The Best TV Beds with Gas-Lift Storage

The best TV beds with gas lift storage combine three things well: a lift mechanism that raises the whole mattress platform smoothly on two pistons, a storage base deep enough to hold bulky items such as duvets and suitcases, and a TV lift that operates independently of the storage so you can use one without disturbing the other. If a bed gets those three elements right, everything else comes down to size, upholstery and how it suits your room.

That combination matters because a TV bed already asks a lot of its frame. It houses a motor, a television bracket and a footboard compartment, so adding a full storage base turns it into one of the hardest working pieces in the home. Our range of modern TV beds UK includes several frames built around this idea, alongside the wider modern bedroom furniture UK sale pieces that complete the room, and below we explain what separates a well designed gas lift model from one that will frustrate you within a few months.

What gas lift storage actually means

On a gas lift bed, the slatted platform that holds your mattress is hinged at the headboard end and supported by two gas struts, one on each side. When you lift the foot of the platform, the struts take most of the weight and hold the base open so you can reach the storage well beneath. Lowering it is a matter of guiding it back down; the struts slow the descent so it does not slam shut.

The alternative arrangements are drawers set into the sides of the frame or a fixed base with no storage at all. Drawers are handy for smaller items, but they need clear floor space alongside the bed to open fully, which is often missing in a typical UK bedroom. A gas lift base uses the full footprint of the bed and needs no extra floor space, which is why it tends to suit smaller rooms better.

Why the combination suits a TV bed so well

A TV bed already removes the need for a separate television stand or wall bracket. Pair that with lift up storage and you can often do without a chest of drawers or blanket box as well. In a box room, a loft conversion or a narrow terraced house bedroom, freeing up that floor area makes a real difference to how the room feels.

There is a practical point about weight too. The footboard section of a TV bed contains the lift motor and the television itself. A well engineered gas lift bed is designed so that the storage platform lifts from the side or the foot without straining against that mass. When you are comparing frames, check that the storage opening and the TV compartment are described as separate mechanisms.

Features that set the better models apart

Strut rating matched to your mattress

Gas struts are rated for a particular load. If the struts are too weak for a heavy pocket sprung or memory foam mattress, the platform will drift downwards when open. If they are too strong for a lightweight mattress, the base can be stubborn to close. Look for frames where the manufacturer states that the struts are suited to standard UK mattresses, and choose your mattress with that in mind. Our mattresses UK sale section lists depths and constructions, which helps you judge the likely weight before you order.

A solid storage floor

Some storage bases have a thin fabric or board floor that sags if you load it with heavy items. A firm base panel with central support legs keeps the storage area level and protects the items inside from dust rising from the floor. It also stops the frame flexing over time.

Handle placement

A small fabric loop or recessed handle at the foot or side of the platform makes lifting much easier. On TV beds, the handle is usually on the side because the footboard is taken up by the television compartment. Side access is useful if the bed sits with one long edge against a wall, as long as the accessible side faces into the room.

Quiet, smooth TV lift

The television mechanism should rise and lower without jolting. Most frames use a remote control with a single button for up and down. A slow, steady motion is a good sign. It also helps if the TV bracket accepts a reasonable range of screen sizes so that you are not limited to one particular model when you upgrade.

Cable routing

Look for channels inside the frame that guide power and aerial cables from the television to the nearest socket. Loose wiring inside the storage area can snag when the platform opens, so a frame with built in routing is noticeably easier to live with.

Which sizes make the most sense

Gas lift TV beds are made in most standard UK sizes, from small double to super king. The footboard adds length, so measure for the full external footprint rather than the mattress size alone. A king size TV bed will usually be longer than a standard king size bedstead because the television housing sits at the foot.

As a broad rule, allow enough room to walk past the foot of the bed with the TV raised, and enough height above the mattress to lift the platform fully without catching a window sill, a radiator shelf or a sloping ceiling. In attic rooms in particular, check the ceiling height at the point where the platform will be at its highest.

What to store in a lift up base

A gas lift base is well suited to items you need occasionally rather than daily. Spare duvets, winter blankets, extra pillows and seasonal clothing all fit well. Suitcases are another good use, since they are awkward to keep anywhere else and rarely needed. Vacuum storage bags make the most of the depth.

Items you reach for every day, such as gym clothes or chargers, are better kept in a bedside cabinet or drawer. Lifting the platform is simple, but it still means moving pillows and bedding out of the way. Keep the storage for bulk, and the frame will repay you with tidier surroundings.

Upholstery choices

The covering on a TV bed affects how it looks, how it ages and how much care it needs. Fabric frames in linen weaves or soft chenille give a relaxed, layered look and tend to suit Scandi and contemporary schemes. Faux leather is easy to wipe and works well in a sleek, modern bedroom. Velvet and crushed velvet catch the light and bring more drama.

Because a gas lift bed involves handling the platform, think about where your hands will go. A cover that shows marks easily may need a little more attention around the handle area. Darker shades and textured fabrics are more forgiving if the bed will be opened often.

Building a coordinated bedroom around the bed

Once you have the frame, the rest of the room becomes easier to plan. With the TV and bulk storage handled, you may need only a pair of bedside tables and a wardrobe. Browsing our wider bedroom collection can help you find pieces in a finish that complements the upholstery, whether that means mirrored bedside cabinets beside a grey fabric bed or gloss white drawers beside a black faux leather frame.

If you would like a single upholstered piece that works with your bed and adds a little more storage, our modern ottomans UK range includes designs that sit neatly at the side of the room or beneath a window. Keep them clear of the foot of the bed so they do not obstruct the television lift.

Assembly and positioning

Gas lift TV beds arrive flat packed and need careful assembly. The struts are fitted once the frame is built and usually come with clear instructions. Take your time with this step and fit the struts with the platform supported, since they are under pressure. Two people make the job safer and quicker.

Position the bed so the television faces away from direct sunlight to reduce glare, and keep the foot of the bed clear of furniture. Make sure there is a socket within reach of the power lead. It is also worth checking that the platform opens without hitting a pendant lamp, wall art or a shelf.

For guidance on how frame and mattress measurements relate to the space around them, our article on UK king size bed dimensions for frame, mattress and room covers the clearances that make a bedroom comfortable to move around.

Care over the years

Gas struts are low maintenance. Avoid sitting on the platform when it is open, and do not overload the storage beyond what the base was designed for. Wipe the TV lift mechanism with a dry cloth now and then, and check bolts on the frame every few months, especially in the first year as the joints settle.

For upholstery, vacuum fabric covers with a soft brush attachment and treat spills promptly with a damp cloth. Faux leather benefits from a gentle wipe with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products on any cover.

Finding the right frame

The best gas lift TV bed for you is the one that fits your room comfortably, opens without obstruction and suits the way you live. Measure carefully, think about the mattress you will use and choose upholstery that matches your tolerance for upkeep. You can explore our full selection of bedroom pieces at Furniture in Fashion, where most items come with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open the storage while the TV is raised?

On most well designed frames, yes. The TV lift and the storage platform are separate mechanisms. It is still sensible to lower the television before lifting the platform, simply to reduce strain and keep cables clear.

Will a heavy mattress affect the gas struts?

It can. Struts are rated for a typical mattress weight range. Very heavy mattresses may cause the platform to drift down when open. Check the product description and choose a mattress of standard depth and construction.

Do gas lift TV beds need more assembly time?

They involve a few extra steps because the struts and TV mechanism need fitting, but clear instructions and two people make the job manageable. Allow time to check that everything moves freely before you load the storage.

Is a gas lift TV bed suitable for a small room?

Often more so than a drawer base. A lift up platform needs no extra floor space to open, so it suits rooms where the bed sits close to walls or other furniture.