Bed Storage Options Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re looking to make the most of your bedroom space, a storage bed could be one of the smartest furniture investments you make. Whether you’re storing spare bedding, seasonal clothes, or simply trying to reduce clutter, there’s a storage solution to suit every home.

But with so many different options available, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of bed storage, their benefits and who they’re best suited for.

Why Choose a Storage Bed?

Bedrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in the home, so making the most of every inch of space is essential. A storage bed helps you keep everyday items neatly tucked away while maintaining a clean and organised bedroom.

Storage beds are ideal for storing:

• Spare bedding and pillows
• Seasonal clothing
• Shoes
• Towels
• Children’s toys
• Suitcases
• Blankets and throws

Not only do they help reduce clutter, but they can also eliminate the need for additional bedroom furniture.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds offer the largest amount of hidden storage. The mattress lifts up using gas-assisted pistons, revealing a large storage compartment beneath the entire sleeping area.

Benefits

• Maximises storage space
• Hidden storage keeps bedrooms tidy
• Easy gas-lift mechanism
• Perfect for smaller bedrooms with limited storage

Best for

Families, apartments, smaller bedrooms and anyone looking to maximise storage.

Types of Ottoman Beds

End Lift Ottoman
The bed lifts from the foot end towards the headboard. This is one of the most popular options and works well in most bedrooms.

Side Lift Ottoman
The mattress lifts from either the left or right side, making it ideal where space at the foot of the bed is limited.

Shop Ottoman Beds

Divan Drawer Beds

Divan beds can include built-in drawers within the base, providing easy-access storage without lifting the mattress.

Common Drawer Configurations

• Two drawers
• Four drawers
• Two drawers plus continental drawers 

Continental drawers are slightly smaller top drawers designed to allow room for bedside tables.

Benefits

• Easy to access
• Ideal for folded clothes and bedding
• Great for everyday items
• No lifting required

Best for

People who regularly access stored items and prefer drawers over lifting the mattress.

Shop Drawer Beds

Guest Beds with Hidden Beds

Guest beds are perfect when you occasionally need an extra bed without permanently sacrificing bedroom space.

Many feature a hidden pull-out bed underneath that can be raised to the same height as the main bed, creating either:

• Two separate single beds
• One larger sleeping area

Best for

• Guest rooms
• Children’s bedrooms
• Holiday homes

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Beds with Underbed Drawers

Some wooden and upholstered bed frames feature integrated storage drawers beneath the sleeping area.

These provide:

• Quick access
• Extra bedroom storage
• No need to lift the mattress

They’re ideal for storing everyday essentials while maintaining a stylish bedroom.

Shop Bed Frames with Drawers

Which Storage Bed Is Best?

The right storage option depends on your bedroom and how you plan to use it.

Choose an Ottoman Bed if:

• You need maximum storage.
• You don’t access stored items every day.
• You have limited wardrobe space.

Choose a Drawer Divan if:

• You want easy daily access.
• You store clothing or bedding.
• You prefer not to lift the mattress.

Choose a Guest Bed if:

• You regularly have overnight visitors.
• You want flexibility.
• You need two beds without using extra floor space.

Choose a Day Bed if:

• You want seating and sleeping in one.
• You’re furnishing a spare room or home office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ottoman beds difficult to lift?

No. Modern ottoman beds use gas-assisted lift mechanisms that make raising and lowering the mattress simple and effortless.

Do storage beds affect mattress comfort?

Not at all. Your comfort comes from choosing the right mattress. Storage simply makes better use of the space beneath your bed.

Which storage bed offers the most storage?

Ottoman beds provide the largest storage capacity because they utilise the entire space beneath the mattress.

Are storage beds suitable for small bedrooms?

Yes. They’re one of the best ways to maximise storage without taking up additional floor space with wardrobes or chests of drawers.

Find Your Perfect Storage Bed at Sussex Beds

Whether you’re looking for a spacious ottoman bed, a practical divan with drawers or a versatile guest bed, Sussex Beds offers a wide range of storage solutions to suit every bedroom.

Visit your nearest showroom to see the different storage options in person, or browse our collection online and discover how the right storage bed can help create a tidier, more organised bedroom.