|
FREE SHIPPING
Free UK Mainland delivery
MADE IN THE UK
We are UK Manufacturers
Pay with KLARNA
Types of Storage Beds Explained
If you’ve ever tried to cram spare bedding into a full wardrobe or hide clutter under the bed, you already know the value of hidden storage.
But not all storage beds are made equal.
Some lift, some slide, some open from the side. Others hide so well you wouldn’t even notice there’s storage built in.
If you’re short on space or just like a neat bedroom, knowing the different types of storage beds can make a huge difference. Here's what’s out there – and how to find the one that will suit your space.
1. Divan Beds with Drawers
We’ll start with a classic.
Divan beds come with a solid upholstered base and are often available with storage drawers built into the sides. You can get:
-
Two drawers (on one side or either end)
-
Four drawers (two on each side)
-
Continental drawers (half-size to fit around bedside tables)
Best for: People who want quick, easy access to storage and have space around the bed for drawers to pull out.
Watch out for: They won’t work well in narrow rooms where there isn’t enough space to slide the drawers open.
2. Ottoman Storage Beds
Ottoman beds open up from the base using a gas-lift mechanism, opening up the entire space underneath the mattress.
Some open from the foot, others from the side – so you can choose depending on your room layout.
Best for: Maximising storage. Great for storing bulky items like winter duvets, suitcases, or boxes you don’t need every day.
Watch out for: They’re heavier than regular beds, and you’ll need two hands to lift most of them (though the gas struts certainly help). Also, not ideal for daily use if you struggle with lifting.
3. Storage Beds with Shelves or Compartments
Some beds – especially modern or Scandinavian styles – come with built-in shelving or open compartments beneath the base or headboard. These can be great for books, baskets, or even shoes.
Best for: Display lovers who want accessible, open storage that doubles as décor.
Watch out for: Open compartments mean dusting more often, and they don’t hide mess – so it only works if you’re tidy.
4. Cabin Beds and Mid Sleepers
These are popular in children’s rooms. A cabin bed or mid sleeper raises the mattress slightly off the ground to allow storage drawers, cupboards, or even desks underneath.
Best for: Children’s bedrooms or small flats with limited floor space.
Watch out for: Not ideal for very young children (especially top bunks). And the designs are usually more playful – not always suited for grown-up bedrooms.
5. Day Beds with Trundle Storage
Day beds double up as sofas and often come with a pull-out trundle underneath. Some trundles include a second mattress, but others are designed as large drawers for storage.
Best for: Guest rooms or offices that need to double as spare bedrooms.
Watch out for: You lose drawer access if the bed is pushed right against a wall. Some designs look quite casual – more suited to occasional use than main sleeping.
6. Lift-Up Frames with Slatted Bases
Less common but growing in popularity, these beds combine the comfort of a slatted base with a lift-up frame for access to storage below.
Best for: Anyone who prefers airflow under the mattress but still wants deep storage.
Watch out for: Usually more expensive than drawer beds. And if the mechanism fails, it isn’t always straightforward to fix.
Choosing the Right Storage Bed
Before you buy, ask yourself:
How much storage do I really need?
-
Will I be accessing it every day – or just occasionally?
-
Do I have space at the sides of the bed for drawers?
-
Am I able to lift a heavy mattress to reach my things?
Also, think about your room shape. Side-opening ottomans might be better for narrow spaces, while drawers work well if you have room to spare.
No One-Size-Fits-All
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to storage beds. What works in one home might be a mistake in another.
Now that you’ve seen the different types of storage beds, you’ll be better equipped to pick one that doesn’t just look smart – but works hard, too.
Think of it as buying a bed and a cupboard in one. Because in the right room, that hidden space can be the difference between chaos and calm.
