A guide to space saving beds
Last updated: February 2024
What is a space saving bed?
Simply put, it is a bed that gives you back precious floorspace when you need it. For many, the most common version of this is a folding bed, or a cabin bed that raises the mattress above the ground, giving use to the area below. These beds can even come with additional storage solutions, like drawers or liftable mattresses, or even shelves for books and knicknacks.
Types of space saving beds
Folding beds
Folding beds come with fully automatic folding legs which open independently in seconds to give you full convenience when any unexpected guests arrive. However, these handy beds can also be used on a regular basis as they make comfortable box room beds for adults. If you want a bed that offers the most room with the minimum assembly time, a folding bed may be best for you.
Ottoman Beds
One of the best storage solutions for small bedrooms, ottoman beds are known and loved for the extra utility they offer a room without sacrificing style. Simply lift the lid on which the mattress sits to access a bed-sized box to tuck away any items. This offers slightly more storage space than a divan bed base, so if clutter is your problem, opt for an ottoman bed frame. These are available as a single bed with storage or a double bed with storage, depending on your available room. For more information please see our storage beds page.
What are space saving beds for?
When it comes to saving space, these kinds of beds are great for all kinds of reasons! Whether it’s for extra storage, a place to host guests when they stay the night that can be tucked away, or as a place for a child to learn to love sleep, they're very versatile. Here are some of the main uses:
Storage beds
Storage beds, as the name suggests, are built with compartments for you to store items under the bed or via drawers inside it. Storage beds aren’t any smaller than other beds, but they do create less clutter around the room with their storage options.
Having a bed frame with storage frees up lots of extra space in your wardrobes, cupboards and shelves elsewhere in your bedroom. It’s also the perfect spot to store seasonal items, like extra blankets, coats and warm clothes when the summer comes around, and vice versa. If you’re looking for more storage to save space in your bedroom see our Storage Beds Buying Guide for more information.
Guest beds
There are many types of guest beds for as many different situations, rooms and homes, which can make choosing which one is right for your needs a little tricky. Spending the time to consider if you want a fixed guest bed, a storage bed that can also serve as an occasional sleeping space, or something that needs to be put away when not in use before making the purchase is always a good idea. One of the main benefits to consider is their space saving utility as they can be moved out of the way when not in use.
Just like sofa beds they can double up as a piece of furniture, but guest beds can also be used as a normal bed. If you decide that a guest bed is what you need, have a look at our Guest Bed Buying Guide for more information. You can shop the full guest beds range here.
Kids’ space saving beds
When it comes to making the most of kids’ bedrooms, space saving beds are a great option. Giving little ones an area to play, study, and truly make their own can be tricky at times, but these kinds of beds effectively transform cluttered areas into functional ones..
Take a peek at our Kids’ Space Saving Beds Guide for information about how bunk beds, cabin beds, desk beds, high sleepers and mid sleepers and our kids’ beds page where you can find the answer to your space saving needs.
This range can be ideal for small bedrooms as well as guest rooms and children’s bedrooms. If you have a small bedroom and want other ways to maximise space, check out our Inspire Me post about how to make a small bedroom look bigger.
Want some more inspiration? Here’s more information on how space saving beds can really transform a room.
