What Do You Need From Your Storage Bed?
Before choosing a storage bed, think about how much storage you need, what you want to keep underneath the bed and how much space you have available.
How Much Storage?
Choose the storage capacity that matches what you need to keep organised.
What Type?
Compare drawer storage with lift-up ottoman storage to find the right solution.
What Size?
Choose a bed size that provides enough sleeping space while fitting comfortably in your room.
What Style?
Choose a finish, fabric and design that complements the rest of your bedroom.
What Are the Benefits of a Storage Bed?
Storage beds can help you make better use of the space in your bedroom while keeping everyday belongings organised and out of sight.
Maximise Bedroom Space
Use the area beneath your bed for useful storage without taking up additional floor space.
Reduce Clutter
Keep bedding, clothing, shoes and other bedroom essentials neatly stored away.
Ideal for Smaller Bedrooms
Built-in storage can reduce the need for additional cupboards, drawers and storage boxes.
Convenient Storage
Keep frequently or occasionally used items close at hand without filling your bedroom with furniture.
Stylish Designs
Storage beds are available in a range of upholstered, contemporary and traditional designs.
Different Bed Sizes
Choose from popular UK bed sizes to find the right balance between sleeping space and storage.
Which Storage Bed Should I Choose?
Storage beds generally use drawers or a lift-up base. The best option depends on the type of items you want to store and how often you need to access them.
Drawer Storage
Drawers provide convenient access to individual storage compartments and are particularly useful for bedding, clothing and other everyday items.
Ottoman Storage
A lift-up ottoman base provides a large storage compartment beneath the mattress, making it useful for bulky or less frequently used items.
Ottoman Bed Buying Guide →Combination Storage
Some beds combine different storage options to make the most of the available space and provide more flexible organisation.
Drawer Storage or Ottoman Storage?
Both options can provide valuable under-bed storage, but they work in different ways.
Choose Drawers If...
- You want easy access to individual items.
- You regularly use the items you're storing.
- You prefer separate storage compartments.
- You have enough floor space around the bed for drawers to open.
- You want to organise different belongings separately.
Choose Ottoman Storage If...
- You want maximum under-bed storage.
- You need to store larger or bulky items.
- Floor space around the sides of the bed is limited.
- You don't need to access stored items every day.
- You want to make use of most of the space beneath the mattress.
What Size Storage Bed Should I Choose?
The size of your storage bed affects both your sleeping space and the amount of storage available underneath. Always consider the overall dimensions of the bed frame, not just the mattress size.
A compact choice for children's bedrooms, smaller rooms and guest spaces.
Ideal for one person and a popular option for children's, teenagers' and guest bedrooms.
Provides more sleeping space while taking up less room than a standard double.
A popular choice for couples and larger bedrooms.
Offers additional width and length while providing valuable under-bed storage.
Ideal for couples wanting maximum sleeping space and generous storage.
What Should I Measure Before Buying?
Measuring your bedroom before ordering is especially important with storage beds. Make sure the bed will fit comfortably and that you can access the storage.
Measure the available floor space and compare it with the full dimensions of the bed.
Leave enough room to move around the bed and access drawers where applicable.
For lift-up storage, check that there is enough clearance for the mattress platform to open safely.
Check doorways, hallways, stairs and other access points before ordering your new bed.
What Can You Store in a Storage Bed?
The best storage bed depends partly on what you want to keep underneath it. Consider how often you'll need access and how much space each item requires.
Bedding
Store spare duvets, pillows, blankets and sheets close to where you need them.
Clothing
Use storage space for seasonal clothing and items you don't need every day.
Shoes & Accessories
Keep less frequently used shoes, bags and bedroom accessories neatly organised.
Seasonal Items
Make use of under-bed storage for items that only need to be accessed at certain times of year.
Guest Bedding
Keep spare bedding and guest essentials stored away until they're needed.
Larger Items
Ottoman-style storage can be particularly useful for bulkier belongings that don't fit easily into drawers.
What Style of Storage Bed Should I Choose?
Storage doesn't mean compromising on style. Choose a bed that works with your existing furniture and the overall look you want to create.
Upholstered
Soft upholstered storage beds can add warmth, texture and a comfortable feel to your bedroom.
Contemporary
Modern designs can provide practical storage while creating a clean and streamlined appearance.
Statement Headboards
Choose a storage bed with a prominent headboard if you want your bed to become a focal point.
8 Things to Check Before Buying a Storage Bed
Check the full footprint of the bed and leave enough room to move around it.
Consider both your sleeping requirements and available bedroom space.
Decide whether drawers or lift-up ottoman storage suits you best.
Think about what you want to store and whether the available space is sufficient.
Make sure your mattress is the correct size and suitable for the chosen bed.
Check that drawers or lift-up mechanisms can be used comfortably in your room.
Select a fabric, finish and headboard design that suits your bedroom.
Measure doorways, hallways and stairs before ordering your new bed.
Don't Forget the Mattress
Your storage bed and mattress work together as part of your overall sleep setup. Make sure the mattress is the correct size and compatible with your chosen bed frame or storage mechanism.
Read Our Mattress Buying Guide →Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Beds
Are storage beds a good idea?
Yes. Storage beds can be a practical choice if you want to make better use of the space beneath your bed while keeping belongings organised and out of sight.
Which is better, drawers or an ottoman bed?
It depends on your needs. Drawers provide convenient access to separate compartments, while ottoman beds generally make use of a larger area beneath the mattress and can be useful for bulky items.
Are storage beds suitable for small bedrooms?
Yes. Built-in storage can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms because it provides additional storage without requiring another piece of furniture. However, always check the space required to open drawers or lift the bed.
What can I store under a storage bed?
Common items include spare bedding, blankets, pillows, seasonal clothing, shoes and other bedroom belongings. Always follow the manufacturer's storage and weight recommendations.
Do storage beds need a special mattress?
Not necessarily, but you should always check the individual bed's mattress requirements. Ottoman beds in particular may have specific mattress weight recommendations for the lifting mechanism.
More Bed & Mattress Guides
Ready to Make More Space in Your Bedroom?
Explore our range of storage beds and find a practical way to combine comfortable sleeping with useful built-in storage.
Shop Storage Beds Shop Divan Beds Ottoman Bed Guide