Storage beds in small UK bedrooms: what are they?
A storage bed is a practical bed frame with built-in storage in the base. Depending on the design, this could include side drawers, foot-end drawers, a lift-up ottoman base or storage built into the headboard.
For small UK bedrooms, storage beds can be particularly useful because they combine two functions within the footprint of one piece of furniture. Instead of using valuable floor space for a separate chest of drawers or blanket box, you can use the space beneath the mattress for bedding, clothing and other items.
There are two main types to consider: drawer storage and ottoman storage.
Drawer storage provides easy access to everyday items, but you need enough floor space beside or at the foot of the bed for the drawers to open fully. Ottoman beds lift upwards, giving you access to a larger storage area underneath without requiring the same amount of floor space.
However, storage beds are not right for every room. Before buying, you need to consider the available floor space, access around the bed, mattress weight and how frequently you need to access the storage.
The main advantages of storage beds in small bedrooms
The biggest benefit of a storage bed is simple: it gives you additional storage without requiring another piece of furniture.
In a small bedroom, this can make a noticeable difference. A standard bed already takes up a large amount of floor space, so using the area underneath for storage can help you keep the rest of the room clear.
Make better use of floor space
Storage beds allow you to combine sleeping and storage within the same footprint.
This can be particularly useful in UK box rooms, guest bedrooms and smaller double bedrooms where space for additional furniture is limited.
Instead of adding a large chest of drawers, you could store spare bedding, seasonal clothing, suitcases or other less frequently used items underneath the bed.
Keep the bedroom feeling organised
Storage can also help reduce visual clutter.
Keeping spare bedding, clothes and other belongings inside the bed base means fewer items need to be left around the room. This can help a small bedroom feel more organised and comfortable.
Choose storage that suits your routine
Drawer beds are useful for items you need to access regularly. Bedding, clothes and children's belongings can be stored in drawers where they are easy to reach.
Ottoman beds are particularly useful for larger items. The full area beneath the mattress can provide space for duvets, pillows, suitcases and seasonal belongings.
The drawbacks of storage beds
Although storage beds can be an excellent solution for smaller rooms, there are a few things to consider before buying.
Ventilation
A storage bed with an enclosed base can restrict airflow underneath the mattress compared with an open bed frame.
Good ventilation is important, so check the construction of the base and follow the mattress manufacturer's care instructions. Regularly airing the storage area and rotating the mattress when recommended can also help.
Access
The type of storage you choose needs to work with your room layout.
Drawer storage requires enough space for the drawers to open fully. If a wardrobe, radiator or wall is immediately beside the bed, some of the storage may become difficult to access.
Ottoman storage solves some of these problems because the base lifts upwards. However, you need to check that there is enough vertical space for the base to open fully.
Mattress weight
Mattress weight can affect how easy an ottoman bed is to operate.
A particularly heavy mattress can make the lift mechanism harder to use, so always check that the mattress is compatible with the bed's mechanism before buying.
How to measure a small bedroom before buying
Getting the measurements right is one of the most important steps when choosing a storage bed.
Do not just measure the mattress size. Check the external dimensions of the complete bed frame and consider the space you need around it.
Measure:
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The wall where the bed will sit
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The total room width and length
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Doorway widths
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Hallways and stairways
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Space beside the bed
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Space at the foot of the bed
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Wardrobe and bedroom door openings
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Radiators and other fixed features
Check drawer clearance
If you are choosing a drawer bed, measure how far the drawers need to extend when fully open.
Make sure there is enough space between the bed and any nearby furniture, walls, radiators or doors.
A bed may fit perfectly when the drawers are closed, but become difficult to use once you account for the full drawer opening.
Check ottoman clearance
Ottoman beds need vertical clearance rather than the same level of floor clearance required by drawers.
Check the height between the mattress and ceiling, particularly if your bedroom has a sloped ceiling, low eaves, shelving or wall-mounted lighting.
Ottoman bed or drawer bed: which is best?
Both options can work well in a small bedroom, but your room layout should determine which is best.
Choose a drawer bed if:
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You need regular access to your storage
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You have enough floor space beside the bed
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You prefer separate storage compartments
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You want easy access without lifting the mattress
Choose an ottoman bed if:
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Floor space beside the bed is limited
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You want to maximise storage capacity
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You mainly store larger or seasonal items
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You have enough vertical clearance for the base to open
Think about what you are actually going to store before choosing. If you need daily access to clothing, drawers may be more practical. If you want somewhere to keep spare duvets and suitcases, an ottoman base could be the better option.
When should you avoid a storage bed?
Storage beds are not suitable for every small bedroom.
An ottoman bed may not work well in a room with a very low or sloped ceiling if there is not enough space for the base to lift.
Drawer beds can also be difficult to use when the bed is pushed tightly against a wall or positioned close to a wardrobe, radiator or door.
You should also think about how often you need to access the storage. If you are storing items you use every day, separate furniture may provide easier access.
If your bedroom has several access or space limitations, a standard bed frame with carefully chosen storage furniture may be a more practical solution.
What should you store in a storage bed?
Storage beds are best suited to items that do not need to be accessed constantly.
Good options include:
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Spare bedding
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Duvets and pillows
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Seasonal clothing
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Suitcases
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Blankets
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Christmas decorations
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Occasional-use household items
For everyday belongings, drawers or a wardrobe are usually easier to access.
Keeping the storage organised can also make it much easier to find what you need without having to empty the entire base.
Storage beds for small UK bedrooms: are they worth it?
For many smaller bedrooms, a storage bed can be a practical way to make better use of available space.
The key is choosing the right type for your room. Drawer beds work well when you have enough floor space for the drawers to open, while ottoman beds can maximise storage when floor space is limited.
Before buying, measure the complete bed, check access around the room and consider how you will use the storage every day.
At Heatons Furniture, you can explore a range of beds and mattresses and speak to the team about finding an option that works for your bedroom. If you are concerned about access or measurements, our team can also help you check whether your chosen bed is likely to work within your space.
