The Best Sofas with Built-In Storage

The most useful sofas with built in storage are storage chaise sofas, sofa beds with a storage base, corner sofas with lift up sections and sofas with hollow or drawer fitted arms. Which is best depends on what you need to hide away. Bedding and throws suit a deep chaise or base compartment, while remote controls, chargers and magazines are better kept in an arm or side pocket. A good storage sofa should feel like an ordinary, comfortable sofa first, with the storage working quietly in the background.

For many households the most versatile option is a sofa bed with a storage compartment, which is why our modern sofa beds UK sale are a good place to start. Below we look at each type in turn and what to check before choosing.

Why storage sofas suit so many UK homes

Space is precious in British homes. Flats, new build houses and Victorian terraces alike tend to have limited cupboard space, and living rooms often double as guest rooms, play areas or home offices. A sofa is usually the largest piece of furniture in the room, so making the space inside it useful is a sensible idea.

Storage sofas are particularly helpful for keeping spare bedding close to where guests will sleep, tidying away children’s toys at the end of the day, storing seasonal throws and cushions, and keeping clutter out of sight in open plan spaces.

If you are still exploring styles, our full range of modern sofas UK lets you compare storage designs with standard models in the same shapes and fabrics.

The main types of storage sofa

Storage chaise sofas

The chaise section lifts on a hinge to reveal a deep compartment underneath. Because the chaise is long and wide, this is usually the most generous storage on any sofa. It is well suited to duvets, pillows and bulky throws.

Check whether the lid is supported by gas struts, which hold it open safely while you reach inside, and whether the compartment is lined to protect what you store.

Sofa beds with storage

Some sofa beds include a storage area beneath the seat or within the base, separate from the bed mechanism. Others have a storage chaise alongside a pull out bed. Both designs are useful in guest rooms and studies, because everything needed to make up the bed is stored in the sofa itself.

Before choosing a sofa bed, check the space needed when the bed is open, not just the closed footprint. A sofa that fits neatly by day can block a door or wardrobe once the bed is pulled out.

Corner sofas with lift up sections

Larger corner sofas sometimes include storage beneath the corner seat or the chaise end. This works well in family living rooms, where you might want to clear away toys, games and blankets quickly.

Storage arms and side compartments

Some sofas have wide arms with a hinged top or a small drawer, or slim side pockets built into the arm. These suit remote controls, reading glasses, chargers and books. The capacity is small, but the convenience is considerable, especially if you do not have room for a side table.

Under seat drawers

Less common but very practical, under seat drawers slide out from the front of the sofa base. They are easy to access without moving any cushions and suit items you use often, such as games consoles, board games or craft supplies.

What to check before you choose

Storage changes how a sofa is built, so a few extra checks are worthwhile.

• Opening mechanism: gas struts or soft close hinges make lids easier and safer to use, especially around children.
• Access when seated: some compartments are only reachable when nobody is sitting on that part of the sofa. Think about when you will need the items stored inside.
• Interior lining: a fabric or felt lining protects bedding and soft items from snagging on the frame.
• Ventilation: bedding stored for long periods benefits from some airflow. Air items occasionally to keep them fresh.
• Seat comfort: a lift up seat should feel as supportive as a standard one. Check the cushion filling and support type.
• Weight: storage bases add weight, which matters if the sofa has to be carried upstairs or into a flat.

Matching the storage to what you need to store

It helps to make a short list of what you actually want to keep in the sofa before you start looking.

• Bedding for guests: a storage chaise or sofa bed base.
• Throws and spare cushions: a chaise, corner section or under seat drawer.
• Toys and games: a corner storage section or under seat drawers that children can reach.
• Remotes, chargers and books: storage arms or side pockets.
• Seasonal items: a deep base compartment you only need to open now and then.

Being specific prevents you from choosing storage you will not use, or choosing a compartment that is in the wrong place for your daily routine.

Adding storage around the sofa

Built in storage works best when the rest of the room supports it. A storage footstool in front of the sofa adds another place to hide things while giving you somewhere to rest your feet or place a tray. Our modern footstools UK include lift top designs that pair well with storage sofas.

For larger collections of books, games or media, freestanding units keep things organised without crowding the sofa. Our living room storage furniture UK includes cabinets and shelving that suit compact rooms.

Where storage sofas work particularly well

Studio and one bedroom flats

Where the living room is also the dining room and sometimes the guest room, a storage sofa bed makes the space far more flexible.

Family living rooms

Quick tidying is the main benefit. A corner storage section can clear the floor in minutes at the end of the day.

Home offices and box rooms

A compact sofa bed with storage turns a study into a guest room without needing a separate wardrobe for bedding. Space is usually tight here, so our guide to sofa bed open dimensions for UK rooms is worth reading before you order.

Loft conversions

Eaves often limit cupboard space in lofts, so a storage sofa provides valuable hidden room for linens and seasonal items.

Choosing the right size and shape

Storage sofas follow the same sizing principles as any other sofa, with a few additions. A storage chaise projects into the room just like a standard chaise, so mark out its footprint before ordering. Remember that you will need space in front of the chaise to stand while lifting the lid, and room above it for the lid to open fully. Under seat drawers need clear floor space in front of the sofa to slide out, so a coffee table may need to sit slightly further away than usual.

For sofa beds, measure for three states: closed, open as a bed and with the storage compartment in use. In a small study or box room, the open bed may cover the storage access, which means you will want to remove bedding before opening the bed rather than after.

Corner sofas with storage need the same orientation checks as other corner sofas. Confirm which side the chaise or corner section sits on and whether the storage is accessible from where you will stand.

Style without compromise

Storage sofas used to have a reputation for looking bulky, but many modern designs are almost impossible to tell apart from standard sofas. Look for clean arms, slim feet and a base that is neatly upholstered rather than boxy. Where the storage is in the base, a slightly higher seat is normal, but the overall proportions should still feel balanced.

Fabric choice matters here too. A storage chaise that is opened often will see more handling around the edges, so a durable, tightly woven fabric or a protected leather is sensible. Darker or textured finishes hide fingerprints and light marks better than very pale, smooth fabrics.

If you are choosing a sofa for an open plan space, consider how it looks from behind. A sofa that floats in the room needs a neatly finished back, and storage designs can vary in how carefully this has been done.

Keeping a storage sofa in good condition

Treat the storage compartment gently. Avoid overfilling it, as this can strain hinges and make the seat sit unevenly. Do not stand on lift up lids. Vacuum the compartment occasionally to remove dust, and check hinges and struts periodically to make sure they are secure. The upholstery itself needs the same care as any other sofa: regular vacuuming, prompt attention to spills and occasional rotation of cushions where possible.

Our view

A storage sofa is one of the simplest ways to make a small room work harder. Decide what you need to store, choose the type of storage that matches it, and check the mechanism, lining and comfort before ordering. You can explore storage sofas, sofa beds and coordinating pieces at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently asked questions

Are storage sofas less comfortable than standard sofas?

They should not be. A well made storage sofa uses the same cushion fillings and support as a standard model. Check the seat construction to be sure.

What can I safely store inside a sofa?

Soft items such as bedding, throws, cushions and toys store well. Avoid heavy objects, anything damp and items that could damage the lining or hinges.

Is a storage chaise easy to open?

Most storage chaises use gas struts, which make the lid light to lift and hold it open safely while you reach inside.

Do sofa beds with storage need more space?

The closed footprint is usually similar to a standard sofa, but you need extra space in front when the bed is open. Always measure the open dimensions.