A high gloss storage bed is the right choice if you need more space for belongings and want to keep your bedroom clutter free. A floating high gloss bed is the right choice if you want the room to feel lighter, more open and visibly larger. The decision comes down to a simple trade: storage beds give you capacity, while floating beds give you a sense of space.
Both styles are well represented in our range of modern high gloss beds UK, and both share the same reflective lacquered finish. The differences lie in how they are built, how they look in a room and how they fit into daily routines. Here is a practical comparison to help you decide.
Storage beds use the space beneath the mattress, which is otherwise empty, for keeping belongings. There are two main types.
An ottoman bed has a base that lifts upwards on gas assisted struts, revealing a large compartment underneath. Depending on the design, it lifts from the foot end or from the side. The space can hold duvets, pillows, suitcases, out of season clothes and anything else you need occasionally. Because the whole area beneath the mattress is usable, an ottoman offers the greatest capacity of any bed style.
Drawer beds have two or four drawers built into the base, usually along the sides or at the foot. They are convenient for items you reach for regularly, such as spare bedding, nightwear or shoes. They do need clear floor space next to the bed so the drawers can open fully.
In both cases, the base usually sits close to the floor, giving the bed a solid, grounded look. With a gloss finish, the panels around the base reflect light, which stops the bed from feeling too heavy.
A floating bed has a base that is recessed beneath the frame, so the visible part of the bed appears to hover above the floor. From most angles you cannot see the supports, which creates the floating effect. Many designs include LED lighting beneath the frame, which casts a soft glow on the floor and makes the effect even more striking at night.
Floating beds tend to have clean, low profiles and minimal detailing. They suit contemporary interiors and work especially well in rooms with continuous flooring, such as wood or large format tiles, because the floor appears to flow uninterrupted beneath the bed.
The visual difference between these two styles is significant.
A storage bed reads as one solid block. That gives it a sense of weight and permanence, which can feel reassuring and cosy. In a larger bedroom it anchors the space nicely. In a very small room, though, a solid base can make the floor look smaller, because there is no visible floor beneath the bed.
A floating bed shows more floor. The eye reads the room as larger because it can see the flooring continue under the frame. The result is airy and modern. Gloss amplifies this effect, as the reflective surfaces bounce light around the room.
If your priority is creating a sense of space, a floating bed has a clear advantage. If your priority is a substantial, enveloping bed, a storage bed delivers that feeling.
This is where storage beds win decisively. A double or king size ottoman base can hold a surprising amount, often enough to replace a chest of drawers or a blanket box. Floating beds offer little or no storage beneath, since the open space is part of the design.
Storage beds sit close to the floor or enclose the space beneath entirely, so dust has nowhere to gather under the bed. Floating beds leave a gap that needs vacuuming. Most modern vacuum cleaners reach under easily, but it is still an extra task.
Ottoman beds with gas struts are easy to lift, but you do need to remove anything resting on the mattress first. Drawer beds need clear space at the sides. Floating beds have no moving parts, which keeps them simple.
Storage beds are generally heavier and take a little longer to assemble because of the base mechanism or drawer runners. Floating beds are usually more straightforward, although lighting elements need careful connection.
Many British homes have compact second and third bedrooms, and the box room is a familiar challenge. In these rooms, the decision often depends on whether you have storage elsewhere.
If the room has no built in wardrobe and little space for a chest of drawers, an ottoman storage bed can be invaluable. It turns the largest piece of furniture into the main storage unit, keeping floor space free. It is often the single most useful change you can make to a cramped box room.
If the room already has fitted storage, a floating bed can make it feel noticeably larger. The visible floor and soft underbed glow keep the room from feeling boxed in.
Whichever bed you choose, a few supporting pieces help the room work well. Our wider range of bedroom furniture UK sale includes storage that pairs with both styles.
With a floating bed, you may want extra storage elsewhere. A modern blanket box UK at the foot of the bed holds spare bedding and doubles as a seat while you dress. Choose one with a low profile so it does not interrupt the floating effect.
With a storage bed, you might need less freestanding furniture, which leaves space for a chair or dressing table. If you would like a little extra flexible storage, a modern ottoman UK provides a soft seat with hidden space inside, useful in a dressing area or beneath a window.
Lighting changes how both styles look, particularly with a gloss finish.
Floating beds with integrated underbed lighting create a calm atmosphere at night and can act as a gentle night light. Warm white light tends to feel more restful than cool white. If your bed has colour changing lighting, it is worth keeping it subtle for everyday use.
Storage beds look best with soft, layered lighting: bedside lamps at a low level, a ceiling light on a dimmer and perhaps a floor lamp in a corner. This combination brings out the depth of the gloss without harsh reflections.
Both styles support a mattress in much the same way, but there are a few differences worth knowing. Ottoman storage beds typically use a slatted or solid platform that lifts with the mattress. Because the mattress lifts every time you open the base, a lighter mattress makes daily use easier, while a very heavy mattress may need stronger struts. Check the weight guidance in the product details if you plan to use a deep pocket sprung or hybrid mattress.
Ventilation matters too. Mattresses benefit from airflow, and a closed storage base can limit it. Slatted platforms help, as does airing the bed by lifting the base occasionally. Avoid packing the storage area so tightly that air cannot circulate.
Floating beds usually have open slatted bases with good airflow beneath, which keeps the mattress fresh. Their height tends to be a little lower than storage beds, so think about how easy you find it to get in and out of bed. Taller people and anyone with stiff knees may prefer the slightly higher sleeping position of many ottoman designs.
Storage beds have moving parts, so they benefit from occasional checks. Tighten fixings once or twice a year and keep the gas struts free of obstruction. Well made mechanisms last for many years with this simple care.
Floating beds have fewer moving parts but often include lighting. LED strips are long lasting, and in many designs they can be replaced if needed. Keeping the area beneath the bed clean also stops dust building up around the lights.
To choose confidently, ask yourself three questions.
Do you need more storage than your room currently offers? If yes, a storage bed is likely the better option.
Is your bedroom small or dark, and would you like it to feel bigger? If yes, a floating bed will help more than any other style.
Do you prefer a substantial, grounded look or a light, modern one? Your instinctive answer often settles the matter.
If you are still weighing up whether a floating bed plus separate storage would fit, our guide on whether a chest of drawers fits in a small UK room explores how to balance storage furniture in tight spaces.
For many households, the main bedroom suits a storage bed, while a guest room or smaller bedroom benefits from the openness of a floating design. You can compare both styles, along with matching gloss storage, at Furniture in Fashion.
Not usually. Most use gas assisted struts that take much of the weight, so the base lifts smoothly with gentle pressure once bedding and pillows are clear.
Yes. The supports are simply recessed rather than removed, so a well made floating bed feels as solid as any other frame.
A floating bed, because the visible floor beneath it makes the room appear more spacious. Gloss finishes add to the effect by reflecting light.
Generally not. The open space is part of the design, and storing items beneath would spoil the floating effect and block any underbed lighting.
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