The Best Beds with Gas-Lift Storage

The best beds with gas lift storage are the ones that open easily, close gently and carry your mattress without strain for years. In practice that means pistons matched to your mattress weight, a slatted platform that lets the mattress breathe, a sturdy enclosed base with a lined storage well, and a lift direction that suits the layout of your room. Get those four things right and the style, colour and headboard are simply a matter of taste.

A gas lift bed is the most common form of ottoman bed: the whole mattress platform rises on a pair of pistons to reveal the full footprint of the bed as storage. You can browse our modern ottoman beds UK sale range to see how different designs handle this, but it helps to understand what separates a good mechanism from a frustrating one first.

How a gas lift mechanism actually works

Each side of the bed has a sealed cylinder filled with pressurised gas. When you lift the platform, the gas pushes the piston out and takes most of the weight for you. When you lower it, the gas compresses again and slows the descent. The mechanism is simple, which is part of its appeal: there are no motors, no wiring and very little to go wrong when the pistons are correctly sized.

That last point matters. Pistons are rated for a particular force, and manufacturers usually state a maximum or recommended mattress weight. A lightweight foam mattress on pistons designed for a heavy pocket sprung mattress can make the platform spring up too eagerly. A heavy hybrid mattress on pistons that are too weak will feel like lifting a car bonnet. Before you order, check the product details for any guidance on mattress weight and depth, and compare it with the specification of the mattress you own or plan to buy.

End lifting or side lifting: which suits your room?

Most gas lift beds open from the foot end. The platform hinges near the headboard and rises at the foot, so you stand at the end of the bed to reach the storage. This works well in rooms where the foot of the bed faces open floor, which is the layout in most double and main bedrooms.

Side lifting designs hinge along one long edge and open from the other. They make sense when the bed sits against a wall, a common arrangement in box rooms and children’s bedrooms, or when a footboard, chest or radiator would block an end lift. Before deciding, stand where you would stand to open the bed and picture the platform rising. You need enough clear floor to lean in and reach the back of the well comfortably.

• Choose an end lift if the foot of the bed has open floor in front of it and the bed sits centrally on a wall.
• Choose a side lift if one long side of the bed touches a wall or if furniture sits at the foot.
• In very tight rooms, measure the swing of the platform as well as the bed footprint, because the open lid needs space above it too.

The platform: slats, ventilation and support

The surface your mattress rests on does more work than it seems. A slatted platform allows air to move through the mattress and into the storage area below, which helps keep the mattress fresh and reduces the chance of condensation. Sprung or curved slats add a little give, which many people find more comfortable than a rigid solid board.

Look for slats that are evenly spaced and fixed securely into the frame, and for a centre support rail on larger sizes. A solid platform is not necessarily a fault, but if you choose one, it is worth airing the mattress regularly and avoiding packing the storage well so full that air cannot circulate at all.

The storage well: what to look for inside

Lift the platform in a good gas lift bed and you should see a clean, enclosed space with a floor, sides and, ideally, a fabric lining. A full floor keeps dust from collecting under stored items and stops anything slipping through to the carpet. Some designs divide the well with a central rail, which adds rigidity and can actually help organise what you store.

Think about what will live in there. Spare duvets and pillows are the obvious candidates, but many people use the space for seasonal clothes, luggage, wrapping paper or sports kit. Vacuum storage bags and lidded boxes make the most of the depth and keep things tidy. If you have a second bedroom with similar needs, our bedroom furniture UK collection includes pieces that work alongside a storage bed so that each item has a clear job.

Sizes and how they change the experience

UK beds follow standard mattress sizes, and the size you choose affects how the gas lift behaves as much as how the room looks.

• Single: 90 x 190 cm. Light to lift, often chosen with a side opening for children’s rooms.
• Small double: 120 x 190 cm. A sensible choice for compact guest rooms and single sleepers who like extra space.
• Double: 135 x 190 cm. The most versatile size for couples in smaller main bedrooms.
• King: 150 x 200 cm. A generous storage well and a comfortable size for two adults.
• Super king: 180 x 200 cm. A very large storage volume, though the platform is heavier, so piston quality matters most here.

Remember that these are mattress sizes. The frame, headboard and upholstery add to the overall footprint, so always work from the external dimensions listed on the product page rather than the mattress size alone.

Upholstery and finishes for everyday use

Gas lift beds are usually upholstered, because the enclosed base needs a covering that looks finished on every side. Woven fabrics are forgiving and easy to live with. Velvet looks rich and soft but shows pressure marks and pet hair more readily. Faux leather wipes clean and suits households with young children. For a wider look at upholstered options in every size, our modern fabric beds UK range shows how different textures and colours change the feel of a room.

The colour of the base also affects how heavy the bed looks. A pale grey or oatmeal frame feels lighter in a small room, while charcoal, navy or deep green give a grounded, tailored look in a larger space. Because an ottoman sits close to the floor all the way round, it reads as a solid block, so a soft colour can stop it dominating.

Mattress choice and height

A gas lift bed raises the mattress a little higher than a slim frame on legs, because the storage well sits beneath it. Combine that with a deep mattress and the sleeping surface can end up higher than you expect. Sit on the edge of your current bed and note the height that feels comfortable, then compare it with the platform height in the product details plus the depth of your mattress.

Mattress weight matters here too. If you are buying the bed and mattress together, check both specifications at the same time. Our mattresses UK sale range lists depth and construction, which makes it easier to pair a mattress with the pistons and platform of your chosen bed.

Practical checks before you order

A few minutes with a tape measure prevents most problems with storage beds. If you are weighing up a larger size, our guide to UK king size bed dimensions for frame, mattress and room explains how the frame and walkways add up.

• Measure the room, then mark the bed footprint on the floor with masking tape to see how much walking space remains.
• Check the route from the front door to the bedroom: stair turns, landings and door widths all matter for a large base.
• Look for a locking catch or strap that holds the platform closed, especially in a child’s room.
• Confirm whether the headboard is fixed or detachable, which affects how the bed travels through your home and where it can stand.
• Check for a handle or pull strap at the opening edge so you are not lifting by the mattress.

Assembly is usually straightforward, but the pistons are fitted under tension, so follow the instructions closely and keep the platform supported until the mechanism is fully secured.

Living with a gas lift bed

Once it is set up, a gas lift bed asks very little of you. Open it fully when you need to reach the back of the well rather than half lifting and leaning in. Vacuum the storage area occasionally, and air the mattress by leaving the bed open for a short while when you change the sheets. If the platform begins to feel heavier over time, check the fixings first, as a loose bolt is far more common than a failed piston.

Above all, keep the storage well organised. A bed that holds everything you own in a single tangle is not much better than a crowded cupboard. Group items by season or by person, label boxes on the top, and you will find what you need without emptying the lot onto the floor.

If you are planning a wider refresh of your bedroom, Furniture in Fashion brings together beds, mattresses and bedroom storage in one place, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Are gas lift beds easy to open?

Yes, when the pistons suit the mattress. A well matched mechanism takes most of the weight, so the platform rises with a gentle pull on the handle. If your mattress is much heavier or lighter than the guidance, the lift can feel stiff or overly quick.

Can I use any mattress on a gas lift bed?

Most standard mattresses work, but check the bed’s guidance on mattress weight and depth. Very heavy mattresses can overload the pistons, and very deep mattresses can make the bed feel tall and harder to open.

Is end lifting or side lifting better?

Neither is better in itself. End lifting suits beds placed centrally with open floor at the foot. Side lifting suits beds that sit against a wall or have furniture at the foot end.

Will storing things under the mattress cause damp?

A slatted platform and a lined, enclosed well help air move freely. Avoid packing the space airtight, air the mattress now and then, and the risk of condensation is low in a normally heated and ventilated bedroom.