Bed | Medium-high: depends on the model but can come with ottoman-style storage. |
| Gaming Bed | Medium-high: space for tech and accessories, some come with a TV space and ottoman-style storage. |
| Day Bed | Low-medium: limited drawer space, better for spare bedrooms. |
| Sofa Bed | Low-medium: storage space under the seat or mattress. |
| Kids’ Storage Bed | Medium-high: depending on the model, it can come with a lift-up mattress, drawers, desk, shelves, or trundles. |
What to Consider When Choosing a Storage Bed?
Before making your choice, think about:
- Room Size: You’ll need to make sure that a storage bed can fit your space. From single to super king, measure carefully and ensure drawers and lift mechanisms can open freely. For help visit our bed size guide.
- Storage Needs: Choose between deep storage underneath the mattress or easy-to-access drawers.
- Ease Of Use: Gas-lift ottomans have an easy mechanism to lift and close, but drawers offer a smoother pull-out function for everyday use.
- Design Style: Many of our storage beds come in different colours and materials, from neutrals and brights to those made from fabric, wood or metal so pick what suits your room décor.
- Budget: Balance quality, materials and features to get the best value for what you need. Those with added features such as gaming or TV beds with storage are often more expensive.
Storage Beds at bedkingdom
A storage bed is one of the smartest ways to save space and stay organised. From a lift-up mattress and drawers to kids’ beds with shelves and desks, there’s a design for every room. Explore our full range of storage beds today and discover how the right style can completely transform your bedroom.
At bedkingdom, you can find every style, size, and material of storage beds, all at competitive prices with fast and free UK delivery. You can also visit us at our showroom in West Yorkshire, to see our beds in person before you buy. If you have any questions, our FAQ page may help, or you can contact our customer service team.