A storage bed is a bed frame with usable space built into its base. That space is reached in one of two ways: a hinged platform that lifts the mattress to reveal a deep compartment, known as an ottoman, or drawers that slide out from the sides or the foot end. Storage beds are made in all the standard UK sizes, from single to super king, and are finished in fabric, faux leather, wood or high gloss. For most homes, the right choice comes down to how much you need to store, how often you need to reach it and how much floor space surrounds the bed.
n
Our collection of modern beds UK includes a wide mix of storage designs, so it helps to understand the options before comparing individual frames. Because the bed is usually the largest piece in the room, it is also worth considering how it will sit alongside the wardrobes, chests and dressing tables in our wider modern bedroom furniture UK collection. Below we work through sizes, mechanisms and finishes in turn, with practical notes on what each means for a typical British bedroom.
n
n
A conventional bed frame sits on legs or a simple base and leaves the space underneath open. That gap tends to collect dust, stray socks and the odd suitcase. A storage bed closes that space in and turns it into an organised compartment, which means the bed does two jobs at once.
n
The trade off is weight and access. Storage beds are heavier than open frames, so they are harder to move when you clean or rearrange the room. They also need a little thought about clearance: drawers need room to open, and ottoman lids need headroom to lift. None of this is a problem once you have measured, but it is the reason storage beds reward a bit of planning.
n
It is also worth knowing that the storage changes the feel of the room. A closed base reads as solid and grounded, which suits a calm, uncluttered look. An open frame on tall legs feels lighter. Neither is better, but in a small room the visual weight of a storage base is something to keep in mind alongside the practical gains.
n
n
Storage beds follow the same mattress sizes as any other UK bed. The frame itself will always be a little larger than the mattress, usually by several centimetres on each side, and the headboard adds depth at the top. Always check the external dimensions of the frame rather than relying on the mattress size alone.
n
| Bed size | Typical mattress size | Where it works well |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | Children’s rooms, box rooms and guest rooms |
| Small double | 120 x 190 cm | Single sleepers who want more space, or narrow rooms |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm | Most couples in average sized UK bedrooms |
| King size | 150 x 200 cm | Couples who want extra width and length |
| Super king | 180 x 200 cm | Larger main bedrooms with generous floor space |
n
The size of the bed also affects how useful the storage is. A super king ottoman offers a very large compartment, but the lid is wide and heavy, so a good gas lift mechanism matters more. A single drawer bed, on the other hand, gives modest storage that is easy for children to reach and use on their own.
n
n
There are three broad ways a bed can hold storage. Each one suits a slightly different routine, so think about what you plan to keep inside before you choose.
n
n
An ottoman bed has a platform that lifts on gas struts, raising the mattress and exposing the full area of the base. It offers the largest storage volume of any design and is well suited to bulky items such as spare duvets, seasonal clothing, luggage and bedding sets. Most open from the foot end, which is handy when the bed is pushed against a wall on one side. Some open from the side, which helps if the foot of the bed faces a wardrobe or a door.
n
Because the whole platform lifts, you reach everything from above. That makes ottomans a good fit for things you access weekly or seasonally rather than every morning. Look for a sturdy hinge, a smooth lift and a base lined with fabric to keep the contents clean.
n
n
Drawer beds have two or four drawers set into the base, usually on the long sides. Some have a single large drawer at the foot end. Drawers are quicker to use for everyday items such as pyjamas, gym kit or children’s toys, because you do not need to lift anything. The total volume is smaller than an ottoman, and you need clear floor space beside the bed for the drawers to open fully, often around half a metre.
n
n
A divan is a boxed base that the mattress sits directly on, often with drawers built in. Divans tend to sit lower and have a simpler, more traditional look, and the headboard is usually a separate piece fixed to the base or the wall. They are a straightforward option if you want storage without a large upholstered frame around the mattress.
n
n
The finish shapes how the bed looks, how it feels to the touch and how much care it needs. In a bedroom that is used daily, practicality matters as much as appearance.
n
Fabric is the most common choice for storage beds. Linen weaves, textured bouclé and soft velvet all bring warmth and a quieter feel to a room. Woven fabrics in mid tones such as grey, taupe or oatmeal are forgiving of everyday marks. Velvet has a richer look and catches the light well, though it shows pressure marks and benefits from regular brushing. If you want to explore this route, our range of modern fabric beds UK covers most of these textures.
n
Faux leather is easy to wipe down, which makes it a sensible option for children’s rooms and homes with pets. It has a sleek, tailored appearance, particularly in black, white or deep brown. It does not breathe like fabric, so it can feel cool to the touch in winter.
n
Wood brings natural grain and a sense of permanence. Oak, walnut and painted timber finishes all suit storage designs, especially drawer beds where the drawer fronts become a visible feature. Solid wood is heavy and durable, while wood effect finishes keep the look with less weight.
n
High gloss suits modern interiors and reflects light around the room, which can help a small or north facing bedroom feel brighter. It is smooth and simple to clean, although fingerprints show more readily on darker colours. Our high gloss beds UK sale range is worth a look if you prefer a crisp, contemporary finish.
n
n
Headboards on storage beds range from low and slim to tall and winged. A tall headboard makes a strong focal point and gives you something comfortable to lean against when reading. It also adds depth, sometimes ten centimetres or more, which affects how far the bed projects into the room.
n
When you measure, include the headboard depth, the frame overhang and the clearance you need for storage access. As a working guide, try to leave around 60 to 70 cm of walkway along at least one side of the bed. If you are planning a larger frame, our guide to UK king size bed dimensions and room planning explains how frame, mattress and room size relate to each other.
n
n
Many UK bedrooms are compact, and storage beds can be especially useful in them, but the style you choose needs to match the layout. A few practical points help.
n
n
In rooms under the eaves, a low profile storage bed with an end lift ottoman can work well, because it avoids the need for headroom at the sides. In a box room, a single drawer bed with storage under one side can replace a chest of drawers entirely.
n
n
A storage bed is usually the largest piece in the room, so it sets the tone for everything else. Matching finishes create a calm, unified look, while contrasting materials add interest. A pale fabric bed sits easily beside oak bedside cabinets, and a dark velvet frame works well with brass lamps and soft cream bedding.
n
Colour also plays a part. Neutral frames give you freedom to change bedding and walls over time, while a bold upholstered bed becomes the feature around which the room is planned. For ideas on how tones are shifting, our piece on bedroom furniture colour trends in UK homes explores palettes from warm beige through to black.
n
n
A storage bed has moving parts, so a little upkeep helps it last. Gas struts on ottomans can be checked occasionally to make sure the lid rises smoothly. Drawer runners benefit from being kept clear of fluff and small objects. Fabric frames can be vacuumed with an upholstery attachment, while wood and gloss finishes need only a soft, slightly damp cloth.
n
Avoid overfilling ottoman compartments, as excess weight pressing on the slats can affect how the mattress is supported. Store heavier items towards the hinge end, and keep a bag of cedar or lavender inside if you are storing clothing for long periods. Opening the compartment now and then also helps air circulate, which is useful in older homes where bedrooms can feel damp in winter.
n
We stock storage beds in every common size and finish, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. You can explore the wider range of bedroom pieces at Furniture in Fashion and plan a room that is comfortable, organised and easy to live in.
n
n
n
Ottoman beds hold more because the whole base becomes storage. Drawer beds hold less but are quicker for everyday items, as you do not need to lift the mattress.
n
n
Allow roughly 50 to 60 cm of clear floor space beside the drawers so they can open fully, plus enough room for you to stand while using them.
n
n
Most storage beds accept standard UK mattresses of the matching size. With ottomans, very heavy mattresses may affect the lift, so check the frame guidance on mattress weight.
n
n
Faux leather and high gloss are the simplest to wipe clean. Woven fabrics in mid tones are also practical, as they hide everyday marks well.
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.