Here's Why You Need a Storage Bed
The space under your bed is some of the most valuable storage in the home, and in most bedrooms it goes almost entirely unused. A storage bed changes that. Whether you are dealing with a small bedroom that needs every centimetre to count, or simply a wardrobe that is at capacity, building storage into the bed itself is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
Here is how to think about it.
Understand the two types of storage beds
The two main types of storage beds each suit different needs.
Beds with drawers, typically two or four built into the sides, give you easy and frequent access to the contents without moving the mattress. They work well for items you reach for regularly: extra bedding, seasonal clothing, spare pillows.
Ottoman beds lift the entire mattress on a gas-assisted mechanism to reveal one large compartment beneath, which gives you significantly more usable space than a drawer system. The access is slightly less convenient for everyday use, but the volume is much greater. For a full comparison, take a look at our guide to divan beds, ottoman beds, and bed frames.
Are storage beds worth it?
For most people, yes. A storage bed gives you a substantial amount of additional space without taking up any extra floor area. The footprint of the bed is the same whether it has storage or not. The trade-off is usually a slightly higher price point and, for ottoman beds, the need to lift the mattress to access the storage. If you are short on wardrobe space or bedroom floor space, the practical gain almost always justifies the cost. Browse our full storage beds collection to see the options available.
Know how much storage you are actually getting
An ottoman bed typically provides access to the full under-bed space, which for a king-size bed is roughly 150 x 200 cm of floor area with around 25 to 35 centimetres of clearance height, depending on the model. That is enough for bulky items that would otherwise have nowhere practical to go: spare duvets, suitcases, out-of-season clothing, extra pillows and throws. A drawer bed, by comparison, gives you two to four individual drawers, practical for regular access but with less total capacity.
Use it for the right things
Storage beds work best for items you do not need daily access to. Good candidates include:
- Spare bedding and extra pillow sets
- Out-of-season clothing and knitwear
- Suitcases and travel bags
- Extra towels and household linen
- Bulky throws and blankets not in current use
Avoid storing anything moisture-sensitive directly on the base without a breathable bag or container, as air circulation under a mattress is limited.
Consider one if you have a small bedroom
In a small bedroom, a storage bed is often more useful than an additional piece of furniture. A chest of drawers or a second wardrobe takes up floor space that a storage bed does not. If the choice is between a standard bed plus a chest of drawers or a storage bed alone, the storage bed frequently wins on both practicality and room feel.
Do storage beds work in small bedrooms?
Yes, and this is actually where they make the most difference. Because the storage is built into the bed itself, you are not adding any new footprint to the room. An ottoman bed in a small room can replace the need for a separate blanket box, a chest of drawers, or additional wardrobe space, freeing up the floor and making the room feel larger as a result. For more ideas on making a small bedroom work harder, browse our full bedroom furniture collection.
Choose the right model for your room
Start with how you plan to use the storage. If you want to access it regularly, drawers are more practical. If you need maximum capacity for things you only reach for a few times a year, an ottoman gives you considerably more room.
Consider the room layout too: ottoman beds open from the side or from the foot depending on the model, so check that there is enough clearance in the direction the mechanism lifts. If your bedroom is narrow, a foot-opening storage bed may work better than a side-opening one.
What is the best storage bed to buy?
Whichever type you go for, prioritise build quality. The storage mechanism takes more wear than a standard bed frame, so a well-constructed base matters more here than it might elsewhere. Browse our beds and wardrobes collections together to find a combination that works for your space.
The short version
If you are short on bedroom storage, a storage bed is almost always the most practical solution. Ottoman beds give you the most space; drawer beds give you the easiest access. Either way, the footprint stays the same, and the floor stays clear.
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