High gloss storage beds are bed frames with built in storage, usually drawers or a lift up ottoman base, finished in a reflective gloss surface. They come in all standard UK sizes from single to super king, in styles that include side drawer beds, end drawer beds, full ottoman lifts and headboard storage designs, and in finishes such as white, grey, black, cream and two colour combinations. They suit any bedroom where floor space is precious and clutter needs a home.
Storage designs are among the most practical choices in our modern high gloss beds UK sale collection. This guide explains each type, which sizes work in which rooms, and how the finish affects everyday living.
Bedrooms in many UK homes are not generously sized, and storage is usually the first thing to run short. Wardrobes fill quickly, the space under a conventional bed gathers dust, and spare bedding ends up stacked in cupboards elsewhere in the house.
A storage bed reclaims the largest unused area in the room: the space beneath the mattress. Used well, it can hold the contents of a small chest of drawers without adding any extra furniture. It sits naturally within our wider modern bedroom furniture UK range, where coordinating pieces share the same gloss finishes.
Two or four drawers run along the sides of the frame. They are easy to access day to day and suit items you reach for often, such as jumpers, nightwear or bedding. You need clear floor beside the bed for the drawers to open fully, usually around 50cm to 60cm.
One or two drawers open from the foot of the bed. These are useful when the bed sits against a wall or in an alcove, leaving no room at the sides.
The whole mattress platform lifts on gas struts to reveal a large compartment underneath. This offers the most storage volume of any design and suits bulky items such as duvets, luggage and seasonal clothing. Ottomans usually open from the foot, though some open from the side.
Some designs include shelving, cubbies or small cupboards within the headboard. These are handy for books, chargers and glasses, and can replace bedside tables in very narrow rooms.
A few frames combine drawers with headboard shelving, or an ottoman with a storage headboard, giving the maximum storage in a single piece.
Storage beds follow the standard UK mattress sizes: single at 90cm by 190cm, small double at 120cm by 190cm, double at 135cm by 190cm, king size at 150cm by 200cm and super king at 180cm by 200cm. The frame is always a little larger.
The storage type affects how much floor you need. Side drawer beds need clearance on one or both sides. End drawer beds and foot opening ottomans need clearance at the foot. Plan the bed’s position before you choose the storage style.
As a guide, singles and small doubles with drawers or ottoman bases suit box rooms and children’s bedrooms. Doubles suit most main and second bedrooms. King size and super king storage beds suit larger rooms, where their substantial base looks in proportion.
Storage beds have more surfaces than standard frames: drawer fronts, side panels and sometimes a solid base running to the floor. That means the finish has a bigger visual impact.
Lacquered gloss offers a deep, rich shine. It is often found on premium designs and gives drawer fronts a polished, seamless look.
Gloss foil and laminate provide a consistent, very wipeable surface. They are practical for drawer fronts, which are handled often.
Acrylic gloss gives excellent depth of reflection and a very smooth surface, popular for headboards and drawer fronts on contemporary designs.
Because drawers are touched daily, consider how handles are designed. Recessed grips, push to open mechanisms and integrated handle rails help keep fingerprints off the gloss and preserve the clean lines.
White gloss reflects the most light and keeps a substantial storage bed from feeling heavy. It is the natural choice for smaller bedrooms.
Grey gloss adds definition and hides everyday marks better, which is useful on frequently opened drawers. It works with both warm and cool decor.
Black gloss looks dramatic and polished. On a storage bed with a solid base, it creates a strong block of colour, so it suits larger, brighter rooms.
Two colour designs, for example a white frame with grey drawer fronts, break up the mass of a storage bed and add interest.
Storage works best when it is planned. Use drawers for items you need weekly: clothing, bed linen and towels. Use ottoman compartments for things you need less often: winter duvets, suitcases, spare pillows and seasonal clothing.
Vacuum bags compress bulky bedding. Drawer dividers keep smaller items in order. Label boxes inside an ottoman so you can find things quickly without unpacking everything.
A storage bed can reduce the amount of other furniture you need, but most rooms still benefit from a chest or wardrobe. Choosing a modern high gloss chest of drawers UK sale in the same finish creates a coordinated look and gives you space for items you want at standing height.
If hanging space is short, our range of clothes storage UK solutions offers rails and compact units that work alongside a storage bed in smaller rooms.
When deciding what you still need beyond the bed, our guide to chests of drawers for UK lifestyles explained helps match storage to how you live. For sizing, our reference to standard chest of drawers dimensions in the UK shows how much space a matching piece will take.
Storage beds often have a solid base, so they read as a larger block in the room. Balance this with lighter elements: slim bedside tables, wall lights, a light coloured rug and simple, uncluttered surfaces.
Textiles soften the gloss. Linen bedding, a knitted throw and a textured rug add warmth. Keep the floor around drawers clear so the bed works as intended; a rug that drawers catch on is frustrating, so choose a low pile or position it carefully.
Dust gloss surfaces with a dry microfibre cloth, and wipe marks with a barely damp cloth, drying afterwards. Avoid abrasive pads, polishes and harsh cleaners.
Clean inside drawers and compartments occasionally to keep contents fresh. Check runners and gas struts every few months, tightening any loose fixings. Open and close ottomans gently, guiding the platform down instead of letting it drop.
Storage beds take a little longer to assemble than standard frames, because of the drawers or lift mechanism. Allow time, work on a soft surface to protect the gloss, and have a second person available, particularly when fitting gas struts, which are under tension. Follow the instructions closely for strut orientation.
Because storage beds enclose the space beneath the mattress, airflow is a little more limited than with a frame on legs. A slatted platform helps air circulate through the mattress, and it is worth turning or rotating the mattress regularly according to its care guidance. Every so often, open the ottoman or empty the drawers on a dry day and let the bed air for an hour or two. Avoid storing damp items, and keep the room well ventilated, which is good practice in any UK bedroom, particularly through the colder, wetter months.
A gloss storage bed can be a sensible choice for a child’s or teenager’s room, where toys, books and clothes quickly outgrow the space available. Drawers at floor level are easy for children to reach, encouraging them to tidy up. For younger children, side drawers are generally simpler and safer to use than a lift up ottoman, which is better operated by an adult.
If you are short on wardrobe space, live in a flat or smaller house, or want to keep the bedroom calm and clutter free, a gloss storage bed is a practical and stylish choice. If you have a large room with plenty of fitted storage, a standard frame on legs may feel lighter and allow easier cleaning beneath.
Explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
An ottoman base usually holds more, as it uses the entire area under the mattress. Drawers are easier to reach daily.
Yes. Allow around 50cm to 60cm beside or at the foot of the bed for drawers to open fully.
Gloss can show fingerprints, especially in black. Recessed or integrated handles reduce this, and a quick wipe with a soft cloth removes marks.
They take a little longer because of drawers or lift mechanisms. Two people and clear instructions make the job straightforward.
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