The storage beds buying guide

Last updated: March 2026

Extra storage makes a real difference in any bedroom, whether you're dealing with a small space or just want to clear clutter. Storage beds hide away spare bedding, out-of-season clothes or anything you want out of sight, without needing separate furniture. This guide covers the different types of storage beds, and which work best based on your room size and what you need to store.

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What types of storage beds are there?

Ottoman beds

Ottoman beds use a gas-lift mechanism to raise the entire mattress and base, revealing storage space underneath. The storage area usually runs the full size of the mattress, giving you room for bulky items like suitcases, spare duvets or winter coats.

Ottomans come in two styles: end-lifting (the mattress lifts from the foot of the bed) or side-lifting (it lifts from one side). Both open vertically, so they work well in tight spaces where you can't pull drawers out. Most frames are upholstered in fabric, velvet or faux leather.

They're particularly useful in box rooms or bedrooms without much wardrobe space. You won't want to access the storage daily since you need to lift the mattress each time, but for things you use occasionally, ottomans offer the most storage capacity. For more details, read our ottoman bed guide.

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Sofa beds with storage

Sofa beds with storage usually include pull-out drawers underneath the frame. The drawers are useful for keeping spare bedding ready for guests, or for storing items in a room that doubles as a home office or living space.

When you're measuring, check the dimensions with the sofa fully extended into a bed, not just in sofa mode. Storage sofa beds work well in multipurpose rooms that aren't used for guests every night. For more advice, read our sofa bed buying guide.

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Divan beds with drawers

Divan bed bases include drawers built into the sides or ends of the frame. You can choose between one, two or four drawers depending on how much storage you need. The drawers slide out, so you'll need to leave space beside the bed to open them fully.

This type suits items you access regularly, such as everyday clothes, shoes, or extra pillows. You can position the drawers on whichever side of the bed has the most clearance, which helps in awkwardly shaped rooms. Some divans also come with ottoman storage if you need more capacity but don't have room for side drawers. For more information, see our divan bed guide.

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Ottoman storage vs drawers: which is better?

Ottomans give you more storage space because the entire area under the mattress is available. They're better for large or awkwardly shaped items, like luggage, thick winter duvets, or bags you don't use often. Because they lift vertically, they fit in rooms where you can't open side drawers.

Drawers offer less total storage, but they're easier to access daily. If you're storing clothes, shoes or bedside items you use regularly, drawers make more sense. You can also control where the drawers sit, which helps if one side of your bed is against a wall or blocked by furniture.

Storage beds for kids

Kids' rooms often have toys, books, clothes and school supplies competing for space. Storage beds help keep things organised without buying separate storage units.

Cabin beds and mid sleepers

Cabin beds and mid sleepers raise the sleeping area to 4 or 5 feet high, leaving space underneath for drawers, shelves, wardrobes or a desk. Some include a combination of storage types, giving you flexibility to organise toys, clothes and books in one frame.

They're popular with younger children and pre-teens because the lower height feels less intimidating. The space underneath can also work as a play area or reading nook.

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High sleeper beds

High sleepers sit at 5 to 6.5 feet high, creating more headroom underneath for full-sized desks, wardrobes or chest of drawers. They're better suited to teenagers who need both study space and storage.

The taller frame means you can fit more underneath, but it requires more ceiling clearance than a mid-sleeper. For help deciding between styles, read our high sleeper and mid sleeper guide.

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Kids' storage beds

Younger children can use standard kids' storage beds, which include ottoman bases or drawers built into divan-style frames. These sit at regular bed height, making them suitable for children who aren't ready for raised beds yet.

For more ideas on keeping kids' rooms tidy, read our guides on space-saving bed ideas for kids and storage ideas for kids' bedrooms.

What should I consider before buying a storage bed

What you need to store

Think about the size and type of items you want to store. Bulky items like spare duvets, pillows or suitcases need the deep storage of an ottoman. Everyday items like clothes, shoes or books work better in drawers you can access quickly.

Available space in your room

Measure carefully. Drawers need clearance to slide out fully, usually around 50-60cm, depending on drawer depth. Ottomans lift vertically, so they don't need side clearance, but check you have enough space to stand beside the bed when the base is raised. For sofa beds, measure the floor space when the bed is fully extended, not just in sofa position.

For more inspiration, check out our article on small bedroom layout ideas. For a broader look at other beds for small spaces, see our guide to space-saving beds.

Headboards and footboards

Most ottoman and divan bases come without headboards, so factor in the extra depth if you want to add one. Some beds have integrated headboards, but check whether they're included or sold separately.

How often you'll access the storage

If you need to get into the storage daily, drawers make life easier. Ottomans work best for seasonal items or things you only need occasionally. Having to lift the mattress every morning gets inconvenient quickly.

Choosing the best storage bed for you

Your choice depends on what you're storing and how your room is laid out. If you have bulky items, an ottoman bed gives you the most space. For everyday items, divan beds with drawers are more practical. In kids' rooms, cabin beds and high sleepers combine sleeping space with built-in storage, desks or play areas. If you're setting up a guest room or multipurpose space, sofa beds with storage let you keep spare bedding tucked away until visitors arrive.

Browse our full range of storage beds to see what’s available and discover what style is best suited to your needs. For ideas on making the most of bedroom storage, read our guide to bedroom storage ideas to save space.

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The storage beds buying guide