The best beds with drawers underneath are the ones that match your room as well as your belongings. For most UK bedrooms that means a sturdy frame with two or four smooth running drawers, enough floor clearance for them to open fully, and a slatted top that lets the mattress breathe. Get those three things right and a bed becomes the hardest working piece of storage in the house.
Across our range of modern beds UK sale shoppers browse, drawer storage appears in many forms, from upholstered frames with discreet side drawers to wooden beds with deep compartments at the foot, and many sit within matching collections across our bedroom furniture UK range. This guide explains how to choose between them and how to get the most from the space once the bed is in place.
Plenty of us already use the space beneath the bed, usually with a collection of plastic boxes and the odd forgotten suitcase. It works, but it is rarely tidy. Boxes collect dust, they are awkward to slide out past bed legs, and the view of them from the doorway never quite looks finished.
Built in drawers solve each of those problems. They run on fixed runners, so they open in a straight line without scraping the floor. They close flush with the frame, so the bed looks clean from every angle. And because the drawer fronts are part of the design, the storage enhances the bed rather than hiding underneath it.
Drawer beds generally fall into four layouts. Knowing which one you need is the most useful decision you can make before you start comparing styles.
The most common layout places one large drawer on each side of the bed. It suits couples who want their own storage, and it works well when the bed sits centrally against a wall with space on both sides.
Here two drawers sit on each side, usually shorter in length. Smaller drawers are easier to open, less likely to sag when full and better for sorting items into categories. They do need clear floor on both sides along most of the bed’s length.
Sometimes called continental drawers, these open from the end of the bed. They are useful when one side of the bed is pushed against a wall, which is common in box rooms and children’s rooms.
Some designs place all drawers along one side. This works when the bed sits in a corner or alcove and only one long side is accessible.
Drawers need space to open, and this is where many people run into trouble. A typical bed drawer extends between 40 and 60 cm when fully open. Add the space you need to kneel or stand comfortably while reaching in, and you are looking at roughly 70 to 90 cm of clear floor beside the bed.
Measure from the edge of the bed frame, not the mattress, to the nearest obstacle on each side. Check for radiators, bedside tables, wardrobe doors and the swing of the bedroom door. A bedside table can usually be lifted out of the way, but a radiator cannot, so plan around fixed features. If space on one side is tight, choose a layout with drawers only where you have room.
Drawers under the bed are best for items you need regularly but not daily. Bedding, spare towels and out of season clothing are the obvious choices. Folded knitwear, gym kit and children’s toys also suit drawer storage, especially when sorted into separate compartments.
Keep heavier items towards the back of each drawer and lighter items at the front. This keeps the drawer balanced as it opens and reduces strain on the runners. Breathable fabric organisers help to stop clothes shifting around and make it easier to see what you have.
Items you reach for every morning, such as underwear and socks, are usually better kept at waist height. A modern chest of drawers UK design beside the wardrobe pairs well with a drawer bed: daily items go in the chest, bulkier items go under the bed.
Ottoman beds lift the whole mattress platform on gas struts to reveal one large storage space. They provide more volume than drawers, but you have to lift the mattress every time you need something. That makes them better suited to long term storage, such as suitcases and spare duvets.
Drawer beds give you less total volume but far easier daily access. You simply pull a drawer open. They also leave the mattress undisturbed, which some people prefer. If you only need storage for things you use often, drawers are the more convenient option. If you are storing items you rarely touch, an ottoman gives you more space.
The frame and drawers take more strain than a standard bed, so construction matters. Look for drawer boxes with solid bases rather than thin card backing, and check whether the runners are metal or simple wooden guides. Metal runners or castors usually glide more smoothly and last longer under load.
Wooden frames bring a warm, solid feel and handle daily drawer use well. Upholstered frames add softness and suit a calmer, hotel inspired look. Faux leather is easy to wipe clean, while fabric gives a more relaxed finish. High gloss and painted finishes reflect light, which can help a small room feel brighter.
Handles are worth a second look. Recessed or cut out handles keep the side profile smooth and avoid catching shins in a narrow room. Protruding handles are easier to grip but can get in the way when space is limited.
Storage beds sit on enclosed bases, so airflow beneath the mattress is reduced compared with an open frame. A slatted platform over the drawers allows some ventilation, which helps to keep the mattress fresh. Sprung slats also add a little give and comfort.
Check the mattress height too. Drawer beds raise the sleeping surface slightly, and pairing the frame with a very deep mattress can leave the bed taller than expected. That can be useful for anyone who prefers a higher bed but less comfortable for shorter sleepers or children.
A drawer bed handles a large share of the storage, but it works best as part of a wider plan. Coordinate it with a wardrobe and a chest of drawers in a similar finish, and the room will feel calm and connected. Matching handles and a shared wood tone or upholstery colour are usually enough to tie the pieces together.
For hanging garments and items that need to stay crease free, look at dedicated clothes storage UK solutions such as rails and open wardrobes. They complement drawer storage well in rooms without built in cupboards.
If you are trying to fit several storage pieces into a tight footprint, our article on fitting a chest of drawers into a small UK bedroom explains how to measure and plan the layout.
In small bedrooms a drawer bed can remove the need for an extra storage unit altogether. That saves floor space and makes the room easier to keep clear. Single and small double drawer beds are particularly useful in box rooms, guest rooms and student bedrooms.
In shared children’s rooms, drawers give each child their own space for toys or clothes. Clear labelling on the inside of each drawer helps younger children keep things organised. Our guide to storage furniture for UK children who share rooms has more ideas for making shared spaces work.
A well chosen drawer bed makes a bedroom easier to live in. It gives you organised storage exactly where you need it, keeps clutter out of sight and lets you choose a smaller wardrobe or skip an extra storage unit. The most important step is measuring properly, so the drawers open freely and the room still feels comfortable to move around.
You can explore drawer beds alongside wardrobes, chests and bedside tables at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.
Allow roughly 70 to 90 cm of clear floor on any side where drawers open. This covers the drawer extension and space to reach inside comfortably.
Yes. Choose a design with drawers only on the open side or at the foot end, so every drawer remains accessible.
Most standard mattresses work well. Check the depth so the overall bed height stays comfortable, and choose a slatted platform for better ventilation.
Drawers are better for items you use regularly because they are quicker to open. Ottomans hold more and suit long term storage of bulky items.
Furnishing a first home brings plenty of decisions, and the bed is one of the…
Ottoman beds have moved well beyond their reputation as a purely practical choice. With upholstered…
Storage beds and low platform beds both suit modern bedrooms, but they solve different problems.…
A four poster bed brings structure and a sense of retreat to a bedroom, but…
Detached homes often have more bedrooms than other house types, which makes choosing beds an…
A small guest bedroom has to work hard, often serving as a study, snug or…
This website uses cookies.